In 520 BC, the sixth year of Duke Qing's reign, King Jing of the Zhou Dynasty died. The king's three sons – Crown Prince Gai, Prince Meng, and Prince Chao – fought each other for the throne. Jin's six powerful clans – Han, Zhao, Wei, Fan, Zhonghang, and Zhi – intervened and helped Crown Prince Gai ascend the Zhou throne.[1]
In 514 BC two smaller clans – Qi (祁) and Yangshe (羊舌) – were exterminated and the six major clans grew even more powerful.[1]
Duke Qing reigned for 14 years and died in 512 BC. He was succeeded by his son, Duke Ding of Jin.[1]