Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance
By Sima Guang
Translated By Yiming Yang
Annals of Zhou Book 3 Scroll 3 (continued)
The 4th year of King Nan (311 B.C.)
The prime minister of Shu murdered the Marquis of Shu.
King Hui of Qin dispatched a messenger to the kingdom of Chu, proposing to exchange the land outside Pass Wu for the Qianzhong region of Chu. However, the King of Chu dismissed this offer, countering with a proposition to exchange the Qianzhong land for Zhang Yi. Surprisingly, Zhang Yi expressed his desire to go to Chu upon hearing this. The King of Qin was perplexed, questioning Zhang Yi’s willingness to face the potential threat of revenge from Chu.
Zhang Yi replied: “The Kingdom of Qin is much stronger than Chu. As long as Your Majesty is here, the people of Chu dare not take my life. On the other hand, a toady of King of Chu, whose name is Jin Shang, is a good friend of mine. Jin Shang serves the King of Chu’s favorite concubine Zheng Xiu well. Zheng Xiu has the king’s ears.” He willingly went to Chu as part of the exchange.
However, upon arrival, King Chu imprisoned Zhang Yi with the intent to execute him. Jin Shang intervened, persuading Zheng Xiu to consider the repercussions of Zhang Yi‘s death: “The king of Qin likes Zhang Yi so much that he would bail him out with six counties of Shangyong and beautiful ladies. Our king values land and respects anything from Qin. The ladies from Qin would get favors and stature from our king, and you will be distanced.”
Moved by this reasoning and concerned for her own safety, Zheng Xiu implored King Chu to spare Zhang Yi‘s life: “As a minister, Zhang Yi serves his own lord. The king of Qin would be offended if you killed Zhang Yi. Please allow me and my baby to move south of Yangtze River, escaping from being harmed by the people of Qin.” Eventually, King of Chu relented, granting Zhang Yi clemency and presenting him with lavish gifts.
Zhang Yi lobbied the King of Chu, saying, “Forging a vertical alliance is akin to herding sheep to confront tigers—a foolish endeavor. If Your Majesty does not wish to be subservient to the Kingdom of Qin, Qin might coerce Han and Wei into attacking Chu, rendering the kingdom vulnerable. Currently, Qin holds dominion over the states of Ba and Shu. They are amassing ships and provisions, poised to travel five hundred miles per day down the Min River. In merely ten days, they can reach Pass Han. if Pass Han is under siege, all the cities to the east of it will require defense. Territories like Qiangzhong and Wujun will slip from Your Majesty’s control. When Qin‘s armored forces come out from Pass Wu, Chu‘s northern territories will be severed. Within three months of Qin‘s invasion, Chu will fall. The support from other kingdoms, which Chu depends on, is half a year away. Relying on aid from weaker states in the face of a potent threat from Qin is a grave concern. If Your Majesty permits, I will negotiate with Qin. I will endeavor to establish brotherhood between Qin and Chu, fostering enduring peace between our realms.” The King of Chu was reluctant to relinquish Qiangzhong and did not intend to include it in the trade for Zhang Yi, so he ultimately agreed to allow Zhang Yi to go.
Zhang Yi proceeded to the Kingdom of Han and presented his case to the King of Han: “The terrain of Han consists mostly of mountains and is not conducive to agriculture. Grain production is confined to soybeans and wheat, barely sufficient for a two-year food supply. The army comprises less than two hundred thousand soldiers, whereas Qin‘s armored forces number over a million. Warriors from east of Xiao Mountains don armor and helmets, while Qin‘s soldiers enter battle unarmored and topless, wielding severed heads in one hand and live captives in the other. Engaging in conflict with warriors like Meng Ben and Wu Huo while our state is weak is akin to placing an immense weight of thirty thousand pounds upon bird eggs—no survival is possible. Should Your Majesty resist Qin‘s authority, Qin‘s forces will march down, lay siege to Yiyang, and capture Chenggao. Your kingdom will be split in two, losing control over Hongtai palaces and Sanglin gardens. It would be in Your Majesty’s best interest to submit to Qin, diverting from disaster by attacking Chu instead, thus pacifying the King of Qin. There is no more suitable strategy than this.” The King of Han consented to Zhang Yi’s proposal.
Zhang Yi relayed his mission’s outcome to the King of Qin. In appreciation, the King rewarded Zhang Yi with fiefs encompassing six towns and conferred upon him the esteemed title of Lord Wuxin. Subsequently, the King dispatched Zhang Yi to persuade the King of Qi.
He began, “Those advocating for the vertical alliance have likely portrayed the Kingdom of Qi as shielded by the three kingdoms derived from the Kingdom of Jin. They’ve highlighted Qi‘s vast territory and population, and the superior fighting prowess of Qi‘s soldiers, creating an illusion that even a hundred kingdoms like Qin could not harm Qi. It’s a narrative designed to appeal to Your Majesty’s indulgence without verifying the facts. Presently, the Kingdoms of Qin and Chu have formed fraternal bonds through marriage. The Kingdom of Han offered Yichuan, Liang (Wei) followed with Hewai, and the King of Zhao conceded Hejian to appease Qin. Should Your Majesty refuse Qin‘s terms, Qin could compel Han and Liang (Wei) to raid the south of Qi. Qin might also command Zhao‘s army to cross the Qing River toward Pass Bo. Consequently, Linzi and Jimo would cease to be under Your Majesty’s control. If the Kingdom is attacked, Your Majesty will lose the chance to negotiate terms with Qin.” The King of Qi accepted Zhang Yi‘s counsel and conceded to Qin‘s demands.
Zhang Yi proceeded west to lobby the King of Zhao: “Your Majesty, you’ve led the world in resisting Qin. For fifteen years, the army of Qin hasn’t crossed Pass Hangu. Your military might has been undeniable, creating an atmosphere of terror among my townsmen. We’ve repaired armor, stocked food, and lived cautiously, fearing Your Majesty’s scrutiny. Thanks to your influence, we’ve claimed the state of Ba and Shu, annexed Hanzhong, besieged two cities of Zhou, and occupied Pier Baima. Despite being distant, the people of Qin have long been aggrieved. Today, a feeble Qin army has reached Mianchi. They aim to cross the Yellow River and Zhang River, seize Fanwu, and face your forces at Handan. Let us engage in battle in the year of Jiazi, reminiscent of the fall of King Zhou of Yin (Shang). My king sent me to notify Your Majesty and the people. Presently, Qin and Chu are brethren states, Han and Liang (Wei) claim vassalage to Qin, and Qi has donated its salt-producing fishing ground. These events are akin to severing the right arm of Zhao. Fighting without your right arm, losing your allies, and facing isolation, how can safety be ensured? There are three Qin armies advancing: one to seize Wudao, requesting the troops of Qi crossing Qing river and stationing to the east of Handan; another at Chenggao pushing the troops of Han and Liang(Wei) forces coming to the south bank of Yellow River, and a third at Mianchi, uniting troops from four kingdoms against Zhao. If Zhao falls, its lands will be divided among the four kingdoms. In Your Majesty’s best interest, visit the King of Qin and make a commitment to his face that the kingdoms of Zhao and Qin are brother states forever..” The King of Zhao accepted Zhang Yi‘s counsel.
Zhang Yi proceeded north to the kingdom of Yan, urging the King: “The King of Zhao has offered Hejian to please the King of Qin. If Your Majesty doesn’t yield to Qin, Qin‘s armies will advance to Yunzhong and Jiuyuan, compelling Zhao to attack Yan. Yishui and Changcheng will fall out of Your Majesty’s control. Currently, Qi and Zhao are akin to Qin‘s counties and prefectures, averse to initiating attacks. By paying tribute to the King of Qin, Your Majesty will save Yan from future harassment by Qi and Zhao.” In response, the King of Yan ceded five cities near Mount Changshan to Qin to secure a peace treaty.Zhang Yi returned to the kingdom of Qin to report the formation of a “horizontal” alliance. However, before reaching the capital of Xianyang, King Hui of Qin passed away. His son, King Wu of Qin, ascended to the throne. King Wu harbored disfavor toward Zhang Yi, stemming from their previous tensions when he was the crown prince. After his coronation, several of his advisors began speaking unfavorably about Zhang Yi. This negative talk spread to the lords of other kingdoms, who sensed the growing discord between Zhang Yi and the new King of Qin. As a result, they started abandoning the horizontal alliance and returned to the vertical alliance.occupying Qianzhong. In response, the kingdom of Chu ceded the land to the north of the Han River and the Shangyong region.
The 5th year of King Nan (310 B.C.)
Zhang Yi appealed to King Wu of Qin: ‘For Your Majesty’s benefit, let us sow discord in the east, enabling Your Majesty to expand your territory. I’ve heard that the King of Qi holds animosity towards me. Wherever I am present, the kingdom of Qi tends to provoke conflicts. I humbly request Your Majesty’s permission to travel to the kingdom of Liang. This action will likely provoke Qi into engaging in war with Liang. When these two kingdoms are embroiled in conflict, their forces will be occupied. This presents an opportunity for Your Majesty to launch an assault on the kingdom of Han. Our forces could infiltrate Sanchuan, seize the King of Zhou, and acquire the map and records of the Zhou dynasty. This could pave the way to becoming the paramount ruler.’ King Wu of Qin granted his approval to Zhang Yi’s strategy.
In fact, as foreseen by Zhang Yi when he journeyed to the kingdom of Liang, the King of Qi engaged in war with the kingdom of Liang (Wei). This action caused great concern for the King of Liang. Zhang Yi reassured him, saying, ‘Do not fret, Your Majesty. Allow me to arrange for the Qi troops to return home.’ Subsequently, Zhang Yi dispatched his attendant to the kingdom of Chu. This attendant accompanied the Chu ambassador to the court of Qi. The ambassador addressed the King of Qi, stating, ‘Your Majesty has elevated Zhang Yi’s status in the eyes of the King of Qin, greatly benefiting him!’ Perplexed, the King of Qi queried, ‘What have I done?’ The ambassador elaborated, ‘Zhang Yi left Qin as part of a plot involving collusion with the King of Qin. The scheme aimed to incite conflict between Qi and Liang, thereby creating an opportunity for Qin to seize Sanchuan from Han. Your Majesty indeed attacked Liang as anticipated, weakening Qi internally and threatening its friendly ties externally. This has further instilled trust in Zhang Yi from the King of Qin.’ In response, the King of Qi withdrew his troops from Liang. Subsequently, Zhang Yi served as the prime minister of Liang (Wei) for a year and passed away in the summer.
Zhang Yi and Su Qin were masters in the art of political lobbying, employing their skills to form horizontal and vertical alliances among the kingdoms. Over time, they ascended to prominent positions and amassed significant wealth. Their success spurred numerous intellectuals worldwide to emulate their tactics. Notable among them was Gongsun Yan from the kingdom of Wei (Liang), renowned as Xishou for his exceptional lobbying abilities. Alongside him were others such as Su Dai, Su Li, Zhou Zui, Lou Huan, and many other associates dispersed across various kingdoms. Their competitive prowess in debating and manipulation was noteworthy, and their accomplishments are too numerous to detail here. Among them, Zhang Yi, Su Qin, and Gongsun Yan stood out as the foremost masters in their craft.
In the Book of Mencius, a statement is made regarding Zhang Yi and Gongsun Yan: ‘Are they truly great men? When they are angered, all the lords tremble. It is only when they finally rest that the world dares to turn off the light.’ However, Mencius disagreed with this assessment: ‘How can they be considered great men? A true gentleman holds steadfast to righteous positions and follows the right path in the world. He guides people to embrace the correct path when his ideas are accepted, and he pursues his own course when his ideas are not favored. He remains uncorrupted by wealth and fame, unmoved by poverty and obscurity, and unswayed by power and intimidation. That, to me, is the mark of a great man!
In Yang Xiong‘s book, “Fayan” (Exemplary Figures), there’s an exchange recorded: “Someone inquired: ‘Is it true that Zhang Yi and Su Qin, who learned from Master Gui Gu and employed the skill of lobbying to create horizontal or vertical alliances, maintained peace in the world for about a dozen years?’ The response was: ‘They are deceitful individuals, and a sage despises them.’ Another query was raised: ‘If one were to read Confucius‘ book and emulate the actions of Zhang Yi and Su Qin, what would you say to that?’ The reply was: ‘That’s akin to a bird, having acquired a hawk’s feather, attempting to sing like a phoenix.’ Inquired further: ‘Wasn’t what Zigong, a student of Confucius, did similar to this?’ The answer came: ‘Zigong felt ashamed when unable to resolve conflict. Zhang Yi and Su Qin felt ashamed when their initial lobbying attempts didn’t bring them wealth.’ Someone remarked: ‘Zhang Yi and Su Qin were undoubtedly talented; others couldn’t follow their path, could they?’ The response was: ‘Ancient Emperor Shun dismissed his ministers for their dishonesty. Did he consider if they were talented? They indeed had talent, but not the kind of talent we seek.’”
The King of Qin dispatched Gan Mao to the state of Shu, where he executed the prime minister Chen Zhuang for assassinating the Marquis of Shu.
A meeting between the Kings of Qin and Wei took place in the city of Linjin.
King Wuling of Zhao wedded Wu Guang’s daughter, Meng Yao, who became his favored consort and bore him a son named He. Subsequently, she ascended to become Queen Hui.
Reflection by Rio Grande 
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