At that time, Duke Zhuang of Zheng had for many years repeatedly attacked large States such as Song and Wey amongst others and Zhèng was at the height of its military power.
[3] Although he harboured a deep grudge, in front of King Wen, Duke Ai praised Xī Guī's beauty.
King Wén of Chŭ doted on Xī Guī and in 680 BCE, at her behest, overthrew the State of Cài.
[5] During the State of Chǔ's struggle for hegemony in the Spring and Autumn period, Xi County played an important role.
The high-ranking military leaders of Jìn knew that if they won this battle it would only mean the defeat of Shēn and Xī counties, not the entire State of Chǔ, but that if they lost it would be a major humiliation, so the army decided to retreat.