Guan Zhong and Bao Shuya shared a deep friendship, but during the struggle among the princes for the throne, they each served their respective masters. Guan Zhong even shot an arrow at Prince Xiao Bai, who was later to become ruler. After Prince Xiao Bai ascended the throne, Bao Shuya, in the interest of the state, recommended Guan Zhong to govern the country, while he himself retired to his home.