Despite his low status, his abilities gained the recognition of Gubu Ziqing (姑布子卿), an advisor of the house of Zhao, who recommended him to Jianzi.
This act angered Duke Chu of Jin, who requested the states Qi and Lu to punish the four families.
Zhi, along with his allies Han and Wei, declared war on Zhao and laid siege to Jinyang (晉陽).
During the battle, Xiangzi sent his prime minister Zhang Meng (張孟) to Han and Wei, who successfully persuaded the two families to switch to Zhao's side.
After his death, Zizhou's son Huan (浣), later known as Marquess Xian of Zhao (趙獻侯), succeeded him.