Author: Yiming Yang

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated By Yiming Yang

Annals of Zhou Book 3 Scroll 3 (continued)

The 9th year of King Nan (306 B.C.)

King Zhao of Qin dispatched Xiang Shou to pacify the uprising in the city of Yiyang. Simultaneously, he tasked Chuli Zi and Gan Mao with a mission to conduct a raid on the kingdom of Wei(Liang). Amidst these events, Gao Mao petitioned the King of Qin to return the city of Wusui to the kingdom of Han. Despite objections from Xiang Shou and Gongsun Shi, their dissent held little sway. They harbored resentment towards Gan Mao and openly criticized him. Gan Mao, overburdened by fear, fled from the battlefield during the conflict in the Wei kingdom’s city of Puban. This prompted Chuli Zi to initiate negotiations for a ceasefire with the Kingdom of Wei, leading to the withdrawal of Qin‘s troops. Subsequently, Gan Mao sought refuge in the kingdom of Qi.

The King of Zhao ventured into the territory of the state of Zhongshan, advancing as far as Ningxia. His forces invaded the western lands inhabited by nomads, penetrating as westward as Yuzhong. A nomadic tribe known as Linhu displayed submission by offering horses to the King of Zhao. Subsequently, the King returned to his homeland and dispatched envoys to various kingdoms, seeking support for his actions against both the state of Zhongshan and the nomadic tribes. Lou Huan was sent to the Kingdom of Qin, Qiu Ye to the Kingdom of Han, Wang Ben to the Kingdom of Chu, Fu Ding to the Kingdom of Wei, and Zhao Jue to the Kingdom of Qi. Additionally, he appointed Zhao Gu, the prime minister of the Dai, to oversee the acquired territory from the nomads, initiating the recruitment of local inhabitants into the army.

The King of Chu forged a vertical alliance with the kingdoms of Qi and Han.

The 10th year of King Nan (305 B.C.)

A comet appeared in the sky.

Meanwhile, the King of Zhao persisted in his campaign against the state of Zhongshan, successfully conquering the towns of Danqiu, Shuangyang, and Hongzhisai, and subsequently capturing the towns of Hao, Shiyi, Fenglong, and Donghuan. Pressured by these conquests, the state of Zhongshan relented, ceding an additional four towns in exchange for peace.

Queen Dowager Xuan of Qin possessed half-siblings from both her mother’s and father’s sides. Wei Ran, from her mother’s lineage and the Marquis Rang, stood out among them. On her father’s side, her half-siblings included Mi Rong, the Lord of Huayang.  She is the mother of the king’s two half-brothers, the Lord of Gaoling and the Lord of Jingyang. Wei Ran held significant prominence among these relatives. He had served as a high-ranking official during the reigns of King Hui and King Wu of Qin.

Upon King Wu’s demise, a struggle for succession ensued among his brothers. In this power struggle, Wei Ran wielded influence by facilitating the ascension of King Zhao to the throne. With King Zhao’s inauguration, Wei Ran was elevated to the position of general overseeing the armed forces that guarded the capital city, Xianyang.

During this time, Prince Zhuang, holding a significant position as a high ranking officer, conspired with other princes and their ministers, resulting in a riot. Wei Ran, acting decisively, ordered the execution of those involved in the conspiracy. This plot also entangled Queen Huiwen, leading to her tragic demise. Queen Daowu faced exile to the kingdom of Wei. Any of King Zhao’s other brothers who didn’t maintain amicable relations with the king met a similar fate, losing their lives.

As King Zhao was still young, his mother, Queen Dowager Xuan, assumed control. She entrusted Wei Ran with substantial power, effectively granting him complete authority. Their dominance and influence within the kingdom of Qin became a source of fear among the populace.

The 11th year of King Nan (304 B.C.)

The Kings of Qin and Chu convened for a conference in the city of Huangji, solidifying a coalition between their kingdoms. The city of Shangyong, previously captured by the kingdom of Qin, was returned to the kingdom of Chu.

The 12th year of King Nan (303 B.C.)

A comet appeared in the sky.

In a series of military campaigns, the kingdom of Qin seized control of several cities: Puban, Jinyang, and Fengling from the kingdom of Wei, and the town of Wusui from the kingdom of Han.

The kingdoms of Qi, Han, and Wei united their forces to launch an attack on the kingdom of Chu. This action was prompted by the King of Chu‘s breach of the vertical alliance, as he allied himself with the kingdom of Qin. In a bid for protection, the King of Chu sent his crown prince Heng as a hostage to the kingdom of Qin, seeking refuge under the protection of the King of Qin.

To aid the King of Chu, an official (Keqing) from Qin named Tong led troops to assist Chu.  Facing the combined forces of Qin and Chu, the three allied kingdoms eventually withdrew their forces.

Meanwhile, Duke Ping of Lu passed away. His son Gu succeeded him, assuming the title of Duke Min of Lu.

The 13th year of King Nan (302 B.C.)

The King of Qin, the King of Wei, along with Crown Prince Ying of Han, convened at the city of Linjin for a meeting. Subsequent to the meeting, the Crown Prince of Han journeyed to the Qin capital before returning home. Additionally, the kingdom of Qin relinquished control of the captured city of Puban, returning it to the kingdom of Wei.

However, tensions escalated when Crown Prince Heng of Chu engaged in a conflict with a Qin magistrate due to personal reasons, resulting in the magistrate’s death at the hands of Prince Heng. Fearing repercussions, Prince Heng fled from the kingdom of Qin and returned to his homeland in Chu.

The 14th year of King Nan (301 B.C.)

A total solar eclipse occurred.

The kingdom of Qin initiated an invasion of the city of Rang in Han. Concurrently, Ning Yun from the state of Shu rebelled against Qin‘s rule. In response, Sima Cuo, a Qin official, took charge of troops to suppress the rebellion in Shu.

Meanwhile, Qin‘s Shuzhang(an official) Huan, assembled armies from the kingdoms of Han, Wei, and Qi to launch an attack on the kingdom of Chu. Their combined forces clashed with Chu‘s troops at the city of Zhongqiu, where they managed to defeat Chu‘s army and kill General Tang Mei. Subsequently, they successfully conquered the city of Zhongqiu.

The King of Zhao spearheaded a campaign against the state of Zhongshan. During this conflict, the Lord of Zhongshan fled and sought refuge in the kingdom of Qi.

King Xuan of Qi passed away. Following his death, his son Di ascended to the throne and was installed as King Min of Qi.

The 15th year of King Nan (300 B.C.)

Lord Jingyang of Qin was sent to the kingdom of Qi as a hostage, solidifying their alliance.

Meanwhile, Lord Huayang of Qin spearheaded a campaign against the kingdom of Chu. In a decisive victory, his troops crushed the Chu army, resulting in the beheading of thirty thousand soldiers. General Jingque, a prominent figure in the Chu army, was among those killed. Faced with this defeat, the King of Chu, filled with apprehension, sought to secure peace by sending his crown prince as a hostage to the kingdom of Qi.

Chu Liji, the prime minister of Qin, passed away. In his place, Lou Huan, originally from the kingdom of Zhao, was appointed as the new prime minister. In the kingdom of Zhao, King Wuling held great affection for his young son, Zhao He, and aimed to groom him as the potential successor to the throne, preparing him for future kingship.

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated By Yiming Yang

Annals of Zhou Book 3 Scroll 3 (continued)

The 6th year of King Nan (309 B.C.)

The kingdom of Qin established the position of prime minister. Chuli Ji became the first prime minister of Qin.

The 7th year of King Nan (308 B.C.)

The Kingdoms of Qin and Wei convened for a significant meeting in the city of Ying. 

The King of Qin tasked Gan Mao with coordinating a joint campaign alongside the Kingdom of Wei (Liang) against the Kingdom of Han. To assist Gan Mao, the king appointed Xiang Shou, who accompanied the troops. However, upon reaching the Kingdom of Wei (Liang), Gan Mao decided to send Xiang Shou back to Qin.

Upon his return, Xiang Shou conveyed to the King of Qin his observations, stating, “The Kingdom of Wei followed our lead, yet I wish, Your Grace, that we hadn’t been called upon to attack the Kingdom of Han.” Responding to this, the King of Qin personally met with Gao Mao in the town of Xirang, seeking clarification regarding Gan Mao‘s change of plan.

Gan Mao provided an explanation: “Yiyang is no small county; in fact, it’s a substantial prefecture. Today, Your Grace undertook an arduous journey, passing through multiple barriers and traveling thousands of miles to conquer it—a remarkably challenging feat. This situation brings to mind an incident from the past in the Kingdom of Lu, where a man sharing the name of Zeng Sen, a disciple of Confucius, committed a crime. When people informed Zeng Sen‘s mother, who was engrossed in weaving on her loom, about her son’s alleged misdeed, she continued weaving as if unperturbed. However, as the same story was repeated by more than three individuals, Zeng Sen‘s mother abruptly ceased her weaving, swiftly vaulted over a wall, and fled.”. He likened his own situation to this anecdote, expressing his concern about being distrusted, saying, “I don’t possess the esteemed reputation of Zeng Sen. Your Grace’s trust in me falls short of the confidence Zeng Sen‘s mother had in her son. The number of people suspicious of me exceeds three. I fear that, eventually, Your Grace might lose trust in me, just as Zeng Sen‘s mother eventually abandoned her loom.”

Expressing his apprehension further, Gan Mao continued: “In another instance, Marquis Wen of Wei commanded Yue Yang to lead a prolonged three-year campaign against the state of Zhongshan. Upon Yue Yang‘s triumphant return, Marquis Wen displayed a chest brimming with letters containing defamatory content about Yue Yang. Yue Yang repeatedly expressed gratitude to Marquis Wen, attributing the success not to personal achievements but to the power of the trust that Marquis Wen had on him.”

“Presently distanced from the capital, I am susceptible to slander by individuals like Chuli Zi and Gongsun Shi, who might speak ill of me, because of my ties to the kingdom of Han. If Your Grace were to heed their words, it would amount to betrayal against the King of Wei, and I would be hated by Gongsun She of Han for such aggression.”

In response, the King of Qin assured Gan Mao, “I won’t heed their words; I promise.” The two solidified their agreement at Xirang. As the fall approached, Gao Mao and Chang Feng took charge of besieging Yiyang as per the agreement reached during their meeting.

The 8th year of King Nan (307 B.C.)

Gan Mao‘s attempts to capture the city of Yiyang persisted for a prolonged period of five months without success. During this time, Chuli Zi and Gongsun Shi approached the King of Qin, advocating for an end to the ongoing conflict. Responding to their plea, the King of Qin summoned Gan Mao and contemplated withdrawing the troops.

Gan Mao queried, “Does the Xirang pact still hold?” Acknowledging this, the King of Qin affirmed, “Yes, it remains valid.” Contrary to the initial consideration of withdrawal, the King of Qin instead dispatched additional troops to reinforce Gan Mao‘s campaign.

Ultimately, after persistent efforts, the city of Yiyang succumbed, leading to the execution of sixty thousand soldiers from Han. Subsequently, Gongzhong She of Han traveled to the Kingdom of Qin, beseeching forgiveness and pleading for peace.

King Wu of Qin had a strong affinity for weight-lifting as a sport. He surrounded himself with individuals of immense strength, such as Ren Bi, Wu Huo, and Meng Yue, who held prominent positions within the court. In August, the King engaged in a weight-lifting competition with Meng Yue, focusing on lifting large tripod-cauldrons. Tragically, the strain led to the bursting of his blood vessels, resulting in his untimely demise.

Following this incident, the entire family of Meng Yue faced severe repercussions, receiving a death sentence. As King Wu had no direct heir, his brother from another mother, named Ji, previously held as a political hostage in the kingdom of Yan, was brought back by the people of Qin and installed as the new king. He assumed the title of King Zhaoxiang. Notably, the mother of King Zhaoxiang, Mi Bazi, hailed from the kingdom of Chu and later became recognized as Empress Xuan.

King Wuling of Zhao embarked on a military expedition into the northern state of Zhongshan. Their journey took them past Fangzi and reached Dai, traversing northward through the vast desert and then heading westward to the Yellow River. Upon ascending a hill named Huanghua, King Wuling discussed with his prime minister, Fei Yi, the notion of altering the people’s attire to resemble that of nomads, alongside teaching them horsemanship and archery.

King Wuling expressed his conviction to Fei Yi, stating, “Though fools may mock me, the wise shall understand. Even if the world ridicules me, I aim to acquire the nomadic lands and the state of Zhongshan.” Consequently, he initiated a mandate requiring people to adopt nomadic attire—donning short tops, trousers, and boots. However, this change was met with resistance from the people of Zhao, who didn’t favor the new clothing style.

Meanwhile, his uncle, Prince Cheng, cited illness as an excuse to avoid attending court sessions. Concerned about the potential repercussions and public perception, King Wuling dispatched a representative to implore Prince Cheng to comply with the clothing reform: “A family obeys its patriarch; A kingdom obeys its king. Now I ordered a change in the way of dressing, and my uncle would not do it. I am afraid that the rest of the world would suspect that I meant it. We must abide by the vital interests of the people to govern a state, and we must abide by the principle that orders are implemented to run an administration. The benefit of an act must be explained to the common people first. The enforcement of executive orders must be started with the royals first. That’s why I expect my uncle to do the right thing and help dressing reform succeed.” Prince Cheng, while bowing repeatedly, expressed reservations: “I learned that central kingdoms are the place where saints and scholars educate people, where propriety and music cultivate people’s behaviors, where others come from afar to appreciate, where foreigners and barbarians should imitate and learn. Now, Your Grace abandons this culture and imitates the dressing habits of remote areas, changing our traditional way of clothing against the will of our people. I really wish Your Grace would take the time to think it through.”

Subsequently, King Wuling personally visited Prince Cheng, emphasizing the strategic necessity: “My kingdom has neighboring territories: the kingdoms of Qi and Zhongshan to the east, the kingdom of Yan and Donghu tribe to the north, and the kingdoms of Qin, Han, and Loufan tribe to the west. If we fail to assemble a strong cavalry, how will we defend our borders? Earlier, the state of Zhongshan, relying on the robust army of Qi, invaded our land, causing distress to our people. They diverted water from the river to flood the city of Hao. If not for divine intervention, the city of Hao would have fallen to the invaders. Our previous king faced humiliation due to this invasion. That’s why I initiated this change in dressing and promoted horse-riding and archery—to resolve the defense challenges on all our borders and seek retribution for Zhongshan‘s aggression. Uncle, clinging to the ancient customs of central kingdoms, discrediting the dressing reform, and disregarding the humiliation by Zhongshan, are not in line with my intentions.” Eventually, Prince Cheng acquiesced and adorned himself in nomadic attire when attending court the following day.Convinced of the importance of this reform, King Wuling officially mandated the adoption of the nomadic dressing style and encouraged the populace to engage in horse-riding, archery, and related practices for the defense and advancement of the kingdom.

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.