Why was Song Xianggong, one of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period, reduced to a joke?

Duke Xianggang of Song Dynasty did not have much strength, and like the other four overlords of the Spring and Autumn Period, such as Duke Huan of Qi and Duke Wen of Jin, who were really top-ranking overlords, Duke Xianggang of Song Dynasty had never won a single war and had not made any achievements. In the end, he was defeated by the Chu State, and of course he would be ridiculed by future generations.

Song Xianggong became one of the Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period not because of his own strength, but because after the death of his father Song Huangong, he naturally became the monarch of the Song Kingdom. He only fought one major war in his life, which was the Battle of Hongshui between Qi and Chu. It ended in a disastrous defeat, and he died of depression after returning to the Song Dynasty.

Many people think that Song Xianggong is a fake benevolent and righteous person. The most famous one is the story of courteous concession of the throne.

At that time, Duke Huan of Song Dynasty was about to die due to a heart disease. Before his death, he wanted his eldest son Zifu (later Duke Xiang of Song) to inherit the throne. However, Zifu felt that his brother Muyi was more mature. , more loyal, only such people are real candidates.

Song Huan Gong was very happy after hearing this, and Mu Yi was also very satisfied with his brother, feeling that his brother was the most benevolent and righteous person in the world. Naturally, Muyi did not accept Zifu's courtesy, but became more loyal to him. Song Xianggong guessed that he would inherit the throne after showing that no one else was willing. Although I don’t know if it is truly benevolent or not, I always feel that it is a bit of a hype. Later, Duke Xianggang of Song Dynasty was able to convene a meeting of the princes because of the majesty of Duke Huan of Qi, because he followed Duke Huan of Qi at that time. Just after Duke Huan of Song passed away, when Duke Xiang of Song Dynasty was still observing his filial piety, he heard that Duke Huan of Qi was going to hold a meeting, and he was very upset. It was over, which made Mu Yi quite angry.

I don’t know whether Song Xianggong is really benevolent or just acting like this, nor whether he is really afraid of Qi’s power, or whether he supports and agrees with Qi Huangong’s moral proposition from the bottom of his heart. He was not benevolent and righteous when he should be, and even killed other kings to offer sacrifices to heaven. His benevolence and righteousness were really a joke.