Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated by Yiming Yang

Annals of Zhou Book 1 Scroll 1 (continued)

The 1st Year of King Lie (375 B.C.)

A solar eclipse occurred.

In a military conquest, the State of Han annexed the State of Zheng, leading to the decision to relocate the capital of Han to Zheng.

Following the passing of the Marquis Jing of Zhao, his son Zhong assumed the title of Marquis Cheng, taking his place as the ruler of Zhao.

The 2nd Year of King Lie (374 B.C.)

Yan Sui assassinated Marquis Ai of Han, and the people of the state installed his son, Marquis Yi, Ruo Shan, as the new ruler. Initially, Marquis Ai had favored Han Wei as his prime minister, but he also had affection for Yan Sui, leading to intense rivalry between the two. Yan Sui ordered someone to stab Han Wei at the court, and Han Wei fled to Marquis Ai, who embraced him. However, the assailant’s attack not only stabbed Han Wei but also fatally wounded Marquis Ai.

The 3rd Year of King Lie (373 B.C.)

The State of Yan achieved victory over the army of Qi in the battle at Linhu.

In an offensive move, the State of Lu launched an attack on Qi, successfully breaking into Yangguan.

The State of Wei also launched an attack on Qi, managing to reach Boling.

Following the demise of Duke Xi of Yan, his son assumed the position of Duke Pi.

Similarly, after the passing of Duke Xiu of Song, his son succeeded him as Duke Huan.

With the passing of Duke Shen of Wey, his son Xun took over as Duke Sheng.

The 4th Year of King Lie (372 B.C.)

The State of Zhao launched an offensive against the State of Wey, successfully capturing seventy-three towns and villages.

The State of Wei managed to achieve victory over the army from Zhao in the battle at Beilin.

The 5th Year of King Lie (371 B.C.)

The State of Wei launched an attack on the State of Chu, capturing Luyang.

The 6th Year of King Lie (370 B.C.)

King Wei of Qi demonstrated his respect by paying homage to King Lie of Zhou. This act stood out as a remarkable gesture since the Zhou dynasty had lost its influence, and no other vassal state paid such visits except for the state of Qi. As a result, King Wei of Qi gained widespread acclaim for his display of loyalty.

The State of Zhao launched an attack on the State of Qi, targeting the place called Juan. 

The State of Wei defeated the army of Zhao in the battle at Huai.

King Wei of Qi summoned his official from Jimo and addressed the negative rumors surrounding him since his appointment. However, after a thorough assessment by the king’s envoy, it was evident that Jimo was thriving, with well-cultivated land and prosperous people. The absence of government turmoil and external threats in the east of Qi indicated that the official had refrained from resorting to bribery to gain favor. In recognition of his integrity and effective governance, King Wei rewarded him with a fief encompassing ten thousand households.

Conversely, another official from E faced severe consequences. The king spoke to him: “I have heard many commendable things about you since your appointment. However, upon inspection by my envoy, it was evident that the land lay in ruins and the people were suffering from starvation. You failed to provide aid when the State of Zhao attacked Juan, and you did not even report on the capture of Xueling by the state of Wey. It seems that your focus has been solely on paying individuals to speak highly of you, rather than fulfilling your responsibilities.” As a result, the official of E, along with those who had accepted bribes to praise the official, were boiled to death on that day.

The swift and decisive actions of King Wei struck fear into the hearts of his subordinates, deterring any engagement in corrupt practices. This created an environment where officials focused on their duties, leading to well-ordered state affairs in Qi. As a result, the state of Qi became renowned as one of the strongest and most respected states.

King Su of Chu passed away without leaving an heir. Consequently, his brother Liangfu ascended to the throne and became King Xuan of Chu.

In the state of Song, Duke Pi also died, and his son Ticheng succeeded him as the new ruler.

A similar situation unfolded in the state of Wei when Marquis Wu passed away before designating a prince as his successor. This led to a power struggle between his son Ying and Gongzhong Huan, causing turmoil within the state as they vied for the throne.

The 7th Year of King Lie (369 B.C.)

There was a solar eclipse that occurred during this time.

Following the death of King Lie of Zhou, his brother Bian ascended to the throne as King Xian.

In the midst of the turmoil in the state of Wei, an official named Wang Cuo fled to the state of Han. Gongsun Xin proposed to Marquis Yi of Han, “Now that the state of Wei is in chaos, it is an opportune time to overthrow it.” Marquis Yi of Han, in collaboration with the army of Marquis Cheng of Zhao, launched an attack on the state of Wei. They engaged in a decisive battle at Zhuoze and emerged as the victors, subsequently besieging the state of Wei.

Marquis Cheng of Zhao suggested, “Let us kill Ying and install Gongzhong Huan as the new ruler, dividing the land between our states. This would be beneficial for both parties.” However, Marquis Yi of Han disagreed, stating, “Taking the life of a prince through violence and seeking personal gain by seizing land is not justifiable. It would be better to divide the state of Wei into two separate states, with neither being stronger than the State of Song or Wey. This way, we can put an end to our concerns regarding Wei.” The people of Zhao did not agree with this proposal, causing dissatisfaction for Marquis Yi of Han, who subsequently withdrew his army overnight. The army of Zhao also retreated. Ying, seeing this opportunity, killed Gongzhong Huan and proclaimed himself as King Hui of Wei.

The Great Historian (Sima Qian) comments on this event: The reason King Hui of Wei survived and the state of Wei did not divide into two was due to the inability of the victorious states to reach an agreement. Accepting either proposal would have resulted in the division of Wei. There was a saying: “When a ruler passes away without a suitable heir, his kingdom is vulnerable to invasion.”