He succeeded his father, Duke Wen, who was one of the Five Hegemons of China's Spring and Autumn period.
They retreated without attacking Zheng but destroyed the minor state of Hua instead.
[1] After the battle, the power of Qin in the east had been checked for a long period.
Duke Xiang reigned for seven years and died in the eighth month of 621 BC.
Yigao eventually ascended the throne with the support of Zhao Dun (趙盾) and would come to be known as Duke Ling of Jin.