春秋五覇
Duke Yì's father was Duke Huan of Qi, who was the first of the Five Hegemons, the most powerful rulers of the Spring and Autumn period. Duke Huan had at least three main wives who bore no sons, six favoured concubines, and more than ten sons. Duke Yì was then known as Prince Shangren, and his mother was Mi Ji, a princess of the minor state of Mi (密). Five other sons of Duke Huan also contended for the throne: Prince Wukui, Crown Prince Zhao (later Duke Xiao), Prince Pan (later Duke Zhao), Prince Yuan (later Duke Hui), and Prince Yong.