Lord Kong Zhengchi consulted the oracles of I Ching and Shu Feng of Kang's mandate in order to choose an heir.

[4] In 522 BCE Duke Ling was forced to flee to the city of Siniao due to a sudden rebellion of his retainers Qi Bao, Beigong Xi, and Chu Shipu.

Qi Bao's rebellion was caused by Duke Ling's elder brother Zhi Gongmeng (公孟絷), who abused his power as a prince.

Duke Ling's elder son, Prince Kuaikui, attempted to murder his mother, Lady Nanzi.

In the chapter Shuonan (說難),[6] Duke Ling favours a courtier named Mizi Xia (彌子瑕), who he allows to use the ducal carriage without permission, and who he admires for handing over the remainder of an especially delicious peach.