3 moments

1. Stay in Chu

   0283-01-01 BC · Chu (ancient state; representative point in present-day Hubei, China)

   

   Xunzi had reached the southern state of Chu by 283 BCE, where he developed skill in fu poetry. He left around 275 BCE and returned to Qi. The source establishes presence in Chu but does not identify a city; coordinates are a representative point for the ancient state. His departure is described as around 275 BCE.

2. Magistrate of Lanling

   0240-01-01 BC · Lanling, Chu (present-day Lanling County, Shandong, China)

   

   Lord Chunshen invited Xunzi to become Magistrate of Lanling. Xunzi initially declined but then accepted the office in Chu-controlled Lanling. Coordinates represent present-day Lanling County, the identified location of ancient Lanling.

3. Retirement and burial at Lanling

   0238-01-01 BC · Lanling, Chu (present-day Lanling County, Shandong, China)

   

   After Lord Chunshen was assassinated, Xunzi lost his post, retired, and remained in Lanling for the rest of his life. The source also identifies Lanling as his burial place. Lord Chunshen’s assassination and Xunzi’s loss of office are dated to 238 BCE. Xunzi’s death year remains unknown, though it was after 238 BCE.