Duke Wen of Jin

Duke Wen of Jin (697 BC - 628 BC) led the state of Jin in the Spring and Autumn Period of Chinese history from 636 BC to 628 BC. His name was Ji Chong'er and he was the son of Duke Xian. He was named Chong'er although there is no material evidence of deformity. However, Zuo Zhuan also notes that "his ribs were all grown together," a sign of strength and leadership. Under his rule, Jin expanded rapidly and became the most powerful state.

After Duke Xian made Chong'er's half-brother Xiqi the heir to the state of Jin, Prince Chong'er fled from Jin seeing the eldest son, Shensheng, was killed by their stepmother. He traveled from state to state for 19 years, earning a reputation as an impressive personality and gaining many talented followers while in exile; a lady of a foreign court once commented that "When I look at the followers of the prince of Jin, every one of them is fit to be a premier of a state".
In 636 BC, he returned to Jin, guarded by troops from the state of Qin. After ascending the throne, Chong'er initiated multiple reforms such as reorganizing the military and establishing a stronger civil administration.

Under Duke Wen, Jin absorbed many small states; however, the people of the absorbed states often welcomed his rule. In 635 BC, Duke Wen refused to absorb the state of Yuan; the state later returned, however, and offered to become a part of Jin, which was finally accepted by Duke Wen.
Duke Wen led Jin as the head of the coalition of states against the state of Chu. At the battle of Chengpu, Jin troops defeated the state of Chu. At Jiantu, Duke Wen gained hegemony over the states. He is considered one of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period.