The Guanzi Qingzhong chapter and the Go-Joseon related passages of the Qingzhong chapter

The Qingzhong chapter of the Guanzi is thought to have been compiled rather late. Therefore the final completion period of the Qingzhong chapter is the completion period of the Guanzi. In consideration of many points, the Guanzi and the Qingzhong chapter is thought to have been completed at the latest by the late Warring states period. However, this does not mean that the present Qingzhong chapter is the original Warring states text. This can be seen in the fact that terminology which appeared only in the Western Han appearing in the text and the addition of characters non-existent in the early hand-copied texts. In the Qingzhong Jia chapter it is mentioned that Warring states Qi, in response to Go-Joseon, which was located 8,000 li from the Zhou capital, refused to submit to Qi authority buying up Go-Joseon tiger and leopard furs and leather garments at high prices was suggested. This record seems to reflect trade between Go-Joseon and Qi during the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods but judging from the individual distances not only of Go-Joseon but also of the other mentioned areas, this cannot be a reflection of historical fact. In consideration of many points, the Go-Joseon of the Qingzhong Jia chapter seems to be a symbolic passage added in relation to Go-Joseon becoming established as a symbolic representative of the east following the territorial expansion of Western Han.