Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated By Yiming Yang

Annals of Zhou Book 2 Scroll 2 (continued)

The 29th year of King Xian (340 B.C.)

Wey Yang spoke to Duke Xiao of Qin: “The state of Wei is a threat to Qin, much like a heart disease to a person. If Qin does not annex the state of Wei, Wei will surely annex Qin. Why do I say this? The state of Wei lies to the west of a mountain range with its capital at the city of Anyi. It shares a border with Qin along the Yellow River, providing it with a unique defensive advantage to the east of the mountain range. During favorable times, Wei could launch an invasion westward into Qin. In unfavorable times, Wei could move eastward and expand its territory. Currently, Qin is strong and prosperous under your excellent leadership, while Wei suffered defeat at the hands of the state of Qi last year and has been bullied by other states. This presents an opportune moment to weaken Wei. Wei is no match for Qin, and it would have no choice but to move eastward. Qin can secure the mountain range and the Yellow River as natural defensive lines, obtaining a much better strategic posture against the states to the east. This is the path to dominate all states and establish Qin as the preeminent power.”

Duke Xiao of Qin approved and designated Wey Yang as the commander of the invasion of Wei. On the Wei side, Prince Ang was appointed as the general leading the defense.

When both armies were in their positions, Wey Yang sent a letter to Prince Ang: “We used to be friends, and now we find ourselves as commanders on opposing sides. I truly cannot bear the thought of attacking you. I propose that we have a reunion, share a drink together, and then cease fighting for the sake of the people in our states.”

Prince Ang liked the idea, and they arranged to meet. During their reunion, they shared drinks. However, after the meeting, Wey Yang ordered his armored soldiers to launch a surprise attack, capturing Prince Ang.  Then he ordered an assault on the Wei army, which had lost its commander. The Wei army was decisively defeated. King Hui of Wei, fearing further losses, sent an envoy to offer all the land west of the Yellow River to the state of Qin as a means to negotiate for peace.

As a result of these events, the state of Wei moved its capital from Anyi to Daliang. King Hui expressed his regret, acknowledging that he should have heeded the advice of Gongshu Cuo.

The state of Qin rewarded Wey Yang with fifteen cities in Shang as his fief, and he was granted the title “the Lord of Shang,” or Shang Yang, which he held from that point forward.

During this time, the states of Qi and Zhao launched raids against the state of Wei.

Meanwhile, in the state of Chu, King Xuan passed away, and he was succeeded by his son, who became known as King Wei of Chu.

The 31st year of King Xian (338 B.C.)

Duke Xiao of Qin passed away, his son ascended to the throne as King Huiwen of Qin. Prince Qian and his supporters accused Shang Yang of plotting against the new king. King Huiwen ordered Shang Yang‘s arrest, prompting Shang Yang to flee to the state of Wei. However, he was not welcomed there and subsequently returned to Qin.

Shang Yang and his followers attempted to escape to his fiefdom but were intercepted by the people of Qin. They fled northward and besieged the city of Zheng. However, the Qin people caught up with Shang Yang and killed him. His body was torn apart by five horses, and all his family members were executed as well.

Shang Yang, who previously served as the prime minister of Qin, ruled with iron wrists, strict and harsh enforcement of the law. His methods were often brutal, and he frequently executed prisoners along the banks of the Wei River, staining its waters red. After governing Qin for a decade, he had accumulated many enemies.

One day, a man named Zhao Liang approached Shang Yang. Shang Yang posed a question to him, asking whether he thought Minister Five-Goatskins [Baili Xi, the prime minister of Duke Mu of Qin] or himself was the better ruler. Zhao Liang responded cautiously, saying, “The confirmation of thousands of yes-men, is not worth the honest discourse of one. May I speak freely without fear of retaliation?” Shang Yang agreed, saying, “You have my word.”

Zhao Liang continued his candid assessment: “Minister Five-Goatskin rose from being a cow herder in the state of Chu to becoming the prime minister of Qin, a position of immense power overseeing tens of thousands. This was an unimaginable ascent. During his six or seven years in office, he launched military campaigns against Zheng to the east, orchestrated the installation of three lords in the state of Jin, and rescued the state of Chu from dire straits. He led a frugal life, traveling without carriages or bodyguards even during sweltering summers. When he passed away, the people of Qin, regardless of age or gender, mourned his loss deeply. Even children stopped singing, and farmers halted their work to pay their respects.”

Zhao Liang then shifted his focus to Shang Yang: “Your rise to power was facilitated by the eunuch Jing Jian’s introduction to Duke Xiao. Your governing style has been characterized by oppressing the lower classes and bullying the upper classes. Gongzi Qian endured eight years of house arrest under your rule. You executed Zhu Huan, one of his teachers, and disfigured Gongsun Gu’s face. As the Book of Songs suggests, those who are popular rise, and those who are unpopular fall. Your actions, as I mentioned earlier, have not garnered popularity.”Zhao Liang pointed out Shang Yang‘s reliance on force: “Whenever you go out, you are surrounded by chariots and heavily armed guards. A group of burly men drives your chariot while encircling you. You parade through the streets with a procession of armed guards. Without a significant armed escort, you dare not venture outside. As the Book of Shu warns, those who rely on virtue prosper, but those who rely on force perish. Your actions have not been rooted in virtue, and your reign may be as fleeting as a drop of morning dew. While you enjoy the wealth from your fief and maintain a tight grip on power in Qin, the grievances of the people are mounting. If the current King of Qin loses control of power or decides to exclude foreigners from his government, there would not have been a shortage of people in Qin who wanted to put you in prison.” Shang Yang did not heed Zhao Liang‘s advice, and within five months, he faced his downfall.

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated By Yiming Yang

Annals of Zhou Book 2 Scroll 2 (continued)

The 28th year of King Xian (341 B.C.)

Pang Juan of Wei led a raid on the state of Han, prompting Han to request aid from the state of Qi. King Wei of Qi sought advice from his advisers regarding when to come to Han’s aid. Marquis Cheng, the prime minister of Qi, Zou Ji, suggested not getting involved at all. Tian Ji disagreed, stating that aiding Han sooner was better to prevent Wei from annexing it. Sun Bin, however, had a different strategy.

“If we help the armies of Han and Wei before they are weakened, it’s like we are substituting for Han and brunt the assault of Wei‘s armies, effectively acting under the direction of Han. Furthermore, if Wei harbors ambitions to conquer other states and sees that Han is on the verge of collapse, Han will likely turn their sights to the east and seek support from Qi. Therefore, it is strategically sound to strengthen our ties with Han, profiting from their resources, while delaying our clash with Wei. In this way, we can secure significant benefits and enhance our reputation.”

King Wei of Qi approved Sun Bin‘s plan and promised assistance to Han while letting the Han envoy leave empty-handed. Han, with the assurance of Qi‘s support, entered the battlefield confidently but lost all five battles, eventually consigning the entire state to Qi at its mercy. Qi then sent its army, led by generals Tian Ji, Tian Ying, and Tian Pan, with Sun Bin as the chief strategist, to aid Han. The army moved directly toward Wei‘s capital.

Pang Juan, commander of Wei‘s forces, learned of Qi‘s movement and immediately returned with his army from Han. Wei mobilized its people to defend against Qi, appointing Crown Prince Shen as the commander. Sun Bin advised Tian Ji to use strategy to turn the situation in their favor.

“Those three states derived from Jin have always possessed formidable and valiant armies, while they consider Qi as having a reputation for timidity in battle. A wise military commander takes advantage of the enemy’s disposition and leads them toward his own advantage. As mentioned in the Art of War, ‘Charging a hundred li[Chinese mile] forward to engage the enemy might lead to the loss of a top general, while charging fifty li[Chinese mile] forward might cause half the troops to fall behind.’”

Sun Bin ordered the army to build one hundred thousand hearths on the first day upon entering Wei‘s territory. On the second day, they reduced the number to fifty thousand, and on the third day, to thirty thousand. Pang Juan heard this report and became overconfident, thinking that the soldiers of Qi feared them. He left his infantry behind and personally led his cavalry to chase the retreating Qi army all day and night.

Sun Bin, aware of Pang Juan‘s movement, estimated he would arrive at Maling at sunset. Maling was a place with a narrow path surrounded by barriers, ideal for an ambush. Sun Bin had a large tree trunk hacked and wrote “Pang Juan dies under this tree” in white characters. He then positioned archers around the path, instructing them to shoot when they saw fire after sunset.

At sunset, Pang Juan reached the hacked tree and lit a torch to read the white characters. Before he could finish reading, thousands of arrows were shot at him. The army of Wei fell into disarray, and realizing he had no way out, Pang Juan took his own life, saying, “I made that son of a bitch famous!” The troops of Qi capitalized on the momentum and routed the army of Wei, capturing Crown Prince Shen of Wei in the process.

Marquis Cheng, Zou Ji, held a strong dislike for Tian Ji. In an attempt to implicate Tian Ji, Marquis Cheng devised a cunning plan. He sent an individual carrying ten ounces of gold to a local market and engaged a fortune teller’s services. The fortune teller was told that the person seeking guidance was a follower of Tian Ji and that their lord had won three battles and was revered around the world. The fortune teller was further informed that their lord was planning a significant move and inquired whether it would be successful.As soon as the fortune teller completed the session and the customer left, Zou Ji had the fortune teller arrested. Tian Ji found himself unable to defend against the accusations of conspiracy and, in response, led an attack on the capital city of Linzi with his followers. Their aim was to capture Marquis Cheng. Unfortunately for Tian Ji, they were unable to breach the defenses of Linzi, leading him to flee to the state of Chu. Ji, they were unable to breach the defenses of Linzi, leading him to flee to the state of Chu.

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.

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated By Yiming Yang

Annals of Zhou Book 2 Scroll 2 (continued)

The 11th year of King Xian (358 B.C.)

The state of Qin defeated the army of Han at West Mountain.

The 12th year of King Xian (357 B.C.)

The troops from the states of Han, Zhao, and Wei united and joined forces at Hao.

The 13th year of King Xian (356 B.C.)

The troops from the states of Zhao and Yan combined their forces at E.

The troops from the states of Zhao, Qi, and Song united at Pinglu.

The rulers of Lu, Wey, Song, and Han paid homage to the ruler of Wei.

The 14th year of King Xian (355 B.C.)

King Wei of Qi and King Hui of Wei went hunting together in the suburbs. King Hui of Wei asked, “Does the state of Qi have any treasures?” King Wei of Qi replied, “No.” King Hui said, “Even my small state has pearls of an inch in diameter. We have ten of those pearls that illuminate twelve chariots in the front and twelve chariots in the back. How come there are no treasures in a large state such as Qi?”

King Wei of Qi responded, “Your grace, our definition of treasures seems to differ. I have a minister named Tanzi, who guards the southern cities. The large state of Chu dares not harass our border, and the twelve small states along the Si River pay homage to my state. I have a minister called Panzi. When he defends the city of Gaotang, the people of state Zhao dare not fish on the east Yellow river. I have an official named Qianfu, who guards the city of Xuzhou. The people of the State of Yan pay tributes at the north gate of Xuzhou, and the people of the state of Zhao pay tributes at the west gate of the city. More than seven thousand families have since moved into the city. I also have a minister named Zhongshou. When asked to reduce robbery crimes, he has made the people won’t pick up things that others dropped. I have these four ministers who shine through thousands of miles, not to mention twelve chariots.”

King Hui of Wei felt ashamed by King Wei‘s response.

Duke Xiao of Qin and King Hui of Wei met at Duping.

Duke Gong of Lu passed away. His son Mao succeeded him as Duke Kang.

The 15th year of King Xian (354 B.C.)

The army of the State of Qin routed the army of the State of Wei, beheading seven thousand soldiers. The State of Qin also captured the city of Shaoliang from the State of Wei.

King Hui of Wei led a campaign against the State of Zhao and laid siege to the city of Handan.

In response to the situation, the King of Chu ordered his general Jin She to come to the aid of the State of Zhao.

The 16th year of King Xian (353 B.C.)

King Wei of Qi dispatched his general Tian Ji to aid the besieged state of Zhao. It leads to a story about Sun Bin and Pang Juan.

Sun Bin and Pang Juan, both students of the art of war in their youth, followed very different paths. While Pang Juan rose to become a general for the State of Wei. Sun Bin‘s superior capabilities ignited Pang Juan‘s jealousy. Pang Juan falsely accused Sun Bin of a crime upon summoning him to Wei. Pang had his feet cut off and branded his face, disabling him for life.

However, fate took a twist when an envoy from the state of Qi arrived in Wei. Sun Bin, though treated as a prisoner, managed to secretly share his story with the envoy. He persuaded the envoy to hide him in his vehicle, enabling Sun Bin to escape to Qi. General Tian Ji extended respect towards Sun Bin and introduced him to King Wei of Qi. The king, recognizing Sun Bin‘s exceptional understanding of warfare, engaged in discussions with him. Impressed by Sun Bin‘s insights, King Wei appointed him as his teacher.

As the discussion turned to aiding the state of Zhao against Wei‘s onslaught, King Wei and General Tian Ji sought Sun Bin‘s counsel. However, Sun Bin, due to his fugitive status, declined the role of a general. Instead, they decided on Tian Ji as the general and Sun Bin as his strategic adviser. Positioned in a caravan, Sun Bin oversaw the military strategies.

When Tian Ji initially planned a direct intervention to defend Zhao, Sun Bin advised against a head-on confrontation: “In the art of warfare, direct frontal assaults are not always the most effective approach. Instead, it is wiser to target the enemy’s vulnerabilities and critical areas, altering the dynamics of the battle by imposing constraints on both sides. This strategic shift can naturally lead to the cessation of hostilities.”

“At this time, the states of Wei and Zhao were locked in conflict along their borders. The youth and most skilled fighters were engaged in this border dispute, leaving the interior areas defended by older and weaker soldiers. Why not take advantage of this situation? Lead our troops swiftly to Wei‘s capital, seize the strategic gateways and thoroughfares of the state, and strike at its exposed weak points. The Wei forces, preoccupied with the defense of their own home, would be compelled to redirect their efforts, abandoning the siege on Zhao. By executing this strategic maneuver, we can not only defeat Wei‘s army but also relieve the siege on Zhao in one decisive move.”

Tian Ji heeded Sun Bin‘s advice. In October of the winter, the city of Handan surrendered to the state of Wei. The Wei army rushed back to its home territory, abandoning their heavy equipment and walking day and night. They walked into a trap set by Qi‘s forces at Guiling. In this ambush, the army of Wei suffered a devastating defeat. 

The state of Han raided the sovereign of East Zhou, took the cities of Lingguan and Linqiu.

Zhao Xixu held the position of prime minister in the state of Chu. One day, Jiang Yi addressed the King of Chu with a story: “There is a man who has a deep affection for his dog. Unfortunately, the dog frequently urinates in the well. Observing this, concerned neighbors wished to caution the man about the contamination. However, when they approached his doorstep, the dog fiercely barked and even bit them. In a similar manner, Zhao Xixue behaves like that dog. He vehemently opposes my proposals. Just as your grace would get closer to someone who constantly praises others as he looks like a nobleman, and to avoid someone who constantly criticizes others as they might be unpleasant. There are sons who commit parricide and assistants who betray their lords, but often these matters go unnoticed. Why? Because your grace is inclined to listen to favorable things and averse to hearing unfavorable truths.”

In response, the King of Chu concurred, acknowledging the wisdom in Jiang Yi‘s words: “You are absolutely correct. I should have made an effort to listen to both sides of the story.”

King Xuan of Chu once asked his ministers, “I have heard that the people in the northern regions fear Zhao Xixu. Is this really the case?” The ministers remained silent. Jiang Yi spoke up and said, “The tiger seeks to eat all beasts and captures a fox. The fox says, ‘You wouldn’t dare to eat me. The Heavenly Emperor appointed me to govern all beasts. If you eat me, you are defying the Heavenly Emperor’s command. If you doubt my words, I will go ahead of you, and you can follow behind me. Let’s see if any of the other beasts dare not flee upon seeing me.’ The tiger believed this and followed the fox. When the other beasts saw them, they all fled. The tiger didn’t realize that the beasts feared itself and fled, not the fox. Similarly, although Your Majesty’s realm covers five thousand miles and you have an army of one million soldiers, the northern regions’ fear of Zhao Xixu is actually due to their fear of your mighty military force, just like the beasts’ fear of the tiger.”

Jingshan of Song and Gongsun Cang of Wey joined the forces of Qi.  The force of the coalition besieged Wei’s army at Xiangling.

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated By Yiming Yang

Annals of Zhou Book 2 Scroll 2 (continued)

The 8th year of King Xian (361 B.C.)

Duke Xiao promulgated an edict seeking capable officials in the state of Qin: ”In ancient times, my ancestor Duke Mu, through cultivating virtue and practicing martial arts between Qi and Yong, brought peace to Jin in the east and established the Yellow River as the boundary. He then dominated the Rong and Di tribes in the west, expanding his territory for thousands of miles. The King of Zhou bestowed the title of Count upon him, and the other feudal lords all congratulated him. His achievements were admired by later generations and shone brightly.”

“However, during the reigns of the previous rulers – Duke Li, Duke Zao, Duke Jian, and Duke Chu – the country faced internal troubles, and there was no time to deal with external affairs. The Three Jin attacked and seized the territory west of the Yellow River, causing great humiliation. When Duke Xian ascended the throne, he stabilized and pacified the borders, moved the capital to Liyang, and intended to launch an eastern expedition to reclaim the ancestral land of Duke Mu and uphold his policies and laws. I often feel sad at the thought of my father’s unfulfilled aspirations.  I would like to open prominent positions, for all the citizens and visitors, whoever had great ideas to build a stronger Qin would be my distinguished ministers.  I will grant them a portion of the land.”

The decree reached Gongsun Yang in the state of Wey, prompting him to relocate to the state of Qin. As the grandson of Wey’s ruler, Gongsun Yang immersed himself in studying the teachings of Legalists. He had previously served under Gongshu Cuo, the prime minister of Wei, who recognized his potential but had not yet recommended him for advancement.

When Gongshu Cuo fell seriously ill, King Hui of Wei paid him a visit to offer comfort. Concerned about the management of state affairs in Gongshu Cuo‘s absence, King Hui inquired, “Who will oversee the state affairs? Heaven forbid, what will happen if you are gone?” To this, Gongshu Cuo replied, “My assistant, Wey Yang, is a young and exceptionally talented individual. You can rely on his advice for all state affairs.” King Hui listened but remained silent. Gongshu Cuo continued, “If you don’t promote him, then kill him, please do not let him leave this state.”

Agreeing with Gongshu Cuo‘s proposal, King Hui left. Gongshu Cuo immediately summoned Wey Yang and apologized, stating, “I prioritize serving our lord above all else, including my subordinates. I have just provided him with advice and informed you. You must leave immediately.” However, Wey Yang responded confidently, “If our lord did not accept your advice to promote me, why would he accept your advice to kill me?” Despite the gravity of the situation, Wey Yang did not flee.

As King Hui of Wei departed from Gongshu Cuo‘s residence, he expressed sadness over Gongshu Cuo‘s illness and recounted the prime minister’s seemingly contradictory statements. “Gongshu Cuo entrusted the entire state to Wey Yang, and yet he advised me to kill him. Is there a contradiction here?” he pondered.

Subsequently, Wey Yang made his way to the state of Qin.  Through a eunuch named Jingjian, He sought an audience with Duke Xiao of Qin to present his strategies for the state’s prosperity and security. After engaging in discussions about governance, Duke Xiao of Qin was greatly pleased with Wey Yang‘s insights.

The kingdom of Wei moved its capital from Anyi to Daliang during the summer. 

In the kingdom of Yue, a minister named Si, who was the younger brother of another minister named Shiqu, assassinated its king, Mangan. Subsequently, Wu Zhuan was crowned as the new king.

Prior to Wu Zhuan‘s ascension, the kingdom had endured a tragic history of regicide, with three generations of kings being murdered by their own subordinates. Fearing for his life, Prince Sou, who was in line for the throne, fled and sought refuge in a mining cave. As the kingdom urgently needed a new ruler, people embarked on a search for Prince Sou and eventually discovered him hiding in the cave.

Despite their efforts to persuade him to come out, Prince Sou refused to emerge. Consequently, the people of Yue decided to smoke him out of the cave by burning wormwood inside. With no other option, Prince Sou finally emerged from the cave. He was then placed on a carriage and proclaimed as the rightful king. As he slowly ascended the carriage, he looked up to the sky and exclaimed, “Oh my lord! Oh my lord! Why won’t you leave me alone!”

Prince Sou’s official name after becoming king was Wu Zhuan.

The 10th year of King Xian (359 B.C.)

Wey Yang started his reform, the people of Qin were not pleased by the reform.  Wey Yang persuaded Duke Xiao of Qin: ”The people cannot be convinced at the beginning, but they can be delighted with the achievements in the end. Those who pursue supreme virtue do not conform to prevailing customs, and those who accomplish great deeds do not consult with the masses. Therefore, the sages, if they can strengthen the state, do not follow established norms.”  

Gan Long, another adviser to Duke Xiao of Qin, disagreed:”That’s not right.  When governance is based on established laws and regulations, officials are trained and the people find peace in it.”  

Wey Yang rebutted: ”Ordinary people are content with their familiar customs, and scholars often become trapped in what they have heard. In such cases, it is appropriate for them to follow the established laws and regulations while in their official positions, and not engage in discussions beyond the scope of the law. Wise individuals create new laws, while the ignorant adhere to existing ones; virtuous people may change rituals, while the unworthy remain constrained by them.” 

Duke Xiao of Qin appraised:”A good argument!”.  He appointed Wey Yang as vice prime minister and immediately approved the new reform orders.

The new order organized the people into groups of ten families, where they were responsible for one another and faced collective punishment for wrongdoings. Those who reported criminals were rewarded similarly to those who killed enemies in battle, while those who concealed criminals received the same punishment as those who surrendered to the enemy. Families with more than two adult males were taxed twice as much. Those who achieved military merit were rewarded with higher titles. Infights were punished according to the seriousness of the offense. Taxes were lowered or forgiven to those endeavoring to produce surplus food or clothings.  Those who neglected their duties, sought personal gains, or were lazy despite being wealthy were banished as slaves. Members of the royal family without military merit were not granted official status. A strict hierarchy was established, with titles, ranks, and other distinctions determined by one’s position in society. The distribution of land, houses, servants, and clothing was allocated based on one’s social rank. Those who achieved merit were honored, while those without military achievements, even if wealthy, did not receive any fame and acclimations.

Before the executive order had been promulgated, Wey Yang was concerned that people wouldn’t believe he meant it. To demonstrate the seriousness of the order, he erected a thirty-feet pole at the south gate of the capital and offered a reward of 10 ounces of gold to anyone who could move it to the north gate. People found this strange and were hesitant to step forward. Wey Yang then increased the prize to 50 ounces of gold. One brave individual eventually moved the pole and was immediately rewarded. From that point on, the executive orders were strictly followed.

In the first year of enforcing the new laws, thousands of people complained about the inconveniences they brought. However, a turning point came when the crown prince himself broke one of the laws. Wey Yang responded by stating that the new laws could not be enforced if the elite were exempt from them. He decided not to punish the crown prince, who was the future king and not subject to criminal laws. Instead, he took action against the crown prince’s teacher, Gongzi Qian, and branded the face of Gongzi Qian’s teacher, Gongsun Gu. The people of Qin followed the laws faithfully from the very next day.

After ten years of enforcing the new laws, the state of Qin became exceptionally well-governed. Crime decreased significantly, and even in remote mountain areas, there were no bandits. The public was willing to defend the state in times of war, yet they were afraid to engage in conflicts amongst themselves. The affairs of towns and villages were in excellent order. Those who had initially complained about the inconveniences of the new laws now changed their minds and praised the convenience they brought. Wey Yang accused these individuals of interfering with law enforcement and ordered them all to be exiled to the border areas. As a result, nobody dared to speak about state affairs again.

Sima Guang’s comments: Trust is the invaluable treasure of a statesman. The security of a state relies on its people, and the people’s security is ensured by their trust in the leadership. Without trust, a statesman would struggle to mobilize the people, and without the support of the people, a state would be unable to defend itself. Hence, since ancient times, kings refrained from lying to their subjects, and dominant states refrained from deceiving their neighbors. A good statesman refrains from deceiving their own people, just as a good head of household refrains from lying to their kinsmen.

Conversely, a bad leader resorts to cheating and deceit. They deceive neighboring states, their own people, siblings, and even their parents and children. Leaders lose the trust of their subordinates, while the common people lose trust in their leaders. Failure to establish a unifying force among leaders and their supporters leads to defeat. It is a tragic situation where the gains from cheating cannot heal the wounds of mistrust, and the advantages gained cannot compensate for what has been lost.

In historical examples, Duke Huan of Qi remained true to his pledge to Cao Mo, and Duke Wen of Jin did not abandon his promise for advantageous positions in the battle with Chu. Similarly, Marquis Wen of Wei honored his appointments with friends at Yu, and Duke Xiao of Qin did not go back on the reward for moving the pole across the capital. These four leaders were not without flaws or had impeccable reputations. Despite living in a time of violence and deception, even as unforgiving as the Lord of Shang (Wey Yang), they understood the importance of keeping their word and educating their people. Even in times of turmoil, they did not forget the significance of honesty and trustworthiness, which are even more critical attributes for statesmen ruling in times of peace.

Marquis Yi of Han has passed away, and his son succeeded him as Marquis Zhao.

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated By Yiming Yang

Annals of Zhou Book 2 Scroll 2

Duration of 48 years

The 1st year of King Xian (368 B.C.)

The state of Qi launched a raid on Wei, capturing Guanjin. 

The state of Zhao invaded Qi and reached the Great Wall of Qi.

Amidst this chaos, an official from Wei named Cuo fled to the state of Han, seeking refuge.

In the West Zhou, Duke Wei passed away, and his crown Prince Chao succeeded him as Duke Hui of Zhou. However, his younger brother, Prince Ban, had gained favor with Duke Wei during his lifetime. Upon Duke Wei’s death, Prince Ban rebelled against his brother’s rule.

To address the turmoil, the states of Zhao and Han took action and dispatched troops to Zhou.

The 2nd year of King Xian (367 B.C.)

The states of Zhao and Han divided the territory of Zhou into two princedoms. King Xian granted Prince Ban a city named Gong as his fiefdom, and he became known as Duke Hui of East Zhou. As a result of this division, the power and authority of the Zhou court diminished further. The administration of the court was mainly concentrated in the West Zhou.

The 3rd year of King Xian (366 B.C.)

The rulers of Wei and Han held a meeting at Zhaiyang. 

The army of the State of Qin achieved victory by defeating the armies of Wei and Han in the battle at Luoyang.

The 4th year of King Xian (365 B.C.)

The state of Wei raided the state of Song, capturing Yitai.

The 5th year of King Xian (364 B.C.)

At the Battle of Shimen, King Xian of Qin defeated the armies of the three states derived from Jin (i.e., Wei, Han and Zhao)  and beheaded sixty thousand enemy soldiers. In recognition of his achievement, the King Xian of Zhou bestowed upon him the honor of wearing the ceremonial robes with royal emblems decorated with feathers, which were reserved for distinguished nobles.

The 6th year of King Xian (363 B.C.)

Upon the passing of Duke Xiu of Song, his son Pibing ascended to the throne as Duke Huan of Song.

Similarly, after the death of Marquis Yi of Han, his son Wu inherited his title and became Marquis Zhao of Han.

The 7th year of King Xian (362 B.C.)

The State of Wei defeated the armies of Han and Zhao at Kuai and captured the general Yue Zuo. In recognition of this victory, King Hui of Wei held a grand ceremony to welcome the troops back, and he rewarded the general Gongsun Cuo with a land grant of one million acres.

However, General Gongsun Cuo, also known as Gongshu Cuo, walked backwards and declined the rewards: “The reason our soldiers were able to stand firm without wavering, to charge straight and not deviate, to resist and not retreat, is because of the Wu Qi‘s military training. I am incapable of achieving such feats. The reason our troops were able to navigate through dangerous terrain and make strategic decisions to win over our enemies without confusion is due to the strength and preparation of commanders like Ba Ning and Cuan Xiang. The reason the soldiers were motivated and believed in the rewards and punishments set by the king is due to the clarity of your laws and regulations. I merely carried out my duties as a general, and beat the drum vigorously when it was time to attack the enemy.  How about your grace awarding me just for my tireless right hand? As for the achievements, I have not contributed much to claim any.”

The king was impressed by Gongsun Cuo‘s humility and wisdom, so he visited the descendants of Wu Qi and awarded them two hundred thousand acres.  He awarded Ba Ning and Cuan Xiang each with one hundred thousand acres.

The king praised him: “Gongsun Cuo, aren’t you truly a great man! You not only defeated strong enemies for me but also showed magnanimity by not forgetting to credit the wise leader in the past and commend the achievements of capable officers. Why shouldn’t I award you even more?”  He awarded him an additional four hundred thousand acres.

In the battle at Shaoliang, the state of Qin emerged victorious over the state of Wei, and Gongsun Cuo was captured during the conflict.

Following the death of Duke Sheng of Wey, his son Su took over the title and became Marquis Cheng, assuming the leadership of the state.

Similarly, after the passing of Duke Huan of Yan, his son succeeded him and became Duke Wen, becoming the new ruler of the state of Yan.

Upon the death of Duke Xian of Qin, his twenty-one-year-old son succeeded him and became Duke Xiao of Qin. At this time, the east boundaries of Qin were dominated by six strong states, each separated by rivers and mountains. Between the Huai River and the Si River, there were over ten smaller states. Qin shared borders with the states of Chu and Wei.

The state of Wei had constructed a great wall, starting from the city of Zheng and extending along the Luo River, up to the city of Shangjun in the north. Meanwhile, the state of Chu‘s border reached as far as Hanzhong, and there were regions like Ba and Qianzhong to the south of Qin. However, despite being geographically connected to the heartland of China, the states there viewed Qin as a foreign and barbaric entity. They excluded Qin from their unions and alliances.Duke Xiao of Qin aimed to elevate the status of Qin and make it the strongest state among its neighbors. To achieve this, he sought to improve governance and promote the welfare of his people.

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 Huan.

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

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

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.”

Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

By Sima Guang

Translated by Yiming Yang

Annals of Zhou Book 1 Scroll 1 (continued)

The 22nd Year of King An (380 B.C.)

The state of Qi launched an attack on the state of Yan, successfully capturing the city of Sangqiu. 

The combined forces of Wei, Han, and Zhao launched a counterattack on the state of Qi, pushing forward and reaching the city of Sangqiu.

The 23rd Year of King An (379 B.C.)

The state of Zhao launched a surprise raid on the state of Wey, but their attack was unsuccessful. 

In the state of Qi, Duke Kang passed away without leaving an heir. As a result, the Tian family assumed control over the entire state of Qi.

The 24th Year of King An (378 B.C.)

The nomadic tribes in the north successfully defeated the army of Wei at the river Huishui. 

The combined forces of the states of Wei, Han, and Zhao continued their military campaign against the state of Qi and advanced as far as Lingqiu. 

In the state of Jin, Duke Xiao passed away, and his son Jujiu ascended to the throne as Duke Jing, assuming the role of ruler in Jin.

The 25th Year of King An (377 B.C.)

The state of Shu launched a surprise raid on the state of Chu and successfully captured Zifang,

Zisi, the grandson of Confucius, recommended Gou Bian to Marquis Wey (the ruler of the state of Wey), praising his ability to lead a troop of 500 chariots. However, Marquis Wey expressed concerns about Gou Bian’s past as a government official, where he was involved in an incident of taking two eggs from people during tax collection. Marquis Wey cited this as the reason for not appointing him as a general.

In response, Zisi conveyed his view to Marquis Wey: “The role of a sage in employing individuals is akin to that of a carpenter working with wood. They recognize their strengths and overlook their weaknesses. Just as a skilled craftsman does not discard a giant tree that may have a few feet of decay while still possessing valuable qualities, so should a ruler in the tumultuous era of the Warring States choose talented individuals and not overlook a capable general due to minor flaws. Such a decision should not be made known to neighboring states.”

Moved by Zisi‘s wisdom, Marquis Wey bowed to him, expressing gratitude for the lesson learned.

Marquis Wei of the state of Wey continued to make inappropriate plans, and his advisers and ministers faithfully echoed his order in unison. Observing this, Zisi couldn’t help but sneer and express his perspective on the state of Wey. He remarked that the lord of Wey did not behave as a true lord, and the ministers did not act as true ministers.

When Gongqiu Yizi questioned Zisi about his statement, Zisi explained his reasoning: ”When a ruler indulges in flattery and fails to heed the counsel of others, the collective wisdom of the people will not be forthcoming. Even if a ruler makes the right decision, not listening will only further discourage the sharing of ideas, let alone everyone second the bad decision and amplify the wrong doing. Ignoring the rightness or wrongness of matters and only seeking praise from others is the epitome of darkness. Failing to consider reason and resorting to sycophancy in order to gain favor is the epitome of fawning. When a ruler is blind and the courtiers are sycophantic, they distance themselves from the people they govern, and the people will no longer be united. If this continues, the country will lose its cohesion.”

Zisi expressed his concerns to the Marquis Wey, saying, “Your governance of the state is gradually deviating from the right path.” The Marquis asked, “Why do you say so?” Zisi replied, “There are certain reasons for it. You speak with a sense of infallibility, and none of your ministers and high officials dare to correct your errors. Similarly, the ministers and high officials speak with a sense of infallibility, and the common people dare not correct their errors. If both the ruler and his subjects consider themselves wise and no one dares to challenge their wisdom, then they will be praised when they are right and followed obediently, but if they are wrong, any correction will get people into trouble. In such a situation, how can goodness prosper? As the Book of Songs says, ‘When everyone thinks themself wiseman, who can tell the crow’s sex?’ Could it be that the relationship between you and your subjects is similar to this?”

Marquis Wen of Han has passed away, and his son has succeeded him as Marquis Ai.

The 26th Year of King An (376 B.C.)

King An of Zhou passed away, and his son Xi ascended to the throne as King Lie of Zhou.

In a significant turn of events, the three influential families of Wei, Han, and Zhao joined forces to strip the Duke Jing of Jin of his power and status. They reduced him to the position of a domestic servant and divided his land among the three families.