Duke Xiang of Song

Duke Xiang convened a meeting of feudal lords at Song to assert his role as hegemon. However, Chu's King Cheng attended and had Duke Xiang captured, humiliating him and undermining his authority.

Duke Xiang of Song fought the state of Chu at the Hong River. He refused to attack the Chu army while it was crossing the river, insisting on chivalrous warfare. His forces were defeated, and he was wounded, leading to Song's decline.

Duke Xiang died from injuries sustained at the Battle of Hongshui the previous year. His death marked the end of Song's brief attempt at hegemony and left the state weakened.