Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance
By Sima Guang
Translated By Yiming Yang
Annals of Zhou Book 4 Scroll 4
Duration of 25 years
The 18th year of King Nan(297 B.C.)
King Huai of Chu managed to flee and headed homeward. However, the vigilant guards of Qin became aware of his escape and swiftly obstructed the road leading to the kingdom of Chu. Sensing the imminent danger, King Huai took an alternative route, diverting his path towards the kingdom of Zhao. Yet, upon his arrival, the Father Lord of Zhao had already departed for the state of Dai, leaving the people of Zhao apprehensive about hosting King Huai of Chu.
With nowhere else to turn, King Huai had to seek refuge in the kingdom of Wei. However, the relentless guards of Qin persisted in their pursuit, eventually apprehending him and forcibly returning him to Qin.
The 19th year of King Nan(296 B.C.)
King Huai of Chu fell gravely ill and passed away while in Qin. His body was eventually returned to Chu, where a mourning ceremony and burial were solemnly conducted. The people of Chu were deeply grieved by his demise, mourning his death as a profound loss to their own family. Consequently, trust among the various kingdoms towards the kingdom of Qin significantly diminished.
In response to King Huai’s death and as a show of unity against Qin‘s actions, the kingdoms of Qi, Han, Wei, Zhao, and Song united their forces to confront Qin. However, their campaign ceased upon reaching the city of Yanshi. In an attempt to reach a settlement, the kingdom of Qin agreed to a truce, relinquishing the city of Wusui to Han and Fengling to Wei.
Meanwhile, the Father Lord of Zhao traversed the state of Dai and proceeded to his new territory. During his journey, he encountered the king of Loufan in Xihe and successfully enlisted the soldiers of Loufan into the troop of Zhao, strengthening his military forces.
King Xiang of Wei passed away, leading to his son Chi assuming the throne as King Zhao of Wei, inheriting the responsibilities of rulership.
Following the death of King Xiang of Han, his son Jiu ascended to the throne, taking the title of King Xi of Han, continuing the lineage of leadership within the kingdom.
The 20th year of King Nan(295 B.C.)
The Defense Minister of Qin, Sima Cuo, spearheaded a campaign to launch a raid on the city of Xiangcheng in Wei.
Meanwhile, the Father Lord of Zhao, supported by the kingdoms of Qi and Yan, successfully eradicated the kingdom of Zhongshan. They relocated the former king of Zhongshan to the city of Fushi. Upon his return, the Father Lord of Zhao generously rewarded all his subordinates and granted amnesty to all prisoners within Zhao. He hosted grand banquets, generously supplying wine to all attendees, and the festivities continued for a remarkable five days.
In an act of recognition and delegation, the Father Lord of Zhao honored his eldest son, Zhao Zhang, by granting him the state of Dai and bestowing upon him the esteemed title of Lord Anyang.
Prince Zhang leads a life of opulence and is discontented about being subordinate to his younger brother. The Father Lord appointed Tian Buli as the prime minister to assist Prince Zhang. Concerned about this alliance, Li Tuo appealed to Fei Yi: “Prince Zhang is formidable and proud. He garners support from a powerful clique and seeks dominance. Tian Buli, on the other hand, is ruthless and insolent. Their collaboration is sure to breed schemes. When an ambitious individual lacks ethical consideration, they prioritize immediate gains over long-term consequences. This heralds significant trouble. Your position carries immense responsibility and power, often becoming a locus for unrest and misfortune. Why not step back and delegate your duties to Prince Cheng, citing poor health? Avoid bearing the brunt of this impending calamity.”
Fei Yi responded firmly: “The Father Lord entrusted the king’s security to me, emphasizing the importance of unwavering principles and decisions: ‘’Don’t change your principles; Don’t alter your deliberation; Cling to your decision throughout your life.’ I made a solemn commitment and documented my pledge. It would be a grave betrayal of trust to retreat from my words due to fear of Tian Buli’s threats. There’s a saying: ‘You ought not feel shame facing a reborn dead person.’ I am committed to my word, though I wish to safeguard my well-being too. Your counsel reflects loyalty, but my commitment was made first, and I cannot renege.”
Li Tuo accepted Fei Yi‘s decision, saying, “You’re right. Please do your utmost. This might be our last meeting this year.” He departed, shedding tears as he left the room.
Li Tuo and Prince Cheng held several meetings to strategize for the imminent insurrection planned by Tian Buli. Meanwhile, Fei Yi confided in his assistant Shen Qi (also known as Gao Xin): “Prince Zhang and Tian Buli may have respectable reputations, but they harbor malicious intentions. They’ve managed to gain the trust of the Father Lord within the court while amassing supporters of violence outside its confines. They possess the capability to fabricate decrees from the Father Lord at any given moment, enabling them to seize temporary control. I am deeply concerned, to the extent that I have been neglecting sleep and sustenance. We cannot afford to lower our guard while these individuals wreak havoc. Henceforth, anyone seeking an audience with the king must go through me first. I will precede the king everywhere, ensuring it is safe before granting access.” Shen Qi responded with an affirmative “yes,” acknowledging Fei Yi‘s instructions.
The Father Lord requested King Huiwen to summon all the courtiers while he observed behind the scenes. Witnessing his eldest son’s dispirited demeanor as he had to bow to his younger brother, the Father Lord contemplated dividing the kingdom of Zhao, possibly appointing Prince Zhang as the king of the state of Dai. However, this plan remained unimplemented as he hadn’t finalized his decision yet. During a tour of Shaqiu, the Father Lord and the king stayed in separate palaces.
Subsequently, Prince Zhang, Tian Buli, and their supporters initiated an insurrection, fabricating an order from the Father Lord to summon the King. Tragically, Fei Yi was the first to enter and was killed. Shen Qi valiantly fought the rioters, protecting the king. Upon hearing the news, Prince Cheng and Li Tuo rushed from the capital. They rallied armed forces from neighboring counties to quell the insurrection. In the ensuing conflict, Prince Zhang, Tian Buli, and all the rioters were eliminated.
Prince Cheng ascended as the prime minister, holding the title of Lord Anping, while Li Tuo assumed the role of Justice Minister. During this tumultuous period, King Huiwen was young, and effective power resided in the hands of Prince Cheng and Li Tuo.
When Prince Zhang faced defeat, he sought refuge from the Father Lord, who allowed him entry. This prompted Prince Cheng and Li Tuo to lay siege to the Father Lord‘s palace. Breaking in, they confronted and killed Prince Zhang. Subsequently, Prince Cheng and Li Tuo deliberated: “Our seizure of the Father Lord‘s palace was due to Prince Zhang‘s actions. This act constitutes a severe crime, endangering our entire clan. Even if we lift the siege now, our clan would face retribution.” They resolved to continue the siege and warned the palace attendants that the last person to leave the palace would face dire consequences for themselves and their families. Fearing for their lives, everyone evacuated the palace.
Trapped inside, the Father Lord couldn’t procure food and resorted to raiding bird nests for sustenance, feeding on newly hatched birds. After enduring starvation for three months in the Shaqiu palace, the Father Lord succumbed to starvation. Confident of the Father Lord‘s demise, Prince Cheng dispatched emissaries to all kingdoms, announcing the former king’s passing.
The Father Lord initially appointed Prince Zhang as the crown prince. However, he met a woman named Wu Wa and fell deeply in love. He spent several years with her, leading to the birth of Prince Zhao He from their relationship. Consequently, the Father Lord revoked Prince Zhang‘s status as the crown prince, replacing him with Prince Zhao He as the successor to the throne.
Upon Wu Wa’s passing, the Father Lord‘s feelings for her waned, and he began to regret his decision regarding Prince Zhang. He contemplated the idea of having two kings but struggled with indecision. During this time of uncertainty, an insurrection began to brew and eventually erupted. In another realm, the prime minister of the Qin, Lou Huan, was dismissed from his position. Wei Ran assumed the role of prime minister in the Kingdom of Qin.
Reflection by Rio Grande 
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