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  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 30): Mr. He’s Jade Disk

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 4 Scroll 4 (continued)

    Jade Disk

    The 32nd year of King Nan(283 B.C.)

    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. 

    Marquis Rang of Qin, also known as Wei Ran, resumed his position as the prime minister of Qin.

    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.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 29): Yue Yi Assuming Command

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 4 Scroll 4 (continued)

    General Yue Yi

    The 30th year of King Nan(285 B.C.)

    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.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 28): The Collapse of Kingdom Song

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 4 Scroll 4 (continued)

    Bai Qi, Lord Wu’an

    The 21st year of King Nan(294 B.C.)

    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.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 27): Insurgence at Shaqiu

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 4 Scroll 4

    Duration of 25 years

    Shaqiu

    The 18th year of King Nan(297 B.C.)

    King Huai of Chu managed to flee and headed homeward. However, the vigilant guards of Qin became aware of his escape and swiftly obstructed the road leading to the kingdom of Chu. Sensing the imminent danger, King Huai took an alternative route, diverting his path towards the kingdom of Zhao. Yet, upon his arrival, the Father Lord of Zhao had already departed for the state of Dai, leaving the people of Zhao apprehensive about hosting King Huai of Chu.

    With nowhere else to turn, King Huai had to seek refuge in the kingdom of Wei. However, the relentless guards of Qin persisted in their pursuit, eventually apprehending him and forcibly returning him to Qin.

    The 19th year of King Nan(296 B.C.)

    King Huai of Chu fell gravely ill and passed away while in Qin. His body was eventually returned to Chu, where a mourning ceremony and burial were solemnly conducted. The people of Chu were deeply grieved by his demise, mourning his death as a profound loss to their own family. Consequently, trust among the various kingdoms towards the kingdom of Qin significantly diminished.

    In response to King Huai’s death and as a show of unity against Qin‘s actions, the kingdoms of Qi, Han, Wei, Zhao, and Song united their forces to confront Qin. However, their campaign ceased upon reaching the city of Yanshi. In an attempt to reach a settlement, the kingdom of Qin agreed to a truce, relinquishing the city of Wusui to Han and Fengling to Wei.

    Meanwhile, the Father Lord of Zhao traversed the state of Dai and proceeded to his new territory. During his journey, he encountered the king of Loufan in Xihe and successfully enlisted the soldiers of Loufan into the troop of Zhao, strengthening his military forces.

    King Xiang of Wei passed away, leading to his son Chi assuming the throne as King Zhao of Wei, inheriting the responsibilities of rulership.

    Following the death of King Xiang of Han, his son Jiu ascended to the throne, taking the title of King Xi of Han, continuing the lineage of leadership within the kingdom.

    The 20th year of King Nan(295 B.C.)

    The Defense Minister of Qin, Sima Cuo, spearheaded a campaign to launch a raid on the city of Xiangcheng in Wei.

    Meanwhile, the Father Lord of Zhao, supported by the kingdoms of Qi and Yan, successfully eradicated the kingdom of Zhongshan. They relocated the former king of Zhongshan to the city of Fushi. Upon his return, the Father Lord of Zhao generously rewarded all his subordinates and granted amnesty to all prisoners within Zhao. He hosted grand banquets, generously supplying wine to all attendees, and the festivities continued for a remarkable five days.

    In an act of recognition and delegation, the Father Lord of Zhao honored his eldest son, Zhao Zhang, by granting him the state of Dai and bestowing upon him the esteemed title of Lord Anyang.

    Prince Zhang leads a life of opulence and is discontented about being subordinate to his younger brother. The Father Lord appointed Tian Buli as the prime minister to assist Prince Zhang. Concerned about this alliance, Li Tuo appealed to Fei Yi: “Prince Zhang is formidable and proud. He garners support from a powerful clique and seeks dominance. Tian Buli, on the other hand, is ruthless and insolent. Their collaboration is sure to breed schemes. When an ambitious individual lacks ethical consideration, they prioritize immediate gains over long-term consequences. This heralds significant trouble. Your position carries immense responsibility and power, often becoming a locus for unrest and misfortune. Why not step back and delegate your duties to Prince Cheng, citing poor health? Avoid bearing the brunt of this impending calamity.”

    Fei Yi responded firmly: “The Father Lord entrusted the king’s security to me, emphasizing the importance of unwavering principles and decisions: ‘’Don’t change your principles; Don’t alter your deliberation; Cling to your decision throughout your life.’  I made a solemn commitment and documented my pledge. It would be a grave betrayal of trust to retreat from my words due to fear of Tian Buli’s threats. There’s a saying: ‘You ought not feel shame facing a reborn dead person.’ I am committed to my word, though I wish to safeguard my well-being too. Your counsel reflects loyalty, but my commitment was made first, and I cannot renege.”

    Li Tuo accepted Fei Yi‘s decision, saying, “You’re right. Please do your utmost. This might be our last meeting this year.” He departed, shedding tears as he left the room.

    Li Tuo and Prince Cheng held several meetings to strategize for the imminent insurrection planned by Tian Buli. Meanwhile, Fei Yi confided in his assistant Shen Qi (also known as Gao Xin): “Prince Zhang and Tian Buli may have respectable reputations, but they harbor malicious intentions. They’ve managed to gain the trust of the Father Lord within the court while amassing supporters of violence outside its confines. They possess the capability to fabricate decrees from the Father Lord at any given moment, enabling them to seize temporary control. I am deeply concerned, to the extent that I have been neglecting sleep and sustenance. We cannot afford to lower our guard while these individuals wreak havoc. Henceforth, anyone seeking an audience with the king must go through me first. I will precede the king everywhere, ensuring it is safe before granting access.” Shen Qi responded with an affirmative “yes,” acknowledging Fei Yi‘s instructions.

    The Father Lord requested King Huiwen to summon all the courtiers while he observed behind the scenes. Witnessing his eldest son’s dispirited demeanor as he had to bow to his younger brother, the Father Lord contemplated dividing the kingdom of Zhao, possibly appointing Prince Zhang as the king of the state of Dai. However, this plan remained unimplemented as he hadn’t finalized his decision yet. During a tour of Shaqiu, the Father Lord and the king stayed in separate palaces.

    Subsequently, Prince Zhang, Tian Buli, and their supporters initiated an insurrection, fabricating an order from the Father Lord to summon the King. Tragically, Fei Yi was the first to enter and was killed. Shen Qi valiantly fought the rioters, protecting the king. Upon hearing the news, Prince Cheng and Li Tuo rushed from the capital. They rallied armed forces from neighboring counties to quell the insurrection. In the ensuing conflict, Prince Zhang, Tian Buli, and all the rioters were eliminated.

    Prince Cheng ascended as the prime minister, holding the title of Lord Anping, while Li Tuo assumed the role of Justice Minister. During this tumultuous period, King Huiwen was young, and effective power resided in the hands of Prince Cheng and Li Tuo.

    When Prince Zhang faced defeat, he sought refuge from the Father Lord, who allowed him entry. This prompted Prince Cheng and Li Tuo to lay siege to the Father Lord‘s palace. Breaking in, they confronted and killed Prince Zhang. Subsequently, Prince Cheng and Li Tuo deliberated: “Our seizure of the Father Lord‘s palace was due to Prince Zhang‘s actions. This act constitutes a severe crime, endangering our entire clan. Even if we lift the siege now, our clan would face retribution.” They resolved to continue the siege and warned the palace attendants that the last person to leave the palace would face dire consequences for themselves and their families. Fearing for their lives, everyone evacuated the palace.

    Trapped inside, the Father Lord couldn’t procure food and resorted to raiding bird nests for sustenance, feeding on newly hatched birds. After enduring starvation for three months in the Shaqiu palace, the Father Lord succumbed to starvation. Confident of the Father Lord‘s demise, Prince Cheng dispatched emissaries to all kingdoms, announcing the former king’s passing.

    The Father Lord initially appointed Prince Zhang as the crown prince. However, he met a woman named Wu Wa and fell deeply in love. He spent several years with her, leading to the birth of Prince Zhao He from their relationship. Consequently, the Father Lord revoked Prince Zhang‘s status as the crown prince, replacing him with Prince Zhao He as the successor to the throne.

    Upon Wu Wa’s passing, the Father Lord‘s feelings for her waned, and he began to regret his decision regarding Prince Zhang. He contemplated the idea of having two kings but struggled with indecision. During this time of uncertainty, an insurrection began to brew and eventually erupted. In another realm, the prime minister of the Qin, Lou Huan, was dismissed from his position. Wei Ran assumed the role of prime minister in the Kingdom of Qin.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 26): A Retriever Dog and Crowing Roosters

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 3 Scroll 3 (continued)

    Lord Ping’yuan

    The 17th year of King Nan (298 B.C.)

    A reminder to the King of Qin highlighted concerns regarding Lord Mengchang, the Prime Minister of Qin, suggesting that his allegiance to the kingdom of Qi over Qin‘s interests posed a significant threat to the stability and security of the kingdom of Qin. This sparked grave concern for the kingdom of Qin‘s stability.

    In response, the King of Qin reinstated Lou Huan as the prime minister and ordered the imprisonment of Lord Mengchang, planning for his execution. However, Lord Mengchang sought aid from one of the King’s favored concubines in a desperate bid for help. The concubine proposed a bargain: she would intervene to save Lord Mengchang if he offered her his prized white fox fur-coat.

    Though Lord Mengchang had previously dedicated the fur-coat to the King of Qin, he orchestrated a plan. One of his associates, skilled in deception, disguised himself as a dog and stealthily stole the fur from the royal warehouse. Lord Mengchang then presented the fur-coat to the concubine, who used her influence to persuade the King to release him.

    Initially agreeing to release Lord Mengchang, the King regretted his decision upon Lord Mengchang’s departure. He dispatched guards to retrieve him. Lord Mengchang, aware of the impending danger, found himself at the gate of a pass, which only opened at the first crowing of roosters every morning.

    With the guards approaching, Lord Mengchang anxiously waited at the gate during the night. One of his retainers, skilled in mimicking rooster calls, simulated a rooster’s crow, triggering responses from wild roosters. This created confusion, and as roosters crowed, the gate opened as expected. Lord Mengchang seized the opportunity, sprinting through the pass and eventually returning to the kingdom of Qi, evading capture.

    People in the kingdom of Chu revealed to the people of Qin: ”Blessed by the god of land and god of grain, our kingdom finally has a new king!” This declaration greatly angered the King of Qin, prompting him to take drastic action.

    In retaliation, the King of Qin ordered troops to march through the Wu pass, launching a devastating raid on the kingdom of Chu. The Qin troops ruthlessly executed fifty thousand individuals and captured sixteen towns in an aggressive and brutal attack on the kingdom of Chu.

    The King of Zhao named his brother Zhao Sheng as Lord Pingyuan. Lord Pingyuan likes to hire intellectuals. His dinner is often filled with up to thousands of retainers on his payroll. There was a person called Gongsun Long, who was good at debating. He would debate with others on topics such as the rock being neither hard nor white, because that white rocks or hard rocks are different from rocks in general. Lord Pingyuan accepted Gongsun Long to be his guest. A descendant of Confucius whose name is Kong Chuan happened to come to the kingdom of Zhao from the kingdom of Lu. He and Gongsun Long held a debate about whether a housemaid had three ears. Gongsun Long was so eloquent that Kong Chuan could not counter. Kong Chuan left the debate after only a short while. 

    He talked to Lord Pingyuan the next day. Lord Pingyuan said: “Mr. Gongsun was good at debating yesterday, wasn’t he? What do you think of him?” Kong Chuan replied: “He surely was. He almost made the housemaid grow three ears. It sounded good, but it would be difficult to make it true! Let me ask my grace a question: ‘To say that a housemaid has three ears is hard to convince yet it is false. To say that a housemaid has two ears is very easy to convince and it is also true. I would like to know if you prefer the easy argument and truth, to the difficult argument and falsehood?’” Lord Pingyuan could not refute that. He spoke to Gongsun Long the next day: “You should not debate with Kong Chuan any more. He had better logic than speech whereas you had better speech than logic. Holding speech over logic would fail in the end.”

    During his travels through the kingdom of Zhao, Zou Yan, a respected scholar from Qi, was invited by Lord Pingyuan to engage in a debate with Gongsun Long. However, Zou Yan declined the invitation, asserting, “Let’s not begin this. Debates should aim to distinguish between different objects, avoiding conflicts, and clarify concepts to prevent confusion. Their purpose should be constructive communication, not obfuscation. In a beneficial debate, both sides achieve their goals; the winner affirms their conviction while the opposition clarifies their stance. However, using verbose speech as argument, employing flashy insults, convoluted analogies to replace concepts, and employing logical traps to distract opponents hinder the pursuit of truth. It’s not a dignified manner for a scholar to resolve disputes through relentless argumentation. I choose not to participate.” This principled stance earned applause from all present, leading to a decline in Gongsun Long’s popularity. I choose not to participate.” This principled stance earned applause from all present, leading to a decline in Gongsun Long’s popularity.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 25): The Visiting King Detained

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 3 Scroll 3 (continued)

    The Relics of Wu Pass

    The 16th year of King Nan (299 B.C.)

    King Wuling of Zhao held a significant ceremony, gathering all in the east court on the day of Wu-Shen in May according to the Lunar calendar. During this event, he announced his intention to pass on the title of King to his young son, Zhao He. Following this declaration, the new king visited the kingdom temple to offer prayers to the ancestors. Subsequently, he held court appearances, granting an audience to all the officials.

    Fei Yi was appointed as the prime minister and also became the tutor of the newly anointed king. King Wuling adopted the title of “The Father Lord” and aimed to instill governance in his son, Zhao He. King Wuling adopted a different appearance, donning Nomadic clothing, and led his aides in expanding territories from the Nomads in the Northwest.

    In a bold move, King Wuling planned to assail the capital of Qin, Xianyang, by advancing through areas like Yuzhong and Jiuyuan. To carry out reconnaissance and gather intelligence, he disguised himself as an ambassador from Zhao to Qin. Traveling to Xianyang, he interacted with the King of Qin, observing the geography of Qin and studying its ruler along the way.

    However, the King of Qin, suspicious of the ambassador’s imposing appearance and demeanor that didn’t align with that of a typical envoy, sent guards to pursue him. By the time they investigated further, King Wuling, the “Father Lord,” had already cleared all the passes of Qin. Upon realizing the true identity of the visitor, the people of Qin were left astonished by the audacity and cunning of King Wuling.

    The Kings of Qi and Wei held a meeting within the kingdom of Han.

    In another event, the army of Qin carried out a raid on the kingdom of Chu, capturing eight cities. Following this incursion, the King of Qin sent a letter to the King of Chu, expressing his grievances: “You and I pledged brotherhood during our meeting at Huangji. When your Crown Prince visited as part of our pact, our joy knew no bounds. However, my profound anger arose when your Crown Prince murdered one of my key ministers and fled the scene. This incident led to my decision to deploy troops to invade your borderlands.”

    “I have heard of your desire for peace, seeking to achieve it by sending your Crown Prince to the kingdom of Qi. Given our shared border and our families’ marital ties, it’s essential for the harmony between our kingdoms. Disharmony between Qin and Chu may disrupt peace among other neighboring kingdoms.”

    “I wish to meet you in person at the Wu Pass. At this meeting, I propose we amend our former pact, aiming to leave as allies once again. This is my sincere desire.”

    Receiving this letter, King Huai of Chu felt uncertain. He feared potential deception if he attended the meeting, yet he was also concerned about further enraging the King of Qin if he declined. His minister, Zhao Sui, advised against attending, suggesting instead to mobilize Chu‘s troops and fortify their borders. Zhao Sui warned that Qin posed a significant threat, likening them to predators aiming to dominate all kingdoms, asserting that trusting Qin was unwise.

    However, King Huai‘s son, Zi Lan, urged his father to attend the meeting. Ultimately, despite his hesitations, King Huai of Chu decided to go ahead with the meeting proposed by the King of Qin.

    The King of Qin orchestrated a deceptive scheme: one of his generals was disguised as the king, and Qin troops lay in ambush within the city of Wuguan. Upon the King of Chu‘s entry, the gates of the pass were swiftly closed, and he was captured. Subsequently, he was taken westward to the capital city of Xianyang.

    At the palace of Zhangtai, the King of Qin granted an audience to the King of Chu, yet with the formalities reserved for a foreign vassal. During this meeting, the King of Qin demanded the territories of Wu and Qianzhong as conditions for a treaty. However, the King of Chu insisted that the alliance treaty be signed before any territorial negotiations, while the King of Qin demanded the surrender of the lands first.

    In response to the demands, the King of Chu was incensed, feeling deceived and coerced into relinquishing land. This led him to refuse any further negotiations. Consequently, the King of Qin detained the King of Chu.

    The officials of Chu convened in an emergency meeting, grappling with the gravity of their situation: “Our king is detained in the kingdom of Qin, and they demand land in exchange for his release. Simultaneously, our Crown Prince remains a hostage in the kingdom of Qi. If Qin and Qi are collaborating against us, the kingdom of Chu will be left without a leader.”

    Amidst this crisis, there was a proposal to elevate a prince residing in the capital city of Ying as the new king. However, Zhao Sui opposed this suggestion, citing that appointing a new prince without the consent of the detained king would be inappropriate.

    To mitigate the situation, Zhao Sui took action. He dispatched an envoy to Qi, urging the King of Qi to facilitate the return of the crown prince home. This request was made under the false pretext that the King of Chu had passed away.

    King Min of Qi convened all his ministers to strategize and address the predicament at hand. During the discussions, a proposal surfaced suggesting that they should retain the crown prince of Chu and demand the northern lands beyond the Huai River from Chu in exchange for his release.

    However, the Prime Minister of Qi objected to this proposal, emphasizing that such an action would be unethical. He argued that if Chu installed a new prince in the capital city of Ying, holding the deposed crown prince hostage would not advance their interest, but diminish their honor among other kingdoms.

    The proponent of the initial idea countered this stance, proposing an alternate strategy: if a prince in the capital of Ying were installed as the new king, they could negotiate with him. The bargaining chip would involve a demand for the southeast part of the state in exchange for the crown prince’s life (thus elimination of the throne contender). Failing to meet this demand would result in the installation of the crown prince by force, with the backing of the consensus from the three-kingdom alliance.

    Ultimately, King Min of Qi sided with his prime minister’s ethical standpoint. As a result, the crown prince was released. Subsequently, the crown prince returned to the kingdom of Chu and was duly installed as the new king.

    The King of Qin recognized the exceptional capabilities of Lord Mengchang as a skilled statesman. Impressed by his talents, the King extended an invitation for Lord Mengchang to visit Qin. To ensure the agreement’s security, the King offered Lord Jingyang as a guarantee to the kingdom of Qi in exchange for Lord Mengchang‘s arrival.Responding to the invitation, Lord Mengchang journeyed to the kingdom of Qin and was subsequently appointed as the prime minister, entrusted with key responsibilities in the governance of Qin.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 24): Mother of A Kingdom

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 3 Scroll 3 (continued)

    Queen Xuan

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

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

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

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

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

    A comet appeared in the sky.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    A comet appeared in the sky.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    A total solar eclipse occurred.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 23): Changing Dress Code

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 3 Scroll 3 (continued)

    King Wuling of Zhao

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 22): Zhang Yi and the Horizontal Alliance

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 3 Scroll 3 (continued)

    Zhang Yi

    The 4th year of King Nan (311 B.C.)

    The prime minister of Shu murdered the Marquis of Shu.

    King Hui of Qin dispatched a messenger to the kingdom of Chu, proposing to exchange the land outside Pass Wu for the Qianzhong region of Chu. However, the King of Chu dismissed this offer, countering with a proposition to exchange the Qianzhong land for Zhang Yi. Surprisingly, Zhang Yi expressed his desire to go to Chu upon hearing this. The King of Qin was perplexed, questioning Zhang Yi’s willingness to face the potential threat of revenge from Chu.

    Zhang Yi replied: “The Kingdom of Qin is much stronger than Chu. As long as Your Majesty is here, the people of Chu dare not take my life. On the other hand, a toady of King of Chu, whose name is Jin Shang, is a good friend of mine. Jin Shang serves the King of Chu’s favorite concubine Zheng Xiu well. Zheng Xiu has the king’s ears.” He willingly went to Chu as part of the exchange.

    However, upon arrival, King Chu imprisoned Zhang Yi with the intent to execute him. Jin Shang intervened, persuading Zheng Xiu to consider the repercussions of Zhang Yi‘s death: “The king of Qin likes Zhang Yi so much that he would bail him out with six counties of Shangyong and beautiful ladies. Our king values land and respects anything from Qin. The ladies from Qin would get favors and stature from our king, and you will be distanced.” 

    Moved by this reasoning and concerned for her own safety, Zheng Xiu implored King Chu to spare Zhang Yi‘s life: “As a minister, Zhang Yi serves his own lord. The king of Qin would be offended if you killed Zhang Yi. Please allow me and my baby to move south of Yangtze River, escaping from being harmed by the people of Qin.” Eventually, King of Chu relented, granting Zhang Yi clemency and presenting him with lavish gifts.

    Zhang Yi lobbied the King of Chu, saying, “Forging a vertical alliance is akin to herding sheep to confront tigers—a foolish endeavor. If Your Majesty does not wish to be subservient to the Kingdom of Qin, Qin might coerce Han and Wei into attacking Chu, rendering the kingdom vulnerable. Currently, Qin holds dominion over the states of Ba and Shu. They are amassing ships and provisions, poised to travel five hundred miles per day down the Min River. In merely ten days, they can reach Pass Han. if Pass Han is under siege, all the cities to the east of it will require defense. Territories like Qiangzhong and Wujun will slip from Your Majesty’s control. When Qin‘s armored forces come out from Pass Wu, Chu‘s northern territories will be severed. Within three months of Qin‘s invasion, Chu will fall. The support from other kingdoms, which Chu depends on, is half a year away. Relying on aid from weaker states in the face of a potent threat from Qin is a grave concern. If Your Majesty permits, I will negotiate with Qin. I will endeavor to establish brotherhood between Qin and Chu, fostering enduring peace between our realms.” The King of Chu was reluctant to relinquish Qiangzhong and did not intend to include it in the trade for Zhang Yi, so he ultimately agreed to allow Zhang Yi to go.

    Zhang Yi proceeded to the Kingdom of Han and presented his case to the King of Han: “The terrain of Han consists mostly of mountains and is not conducive to agriculture. Grain production is confined to soybeans and wheat, barely sufficient for a two-year food supply. The army comprises less than two hundred thousand soldiers, whereas Qin‘s armored forces number over a million. Warriors from east of Xiao Mountains don armor and helmets, while Qin‘s soldiers enter battle unarmored and topless, wielding severed heads in one hand and live captives in the other. Engaging in conflict with warriors like Meng Ben and Wu Huo while our state is weak is akin to placing an immense weight of thirty thousand pounds upon bird eggs—no survival is possible. Should Your Majesty resist Qin‘s authority, Qin‘s forces will march down, lay siege to Yiyang, and capture Chenggao. Your kingdom will be split in two, losing control over Hongtai palaces and Sanglin gardens. It would be in Your Majesty’s best interest to submit to Qin, diverting from disaster by attacking Chu instead, thus pacifying the King of Qin. There is no more suitable strategy than this.” The King of Han consented to Zhang Yi’s proposal.

    Zhang Yi relayed his mission’s outcome to the King of Qin. In appreciation, the King rewarded Zhang Yi with fiefs encompassing six towns and conferred upon him the esteemed title of Lord Wuxin. Subsequently, the King dispatched Zhang Yi to persuade the King of Qi.

    He began, “Those advocating for the vertical alliance have likely portrayed the Kingdom of Qi as shielded by the three kingdoms derived from the Kingdom of Jin. They’ve highlighted Qi‘s vast territory and population, and the superior fighting prowess of Qi‘s soldiers, creating an illusion that even a hundred kingdoms like Qin could not harm Qi. It’s a narrative designed to appeal to Your Majesty’s indulgence without verifying the facts. Presently, the Kingdoms of Qin and Chu have formed fraternal bonds through marriage. The Kingdom of Han offered Yichuan, Liang (Wei) followed with Hewai, and the King of Zhao conceded Hejian to appease Qin. Should Your Majesty refuse Qin‘s terms, Qin could compel Han and Liang (Wei) to raid the south of Qi. Qin might also command Zhao‘s army to cross the Qing River toward Pass Bo. Consequently, Linzi and Jimo would cease to be under Your Majesty’s control. If the Kingdom is attacked, Your Majesty will lose the chance to negotiate terms with Qin.” The King of Qi accepted Zhang Yi‘s counsel and conceded to Qin‘s demands.

    Zhang Yi proceeded west to lobby the King of Zhao: “Your Majesty, you’ve led the world in resisting Qin. For fifteen years, the army of Qin hasn’t crossed Pass Hangu. Your military might has been undeniable, creating an atmosphere of terror among my townsmen. We’ve repaired armor, stocked food, and lived cautiously, fearing Your Majesty’s scrutiny. Thanks to your influence, we’ve claimed the state of Ba and Shu, annexed Hanzhong, besieged two cities of Zhou, and occupied Pier Baima. Despite being distant, the people of Qin have long been aggrieved. Today, a feeble Qin army has reached Mianchi. They aim to cross the Yellow River and Zhang River, seize Fanwu, and face your forces at Handan. Let us engage in battle in the year of Jiazi, reminiscent of the fall of King Zhou of Yin (Shang). My king sent me to notify Your Majesty and the people. Presently, Qin and Chu are brethren states, Han and Liang (Wei) claim vassalage to Qin, and Qi has donated its salt-producing fishing ground. These events are akin to severing the right arm of Zhao. Fighting without your right arm, losing your allies, and facing isolation, how can safety be ensured? There are three Qin armies advancing: one to seize Wudao, requesting the troops of Qi crossing Qing river and stationing to the east of Handan; another at Chenggao pushing the troops of Han and Liang(Wei) forces coming to the south bank of Yellow River, and a third at Mianchi, uniting troops from four kingdoms against Zhao. If Zhao falls, its lands will be divided among the four kingdoms. In Your Majesty’s best interest, visit the King of Qin and make a commitment to his face that the kingdoms of Zhao and Qin are brother states forever..” The King of Zhao accepted Zhang Yi‘s counsel.

    Zhang Yi proceeded north to the kingdom of Yan, urging the King: “The King of Zhao has offered Hejian to please the King of Qin. If Your Majesty doesn’t yield to Qin, Qin‘s armies will advance to Yunzhong and Jiuyuan, compelling Zhao to attack Yan. Yishui and Changcheng will fall out of Your Majesty’s control. Currently, Qi and Zhao are akin to Qin‘s counties and prefectures, averse to initiating attacks. By paying tribute to the King of Qin, Your Majesty will save Yan from future harassment by Qi and Zhao.” In response, the King of Yan ceded five cities near Mount Changshan to Qin to secure a peace treaty.Zhang Yi returned to the kingdom of Qin to report the formation of a “horizontal” alliance. However, before reaching the capital of Xianyang, King Hui of Qin passed away. His son, King Wu of Qin, ascended to the throne. King Wu harbored disfavor toward Zhang Yi, stemming from their previous tensions when he was the crown prince. After his coronation, several of his advisors began speaking unfavorably about Zhang Yi. This negative talk spread to the lords of other kingdoms, who sensed the growing discord between Zhang Yi and the new King of Qin. As a result, they started abandoning the horizontal alliance and returned to the vertical alliance.occupying Qianzhong. In response, the kingdom of Chu ceded the land to the north of the Han River and the Shangyong region.

    The 5th year of King Nan (310 B.C.)

    Zhang Yi appealed to King Wu of Qin: ‘For Your Majesty’s benefit, let us sow discord in the east, enabling Your Majesty to expand your territory. I’ve heard that the King of Qi holds animosity towards me. Wherever I am present, the kingdom of Qi tends to provoke conflicts. I humbly request Your Majesty’s permission to travel to the kingdom of Liang. This action will likely provoke Qi into engaging in war with Liang. When these two kingdoms are embroiled in conflict, their forces will be occupied. This presents an opportunity for Your Majesty to launch an assault on the kingdom of Han. Our forces could infiltrate Sanchuan, seize the King of Zhou, and acquire the map and records of the Zhou dynasty. This could pave the way to becoming the paramount ruler.’ King Wu of Qin granted his approval to Zhang Yi’s strategy.

    In fact, as foreseen by Zhang Yi when he journeyed to the kingdom of Liang, the King of Qi engaged in war with the kingdom of Liang (Wei). This action caused great concern for the King of Liang. Zhang Yi reassured him, saying, ‘Do not fret, Your Majesty. Allow me to arrange for the Qi troops to return home.’ Subsequently, Zhang Yi dispatched his attendant to the kingdom of Chu. This attendant accompanied the Chu ambassador to the court of Qi. The ambassador addressed the King of Qi, stating, ‘Your Majesty has elevated Zhang Yi’s status in the eyes of the King of Qin, greatly benefiting him!’ Perplexed, the King of Qi queried, ‘What have I done?’ The ambassador elaborated, ‘Zhang Yi left Qin as part of a plot involving collusion with the King of Qin. The scheme aimed to incite conflict between Qi and Liang, thereby creating an opportunity for Qin to seize Sanchuan from Han. Your Majesty indeed attacked Liang as anticipated, weakening Qi internally and threatening its friendly ties externally. This has further instilled trust in Zhang Yi from the King of Qin.’ In response, the King of Qi withdrew his troops from Liang. Subsequently, Zhang Yi served as the prime minister of Liang (Wei) for a year and passed away in the summer.

    Zhang Yi and Su Qin were masters in the art of political lobbying, employing their skills to form horizontal and vertical alliances among the kingdoms. Over time, they ascended to prominent positions and amassed significant wealth. Their success spurred numerous intellectuals worldwide to emulate their tactics. Notable among them was Gongsun Yan from the kingdom of Wei (Liang), renowned as Xishou for his exceptional lobbying abilities. Alongside him were others such as Su Dai, Su Li, Zhou Zui, Lou Huan, and many other associates dispersed across various kingdoms. Their competitive prowess in debating and manipulation was noteworthy, and their accomplishments are too numerous to detail here. Among them, Zhang Yi, Su Qin, and Gongsun Yan stood out as the foremost masters in their craft.

    In the Book of Mencius, a statement is made regarding Zhang Yi and Gongsun Yan: ‘Are they truly great men? When they are angered, all the lords tremble. It is only when they finally rest that the world dares to turn off the light.’ However, Mencius disagreed with this assessment: ‘How can they be considered great men? A true gentleman holds steadfast to righteous positions and follows the right path in the world. He guides people to embrace the correct path when his ideas are accepted, and he pursues his own course when his ideas are not favored. He remains uncorrupted by wealth and fame, unmoved by poverty and obscurity, and unswayed by power and intimidation. That, to me, is the mark of a great man!

    In Yang Xiong‘s book, “Fayan” (Exemplary Figures), there’s an exchange recorded: “Someone inquired: ‘Is it true that Zhang Yi and Su Qin, who learned from Master Gui Gu and employed the skill of lobbying to create horizontal or vertical alliances, maintained peace in the world for about a dozen years?’ The response was: ‘They are deceitful individuals, and a sage despises them.’ Another query was raised: ‘If one were to read Confucius‘ book and emulate the actions of Zhang Yi and Su Qin, what would you say to that?’ The reply was: ‘That’s akin to a bird, having acquired a hawk’s feather, attempting to sing like a phoenix.’ Inquired further: ‘Wasn’t what Zigong, a student of Confucius, did similar to this?’ The answer came: ‘Zigong felt ashamed when unable to resolve conflict. Zhang Yi and Su Qin felt ashamed when their initial lobbying attempts didn’t bring them wealth.’ Someone remarked: ‘Zhang Yi and Su Qin were undoubtedly talented; others couldn’t follow their path, could they?’ The response was: ‘Ancient Emperor Shun dismissed his ministers for their dishonesty. Did he consider if they were talented? They indeed had talent, but not the kind of talent we seek.’”

    The King of Qin dispatched Gan Mao to the state of Shu, where he executed the prime minister Chen Zhuang for assassinating the Marquis of Shu.

    A meeting between the Kings of Qin and Wei took place in the city of Linjin.

    King Wuling of Zhao wedded Wu Guang’s daughter, Meng Yao, who became his favored consort and bore him a son named He. Subsequently, she ascended to become Queen Hui. 

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 21): Starting with Guo Wei

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 3 Scroll 3 (continued)

    Guo Wei

    The 2nd year of King Nan (313 B.C.)

    A distinguished general of Qin, named Ji, spearheaded a military campaign against the kingdom of Zhao. He successfully seized the city of Lin and captured General Zhuang Bao, the defender of the city.

    The king of Qin contemplated an invasion of the kingdom of Qi. However, he hesitated due to concerns about the close familial connections between the kingdoms of Qi and Chu. To address this issue, he dispatched Zhang Yi to persuade the King of Chu. Zhang Yi approached the king with a proposal: “Your Majesty, if you are willing to follow my advice, by closing off borders and severing the alliance with Qi, I will offer the vast territory of Shangyu, stretching six hundred miles wide, and propose a Qin princess to become a concubine to Your Majesty. Through these arrangements, Qin and Chu can fortify their bond through intermarriage and become allied states in the future.” The King of Chu found this proposition agreeable and accepted it.

    Chu‘s court advisors and officials extended their congratulations to the King of Chu for gaining six hundred miles of land, yet Chen Zhen remained the sole figure in a state of mourning. Enraged, the King demanded an explanation, questioning why there was mourning when he had acquired significant territory without mobilizing troops. Chen Zhen responded, expressing a more nuanced perspective.

    “Your Majesty, it’s not as straightforward as it seems. Shangyu does not rightfully belong to us, and in my view, Qin and Qi are moving towards reconciliation. With Qin valuing its relationship with Chu through Qi, severing ties with Qi has isolated us. Qin, being ambitious for more land, is unlikely to cede six hundred miles to us. Zhang Yi will likely renege on his promises upon returning to Qin. By cutting ties with Qi to the North, we are inviting trouble from Qin in the west. Soon, both kingdoms’ armies may reach our doorstep. It might be wise to maintain a clandestine relationship with Qi while publicly ending it. We have an agent following Zhang Yi. There’s still time to sever ties with Qi once Zhang Yi delivers the promised six hundred miles.”

    The King of Chu then responded, “Please refrain from speaking further, Mr. Chen. Watch as I expand our territory.” He rewarded Zhang Yi by appointing him as the Prime Minister and offering him substantial rewards. Subsequently, the King sealed the pass to the Kingdom of Qi and officially severed relations with them. He also dispatched a general to accompany Zhang Yi back to the Kingdom of Qin.

    Zhang Yi feigned injury by falling off his chariot and remained absent from court for three months. The King of Chu grew suspicious, wondering, “Does Zhang Yi believe I haven’t completely severed ties with Qi?” To test this, he sent a gladiator named Song Yi, who traveled through the state of Song and approached the Kingdom of Qi. Song Yi obtained a passport from the state of Song and managed to secure an audience with the King of Qi. In front of the King, Song Yi launched insults and curses, enraging the King of Qi, who, in response, humbled himself to placate the Kingdom of Qin. As a result, the Kingdom of Qin and Qi reconciled.

    Afterward, Zhang Yi returned to court and encountered Chu‘s ambassador, taunting him, “Why haven’t you received your land yet? It’s just a vast stretch of six miles from here to there!” The ambassador felt humiliated and reported this to the King of Chu, who became infuriated and prepared to attack the Kingdom of Qin. Chen Zhen, however, offered an alternative suggestion, “May I share a few words? It would be wiser to offer a renowned city to bribe the Kingdom of Qin rather than attacking them. We could then unite with Qin to attack the Kingdom of Qi. The land we lost to Qin could be compensated for from Qi. By severing ties with Qi and accusing Qin of deceit, we’ve driven Qin and Qi into an alliance, attracting troops from all over the world to attack us. Our kingdom will suffer severe damage.”

    Despite Chen Zhen‘s counsel, the King of Chu rejected this advice and appointed Qu Gai to lead an expedition against the Kingdom of Qin, while the Kingdom of Qin was led by General Wei Zhang in the counteroffensive.

    The 3rd year of King Nan (312 B.C.)

    The armies of Qin and Chu clashed in Danyang. Chu‘s forces suffered a devastating defeat, resulting in the loss of eighty thousand heavily armored soldiers. Among those captured were Qu Gai, along with seventy other marquesses and royalties. Additionally, Hanzhong, a Chu prefect, was taken by the kingdom of Qin. In response, the King of Chu mobilized another army to counter-attack Qin but faced yet another resounding defeat.

    Taking advantage of Chu‘s vulnerable position, the kingdoms of Han and Wei dispatched their troops southward to raid Chu‘s territory. Their forces advanced toward the city of Deng. Faced with these challenges, the kingdom of Chu withdrew its troops and eventually reached a cessation of hostilities, ceding two additional cities as indemnity to Qin in the process.

    The people of Yan crowned Prince Ping as King Zhao of Yan amidst the kingdom’s shattered state. King Zhao sympathized with the populace, mourning the families’ losses, sharing their weal and woe, and generously incentivizing talented individuals to aid in governing the state. King Zhao of Yan confided in Guo Wei that the kingdom of Yan was taken advantage of by the kingdom of Qi amidst internal turmoil, leaving Yan in a vulnerable and weakened state. He acknowledged this weakness, preventing the kingdom from seeking immediate revenge for past humiliations. Despite this, King Zhao expressed a strong desire to recruit intellectuals who could assist in governing the kingdom. His ultimate goal was to restore honor to the kingdom and seek redress for the previous king’s dishonor. He specifically requested Guo Wei to identify and recruit suitable candidates for this purpose.

    Guo Wei responded with a story: “There was a lord who intended to buy an endurance stallion from Juan for a thousand ounces of gold. However, when the stallion died, the lord paid five hundred ounces for its skeleton. The lord was furious, but the buyer explained that he was willing to buy even dead horses, implying the availability of live stallions in the future. If your grace really wants to seek talents, please start with Guo Wei. Much greater talents would arrive from afar, undeterred by the distance.”

    Impressed, King Zhao promptly erected a palace for Guo Wei and appointed him as the king’s professor. Word of Guo Wei‘s recruitment spread, attracting intellectuals to Yan. Notably, Yue Yi came from Wei, and Ju Xin arrived from Zhao. The King of Zhao honored Yue Yi with the second-highest nobility rank and entrusted him with the state affairs.In Han, King Xuan Hui passed away, succeeded by his son Cang, who ascended as King Xiang of Han.