Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance
By Sima Guang
Translated By Yiming Yang
Annals of Zhou Book 2 Scroll 2 (continued)
The 17th year of King Xian (352 B.C.)
Wey Yang, the defense minister of the State of Qin, spearheaded a military campaign against the State of Wei.
In an unexpected turn of events, Wei emerged victorious over the combined forces of several states, by leveraging assistance from the troops of Han, during a battle at Xiangling. As a response to the escalating conflict, Qi sent Jing She from Chu on a mission to negotiate peace. In response, King Hui of Wei orchestrated a meeting with the armies that had laid siege to them, representing both Qi and Song.
The 18th year of King Xian (351 B.C.)
Wey Yang of Qin besieged the city of Guyang in the state of Wei, which eventually surrendered to Qin.
The state of Wei returned the city of Handan to the state of Zhao, and the two states established an alliance along the Zhang River.
Marquis Zhao of Han appointed Shen Buhai as the prime minister of Han. Shen Buhai had a humble background, having served as a lowly servant in the state of Zheng before it was annexed by Han. He was well-versed in both Taoism and Legalism and applied his philosophical knowledge to assist Marquis Zhao in governing. Shen Buhai managed government affairs and education within the state of Han meticulously, while also maintaining diplomatic relations with other states’ princes and envoys. Over a span of fifteen years, Han‘s internal affairs were well-ordered, and its military forces were well-prepared.
Shen Buhai made a request to Marquis Zhao on behalf of his cousin to be appointed to an official position. However, Marquis Zhao did not grant approval, leading to Shen‘s dissatisfaction. In response, Marquis Zhao engaged in a thought-provoking conversation with Shen Buhai: “You taught me about governing a state based on merits. Now you seek positions for your relatives, which principle should I follow – your advice or your request? Should I violate the regulations you’ve advocated by appointing your cousin, or should I uphold your regulations and deny your application?” Shen Buhai, acknowledging Marquis Zhao‘s wisdom, rose from his seat and bowed, stating, “You are the lord I truly want to serve!”
An anecdote is also mentioned where Marquis Zhao had a pair of worn-out pants, which he instructed his assistant to save. When questioned about this unusual act, Marquis Zhao explained: “A wise lord cherishes his expressions of disapproval and approval. Just as a frown is reserved for matters deserving disapproval, and a smile for matters deserving approval, these worn-out pants are no different. I will give them to those who deserve them.”
The 19th year of King Xian (350 B.C.)
Shang Yang (formerly referred to as Wey Yang) constructed gates and palaces in Xianyang, subsequently relocating the capital of Qin there. He introduced new laws, which included a prohibition on adult sons living in the same household as their fathers and brothers. Additionally, he amalgamated numerous small towns and villages into counties, assigning an executive officer (commander) and a judicial officer (sheriff) for each county. The state of Qin encompassed a total of thirty-one counties. Shang Yang abolished the # field system, also known as the Nine-squares system, where public land (state-owned) was cultivated jointly with private lands. He flattened the ridges and gutters that divided fields into squares, constructing broader field paths within farmland. Furthermore, he standardized the measurement system across the state of Qin, publishing standard measurements for volume, weight, and length.
The armed forces of Qin and Wei encountered each other at Tong, resulting in a confrontation.
Marquis Cheng of Zhao passed away, and his son Xie engaged in a dispute with the Crown Prince Yu over the succession. Prince Xie’s attempt to establish himself failed, and he fled to the state of Han. The Crown Prince Yu succeeded to the throne and became Marquis Su of Zhao.
In the state of Song, Lord Ticheng deposed the ruler and declared himself as the new ruler..
The 21st year of King Xian (348 B.C.)
Shang Yang introduced a new taxation law in the state of Qin, further solidifying the ongoing land taxation reform. This law was implemented immediately upon its promulgation.
The 22nd year of King Xian (347 B.C.)
Prince Fan of Zhao launched an attack on the capital city Handan, but his rebellion was ultimately suppressed, resulting in his death.
The 23rd year of King Xian (346 B.C.)
An official named Mou from the state of Qi was executed for recommending unsuitable candidates.
Duke Kang of Lu passed away, and his son Yan succeeded him as Duke Jing of Lu.
The smaller state of Wey reduced its noble title from Duke to Marquis and became subservient to the larger states composed of Jin, which are Han, Wei, and Zhao.
The 25th year of King Xian (344 B.C.)
The heads of all vassal states gathered at the capital city of Zhou for a meeting.
Duke Xiao of Qin appointed his son, Prince Shaoguan, to lead troops to a conference at Fengze, where all the heads of states convened. Following the conference, the participants paid homage to King Xian of Zhou.
The 26th year of King Xian (343 B.C.)
King Xian of Zhou officially acknowledged the state of Qin as the foremost leader among all the vassal states. The King of Qin had received congratulations from the other states.Following the passing of King Wu Zhuān, his son King Wu Qiàng ascended to the throne in the state of Yue.
Reflection by Rio Grande 
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