Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib vs Lord Mengchang

After the death of Abd al-Muttalib, Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib took custody of his orphaned nephew Muhammad. He raised Muhammad as his own son, protecting him from harm and providing for his upbringing in the Quraysh elite.

When Muhammad began receiving revelations and preaching Islam, Abu Talib publicly declared his support despite not converting. He used his influence as a Quraysh leader to protect Muhammad from persecution, invoking clan solidarity to shield him from assassination attempts.

The Quraysh leaders demanded that Abu Talib surrender Muhammad for execution or expel him from Mecca. Abu Talib refused, despite the Quraysh imposing a social and economic boycott on his clan, the Banu Hashim. His refusal kept Muhammad safe.

Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib died in Mecca, reportedly without converting to Islam. His death removed Muhammad's primary protector, leading to increased persecution of Muslims. This year is known as the Year of Sorrow in Islamic tradition.

Lord Mengchang was appointed chancellor of Qi under King Min. He implemented policies that strengthened Qi's position, including alliances with Wei and Han, and led a campaign that captured the Qin city of Yique.

After a coup in Qi that removed King Min, Lord Mengchang fled to Wei. He later served as chancellor of Wei and plotted against Qi, leading to a coalition invasion that sacked the Qi capital of Linzi in 284 BC.

Lord Mengchang, a noble of Qi, maintained a household of 3,000 retainers from various social backgrounds. He treated them generously, and they provided him with advice, espionage, and military support, making him one of the most influential figures of the Warring States.

As chancellor of Wei, Lord Mengchang helped organize a coalition of Yan, Zhao, Han, and Wei that invaded Qi. The coalition captured the Qi capital Linzi, and Qi was nearly destroyed, though Lord Mengchang's role in the attack was seen as a betrayal of his home state.