Marquis Rang of Qin recommended Zao, an immigrant who had risen to the position of minister in Qin, to the king of Qin. In response, the king of Qin instructed Zao to lead a raid on the kingdom of Qi. Under Zao’s leadership, Qin successfully annexed the towns of Gang and Shou, thereby expanding the fiefdom of Marquis Rang in the towns of Tao.
Earlier this year, Fan Ju traveled to the kingdom of Qi as the attendant of high official Xu Jia, who was an envoy from the kingdom of Wei. King Xiang of Qi, impressed by Fan Ju‘s reputation for talent in speech and debate, personally gifted him with gold, cattle, and wine. However, suspicions arose when Xu Jia believed that Fan Ju had potentially shared state secrets with the kingdom of Qi. Upon their return, Xu Jia disclosed Fan Ju‘s gifts to Wei Qi, the prime minister of Wei.
In a fit of rage, Wei Qi severely beat Fan Ju, breaking his ribs and teeth. To escape further punishment, Fan Ju pretended to be dead. He was then wrapped in a bamboo mat and placed in an outhouse. Taking it to an extreme, Wei Qi allowed his intoxicated guests to urinate on Fan‘s body, intending to set an example for those who dared to communicate with foreign leaders.
Seizing an opportunity, Fan Ju pleaded with a guard, promising a significant payback if he were released. The guard, in turn, persuaded Wei Qi to dispose of the supposedly lifeless body. Wei Qi, in a drunken state, approved, and Fan Ju managed to escape. Upon awakening, Wei Qi regretted his decision and sought to capture Fan Ju once again.
Learning of the impending danger, Zheng Anping from the kingdom of Wei assisted Fan Ju in going into hiding. Fan Ju adopted the alias Zhang Lu and kept a low profile to avoid further persecution.
Wang Ji, a court usher of Qin, visited the kingdom of Wei as an envoy. During his visit, Fan Ju approached him at night. Wang Ji concealed Fan Ju in his wagon and smuggled him back to the kingdom of Qin. Recognizing Fan Ju‘s talents, Wang Ji recommended him to the king of Qin.
In response, the king of Qin decided to meet Fan Ju at a vacation palace. Fan Ju, in a clever ruse, pretended to enter the palace alley accidentally. When the king arrived, palace eunuchs tried to expel the intruder. Fan Ju boldly proclaimed, “There is no king in Qin. There is only the Queen and Marquis Rang!” Hearing the commotion, the king ordered his attendants to stand down and met Fan Ju privately.
Sitting on his heels in front of Fan Ju, the king earnestly pleaded, “Professor, please give me some advice.” Fan Ju answered, “Yes, Yes, Your Grace.”, and the king repeated his request three times, receiving the same affirmative response each time. Puzzled, the king asked, “Professor, you don’t want to teach me, do you?” Fan Ju explained, “How dare I not! I am a man on the run. I don’t know your grace well. What I want to speak about concerns rectifying state affairs and may involve your grace’s close family members. I want to show my blind loyalty, but I did not know your grace’s intent. That is why I dare not reply when you asked three times. Today, I speak out, and death punishment will follow, yet I dare not evade. A man will die anyway. If my death benefits the kingdom of Qin even a little, that would be my great bequest. My only concern is that people may be silent and hesitant after my death. No one may be willing to come to the kingdom of Qin.”
Still sitting on his heels, the king reassured Fan Ju, “What are you talking about! I met the professor today because I am dim-witted, and heaven has granted the professor to protect the temple of my ancestors. Please teach me, no matter how significant or trivial the matters are. Extend your guidance as high as the queen dowager, and as low as my subordinates. Please hold nothing back, and do not question my sincerity.”
Fan Ju bowed down to the king, and the king reciprocated with a bow. Fan Ju began his discourse: “With a large state and as many militant soldiers as the kingdom of Qin has, dealing with other kingdoms would be like driving pitbulls into crippled rabbits. However, the kingdom of Qin has shut down the Hangu Pass and avoided sending soldiers to the east of the Xiao Mountains for the last fifteen years. This is due to Marquis Rang‘s failure to devise strategies beneficial to the kingdom and also a miscalculation on your grace’s part.”
Intrigued, the king sat down on his heels again, expressing a desire to learn about his miscalculation. Aware of the attendants listening in the shadows, Fan Ju chose to address external affairs first before delving into internal matters. He pointed out, “Marquis Rang‘s decision to bypass the kingdoms of Han and Wei and attack the regions of Gang and Shou in the kingdom of Qi proved to be a detrimental strategy. This move mirrored the past actions of King Min of Qi, who, despite winning battles and claiming vast territories, ultimately gained no lasting benefits. The geographical constraints prevented effective occupation, leading to protracted warfare. As Qi struggled, other neighboring kingdoms took advantage, nearly destroying it.”
Fan Ju advocated for a more prudent approach, suggesting that the kingdom of Qin focus on capturing neighboring states while fostering alliances with those more distant. Fan Ju elucidated: “Through this strategy, acquiring an inch of land translates into an additional inch for your grace, and seizing a foot of land results in another foot for your grace. Currently, the kingdoms of Han and Wei hold a pivotal position within the realm, serving as the axis of the world. If your grace aspires to achieve hegemony, it is imperative to gain control over this axis. The kingdom of Qin, through its military prowess, exerts dominance over the kingdoms of Chu and Zhao. In our tactical approach, we align ourselves with the kingdom of Zhao when Chu is stronger, and vice versa. When both Chu and Zhao align with us, the kingdom of Qi becomes intimidated. Aligning with the kingdom of Qi, on the other hand, facilitates the capture of the kingdoms of Han and Wei.”
The King of Qin commended Fan Ju’s insights, lauding it as an excellent discourse. Acknowledging his strategic acumen, the king honored Fan Ju by appointing him as a visiting minister, assigning him the responsibility of providing counsel on all matters pertaining to warfare.
The kingdom of Chu dispatched Crown Prince Mi Wan to the kingdom of Qin as a hostage as part of their pledge. Accompanying the crown prince was Huang Xie, serving as the state counselor of Chu and assisting the prince in his diplomatic role.
Meanwhile, the kingdom of Qin established the office of Nanyang commandery.
The kingdoms of Han, Qin, Wei, and Chu joined forces in a war against the kingdom of Yan.
King Hui of Yan passed away. His son ascended to the throne, becoming King Wu’cheng of Yan.
The 44th year of King Nan(271 B.C.)
Lin Xiangru of the kingdom of Zhao initiated a campaign against the kingdom of Qi, and the invading forces advanced as far as the city of Pingyi.
Zhao She held the position of minister of the department of agriculture and was responsible for tax collection in the kingdom of Zhao. However, the family of Lord Ping’yuan refused to pay taxes, leading to a confrontation. In response, Zhao She enforced the law and imposed the death penalty on nine attendants of Lord Pingyuan. Enraged, Lord Ping’yuan sought revenge, intending to kill Zhao She.
In a bold move, Zhao She addressed Lord Pingyuan, “Your excellency holds a position of great honor in the kingdom of Zhao. Yet, you’ve allowed your family members to shirk their responsibilities to the common good. This not only undermines the rule of law but jeopardizes the strength of our entire state. A weakened state becomes a target for external threats, and if Zhao falls, where will your excellency enjoy your wealth?”
“Consider the respect your excellency commands in our kingdom. If your excellency upholds the law and contributes to public service, both the higher and lower classes will stand behind you without complaint. Fair treatment for all strengthens the state; it ensures that every citizen feels a part of our shared prosperity. The kingdom of Zhao‘s fortitude lies in a unified and just state.”
“As a person of esteemed royalty, who in the world would dare to disregard your excellency’s influence? Embracing the principles of justice and public service not only secures our kingdom but also cements your excellency’s legacy as a wise and revered leader.”
Impressed by Zhao She‘s wisdom and integrity, Lord Ping’yuan recommended Zhao She to the king of Zhao, who subsequently appointed him in charge of the kingdom’s treasury. Under Zhao She‘s leadership, taxes were lowered, leading to increased prosperity among the people and a well-stocked state treasury.
The 45th year of King Nan(270 B.C.)
The kingdom of Qin launched an attack on the kingdom of Zhao, putting the city of Yuyu under siege. Seeking counsel, the King of Zhao consulted with military strategists Lian Po and Yue Sheng, asking if they could provide relief for the besieged city. Both responded, “It is far away, and the road there is narrow and treacherous. It is difficult to bring relief to them.”
Turning to Zhao She with the same question, the king received a different perspective. Zhao She remarked, “It is far away, and the road there is narrow and treacherous. It is like two mice fighting inside their burrow. The side with courage would win.” Impressed by Zhao She‘s insight, the King of Zhao appointed him as the leader of the rescue mission.
Zhao She halted the march when they were thirty miles away from Handan, the capital of the kingdom. He issued a decisive order: “Death to those petitioning for military strategy.” The Qin army approached the west of Wu’an city, causing vibrations in the roof tiles as they pounded drums and hollered. When a Zhao scout spoke out to rescue Wu’an, Zhao She beheaded him, commanding the troops to fortify the barracks and hold out for twenty-eight days. The Zhao army continued strengthening their barracks, and Qin sent spies to infiltrate the camp. Zhao She treated the spies well and sent them back.
The Qin general, misinterpreting Zhao She’s slow-walking as timidness, expressed delight, believing Yuyu would soon fall. Zhao She, seizing the opportunity, ordered his troops to expedite their movement. They speed-marched to Yuyu in one day and one night, building barracks fifty miles from the city. Anticipating the Qin army’s response, Zhao She received military advice from a Zhao soldier named Xu Li. Xu Li recommended consolidating troops’ formation and confronting Qin head-on to maintain high morale. Zhao She, acknowledging the wisdom, refused to punish Xu Li when he asked to be sentenced, saying, “Wait! The order expired after Handan.”
Xu Li then suggested occupying the high ground of the Northern Mountain first, emphasizing the advantage of those who arrive early. Zhao She approved and deployed ten thousand soldiers to secure the high ground. The Qin troops, arriving late, were repelled from the Northern Mountain. Zhao She seized the opportunity for a full-throttle attack, defeating the Qin army. With this victory, Zhao She and his troops successfully relieved the siege of Yuyu and returned triumphantly.
In recognition of his outstanding leadership, the king of Zhao bestowed upon Zhao She the title of Lord Mafu, elevating him to the same rank as Lian Po and Lin Xiangru. Xu Li, too, was rewarded with a promotion to the position of a brigade general.
The combined forces from the Kingdoms of Zhao and Wei initiated a siege on Huayang, a city of Han. Faced with this dire situation, the Kingdom of Han dispatched envoys to Qin, seeking assistance. The King of Qin declined their plea for aid. In a desperate attempt, the prime minister of Han implored Chen Shi, an official of Han, stating, “We are in dire need of help. Please make a day trip to the Kingdom of Qin, even if you are unwell.”
Despite his illness, Chen Shi complied and traveled to the Kingdom of Qin, where he met with Marquis Rang. Enquiring about the urgency, Marquis Rang said, “Did they send you due to a crisis?” Chen Shi calmly responded, “There is no immediate crisis.” Irritated, Marquis Rang questioned, “Why is that?” Chen Shi explained, “The Kingdom of Han would align with the opposing forces if facing a crisis. The fact that I am here again indicates that the situation has not reached a critical point.” Marquis Rang, recognizing the gravity of the situation, pledged, “I will appeal to the king to send troops.” Subsequently, he led Lord Wu’an (Bai Qi) and Hu Yang, another high-ranking official, to come to the aid of the Kingdom of Han.
The Qin army, taking eight days to reach Huayang, swiftly engaged and defeated the Wei forces outside the city. In the encounter, they forced General Mang Mao to retreat, captured three additional generals, and executed a staggering one hundred thirty thousand soldiers. In a separate confrontation, Lord Wu’an clashed with General Jia Yan from the Kingdom of Zhao. In a strategic move, they managed to drown twenty thousand Zhao soldiers in the Yellow River during the intense battle.
Duangan Zi, a minister of the Kingdom of Wei, proposed surrendering the city of Nanyang to the Kingdom of Qin as a peace offering. However, Su Dai voiced strong opposition to this suggestion when addressing the King of Wei, stating, “Duangan Zi desires the royal seal of the prime minister, and the Kingdom of Qin covets the land of Wei. By attempting to use one covetous party to counterbalance the other, Wei risks losing both the coveted royal seal and its land. Attempting to appease Qin by relinquishing land is akin to trying to extinguish a fire with brushwood. The fire will persist until all the brushwood is exhausted.”
Despite Su Dai’s insightful counsel, the King of Wei conceded Su Dai’s point, while accentuating the difficulty of altering the course that had already been set in motion. Su Dai retorted, drawing a strategic analogy, “The chess piece ‘Xiao’ is valuable because it can capture another piece at will and remains stationary when needed. Why not make decisions as wisely as the chess piece ‘Xiao’?”
The King of Wei did not heed Su Dai’s advice and proceeded to hand over the city of Nanyang to the Kingdom of Qin as indemnity for peace. Nanyang corresponds to the present-day Xiuwu.
Following the death of King Xi of Han, his son, King Huanhui, ascended to the throne as his successor.
At this juncture, both the Kingdoms of Han and Wei found themselves under the dominance of the Kingdom of Qin. The King of Qin was on the brink of dispatching Lord Wu’an, along with the armed forces of Han and Wei, for another campaign against the Kingdom of Chu.
However, before this plan could be set into motion, Huang Xie, the ambassador from Chu, arrived in the city. Upon learning of the impending campaign, Huang Xie harbored concerns that the Kingdom of Qin, fueled by its consecutive victories, might be poised to annihilate the Kingdom of Chu.
Huang Xie submitted a letter to the King of Qin, expressing, “I have heard that things tend to reverse when pushed to their extremes. Winter transforms into summer, and reaching the pinnacle can become precarious, akin to stacking chess pieces. At present, the Kingdom of Qin stands as the largest realm, stretching to the boundaries of civilization in the north and the west. Never before in history has a king governed such an extensive territory.”
Huang Xie continued, “For three generations, the Kings of Qin relentlessly pursued the establishment of a border with the Kingdom of Qi, aiming to disrupt the corridor of alliances formed against Qin by other kingdoms. Your majesty brilliantly deployed Sheng Qiao to serve the Kingdom of Han as an administrator of border towns. Through Sheng Qiao’s efforts, the territories under his jurisdiction were seamlessly integrated with those of the Kingdom of Qin, resulting in the acquisition of hundreds of miles of land without the need for war or even the threat of conflict. Your majesty’s diplomatic finesse and skillful maneuvers were evident in this accomplishment.”
“Furthermore, Your Majesty raised armies to launch an attack on the Kingdom of Wei, effectively blocked the gates to the capital city of Daliang, seized control of the city of Henei, and captured the towns of Yan, Suanzao, Xu, and Tao. The King’s forces then penetrated the region of Xing, causing the Wei troops to disperse like clouds in the sky, unable to provide mutual support. Your Majesty’s military achievements were so remarkable!”
“Subsequently, Your Majesty decided to grant respite to both his soldiers and the people of Wei, allowing a period of repose from the rigors of battle. Two years later, Your Majesty resumed hostilities against Wei and successfully annexed the cities of Pu, Yan, Shou, and Yuan. His forces besieged the cities of Ren, Pingqiu, Huang, and Jiyang until the inhabitants capitulated.”
“Taking strategic measures, Your Majesty carved out the northern territories of Pumo and opened up a direct route from the Kingdom of Qin to the Kingdom of Qi. This action effectively severed the backbone of the alliance between the Kingdoms of Zhao and Chu. The once-formidable anti-Qin coalition, which had united against Qin five times and joined forces six times, now hesitated to come to each other’s aid. The unparalleled glory of Your Majesty shone brightly in these decisive victories.”
“If Your Majesty can consolidate and uphold the current accomplishments, maintaining a superior posture, and if the desire for conquest is relinquished in favor of governing the annexed lands with benevolence and justice, ensuring tranquility in the hinterlands, then Your Majesty could rightfully stand among the Three Greatest Kings and be mentioned in the same breath as the Five Hegemons in history.”
“However, should Your Majesty choose to rely solely on the sheer size and superior armed forces, leveraging the momentum of defeating the fighting spirit of the Kingdom of Wei to subjugate all other kings, it is a path fraught with potential troubles in the near future, particularly in the Your Majesty’s own backyard.”
“There is a saying from the classic The Book of Songs: ‘All start well at first, very few finish so at the end.’ Another saying from The Book of Changes goes: ‘A fox soaks its tail while wading a creek, despite being careful.’ These sayings emphasize the common challenge of initiating endeavors with enthusiasm but encountering difficulties in seeing them through to completion.”
“An illustrative historical example is the alliance between the kings of Wu and Yue, who joined forces to attack the Kingdom of Qi. Despite their victory at the city of Ailing, the king of Wu was later captured by the king of Yue on the shore of the Three Rivers on their way of return.”
“Similarly, the Zhi family of the Kingdom of Jin placed trust in the Han and Wei families, forming an alliance to besiege the city of Jinyang belonging to the Zhao family. As victory seemed imminent, the Han and Wei families betrayed the Zhi family, leading to the killing of the Zhi family’s head, Zhi Bo (also known as Zhi Yao), at the foot of Terrace Zao.”
“Your Majesty, there seems to be a concern that, despite harboring resentment towards the Kingdom of Chu, its existence serves as a strategic advantage for the Kingdoms of Han and Wei, acting as a counter weight. It’s essential to remember that dismantling the Kingdom of Chu might inadvertently strengthen Han and Wei, who are potential adversaries.”
“I express my worry and respectfully advise against dismantling the Kingdom of Chu. While the Kingdom of Chu may seem like a rival, it can also be a source of support for your kingdom. The true enemies are your neighboring states. Trusting the kingdoms of Han and Wei solely based on their flattery may echo the historical situation where the king of Wu trusted the kingdom of Yue, leading to adverse consequences.”
“The ingratiating words from Han and Wei may be a guise to manipulate the larger kingdom while absolving themselves. This suspicion arises because the goodwill towards Qin from Han and Wei may not be enduring, given the longstanding animosity spanning generations. The adversarial history, with fathers and sons of Han and Wei falling to Qin‘s forces for the last ten generations, suggests a deep-seated resentment. Hence, there will always be apprehension for the well-being of Qin as long as the kingdoms of Han and Wei persist. It appears incongruous to allocate resources for Han and Wei to attack the Kingdom of Chu when there has been a historical backdrop of tensions between Qin and these kingdoms.”
“Moreover, the choice of the route the Qin army takes to attack the Kingdom of Chu is crucial. If the army traverses the territories of your enemies, such as the Kingdoms of Han and Wei, On the day the army sets forth, it marks the beginning of Your Majesty’s concern that their return might be uncertain. If Your Majesty’s troops avoid traversing the territory of their adversaries, they must launch their attack from the right side of the Sui River. Considering the challenging terrain with wide rivers, large lakes, mountainous forests, and ravines on the right side of the Sui River, attacking from this direction poses significant challenges. These areas do not yield food, and the cost of damaging the reputation of the Kingdom of Chu might not be offset by any tangible benefits.”
“Initiating a war with the Kingdom of Chu would likely prompt immediate reactions from the other four kingdoms. Long battles between the armies of Qin and Chu would ensue, providing an opportunity for the Kingdom of Wei to expand into regions like Liu, Fangyu, Zhi, Huling, Dang, Xiao, and Xiang, formerly part of the State of Song. Simultaneously, the Kingdom of Qi would seize the fertile land to the north of the Si River, an area with excellent transportation connections.”
“In such a scenario, the Kingdoms of Qi and Wei could emerge as the strongest powers in the region. Considering the potential consequences and the geopolitical landscape, fostering friendly relations with the Kingdom of Chu might be a more favorable approach for the overall stability and prosperity of Qin.”
“Considering the looming alliance between the Kingdoms of Qin and Chu, the Kingdom of Han would likely acquiesce and pay homage to Your Majesty. Leveraging the geographic advantage of the strategic pass of East Mountain and controlling the engirdling of the Yellow River loop, the Kingdom of Han could become a vassal of Qin to the east of Hangu Pass.”
“Deploying a substantial force of one hundred thousand troops to the State of Zheng would instill fear among the people of the Kingdom of Wei. Cities like Xu and Yanling might retreat to their inner castles, disrupting the connection between the regions of Shangcai and Zhaoling. This move could potentially lead to the Kingdom of Wei becoming another vassal of Qin to the east of Hangu Pass.”
“Moreover, amending relations with the Kingdom of Chu could lead to the Kingdoms of Han and Wei, which are formidable military states, vying for the land of Qi. The vast area of west Qi could be easily captured, extending Your Majesty’s territory from the west ocean to the east ocean, establishing Qin at the helm of the world. The kingdoms of Yan and Zhao will lose the support of the kingdoms of Qi and Chu, and reciprocally so for Qi and Chu. If the kingdom of Qin advances towards Yan and Zhao, it would destabilize the foundations of the kingdoms of Qi and Chu. This would eventually lead to the subjugation of all four kingdoms to the kingdom of Qin, even without an immediate initiation of war.”
Recognizing the strategic advantage and potential consequences, the King of Qin agreed with Huang Xie‘s counsel. Consequently, Lord Wu’an was summoned back, and the allied troops from the Kingdoms of Han and Wei were dismissed. Huang Xie was sent back to the Kingdom of Chu, carrying a proposal for a marriage alliance between Qin and Chu.
Tian Dan was on the brink of attacking Di, a small state, when he consulted Lu Zhonglian, a renowned intellectual and lobbyist. Lu Zhonglian cautioned, “General, breaking through the city of Di will prove challenging.” Dismissing the advice, Tian Dan asserted his previous triumph over the larger forces of Yan with a meager army in Jimo. Without bidding farewell, he mounted his chariot and commenced the siege on the city of Di.
After three months of unsuccessful attempts, He caught wind of the children of Qi singing a taunting rhyme: “A hat as big as a winnow basket, a sword as long as it touches the chops; the city of Di stands impregnable, with carcasses piled up to the hilltop.” Concerned, Tian Dan sought out Lu Zhonglian for guidance. He acknowledged, “Professor, you foresaw my failure in breaking through the city of Di. Please enlighten me on the reasons.”
Lu Zhonglian explained, “During the siege at Jimo, General, you exhibited an unwavering commitment – weaving brackets upon sitting down, and leaning on a shovel upon standing up. You led the soldiers in songs, urging them to ‘Rush forward when the temple where we worship is gone! Where do we belong when the spirits of our ancestors are homeless?’ At that time, General, you held a resolute determination to fight to the death, with soldiers fully expecting not to return alive. Every one of them fought with utmost intensity, tears in their eyes. This was the spirit that led to the victory over the Yan army.”
“Nowadays, General, you enjoy the enfeoffments from Ye in the east and entertainment from Zishang in the west. You traverse between the rivers Zi and Sheng, adorned with a gold belt, leading a life filled with happiness and devoid of any immediate threat of death. This stark contrast in circumstances is why the siege of Di has met with failure.”
Touched by Lu Zhonglian‘s insight, Tian Dan declared, “I still possess the will to succeed; Professor has reignited my motivation.” The next day, he toured the battlefield, standing shoulder to shoulder with his soldiers, invoking their fighting spirit with drumsticks. Finally, the people of Di capitulated, yielding to Tian Dan‘s renewed determination and leadership.
King Min of Qi sought to eliminate Lord Mengchang following the annexation of the kingdom of Song. Fleeing to the kingdom of Wei, Lord Mengchang was appointed as the prime minister by the Wei king. Lord Mengchang, in turn, orchestrated an alliance among several kingdoms to launch an attack on Qi. With King Min’s death, his son, King Xiang of Qi, restored the kingdom, prompting Lord Mengchang to withdraw to his fief, the state of Xue. There, he maintained a neutral stance, detached from other kingdoms.
Wary of Lord Mengchang, King Xiang of Qi, upon his inauguration, pursued an alliance with him. Meanwhile, internal strife arose as Lord Mengchang‘s sons vied for the inheritance of their father’s title and land. The kingdoms of Qi and Wei joined forces, ultimately extinguishing the state of Xue. Regrettably, Lord Mengchang passed away without any descendants.
The Duke Min of Lu passed away, and his son Chou succeeded him, assuming the title of Duke Qing of Lu.
The 37th year of King Nan(278 B.C.)
The foremost military commander of the Qin Kingdom, Bai Qi, holding the esteemed title of Daliangzao, spearheaded a military campaign against the Kingdom of Chu. Under his command, the city of Ying, which served as the capital of Chu, fell into Qin‘s control. Additionally, he orchestrated the destruction of the city of Yiling. The armed forces led by King Xiang of Chu crumbled, rendering them incapable of further resistance. Consequently, the King of Chu relocated the capital to the northeastern city of Chen. The Kingdom of Qin subsequently renamed Ying as Nanjun. In recognition of his achievements, Bai Qi was honored with the distinguished title of Lord Wu’an.
The 38th year of King Nan(277 B.C.)
Lord Wu’an of Qin successfully captured both the city of Wu and the region of Qianzhong, solidifying Qin‘s control over these territories. As a strategic move, he went on to establish the commandery of Qianzhong to consolidate administrative control.
Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Wei, King Zhao passed away. Following his demise, his son Yu ascended to the throne and assumed the title of King Anxi of Wei.
The 39th year of King Nan(276 B.C.)
Lord Wu’an of Qin launched an offensive against the Kingdom of Wei, resulting in the conquest of two cities under Qin‘s dominion.
In the Kingdom of Chu, the king integrated the armed forces of the eastern territory, amassing an additional one hundred thousand soldiers. He strategically directed this potent force westwards, successfully conquering fifteen towns situated to the south of the Yangtze River.
In the Kingdom of Wei, King Anxi bestowed the title of Lord Xinling upon his brother Wuji.
The 40th year of King Nan(275 B.C.)
The Marquis Rang, who held the esteemed position of prime minister in the Qin Kingdom, spearheaded a military campaign against the Kingdom of Wei. In response, General Pu Yuan from the Kingdom of Han intervened in support of Wei. However, Marquis Rang‘s forces triumphed decisively, resulting in the beheading of forty thousand soldiers from the Han army. Pu Yuan, in retreat, sought refuge in the city of Qifeng. To secure peace, the Kingdom of Wei conceded eight cities to the Kingdom of Qin.
Undeterred, the Marquis Rang initiated another assault on the Kingdom of Wei, this time defeating General Mang Mou. The Qin forces subsequently entered the city of Beizhai and proceeded to lay siege to Daliang, the capital of Wei. Faced with the relentless pressure, the Kingdom of Wei ceded the Wen area in pursuit of a peaceful resolution.
The 41st year of King Nan(274 B.C.)
Once again, the Kingdom of Wei forged an alliance with the Kingdom of Qi. In response, Marquis Rang of Qin orchestrated another military campaign against Wei. The Qin forces, displaying formidable prowess, successfully captured four cities and inflicted heavy casualties by beheading forty thousand soldiers from the Wei army.
The King of Zhao conferred the town of Guanjin upon Yue Yi, expressing veneration and affection for him. This move, however, raised alarms in the kingdoms of Yan and Qi. King Hui of Yan promptly dispatched an envoy to Zhao to reprimand Yue Yi: “General Yue, by embracing misguided opinions and harboring doubts about us, you abandoned the kingdom of Yan and sought refuge in Zhao. While this may benefit you personally, how do you reciprocate the grace my father bestowed upon you for recognizing your talent?”
In response, Yue Yi composed a letter to the king, drawing a parallel with the historical account of Wu Zixu, a general in the kingdom of Wu. Wu Zixu, having advised King He Lv to engage in a distant battle at the city of Ying, was disregarded by He Lv‘s son, Fu Chai, who went so far as to dispose of Wu Zixu’s body in a river. Fu Chai, doubting Wu Zixu‘s strategic counsel, expressed no remorse upon sinking his body. Wu Zixu, unable to foresee the contrasting character of the two Wu kings, retained his indignation even in death.
Yue Yi emphasized his commitment: “My primary objective was to accentuate the accomplishments of the late king while deliberately abstaining from claiming any credit for myself. My greatest apprehension was the prospect of being entangled in a smear campaign and facing prosecution that could tarnish the reputation of the deceased king. Confronted with an unspecified indictment, my conscience vehemently opposed exploiting the favor extended by the kingdom of Zhao to the detriment of the kingdom of Yan.”
“I was mindful of the historical wisdom that distinguished individuals, particularly those of ancient times, refrained from denigrating each other, even in the event of severed friendships. Additionally, a devoted subject refrained from exculpating himself when forced into exile from his homeland. I may lack intelligence, but I have been a student of gentlemen. I implore Your Majesty to observe my conduct.”
Upon reading the letter, the King of Yan bestowed upon Yue Yi‘s son, Yue Jian, the title of Lord of Changguo. This gesture marked the restoration of Yue Yi’s relationship with the kingdom of Yan, allowing him to travel between the two kingdoms. Eventually, Yue Yi passed away in the kingdom of Zhao, posthumously honored with the title of Lord of Wangzhu.
Tian Dan, the prime minister of the Kingdom of Qi, once encountered an old man suffering from hypothermia near the Zi River. The elderly man, unable to move after crossing the river, caught Tian Dan’s attention. Without hesitation, Tian Dan removed his fur coat and draped it over the shivering man. Witnessing this act of kindness, King Xiang of Qi became deeply perturbed, suspecting ulterior motives.
He vented his agitation, exclaiming, “Tian Dan bestows favors; is he harboring ambitions to seize the kingdom? I fear that if I don’t address this now, he may attempt such a coup later.” After these words, he took a moment to survey his surroundings and noticed no one in close proximity. His gaze then fell upon a pearl jewel craftsman situated beneath a rock. Acting on impulse, he summoned the craftsman and inquired, “Did you overhear my remarks?” The craftsman affirmed, “Indeed, I did.” Curious, the king pressed, “What are your thoughts on the matter?”
The perl craftsman replied: “It would be more advantageous, Your Grace, to redirect these concerns into a display of your own benevolence. Praise Tian Dan by acknowledging his compassionate actions, stating, ‘We was troubled by the plight of people facing starvation, and Tian Dan graciously opened his home, providing sustenance. We was concerned about an elderly man succumbing to the cold, Tian Dan selflessly removed his fur coat and draped it over him. We worried about the hardships faced by the people, Tian Dan demonstrated genuine empathy. Tian Dan really understands We.’”
Embracing this advice, King Xiang agreed and rewarded Tian Dan with cattle and wine. Later, the pearl craftsman returned with further advice, recommending that the king publicly acknowledge Tian Dan‘s philanthropy during a court assembly. Additionally, he proposed issuing an executive order to identify individuals lacking food and clothing, promptly providing them with grains. The king, receptive to this counsel, implemented the suggestions.
As word spread, the people learned of Tian Dan‘s benevolent acts through discussions among officials and intellectuals. The consensus emerged that Tian Dan‘s love for the people was a manifestation of his adherence to the teachings of the king.
Tian Dan recommended Diao Bo to the king of Qi. However, nine courtiers conspired against Lord Anping, advising the king in a rotating fashion. Their collective suggestion was to express gratitude and goodwill to the kingdom of Chu since their recovery and subsequent peace was aided by Chu‘s general and ten thousand soldiers. The king sought a suitable ambassador, and they unanimously endorsed Diao Bo. Diao Bo embarked on a mission to Chu, where he was graciously received by the king, sharing drinks during an audience. Several months passed without Diao Bo‘s return.
The nine courtiers seized the opportunity to influence the king, asserting that Diao Bo, a mere courier, received extravagant hospitality from a powerful kingdom due to Lord Anping‘s influence. They implied that Lord Anping‘s status rivaled the king’s, creating confusion between ruler and subject. Moreover, they criticized Lord Anping‘s internal governance of benevolence, accusing him of fostering alliances with northern barbarians, attracting talents from around the world, and harboring limitless ambitions. They urged the king to investigate these matters.
The following day, the king issued a command: “Fetch Prime Minister Dan!” Unadorned, barefoot, and bare-backed, Tian Dan entered, acknowledging his alleged crimes. After five days of reflection, the king declared Tian Dan innocent, acknowledging no wrongdoing. He instructed Tian Dan to show the appropriate respect as a subject, while reaffirming the king’s duty to treat him as such.
Diao Bo returned from the kingdom of Chu, and the king of Qi hosted a lavish feast in his honor. As the king became increasingly intoxicated, he suddenly exclaimed, “Summon Prime Minister Dan!” Diao Bo promptly stood up, left the table, and knelt before the king. He inquired, “Is Your Majesty comparable to esteemed figures like King Wen of Zhou?”
The king admitted, “I am not as accomplished.” Diao Bo pressed on, “Indeed, I knew Your Majesty might not be. How about someone of lower standing, like Duke Huan of Qi?” Reluctantly, the king confessed, “I am not as accomplished.” Diao Bo concurred, “I knew Your Majesty was not. However, King Wen of Zhou addressed Lv Shang as ‘Honorable Father’ when appointing him as prime minister, and Duke Huan of Qi referred to Guan Zhong as ‘Great Uncle.’ Today, with Lord Anping‘s support, Your Majesty addresses him simply as ‘Dan.’ Such language is detrimental to our kingdom.”
Diao Bo then recounted the achievement of Tian Dan: “Throughout the entirety of the universe’s existence and human history, none have achieved as much as Lord Anping in his ministerial role. When the previous king’s realms were under threat, and the people of Yan launched an attack, Your Majesty, unable to defend, sought refuge in the mountains near Chengyang. In these dire circumstances, Lord Anping led a meager force of seven thousand beleaguered soldiers to defend the small city of Jimo, encompassing three miles of inner city and five miles of outer city.”
“Lord Anping‘s strategic brilliance reversed the tides of battle, resulting in the capture of Yan’s general and a remarkable comeback that reclaimed thousands of miles of the Land of Qi. During this critical juncture, Lord Anping possessed the opportunity to ascend as king, bypassing the exiled king in Chengyang, with none capable of opposing him. However, Lord Anping, guided by moral principles, rejected the notion of self-anointment.”
“Demonstrating not only military prowess but also compassion, Lord Anping constructed plank roads and wooden houses connecting Chengyang and ensured the safe return of the king and queen to their people. Presently, with the kingdom in a state of tranquility and order, Your Majesty’s summoning of Lord Anping with a simple ‘Dan’ is deemed infantile behavior.” Diao Bo implores the king to rectify the situation by eliminating the nine conspirators and extending a genuine apology to Lord Anping, emphasizing that failure to do so jeopardizes the stability of the kingdom.The king, swayed by Diao Bo‘s counsel, executed the nine courtiers and exiled their families. Additionally, he granted Lord Anping further fiefs, comprising ten thousand households in the town of Ye.
Tian Dan issued an order for the residents of the city of Jimo to pay homage in the courtyard to their ancestors before every meal. Birds circled and hovered over the city, creating an unusual atmosphere that caught the attention of the Yan soldiers. Tian Dan confidently declared, “A guardian angel from God will guide me.” In response, one of his soldiers playfully teased him, asking if he could be the guardian angel. Unsettled, the soldier attempted to run away after jesting.
Tian Dan promptly called the soldier back. Seating him facing east, Tian Dan assumed a role similar to that of a student with his teacher. The soldier, in protest, exclaimed, “Lord, I was just joking with you.” Tian Dan, however, silenced him, urging him not to say anything. Instead, Tian Dan continued to show reverence to the soldier. Whenever they were in public, Tian Dan referred to the soldier as “Godsend Master,” and the soldier willingly participated in this charade.
Tian Dan, in a strategic move, spread rumors claiming, “The people of Qi fear that all prisoners of war from Qi will have their noses chopped off and be placed in the front row of the phalanx. Jimo stands no chance if they resort to such tactics.” The soldiers of Yan, influenced by this misinformation, adopted the mentioned tactic. The people under siege witnessed the cruel act of captives having their noses chopped off, leading to outrage and heightened vigilance within the city, as they feared falling into captivity.
Employing disinformation once more, Tian Dan stated, “I am deeply concerned that the soldiers of Yan might desecrate the tombs of our ancestors, severely impacting our morale.” In response, the soldiers of Yan indeed dug up the tombs of Qi and burned the corpses. The people of Qi, observing this horrifying act from the ramparts, shed tears and were filled with immense anger. The incident fueled their determination to fight back, and they cried out for a decisive confrontation.
Sensing the readiness of the soldiers of Qi for battle, Tian Dan took charge by picking up a shovel and leading them to prepare for the battlefield. In a remarkable move, he enlisted his wives and concubines into the army and generously shared the fine food from his household to boost the soldiers’ morale. To strategically manage resources, he ordered his armored soldiers to lie low while deploying the old, weak, and women to guard the rampart.
Simultaneously, Tian Dan initiated diplomatic efforts by dispatching envoys to the Yan camp to discuss surrender. The soldiers of Yan, interpreting this as a sign of Qi‘s defeat, jubilantly declared victory. Tian Dan raised thousands of ounces of gold from the residents of Qi. He then appealed to the tycoons of Jimo to distribute the gold among the Yan generals, requesting them to spare their families from pillaging upon capitulation. The Yan army generals, pleased with the gesture, approved the requests, leading to a sense of complacency and laxity within the Yan army.
Tian Dan orchestrated a clever strategy within Jimo city, gathering over a thousand bulls. These bulls were adorned with capes made of crimson silk, featuring painted dragons and characters of various colors. Daggers were fastened to the horns, and the tails were bundled with oil-soaked reed stems. Concurrently, soldiers of Qi dug tens of tunnels around the city walls.
Under the cover of night, the bulls, their tails set ablaze, were released from the city, accompanied by five thousand elite soldiers. Charging toward the troops of Yan, the bulls, with their fiery tails, inflicted severe casualties and created panic among the soldiers of Yan. The population of Jimo city, in unison, banged drums and copper instruments, generating clamors and roars that reverberated through the air, shaking both the ground and the morale of Yan‘s soldiers. Faced with the terrifying sight of characters on the capes and the onslaught of raging bulls, the soldiers of Yan began to flee.
In the ensuing chaos, the troops of Qi captured and killed the Yan army general, Qi Jie. Pursuing the retreating Yan soldiers to the north, every town they passed renounced allegiance to Yan and returned to the kingdom of Qi. Tian Dan‘s forces swelled in size, growing more triumphant each day, while the Yan army fled north of the Yellow River. The kingdom of Qi successfully reclaimed over seventy cities it had lost. As King Xiang of Qi moved from Ju to Linzi, the old capital, the people greeted him warmly. In recognition of Tian Dan‘s contributions, the King of Qi bestowed upon him the title of Lord Anping.
The King of Qi proclaimed the daughter of Taishi Jiao as the queen, and she subsequently gave birth to the crown prince Jian. However, Taishi Jiao disowned his daughter, stating, “She married on her own, without going through a matchmaker. She is not my child, and she tarnished my family’s reputation.” Despite her father’s rejection, the queen continued to show him due respect.
Bai Qi of the kingdom of Qin achieved a decisive victory over the troops of Zhao, beheading twenty thousand soldiers. The Qin forces successfully captured the city of Guanglang in the region of Dai. Subsequently, the kingdom of Qin deployed another general, Sima Cuo, to lead the troops in Longxi. They traversed through the state of Shu and conducted a raid on the Qianzhong region of the kingdom of Chu, ultimately occupying Qianzhong. In response, the kingdom of Chu ceded the land to the north of the Han River and the Shangyong region.
The 36th year of King Nan(279 B.C.)
Bai Qi of Qin initiated another campaign against the kingdom of Chu, successfully conquering the cities of Yan, Deng, and Xiling.
An envoy from the king of Qin extended an invitation to the king of Zhao for a friendly meeting at the city of Mianchi, located to the east of the Yellow River. Initially hesitant, the king of Zhao was persuaded otherwise by Lian Po and Lin Xiangru, who argued that refusing to attend would portray the kingdom of Zhao as weak and timid. Consequently, it was decided that Lin Xiangru would accompany the king of Zhao to the meeting. Lian Po escorted the king to the border and, upon parting, expressed his concern, saying, “Your Grace is on your way. I estimate that it would take 30 days to travel and participate in the ceremony if Your Grace returns right after the meeting. I would install the crowned prince as king if Your Grace does not come back within 30 days, ensuring that the kingdom of Qin cannot take advantage of us in the absence of a leader.” The king of Zhao approved of this precautionary measure.
The meeting unfolded in the city of Mianchi, where the King of Qin engaged in a convivial atmosphere, sharing liquor with the king of Zhao. In the midst of their high spirits, the King of Qin suggested that the king of Zhao play the zither for amusement, to which the king of Zhao obliged. In return, Lin Xiangru, requested that the King of Qin play the percussion fou (a pot used as a musical instrument). However, the King of Qin declined. In response, Lin Xiangru exclaimed, “I am five paces from Sire. I would like to stain Sire with the blood from my neck!” The guards of the King of Qin unsheathed their swords and daggers, but Lin Xiangru stood his ground, staring them down. He vehemently protested, and the guards eventually backed off. Reluctantly, the King of Qin struck the percussion fou once as requested.
Throughout the drinking party, the king of Qin found it challenging to subjugate the king of Zhao. The entourage of the king of Zhao remained highly vigilant, and the guards of Qin hesitated to make a move.
The king of Zhao returned home safely and elevated Lin Xiangru to the top official position in the kingdom, even ranking him above Lian Po. Unhappy with this development, Lian Po expressed his discontent, stating, “I am the general of the kingdom of Zhao, merited by military exploits in the battlefields. Lin Xiangru used to be a lowly servant, and now he talks his way into a position above me. I cannot bear being his underling.” Lian Po declared that he would hurl insults at Lin Xiangru if they crossed paths. Upon hearing this, Lin Xiangru purposefully avoided encounters with Lian Po, taking sick leave during court appearances and steering clear of discussions about ranking. When he spotted Lian Po approaching, Lin Xiangru would avoid the road and hide his chariot, causing a feeling of humiliation among his entourage.
Clarifying their misconception, Lin Xiangru asked his attendants, “Who do you think is more powerful, General Lian or the king of Qin?” They replied, “General Lian is not as powerful as the king of Qin.” Lin Xiangru explained, “Facing the power of the king of Qin, I yelled at him in his court, insulted his ministers and guards. I am not fearless, so why should I fear only General Lian? In my view, the reason the kingdom of Qin has not invaded the kingdom of Zhao is because there were two of us in leadership. If we, like two tigers, engaged in a feud for dominance, only one would be left standing. I prioritize national critical interest over personal wrangle.” Hearing this through word of mouth, Lian Po felt ashamed and, bearing his back and carrying a switch, went to Lin’s house and sought forgiveness from Lin Xiangru. From then on, they became friends akin to Damon and Pythias.
During the period when the troops from the kingdom of Yan were besieging the city of Anping, a middle-level official of the city Linzi named Tian Dan happened to be in Anping. Recognizing the impending danger, he instructed his relatives to install iron braces on the shafts of their carriage wheels. As the city wall was breached, chaos ensued as all the carriages attempted to flee from the gate. The shaft ends of their carriage wheels collided and broke, rendering the carriages immobile and leading to the capture of their passengers by the Yan army.
Only Tian Dan‘s relatives, with carriages protected by the iron braces, managed to pass through the gate and escape to the city of Jimo. At this point, all the towns of Qi had fallen to the Yan army, except for the city of Ju and the city of Jimo. Yue Yi ordered his right corps and front corps to besiege the city of Ju, while his left corps and rear corps surrounded the city of Jimo.
The high officials of Jimo valiantly fought against the soldiers of Yan and perished in the battle. Recognizing Tian Dan‘s wisdom and military acumen demonstrated by the survival of his relatives in Anping, the people of Jimo unanimously agreed to install him as the general of Jimo to lead the resistance against the Yan invaders.
Yue Yi directed the siege on the two cities, but even after a year, they remained impervious to the invasion. Recognizing the need for a strategic shift, Yue Yi issued orders for his army to cease the siege and retreat to bunkers located nine miles away from the cities. Addressing his troops, he instructed, “Do not apprehend anyone leaving the cities. Provide assistance to those facing hardship. Let the people of Qi resume their previous way of life. This is how we govern the new population.” Despite the prolonged encirclement, the two cities held firm for three years without surrendering.
Criticism of Yue Yi arose in the court of King Zhao of Yan. An individual voiced their skepticism, stating, “Yue Yi is undoubtedly a skilled strategist. He swiftly conquered more than seventy cities during the initial attack on Qi. However, his inability to capture two cities now is not due to a lack of military strength. He has refrained from attacking for three years, employing his military prowess to subdue the people of Qi. It appears his ultimate goal is to become the king of Qi. The people of Qi may have yielded already, but he has not made a move because his wife and children still reside in the kingdom of Yan. Perhaps he will eventually overlook his wife, given the abundance of beautiful women in the kingdom of Qi. Your Majesty, it is imperative to thwart his potential scheme.”
King Zhao of Yan convened a gathering of all his magistrates for a wine-drinking party, where he addressed the individual who had criticized Yue Yi. He rebuked them, saying, “My late father, the former king, entrusted the entire kingdom to a wise leader, not driven by the desire for territorial gains to be inherited by his descendants. However, the one bestowed with the kingdom, Zizhi, proved less virtuous and capable for the task, leading to discontent among our people. The kingdom of Qi acted immorally, exploiting the turmoil in our kingdom to assassinate your former king. Assuming the throne, I keenly felt my father’s pain. This is why I maintain an open-door policy for all my ministers and actively seek talents from abroad. Our aim is to avenge my father’s death. If someone achieves this, we would gladly share the Yan kingdom with them.”
Continuing, King Zhao praised Yue Yi: “Lord Yue has successfully breached the kingdom of Qi on my behalf, exacting retribution for past humiliations by leveling their ancestral temple. The sovereignty of Qi rightfully belongs to Lord Yue, and it is not within the purview of the Kingdom of Yan to claim. If Lord Yue chooses to establish the kingdom of Qi as his own realm, he would stand as an equal among all kingdoms. This would pave the way for amicable neighborly relations and alliances aimed at warding off common threats. Such a scenario is not only a blessing for the kingdom of Yan but also my heartfelt desire. How dare you slander Lord Yue!” He ordered the beheading of the gossiper.
The king bestowed exclusive gowns, reserved for the queen, upon Yue Yi‘s wife, and provided princely attire for Yue Yi‘s sons. Additionally, he commanded a procession of a hundred four-horse wagons, accompanied by the Prime Minister of the Yan Kingdom, to escort Yue Yi’s family to the kingdom of Qi. In a grand gesture, the title of King of Qi was conferred upon Yue Yi. However, Yue Yi, displaying profound humility, respectfully declined the esteemed title. In a letter to the king, he vowed that he would rather face death than accept such an honor.
This principled stance endeared Yue Yi to the people of Qi, who came to endorse his righteousness. Meanwhile, the lords of other kingdoms, recognizing his unwavering integrity, were hesitant to question his reliability. The aura of respect and fear surrounding Yue Yi grew, dissuading anyone from daring to plot against him.
Shortly after the death of King Zhao of Yan, his son, King Hui, ascended to the throne. However, King Hui harbored negative sentiments towards Yue Yi from their time when he was the crown prince. Seizing this opportunity, Tian Dan exploited the situation by sowing discord among the people of Yan. He spread rumors that alleged that the king of Qi had passed away and that the two cities persisted in their resistance for two main reasons.
Firstly, it was claimed that Yue Yi was in conflict with the newly inaugurated King Hui of Yan and feared returning to Yan, apprehensive for his life. The rumor asserted that Yue Yi intended to gather his forces to declare himself as the king of Qi under the pretext of besieging the cities. Secondly, it was suggested that the people of Qi resisted Yue Yi’s rule, causing him to delay the attack on the city of Jimo, anticipating a change in their sentiments. Now, the people of Qi were portrayed as fearing the arrival of another general to lead the Yan army, predicting the immediate downfall of Jimo in such a scenario.Susceptible to suspicion and disinformation, King Hui of Yan summoned Yue Yi back to the kingdom of Yan and replaced him with General Qi Jie as the military leader in Qi. Aware of the likely unfavorable treatment awaiting him in Yan, Yue Yi chose to flee to the kingdom of Zhao instead. The officers and rank-and-file of the Yan army shared a sense of grievance, believing that injustice had been done to Yue Yi.
The officials from the kingdoms of Qin and Zhao held a meeting at the city of Xiang. Subsequently, the army of Qin successfully seized the city of Ancheng from the kingdom of Wei. Embarking on an extensive campaign, the Qin army marched all the way to Daliang, the capital of Wei, before eventually returning.
After the death of King Min of Qi at the hands of Nao Chi, his son, Fazhang, changed his name and sought refuge as a servant for the family of Taishi Jiao in the city of Ju. Concealing his identity, Fazhang caught the attention of Taishi Jiao’s daughter, who sensed that he was not a commoner. Compassionate towards him, she stole food and clothing to support him, and their relationship blossomed romantically.
Meanwhile, Wangsun Gu, an assistant of the deposed King Min of Qi, lost contact with the king and was unaware of his whereabouts. Wangsun Gu’s mother expressed her concern and confusion about her son’s return. She said, “I stand by the door and look when you go out in the morning and return at night. I stand by the neighborhood gate and look when you go out in the evening and do not return until late. You worked for the king, and the king is gone, and you don’t know where he is. Why do you come back?” She expressed confusion over his loyalty to a vanished king. Wangsun Gu took decisive action by going to the market and making a public proclamation. He shouted, “Nao Chi overthrew the kingdom of Qi and murdered the king! Whoever wants to help me kill Nao Chi, please bare your right arm!” In response to his impassioned call, more than four hundred people in the market answered.
This mob successfully attacked Nao Chi, leading to his demise. Following this, the exiled ministers of Qi began searching for King Min’s son. Fazhang, fearing for his life, hesitated before revealing his true identity. Eventually, the ministers installed him as the new king of Qi, and they called on the people to defend the city of Ju against the impending invasion by Yan. Posters were circulated to announce the inauguration of the new king at the city of Ju.
The king of Zhao possessed a rare jade annulus named Heshi, obtained from the kingdom of Chu. The king of Qin, Zhao‘s neighboring kingdom, coveted this precious jade and offered fifteen cities in exchange for it. Faced with a dilemma, the king of Zhao hesitated, fearing both offending the powerful kingdom of Qin and being deceived by them. Seeking counsel, he turned to his minister, Lin Xiangru, for advice.
Lin Xiangru proposed a strategic approach: “If your grace does not approve the city-trading arrangement involving jade, we would have snubbed the king of Qin. Conversely, if the kingdom of Qin refuses to cede the cities even after receiving the jade, they will be indebted to us. Considering these alternatives, I prefer endorsing the deal and establishing a sense of obligation on the part of the kingdom of Qin. I am willing to proceed with the jade disk, committing to return it in pristine condition should the king of Qin renege on the jade-for-cities agreement.”
Following this advice, the king of Zhao sent Lin Xiangru to Qin. Upon meeting the king of Qin, Lin Xiangru sensed the latter’s reluctance to fulfill the deal. Ingeniously, Lin Xiangru tricked the king of Qin into letting him handle the jade disk. Secretly passing the jade to his assistant, Lin Xiangru instructed him to take detours, returning to the kingdom of Zhao immediately. Meanwhile, Lin Xiangru stayed behind to deal with the king of Qin.
Impressed by Lin Xiangru‘s selfless act, the king of Qin not only admired him but also allowed him to return home amicably. In recognition of his wisdom and loyalty, the king of Zhao promoted Lin Xiangru to the position of chief minister of Zhao.
Lord Si of Wey, known for his keen observance and curiosity about the privacy of others, passed away, and his son, Lord Huai, succeeded him. Lord Si was characterized by his attention to details and a knack for handling matters discreetly.
In one instance, a county magistrate revealed his worn-out mattress when he uncovered his beddings. Hearing about this, Lord Si responded by giving the official a new mattress, leaving the magistrate astonished and even believing that Lord had supernatural powers.
To test the integrity of a checkpoint attendant, Lord Si sent his lackey through the checkpoint with gold as a bribe. Later, he summoned the attendant and questioned him about whether he had accepted or refused the gold from passengers. The checkpoint attendant was terrified.
Lord Si of Wey favored a concubine named Xie and held Minister Ru Er in high regard. Wary of his personal biases affecting his judgment, Lord Si appointed another minister, Bo Yi, to a higher position to counterbalance the influence of Ru Er. Additionally, he showed more respect to another concubine named Wei. Lord Si referred to these actions as balance acts.
Xun Kuang made this comment: Marquis Cheng of Wey and Lord Si of Wey were money-grubbers and bean counters. They had not won the hearts of the people. In contrast, Zi Chan of Zheng had won the hearts of his people while simultaneously running an effective government. Guan Zhong of Qi had not only run an effective administration but also advanced propriety.
Those who have advanced propriety become the hegemon; those who have run an effective administration strengthen the state; those who have won the hearts of the people enjoy peace and prosperity; those who only pursue wealth are destined for doom.
The 33rd year of King Nan(282 B.C.)
Qin‘s forces launched an assault on the kingdom of Zhao, capturing two cities.
The 34th year of King Nan(281 B.C.)
The troops of Qin raided the kingdom of Zhao, seizing the city of Shicheng.
The kingdom of Chu had intentions to form an alliance with the kingdoms of Qi and Han, aiming to launch a campaign against the kingdom of Qin. Additionally, they plotted against the court of the Zhou dynasty. In response, King Nan of Zhou dispatched Wu Gong from Eastern Zhou to persuade Zhao Zi, the prime minister of Chu, stating, “You should not scheme against the dynasty of Zhou.” Zhao Zi replied, “There is no such scheme. However, why not though?” Wu Gong explained, “The land of Western Zhou is less than one hundred square miles when rounded up. Its king holds the title in name only and lacks the resources to enrich a state or strengthen an armed force. Attacking the king of Zhou would lead to being labeled a king assassin. Despite these challenges, there are those who still plot against the kingdom of Zhou, driven by their desire for the coveted sacrificial vessels stored there. It’s akin to hunting tigers, where the meat is unsavory, and the defense is lethal, yet people still pursue it. Conversely, dividing up the land of the kingdom of Chu would bring wealth to all involved; humiliating the king of Chu would earn fame for every king. If the goal is to raid the relics of the lord of the world and possess the sacrificial vessels of three dynasties, moving them south would attract the invading army to your doorstep.” Following this exchange, the kingdom of Chu abandoned its plan.
During this period, the King of Qin had a conference with the King of Chu in the city of Wan. Similarly, he met the King of Zhao in the city of Zhongyang.
General Meng Wu of Qin launched a raid on Qi and successfully conquered nine cities.
King Min of Qi, after annexing the kingdom of Song, grew arrogant. His troops launched invasions into the southern kingdom of Chu and the three kingdoms that had originated from the state of Jin: Han, Wei, and Zhao. His ambition was to absorb the two states where the Zhou dynasty’s court resided and proclaim himself as the emperor. Criticism of these wars led to the death of Hu Xuan in the city of Tanqu. Additionally, Chen Ju was killed in the city of Donglu following a debate with the king.
During this time, King Zhao of Yan made constant efforts to address the grievances of his people, leading to prosperity and abundance within his kingdom. With the intention to invade Qi, he devised plans alongside his prime minister, Yue Yi.
Yue Yi expressed caution, stating, “The kingdom of Qi, though a remnant of a hegemon, still possesses vast territory and a large population. It’s not an adversary we should face alone. It would be wiser to seek an alliance with Zhao and perhaps even with Chu and Wei if Your Majesty truly desires to invade Qi.”
Responding to Yue Yi‘s counsel, the King of Yan dispatched him as an envoy to Zhao and sent other emissaries to engage Chu and Wei. Additionally, he persuaded Zhao to entice Qin with incentives related to the raid on Qi.
All the kings harbored resentment toward the arrogance displayed by the King of Qi. They were keen to join forces with Yan in an alliance aimed at attacking Qi.
The 31st year of King Nan(284 B.C.)
The King of Yan issued a march order, appointing Yue Yi as the general and commander-in-chief. Si Li, the defense minister, led troops from Qin, along with forces from the kingdoms of Han, Wei, and Zhao, all merging with Yan’s army. The King of Zhao conferred the seal of the prime minister upon Yue Yi. Commanding the combined forces of Qin, Wei, Han, and Zhao, Yue Yi launched a campaign against the kingdom of Qi. In response, King Min of Qi mobilized his entire kingdom for defense. A fierce battle erupted west of the Ji River, resulting in the defeat of Qi‘s troops.
Yue Yi then directed the troops from Qin and Han to return to their respective kingdoms. He redirected Wei‘s forces to invade the territory once belonging to the kingdom of Song and ordered Zhao‘s troops to take control of the Hejian area. Simultaneously, he led Yan‘s troops in pursuit of Qi‘s army deep into the north of the kingdom.
Adviser Ju Xin cautioned Yue Yi: “The Kingdom of Qi stands as a formidable state, while the Kingdom of Yan is comparatively smaller. Our victory over their army stemmed from the assistance of other kingdoms. It’s now opportune to bolster our own position by annexing their border cities, fostering enduring advantages. Your current strategy of bypassing unconquered cities under the guise of pursuing the enemy’s retreat won’t damage Qi and could not significantly benefit Yan. Instead, it perpetuates animosity between our peoples, a strategy that will likely lead to regret in the future.”
Yue Yi disagreed: “The King of Qi may boast about his military accomplishments and talents, but his strategic acumen falls short. He has expelled individuals of integrity and capability while placing trust in those who flatter him and unjustly tarnish others’ reputations. His policies exhibit brutality and cruelty, leading to widespread discontent among his people. With Qi‘s armed forces now in disarray, seizing this opportunity to pursue him is imperative. The populace of Qi will likely revolt against him, making it easier for us to conquer the kingdom once internal unrest erupts. We must capitalize on this moment, as it will become considerably more challenging if he later regrets his past actions, reforms his behavior, and begins addressing his subordinates’ needs and the grievances of his people.”
Ignoring the adviser’s counsel, Yue Yi pressed forward into Qi‘s territory. As anticipated, internal rebellion erupted in Qi, causing King Min to flee his kingdom. Capitalizing on the chaos, Yue Yi’s troops entered Linzi, Qi‘s capital, seizing the treasury and religious artifacts, transporting the spoils back to Yan. The King of Yan personally visited the frontline troops at the Ji River, generously rewarding all generals and soldiers. He bestowed upon Yue Yi the title of Lord Changguo and tasked him with staying in Qi to conquer the remaining cities yet to surrender.
The King of Qi sought refuge in the state of Wey, a smaller principality, after his exile. The Lord of Wey generously offered shelter in his palace, treating the King of Qi as his suzerain and covering all expenses. However, the King of Qi maintained his haughty demeanor, causing unrest among the people of Wey, who eventually drove him out. He sought refuge in other principalities like Zou and Lu, but his overbearing attitude resulted in these states rejecting him. Ultimately, he found refuge in a small state called Ju.
The Kingdom of Chu intervened, sending General Nao Chi with Chu‘s troops to assist the King of Qi. As a result, Nao Chi was appointed the prime minister of the Kingdom of Qi. However, Nao Chi‘s intentions were to divide Qi‘s territory between the Kingdom of Yan and himself. He arrested the King of Qi and accused him of heinous acts, questioning him about various ominous incidents: “Were you aware of the blood rain that stained people’s clothes across a stretch of several hundred miles between Qicheng and Bochang?” The King of Qi admitted he knew. Nao Chi pressed further: “Did you know about the water spring burst and mudslide between Ying and Bo?” Again, the King of Qi acknowledged his knowledge. Nao Chi continued: “Were you aware of the cries at the gate, with no visible individuals upon opening the doors, yet the cries were audible?” Once more, the King of Qi affirmed his knowledge.
Nao Chi condemned him: “The blood rain was a warning from heaven; the water spring burst and mudslide were warnings from the earth; the cries at the gate were warnings from the people. When heaven, earth, and people all cautioned you, and yet you did not heed these warnings, how could you escape death?” Consequently, Nao Chi had the King of Qi executed at a location called Guli.
Xun Kuang made this comment: The position of a head of state is the most advantageous in the world. It brings great comfort, glory, and a sense of virtue and beauty when entrusted to a moral individual. Conversely, it poses a grave menace and a severe ordeal, something an ordinary person might prefer to avoid. In extreme cases, as seen with King Min of Qi and Duke Xian of Song, individuals in such positions couldn’t even be ordinary when they desired to be.
Therefore, a head of state attains supremacy by governing with morals, dominates others through the establishment of trust, and faces peril if relying on political chicanery.
A leader who governs a state with propriety and righteousness is impervious to harm. A virtuous gentleman adheres to ethical principles and refrains from committing unjust acts or harming the innocent, even if it means gaining the entire world. This unwavering commitment to principles solidifies the state’s foundation, making it as robust as rocks. Those who collaborate with such a leader are righteous individuals, the laws they promulgate are just, and the goals they pursue are righteous.
This alignment of principles earns the leader the respect of their subordinates, and the support is built on a solid foundation. With firm support, the government achieves stability. When governments are stable, peace prevails in the world. As the saying goes, “Use the government to promote righteousness, and everyone will understand it in one day.” Historical figures like King Tang of Shang and King Wu of Zhou exemplified this approach. Hence, I assert that governing with morals elevates a leader to the status of a supreme king.
Even if the moral standards haven’t reached the highest level and righteousness isn’t universally embraced, it’s crucial that most people comprehend fundamental principles. Establishing a criminal justice system, a reward system, and clear rules regarding permissible and impermissible actions is essential. Administrators should have a clear understanding of their responsibilities according to the king’s directives. Transparency is key when implementing policies, acknowledging both their successes and failures.
Moreover, honoring pacts and alliances, regardless of the immediate advantages or disadvantages, contributes to building a solid fortress of a state protected by strong armed forces. Such a principled state would instill fear in enemy states and garner trust from allies. Even if located in a remote and destitute area, a state adhering to clear principles would not be taken lightly by the world. The examples of the five hegemons during the Spring-Autumn period illustrate this point. Hence, I assert that whoever gains trust will ultimately dominate.
When a state neglects the promotion of righteousness and honesty, the government is prone to pursuing short-term interests and fleeting fame. Internally, the state may audaciously seek small profits by deceiving its own people, while externally, it may pursue significant gains by betraying its allies. Such a state fails to utilize its internal resources effectively while harboring an unwarranted desire for what others possess. In turn, the underlings and common people would resort to deception against their supervisors.
This deceit permeates all levels of society, with the upper classes exploiting the lower classes and vice versa, leading to societal disintegration. Such a state becomes vulnerable, taken lightly by its enemies and viewed with suspicion by its allies. Political chicanery becomes rampant, causing the foundation of the state to crumble and ultimately leading to its demise. Examples such as King Min of Qi and Lord Mengchang illustrated the consequences of such governance.
King Min of Qi sought to strengthen the kingdom not through the promotion of righteousness and propriety, improvement of internal administration, or the pursuit of a unified external environment. Instead, he engaged in endless frictions and wars. Indeed, the kingdom of Qi once held considerable strength. It demonstrated its prowess by defeating the kingdom of Chu to the south, overpowering the kingdom of Qin to the west, defeating the kingdom of Yan to the north, and conquering the kingdom of Song in the middle. However, this strength proved hollow, and the kingdom fell as soon as the kingdoms of Yan and Zhao initiated attacks. His downfall stands as a humiliating admonition for posterity, emphasizing the consequences of relying on political chicanery rather than righteousness and propriety.
The three keys—Morality, Honesty, and Chicanery—are crucial elements that wise leaders must carefully choose, and virtuous statesmen must comprehend. Those who make wise choices aligned with morality and honesty are destined to prevail, while those who make poor choices, leaning towards chicanery, are likely to be overpowered.
Yue Yi discovered a highly respected scholar named Wang Zhu in the town of Zhouyi. He took the drastic step of ordering his troops to encircle the town within a thirty-mile radius, prohibiting anyone from entering. Intent on recruiting Wang Zhu, Yue Yi instructed his assistants to invite the scholar to join his administration. However, Wang Zhu firmly declined the invitation.
In response, an officer from Yan resorted to threats, warning Wang Zhu, “If you don’t come with me, I will massacre the whole town of Zhouyi!” Undeterred, Wang Zhu replied with conviction, “A loyal subject won’t work for two lords. A faithful woman won’t sleep with two husbands. I retired to this farm because the king of Qi won’t listen to my advice. I cannot live on as my country is ruined and my lord died. Now, if you want to take me by force, I would rather die than live unethically.” With resolve, he wrapped his neck with tree branches and proceeded to strangle himself to death through a series of jumps.
The army of Yan achieved significant success by penetrating deep into the kingdom of Qi, leading to the retreat of defenders from all the cities. Yue Yi, the leader of the Yan forces, took a strategic approach by resting and disciplining his troops, explicitly forbidding pillage and seizure of properties. He demonstrated a magnanimous gesture by bringing out hermits and dissidents of Qi, granting them respect and eminence. In addition, Yue Yi implemented reforms to benefit the people of Qi, including reducing taxation, abolishing draconian laws, and reinstating policies from before the reign of King Min of Qi. These measures contributed to the happiness of the people.
Yue Yi organized his armies to occupy the vast kingdom strategically. His left wing crossed the Jiao river, moving to areas of East Jiao and Donglai. The front army marched to the sea along the east of Tai Mountains, successfully conquering the city of Langya. Simultaneously, the right wing marched along the Yellow River and Ji River, quartering at the cities of E and Zhen in coordination with the army of Wei. The rear army occupied the city of Qiancheng near the north sea. The central command was headquartered at the city of Linzi, the capital of Qi.
Yue Yi paid homage to Duke Huan of Qi and his famous prime minister Guan Zhong in a worship ceremony held in the suburb of Linzi. Additionally, he undertook initiatives to enhance the local infrastructure, renovating the scholar’s house entrance and embellishing the tomb of Wang Zhu. Recognizing the loyalty of the people of Qi, Yue Yi awarded fiefs in Yan to about twenty individuals and granted titles from Yan to more than a hundred residents of Qi. In total, Yue Yi conquered over seventy cities of Qi, establishing them as the prefectures and counties of Yan.The kings of Qin, Wei, and Han convened for a meeting at the capital city of Zhou.
The army of Qin defeated the army of Wei in the city of Xie.
The 22nd year of King Nan(293 B.C.)
Gongsun Xi of Han, alongside forces from Wei, launched an assault on the kingdom of Qin. Marquis Rang (also known as Wei Ran) advocated for Bai Qi, holding the title of Zuogeng, to the King of Qin, favoring him over the current military leader, Xiang Shou. Bai Qi took command of the Qin army and decisively defeated the combined forces of Wei and Han at Yique, resulting in the beheading of two hundred and forty thousand enemy soldiers. Furthermore, Bai Qi‘s troops captured Gongsun Xi, the opposing general, and secured control of five cities. As a result of his remarkable achievements, the King of Qin appointed Bai Qi as the Defense Minister of Qin.
Subsequently, the King of Qin penned a missive to the King of Chu, asserting, “The kingdom of Chu has betrayed Qin, prompting Qin to lead a coalition of kingdoms in an incursion against Chu. I advise Your Majesty to uplift your soldiers and prepare them for a forthcoming battle.” Faced with this formidable declaration, the King of Chu was apprehensive. Consequently, he proposed a renewed alliance with Qin through a matrimonial bond once again.
The 23rd year of King Nan(292 B.C.)
Upon the arrival of his new wife from the kingdom of Qin, King Xiang of Chu extended a warm welcome.
Sima Guang’s comments: Qin exhibits immoral behavior! They have not only murdered the former king but also bullied his son. As for Chu‘s King, he shows weakness. Enduring the assassination of his father and subsequently marrying the murderer. Oh! If only the King of Chu understood proper governance and was aided by competent ministers, even when facing the mighty Qin, how could he have been subjugated in such a manner! Xun Quang’s words resonate deeply: ‘With proper governance, even a small state covering a hundred miles can assert its independence. With misguided governance, even a vast territory like Chu, spanning six thousand miles, would fall victim to its enemies.
Wei Ran relinquished his position as the prime minister because of poor health. His deputy, Zhu Shou, succeeded him as the new prime minister of Qin.
The 24th year of King Nan(291 B.C.)
Qin launched an invasion into Han territory and successfully captured the city of Wan.
The kingdom of Qin relieved Zhu Shou of his position and reinstated Wei Ran as the prime minister. Additionally, Wei Ran was granted the fief towns of Xiang and Tao, thereby earning the title of Marquis Rang. Furthermore, Qin bestowed the town of Wan as a fief to Prince Shi and the town of Deng to Prince Kui.
The 25th year of King Nan(290 B.C.)
The kingdom of Wei ceded four hundred miles of territory east of the Yellow River to Qin, while Han similarly relinquished two hundred miles of land encompassing Wusui.
Mang Mou of Wei was widely esteemed for his skill in deceit and strategic cunning.
The 26th year of King Nan(289 B.C.)
Bai Qi, the Grand Marshal, and Sima Cuo, the Vice Prime Minister of Qin, spearheaded a military campaign against the kingdom of Wei, advancing as far as Zhi Pass. Throughout their expedition, they successfully captured a total of sixty-one towns, large and small, in the region.
The 27th year of King Nan(288 B.C.)
In the winter month of October, the King of Qin declared himself the West Emperor and extended the title of East Emperor to the King of Qi through his envoy, Wei Ran. This gesture aimed to foster amicable relations, contingent upon Qi‘s commitment to jointly attack the kingdom of Zhao. Seeking counsel, the King of Qi consulted Su Dai, recently returned from Yan, about Qin‘s proposal. Su Dai opined, “Your Grace, I suggest accepting the offer quietly without announcing it to the world. If the world accepts Qin‘s declaration, you can follow suit later. Conversely, if the world reacts unfavorably to Qin‘s claim, your decision not to declare will earn widespread approval—a valuable political asset. Regarding military action against Zhao or the kingdom of Song, where do we gain more advantages? I propose relinquishing the emperor’s claim, earning global approval, and directing military efforts against the immoral kingdom of Song. A victory against Song would profoundly impact Chu, Zhao, Liang, and Wey. We maintain a superficial deference to Qin while uniting the world against them. This strategy embodies the notion that humility garners greater respect.” The King of Qi endorsed Su Dai’s strategy. He assumed the emperor’s title for a mere two days before reverting to his former title as king.
In December, Lv Li, an official from Qi, journeyed to Qin. Promptly following, the King of Qin also renounced his emperorship, returning to his previous status as king.
Amidst these diplomatic maneuvers, the kingdom of Qin launched an invasion into Zhao, successfully capturing the town of Duyang.
The 28th year of King Nan(287 B.C.)
The kingdom of Qin conducted raids into Wei and Zhao territories, resulting in the seizure of the cities of Xinyuan and Quyang.
The 29th year of King Nan(286 B.C.)
Sima Cuo, a prominent official of Qin, spearheaded a military campaign targeting the prefecture of Henei in Wei territory. In response to Qin‘s campaign, Wei conceded the town of Anyi in pursuit of peace. Qin relocated all the town’s inhabitants to Qin‘s territory and subsequently returned the land to Wei.
Additionally, the army of Qin achieved victory by defeating the Han troops stationed at the town of Xiashan.
In the kingdom of Song, a hawk was discovered to have hatched in a sparrow’s nest nestled in a corner of the castle. The official soothsayer proclaimed it an auspicious sign, interpreting that from the small emerges the great, predicting that the King of Song would become the world’s hegemon. Delighted by this prophecy, King Kang of Song enthusiastically mobilized his armed forces, initiating the annexation of the state of Teng and launching raids on a smaller state named Xue. His military engagements yielded victories: defeating the kingdom of Qi in the east, claiming five cities; subduing the kingdom of Chu in the south, annexing territories spanning three hundred miles; and overcoming the army of the kingdom of Wei in the west. Song declared both Qi and Wei as public enemies, further boosting the king’s confidence in his pursuit of hegemony.
Emboldened by these military triumphs, King Kang began extravagant displays of power, shooting at the sky and flagellating the ground. He aggressively defied tradition by desecrating the idols of land and grain gods, burning altars to showcase military might to the divine realm. Engaging in excessive revelry, he spent nights in endless drinking bouts within his chamber, prompting attendants to cheer “Viva!” His exuberance spilled beyond the palace walls, with attendants outside echoing the chant, soon echoed by the people throughout the kingdom. This orchestrated fervor reached such a level that dissent was unthinkable.Disdain for King Kang’s actions grew among neighboring kingdoms, labeling him “JieSong” in reference to the despotic ruler Jie of the Xia dynasty. Consequently, when King Min of Qi sent troops to invade the kingdom of Song, its people fled, leaving the ramparts undefended. King Kang sought refuge in Wei but eventually met his demise in a place known as Wen.
Reflection by Rio Grande 