A defining institution of the Warring States period (
战国时期). Aristocrats like the 'Four Lords of the Warring States' competed to host the most talented
门客 — sword-fighters, strategists, scholars — in exchange for service. The story of
鸡鸣狗盗 (jī míng gǒu dào) about Lord Mengchang's retainers is the classic illustration.
