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.
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.
Su Qin continued his persuasive efforts with King Xuanhui of Han: “The kingdom of Han boasts a large expanse of land, spanning nine hundred miles, and possesses hundreds of thousands of well-armed soldiers. The world’s finest bows, crossbows, and swords are all crafted right here in the state of Han. Han‘s archers are so skilled that they can leap into the air and unleash a continuous barrage of a hundred arrows. It is beyond doubt that the valor of a single Han soldier, armed with the best weaponry, can withstand the assault of a hundred adversaries.”
“Your grace, if you yield to Qin‘s demands, they will not stop at just taking Yiyang and Chenggao as they did this year. Next year, they will seek even more territory. In the end, you will have nothing left to give. Any concession made now will only nullify the goodwill you have shown before, inviting calamity upon us. Your land is limited, while the kingdom of Qin‘s appetite is boundless. Attempting to satiate an insatiable hunger with limited resources is akin to trading grievances for misfortune. We are losing territory without putting up a fight. As the saying goes, ‘I would rather be a chick’s beak than the behind of a cow.’ It is regrettable that your wisdom, your grace, and the valor of Han‘s army are earning a reputation as the backend of a cow!” King Xuanhui of Han heeded Su Qin‘s counsel and decided not to concede to Qin‘s demands
Su Qin continued his diplomatic efforts, this time directing his persuasive skills toward the King of Wei: “Your grace, your kingdom, although not extensive in terms of land, spans a thousand miles. It is a densely populated region filled with countless farms and residences, leaving little room for pastures. The population is so dense, and the traffic so bustling, that one might think it’s perpetually hosting armies on the move. In my humble opinion, your kingdom rivals the vastness of the kingdom of Chu.”
“I have also come to understand the might of your armed forces: you command two hundred thousand heavily armed soldiers, two hundred thousand black-cap servicemen, two hundred thousand gladiators, and one hundred thousand auxiliary supporters. In addition, you possess six hundred chariots and five thousand cavalry.”
“Yet, it troubles me to see that you are currently heeding advisors who advocate servility towards the Kingdom of Qin. I implore you to reconsider this stance and examine the charter of alliance provided by my lord, the King of Zhao. The charter is unequivocal: your commands are to be executed by the alliance!” King of Wei, after consideration, agreed to Su Qin‘s proposal.
Su Qin‘s persuasive efforts extended to the King of Qi: “Your grace, the Kingdom of Qi boasts fortresses on all four borders, with territory spanning two thousand miles. It commands hundreds of thousands of well-armed soldiers and vast grain reserves. Your standing armies are well-disciplined, and five independent military forces are at your disposal in five cities. Your warriors move as swiftly as arrows, fight fiercely like thunderstorms, and retreat like showers. Even if a military conflict were to arise, the aggressors would have to clear Mount Tai, cross the Qing River, and navigate Bohai Bay.”
“The city of Linzi alone houses seventy thousand families, and a rough estimate of three able-bodied men per family gives you two hundred and ten thousand potential fighters in Linzi alone, without counting neighboring counties. Linzi‘s people are prosperous and affluent, indulging in activities like cockfighting, dog racing, chess, and football. On Linzi‘s streets, cartwheels clash, pedestrians rub shoulders, and their sleeves brushing together could form a backdrop curtain, while wiping sweat from their brows could create a downpour.”
“However, certain ministers who fear Qin‘s proximity dominate the strategic decisions of the states of Han and Wei because they share borders with Qin. The survival or downfall of these states can be decided within ten days of mobilizing their troops. Even if they win, they might lose half their forces and face border incursions. If they lose, their state may face defeat and collapse. This is why the states of Han and Wei tend to appease Qin and hesitate to engage in combat. Qi‘s security against a Qin invasion is entirely different. Qin invaders must traverse the lands of Han and Wei, navigate the narrow road at Yanjin (in Wei), and break through the strategic Kangfu Pass. Qin‘s chariots cannot move in combat formations, and cavalry cannot advance side by side through these passages. A hundred defenders on these bastions can thwart thousands of attackers. Qin‘s army may want to advance deep into Qi, but they must also be cautious, wary of attacks from Han and Wei from behind.”
“It is evident that Qin does not pose an immediate threat to Qi. They resort to trickery, threats, and bluster rather than moving into combat. Those ministers who advocate submission to Qin do not fully grasp the situation, Your grace. You possess the means to safeguard your state and need not be labeled as subservient to Qin. Please consider our strategy carefully.” The King of Qi approved of Su Qin‘s counsel.
Su Qin continued his diplomatic efforts in the southwest, addressing the King of Chu: “The Kingdom of Chu stands as a world superpower, spanning a vast territory of six thousand miles. Its army numbers one million strong, equipped with thousands of chariots and tens of thousands of horses. Its granaries hold enough grain to sustain the state for a decade, a resource that signifies dominance. To the Kingdom of Qin, Chu represents a greater threat than any other state. The strength of Chu corresponds to the weakness of Qin, and vice versa. Qin and Chu cannot coexist peacefully.”
“To your advantage, the Kingdom of Chu should join the vertical alliance to isolate the Kingdom of Qin. I will ensure that other states east of Xiao Mountain pay tribute to you with seasonal produce, obey your orders, entrust their state affairs and heritage to you, and train their soldiers to follow your lead. Joining the vertical alliance implies that all states cede their lands and are subject to Chu, while joining the horizontal alliance implies that the Kingdom of Chu surrenders its land and is subject to Qin. The consequences of these two options are vastly different. Which one do you choose?” The King of Chu concurred with Su Qin‘s proposal.
With Su Qin‘s successful diplomacy, he assumed the role of chief commander and prime minister for all six states of the vertical alliance. He traveled north to report to the Marquis of Zhao, accompanied by an impressive entourage equipped with chariots and well-armed guards, rivaling that of a king.
King Wei of Qi passed away, and his son, Piqiang, ascended to the throne as King Xuan of Qi. King Xuan of Qi recognized that Marquis Cheng (Zou Ji) had wrongfully accused Tian Ji and reinstated Tian Ji to his former position.
Duke Wen of Yan also passed away, and his son succeeded him as King Yi of Yan.
Marquis Cheng of Wey passed away, and his son took over as Marquis Ping of Wey.
The king Hui of Qin, in an attempt to disrupt the vertical alliance, sent Xi Shou to deceive the Kingdoms of Qi and Wei into forming a coalition against the state of Zhao. This move aimed to thwart the alliance that Su Qin had been working on. When Marquis Su of Zhao discovered this plot, he held Su Qin responsible, and Su Qin became fearful.
To make amends, Su Qin offered to lobby the state of Yan to seek revenge for Qi‘s actions. As Su Qin left the state of Zhao, the vertical alliance fell apart. The people of Zhao breached a dam to flood the armies of Qi and Wei, forcing them to withdraw.
In a gesture of reconciliation, the Kingdom of Wei ceded the city of Yinjin to the Kingdom of Qin. This city is now known as Huayin.
Subsequently, the King of Qi launched a campaign against the state of Yan, capturing ten cities. However, they later returned these cities to their original owner Yan.
The king of Chu launched an attack on the state of Qi and defeated the Qi army. He besieged Xuzhou and ordered the expulsion of Tian Ying. However, Tian Ying sent an envoy named Zhang Chou to plead with the King of Chu. After hearing Zhang Chou’s plea, King of Chu decided to halt the attack on Qi.
The construction of the grand palace portal in the state of Han has been completed. Marquis Zhao of Han had passed away, and his son had succeeded him, assuming the title of King Xuanhui of Han.
Earlier, Su Qin from the city of Luoyang had approached the King of Qin with a proposal for unifying China, but the King of Qin had not taken his advice seriously.
Su Qin then decided to visit Duke Wen of Yan and presented a persuasive argument: “The reason the state of Yan has remained free from the harassment of bandits and soldiers is the protective shield provided by the state of Zhao to the south. If the state of Qin were to wage war against Yan, it would have to do so thousands of miles away from its own territory. On the other hand, if the state of Zhao were to engage in conflict with Yan, it would be doing so only hundreds of miles from its own borders. It is unwise to worry about a distant enemy while ignoring a threat much closer to home. I propose, Your Grace, that you form a marital alliance with Zhao, ultimately uniting with the state of Zhao. This way, Yan will have no more cause for concern.”
Duke Wen of Yan recognized the wisdom in Su Qin‘s advice and not only accepted it but also facilitated his journey to the state of Zhao to pursue this alliance further.
Su Qin employed his persuasive skills once more, this time lobbying Marquis Su of Zhao. He presented his case: “At present, there is no state stronger than Zhao. Qin considers Zhao its primary adversary but has refrained from launching an offensive due to concerns that Han and Wei may conspire against them from behind. There are no natural barriers like large mountain ranges and rivers between Qin and these two states. Qin‘s strength allows it to gradually encroach on their territory, eventually besieging their capitals. Han and Wei would then succumb to Qin‘s pressure, becoming Qin‘s vassals. If Han and Wei no longer pose a threat, the state of Zhao will be next in line.
“As I examine the map of the realm, I see that the combined land area of all the other states is five times greater than that of Qin. It is estimated that these states possess ten times as many soldiers as Qin. If the six major states unite and launch a westward offensive against Qin, Qin will be overpowered. There are consultants who will attempt to encourage other states to dole out territories to appease Qin‘s threat. They will be rich and famous if Qin gets its wish. They will not concern themselves with the danger Qin poses to their states. This is why you are seeing these lobbyists constantly urging you to cede land to pacify Qin.
“Therefore, I implore you, your grace, to scrutinize their proposals. If I may offer a plan, it would be to unite the six states—Han, Wei, Qi,Chu, Yan, and Zhao—through marriage alliances to resist Qin‘s aggression. We can invite ministers and generals from all six states to a conference near the Huan River, forming an alliance by exchanging hostages as a guarantee. Our alliance charter will state: ‘All states shall send their finest soldiers to aid any state attacked by Qin or to retaliate against Qin. Any state violating this charter will face collective retaliation from the other five states.’ With all six states united against Qin, Qin‘s armored divisions will not dare to venture out of the Hangu Pass to threaten the states east of Xiao mountain.”
Marquis Su of Zhao was greatly impressed by Su Qin‘s wisdom and appreciated his advice. He treated Su Qin with great honor, bestowing him with gifts and rewards, and entrusted him as his envoy to negotiate with the leaders of the other states.
During this period, the army of Qin, under the leadership of Xi Shou [Gongsun Yan], launched a military campaign against the state of Wei. They defeated the Wei army of forty thousand troops, captured the Wei general Long Gu, and seized the city of Diaoyin. With the Qin army poised to advance further eastward, Su Qin became increasingly concerned that they would reach the state of Zhao before he could establish the alliance. He couldn’t think of anyone in Qin who would be willing to collaborate with him.
In an act of chicanery, Su Qin deliberately angered his friend Zhang Yi, who was also a student of Master Guigu and had expertise in political strategy. Su Qin believed that Zhang Yi was more skilled than himself in this art. Zhang Yi had been traveling among various states trying to garner support for their cause but had found few willing listeners. He became stranded in the state of Chu.
Su Qin summoned Zhang Yi to the state of Zhao and personally insulted him. This mistreatment infuriated Zhang Yi, who realized that only the state of Qin had the potential to pose a significant threat to Zhao. Consequently, he decided to travel westward to Qin, with the intention of aiding them in their campaign against the eastern states.
Su Qin acted covertly by sending his servant along with Zhang Yi, providing him with gold coins for his journey. Zhang Yi used these resources to bribe his way into an audience with the King of Qin. The King was impressed with Zhang Yi‘s persuasive abilities and appointed him as an advisor.After successfully gaining the King of Qin’s favor, Zhang Yi’s servant bid him farewell and explained Su Qin‘s strategy. Su Qin had intentionally provoked Zhang Yi and then arranged for him to travel to Qin. This was all part of Su Qin‘s plan to ensure Zhang Yi could wield influence in Qin, preventing a Qin invasion of Zhao and preserving the alliance. Zhang Yi was deeply impressed by Su Qin‘s strategic acumen: ”Alas! This is my specialty and I did not even realize what happened! It is obvious that Mr. Su is a superior strategist. Please convey my gratitude to Mr. Su. As long as he is in charge, Zhang Yi won’t interfere with his plan.”
The State of Qin launched an invasion against the State of Han, successfully capturing and annexing six towns from the city Yiyang.
Tian Chang gave birth to Viscount Xiang, Tian Pan. Tian Pan, in turn, gave birth to Tian Bai, who gave birth to Tian He. TIan He was called the Great Grandpa Qi. It was Tian He who took over the state of Qi and decided to relocate Duke Kang, the lord of the State of Qi to an island in the sea, establishing a city as his designated domain to safeguard the ancestral heritage of Great Grandpa Jiang.
The city of Wucheng became the battleground where the forces of the State of Qin and the State of Wei clashed in a fierce battle.
In another military engagement, the State of Qi launched an attack on the State of Wei, managing to capture the city of Xiangling and gain control over it.
Meanwhile, the State of Lu achieved a significant victory over the army of the State of Qi in a decisive battle at the city of Pinglu.
The State of Qin launched an invasion against the State of Jin.
During this time, Tian He, the prime minister of the State of Qi, met with Marquis Wei Wen and representatives from both the States of Chu and Wey at Zhuoze. Tian He sought the lordship of Qi from King An of Zhou, while Marquis Wei Wen supported and advocated for Tian He‘s cause before the king. Ultimately, King An granted his approval and officially bestowed the lordship upon Tian He.
The State of Qin launched an invasion against the State of Shu, successfully capturing the city of Nanzheng.
In the midst of these events, Marquis Wei Wen passed away, and his eldest son, Crown Prince Ji, ascended to the position of Marquis Wei Wu.
Marquis Wei Wu embarked on a journey down the Xihe (West River) on a ship. As he observed the surrounding landscape, he expressed his admiration to Wu Qi, the commandant of Xihe prefecture. Marquis Wei Wu remarked on the beauty and strength of the mountains and rivers, considering them valuable assets for the State of Wei. However, Wu Qi offered a different perspective: “The security and stability of a state truly lie in the virtues of its ruler, rather than the natural barriers that surround it. Consider the Sanmiao tribe of the past, situated between Dongting Lake and Pengli Lake. Despite the physical protection offered by these natural features, they were ultimately vanquished by Yu the Great, when they failed to uphold virtuous governance.”
“Another case worth mentioning is Jie, a ruler of the Xia dynasty, who resided in an area encompassed by the Ji River, Mount Taihua, the pass of Yique in the south, and the Yangchang slope in the north. However, King Tang of the Shang dynasty exiled Jie due to his tyrannical and inhumane rule.”
“Similarly, King Zhou of the Shang dynasty ruled within a territory surrounded by imposing barriers: Mengmen mountain on the left, Taihang mountain on the right, Mount Heng to the north, and a great river to the south. Nevertheless, King Wu of the Zhou dynasty successfully overthrew him, as King Zhou‘s immoral and unethical rule undermined his position of power.”
“From these examples, we can derive an important lesson: the rule of benevolence and moral virtue is paramount for the security and prosperity of a state. Regardless of the presence of natural barriers, if a ruler lacks morality and neglects the welfare of the people, even those within the confines of a ship could turn against him”.
Marquis Wei Wu acknowledged the validity of Wu Qi‘s argument. He concurred, stating, “You make a good point.”
The state of Wei made the decision to appoint Tian Wen as its prime minister, a choice that did not sit well with Wu Qi. Filled with discontent, Wu Qi approached Tian Wen and issued him a challenge: “Shall we compare our accomplishments?”
Tian Wen responded, “Certainly, we can do that.” Wu Qi wasted no time and began, “When it comes to leading three armies into battle, instilling unwavering courage in soldiers, and deterring our enemy states from plotting against us, are you superior to me?” Tian Wen replied, “No, I am not.”
Undeterred, Wu Qi continued, “And what about efficiently governing all officials, showing compassion towards citizens, and ensuring the stability of the country’s food supply and finances? Are you better than me in these aspects?” Tian Wen reluctantly admitted, “No, I am not.”
Wu Qi pressed on, “Furthermore, when it comes to guarding the West River, preventing the State of Qin from advancing eastward, and securing alliances with the State of Han and Zhao, are you better than me?” Once again, Tian Wen‘s response remained the same.
Wu Qi then argued, “If you are not superior to me in any of these three aspects, why are you ranked above me?” Tian Wen countered, “The State is currently governed by a young lord, and its position is precarious. The officials have yet to fully pledge their allegiance to the lord, and the people are still uncertain about their trust in him. Considering the current circumstances, who is better suited to handle this situation: you or me?”
After a long pause, Wu Qi finally conceded, “You are better equipped to handle the challenges at hand.”
Over time, the prime minister Tian Wen passed away, leaving a vacancy in the position. The new prime minister of Wei, named Gongshu, who had married a daughter of Marquis Wei Wu, saw Wu Qi as a potential threat. One of Gongshu‘s servants devised a scheme: “Getting rid of Wu Qi is easy. He is a proud and upright individual. Here’s what you can do: Go to the lord and express your concerns, saying, ‘Wu Qi is an exceptional talent, but I fear that our state may be too small to accommodate his ambitions in the long run. Why not offer your daughter’s hand in marriage to him? If he refuses, it will be a clear indication that he has no intention of staying.’” The servant continued, “Then, invite Wu Qi to your home and have your wife, who is a princess, insult and belittle you in front of him. If Wu Qi witnesses her disdainful behavior, he will reject the marriage proposal, and your plot will succeed.” Gongshu approved the plan and put it into motion. As anticipated, Wu Qi declined the marriage proposal, causing Marquis Wei Wu to become suspicious and lose trust in him. Wu Qi‘s favor rapidly declined, and fearing for his life, he made the decision to flee to the Kingdom of Chu.
Upon his arrival in the Kingdom of Chu, Wu Qi‘s reputation had already preceded him, catching the attention of King Dao. Impressed by his capabilities, King Dao appointed Wu Qi as the prime minister. Wu Qi wasted no time in implementing his reforms, promulgating laws and regulations to streamline the government. He eliminated unnecessary bureaucratic positions, reduced public-supported entitlements for distant royal relatives, and allocated the savings as pensions for soldiers. His primary focus was on strengthening the armed forces and countering the influence of the two factions of strategic alliances. Under Wu Qi‘s leadership, the Kingdom of Chu successfully suppressed insurgencies in the “Yue” territories, repelled threats from the three “Jin” vassal states, and launched an offensive against the State of Qin to the West. The strength and prowess of Chu left neighboring states in awe.
However, despite his remarkable achievements, Wu Qi faced resentment from many royals and nobles within the Kingdom of Chu who were displeased with his reforms and the consolidation of his power.
The State of Zhao also experienced a change in leadership as Marquis Wu died. The people of Zhao installed Zhao Zhang, the eldest son of Marquis Lie, as the new ruler, bestowing him with the title of Marquis Jing.
In the State of Han, Marquis Lie passed away, and his son ascended to the throne as Marquis Wen.
Tian He, an official of the State of Qi, has been granted the title of Duke, marking his formal promotion to royalty.
Prince Chao of Zhao rebelled and sought refuge in the State of Wei. In an attempt to regain power, he led a covert attack by the Wei forces against Handan. However, the attack was ultimately unsuccessful in achieving its objectives.
In a shocking turn of events, the chancellor of the State of Qin named Gai orchestrated a reception at Hexi and installed Duke Xian as the new ruler, while also carrying out a brutal act of violence. Gai killed Duke Chu of Qin, as well as his mother, and disposed of their bodies near a deep river.
The State of Qi launched an attack on the State of Lu.
The State of Han launched offensives against both the State of Zheng and the State of Song. They successfully seized the city of Yangcheng from Zheng and captured Duke Dao of Song. The people of the Song have established Duke Xiu, Zi Tian, as their ruler.
Duke Tai of Qi, also known as Tian He, passed away. His son, Tian Wu, succeeded him as the new ruler, taking on the title of Duke Huan of Qi.
Following the death of King Dao of Chu, a chaotic situation unfolded in the kingdom. The royals and officers revolted, targeting Wu Qi, who sought refuge in the palace. In a desperate act of seeking revenge, Wu Qi laid on top of King Dao‘s lifeless body. Those who shot at Wu Qi with arrows also defiled the deceased king’s body.
After the funeral ceremonies, King Su, Xiong Zang, was installed as the new ruler of Chu. Determined to quell the rebellion and restore order, King Su issued a harsh decree. He ordered his prime minister to execute all the rebels and their families who tarnished the corpse of the former king, resulting in the eradication of over 70 families in total.
King Weilie of Zhou passed away, and his son King An, Ji Jiao, ascended to the throne.
King Sheng of Chu was assassinated by bandits. In response, the people of the Kingdom of Chu proclaimed his son, Mi Yi, as the new ruler, bestowing upon him the title of King Dao of Chu.
The army of Chu laid siege to the capital of the State of Zheng, putting pressure on the city and its inhabitants. In a desperate and tumultuous turn of events, the people of Zheng turned against their prime minister, Si Ziyang, and ended his life.
A solar eclipse occurred, casting a momentary darkness over the land.
In the month of March, the prime minister of Han, Xia Lei, was assassinated. Xia Lei had incurred the wrath of Yan Zhongzi from Puyang, who sought vengeance against him. Yan Zhongzi discovered the renowned warrior Nie Zheng from Zhi and attempted to hire him for the assassination. Yan Zhongzi offered generous gifts, including hundred ounces of gold, to Nie Zheng‘s mother in an attempt to persuade him. However, Nie Zheng initially refused the offer, stating that he would not sell his skills while his mother was alive. After his mother’s passing, Nie Zheng accepted the task.
The assassination took place at Xia Lei‘s mansion, even with multiple guards present. Nie Zheng ascended the stairs, fatally stabbing Xia Lei. In a shocking display, Nie Zheng disfigured his own face, gouged out his own eyeballs, and inflicted fatal wounds upon himself by stabbing his abdomen and pulling out his intestines. The people of Han displayed his corpse publicly, offering a reward for anyone who could identify the assassin. However, no one recognized Nie Zheng.
Nie Zheng‘s sister, Nie Ying, learned of the tragic event and came to mourn at her brother’s side. She revealed his true identity: “This is my brother, from Village Shengjingli of Zhi. He had disfigured himself as he knew that I was alive. I don’t like his great name being forgotten because I was afraid to be implicated.” Distraught, she took her own life beside his lifeless body.
In a period of turmoil, the partisans of Si Ziyang, the former prime minister of Zheng, assassinated Duke Ru of Zheng. As a result, Duke Ru‘s brother, Ji Yi, was installed as his successor and became known as Duke Kang of Zheng.
Meanwhile, in the State of Song, Duke Dao passed away, and his son Zi Tian succeeded him as Duke Xiu of Song.
The State of Qi launched an attack on the State of Lu and successfully captured the town of Zui. In response, the State of Han came to the aid of Lu to help defend against the aggression from Qi.
The people of Fuji in the State of Zheng staged a riot and decided to reunite with the State of Han.
The State of Qin launched an invasion against the State of Han, successfully capturing and annexing six cities from their territory.
Tian Chang gave birth to Viscount Xiang, Tian Pan. Tian Pan, in turn, gave birth to Tian Bai, who gave birth to Tian He. Tian He was called the Great Grandpa Qi. It was Tian He who took over the state of Qi and decided to relocate Duke Kang, the lord of the State Qi to an island in the sea, establishing a city as his designated domain to safeguard the ancestral heritage of Great Grandpa Jiang. The kingdom of Qi experienced a lineage change from the Family of Jiang to the Family of Tian.
The founding father of Legalism, Li Kui (a.k.a. Li Ke)
The 23rd year of King Weilie (403 B.C. continued)
Marquis Wen of Wei sat down with Tian Zifang, enjoying a glass of wine. During their conversation, he remarked, “The chime bells seem to be out of tune, with the left one slightly too high.” Tian Zifang let out a chuckle in response. Intrigued, Marquis Wei of Wen inquired, “What amuses you?” Tian Zifang replied with a hint of humor, “I recall a saying: A wise ruler excels in governance, while an unwise ruler excels in music. Your Excellency, being knowledgeable in music, might not necessarily possess expertise in governing.” Marquis Wen of Wei acknowledged, “You speak the truth.”
Crown Prince Ji, the son of Marquis Wen of Wei, unexpectedly encountered Tian Zifang while venturing outside. Upon seeing him, Crown Prince Ji promptly descended from his wagon and knelt by the roadside to show his respect to Tian Zifang, who was his father’s esteemed teacher. However, to his dismay, Tian Zifang completely disregarded the prince’s presence and offered no reciprocal greeting. Offended by this behavior, Crown Prince Ji couldn’t help but reproach Tian Zifang, saying, “Do the wealthy and noble think themselves above others, or is it the poor and lowly who display such arrogance?”
In response, Tian Zifang retorted, “Indeed, the poor and lowly can exhibit snobbishness, but do the wealthy and noble have the audacity to do so? When a leader becomes arrogant, he risks losing his power, just as a head of a family risks losing their wealth when they succumb to snobbery. Once you lose your state, no one will serve you as a state ruler, and once you lose your family’s fortune, no one will serve you as a family head. For the poor and lowly, they always have the option to leave and find new paths if their ideas and actions are not recognized or appreciated. Are there any places where one cannot be poor and lowly?”
Realizing his mistake, Crown Prince Ji humbly apologized to Tian Zifang for his earlier outburst.
Marquis Wen of Wei sought counsel from Li Ke, saying, “You once mentioned to me, ‘A poor family longs for a good mistress, and a state in turmoil yearns for a good minister.’ Now, I must choose between Wei Cheng and Zhai Huang for the position of prime minister. What are your thoughts on these two candidates?”
Li Ke, however, was not forthcoming to share his opinion. He replied, “It is not fitting for someone of lowly status to meddle in the affairs of the noble, nor for an outsider to interfere in matters of the inner circle. As an outsider, I cannot offer my opinions.”
Marquis Wen of Wei, pressing for guidance, urged Li Ke, saying, “As my advisor, you should not evade this important state affair.”
Li Ke responded, “You lack the ability to evaluate a person. To assess an individual, observe whom they associate with when they are at home, notice how they contribute when they attain prosperity, observe whom they recommend when they rise to eminence, take note of what they refrain from doing when they are in dire straits, and consider what they decline to take when they are impoverished. These five criteria are sufficient to help you make a decision. Why do you seek my input?”
Marquis Wen of Wei gained confidence from Li Ke‘s words and declared, “You may go home now, Mr. Li. I have made up my mind regarding the selection of the prime minister.”
As Li Ke was on his way out, he coincidentally encountered Zhai Huang. Curious about the outcome of the prime minister selection, Zhai Huang asked Li Ke, “I heard that our lord summoned you to assist in choosing the prime minister. Do you know whom the lord has chosen?”
Li Ke responded calmly, “It is likely that the choice is Wei Cheng.”
Zhai Huang‘s face flushed with anger. He retorted, “It was I who recommended Wu Qi to be the governor of Xihe. It was I who suggested Ximen Bao when our lord was concerned about internal affairs in the city of Ye. I also recommended Yue Yang when our lord launched the campaign against Zhong Shan. Furthermore, when we needed a governor after capturing Zhong Shan, it was I who recommended you. And when our lord’s son required a teacher, it was I who recommended Qu Houfu. Take a moment to recognize my contributions. Where have I not served better than Wei Cheng?”
Li Ke calmly responded, “Did you bring me before your lord merely to join your faction and advance your own position? I expressed my opinion when your lord consulted me regarding the choice of prime minister. Why did I know that he would select Wei Cheng? It is because Wei Cheng dedicates ninety percent of his generous remuneration to public welfare, while only ten percent is used for his own family. This is why he has garnered the respect and admiration of scholars such as Bu Zixia, Tian Zifang, and Duan Ganmu from the eastern region. Your lord appointed these three gentlemen as his teachers. The five individuals you recommended are mere ministers. How can you compare yourself to Wei Cheng?”
Zhai Huang took a step back, repeatedly bowing to Li Ke, and said, “I have acted rashly. I have lost my bearings. I would like to become your student for the rest of my life.”
The aforementioned Wu Qi hailed from the state of Wey and served as an officer in the state of Lu. When the state of Qi launched an attack on Lu, Wu Qi was considered the leading general of Lu‘s armed forces. However, his marriage to a woman from the state of Qi caused unease among the people of Lu. In order to solidify his appointment, Wu Qi made the drastic decision to kill his wife. He then led the troops of Lu and decisively defeated the invading forces from Qi. Despite his success, Wu Qi faced criticism in front of the Marquis of Lu. It was argued, “Wu Qi once served under Zeng Shen, a disciple of Confucius. Zeng Shen severed ties with him when Wu Qi neglected his mother’s funeral rites. Now he has killed his wife to secure a military position. He is a cruel and unethical individual. While he may have defeated Lu‘s enemy this time, his tarnished reputation could attract further attacks from others.”
Upon hearing rumors of a potential indictment, Wu Qi traveled to the state of Wei, where he learned that Marquis Wei Wen welcomed talented individuals. Marquis Wei Wen discussed Wu Qi with Li Ke, who commented, “Wu Qi is driven by greed and lust. However, in terms of military leadership, he surpasses even Sima Rangju.” Impressed by his capabilities, Marquis Wei Wen appointed Wu Qi as the commander to launch an attack on the kingdom of Qin. Under Wu Qi‘s command, the Lu forces had successfully taken five cities of Qin.
As a general, Wu Qi maintained the same living conditions as the lowest-ranking soldier. He rested on the ground and traveled on foot, just like his soldiers. He carried his own food, sharing in their labor and hardships. In a notable incident, when a soldier developed an infectious wound, Wu Qi personally sucked out the pus with his mouth. When the soldier’s mother heard this story, she burst into tears. Someone approached her and asked, “Your son is just a common soldier. The general sucked out the pus to heal him. Why are you crying?” The mother replied, “You don’t understand. General Wu also sucked the wound of my son’s father in the past. His father fought tirelessly and died on the battlefield. Now General Wu is sucking my son’s wound, and I don’t know when and where he will meet his own end. That’s why I am crying.”
Duke Min of Yan passed away, and his son Duke Xi succeeded him.
The land of the Zhi family was divided among three families: Han, Wei, and Zhao. In a gruesome act, Viscount Zhao Xiang transformed Zhi Bo‘s skull into a drinking cup by lacquering it. Seeking revenge for the death of Zhi Bo, a courtier named Yu Rang devised a plan. He disguised himself as a prisoner laborer and volunteered to paint Viscount Zhao Xiang‘s lavatory. As fate would have it, Viscount Zhao Xiang felt a sudden uneasiness when he went to the restroom. Suspecting something amiss, he ordered a search that led to the capture of Yu Rang. Although his bodyguards were ready to kill Yu Rang, Viscount Zhao Xiang intervened, acknowledging Yu Rang‘s righteous intentions. He realized that Yu Rang sought revenge for the Zhi family despite their lack of descendants. Impressed by his determination, Viscount Zhao Xiang released Yu Rang.
To ensure his anonymity, Yu Rang painted his body to resemble scabies and swallowed char coke to mute his voice. He assumed the role of a beggar in the marketplace, going unrecognized even by his own wife. However, a friend eventually identified him and tried to dissuade him from his path of suffering. The friend pointed out that Yu Rang possessed the abilities to become a courtier of Viscount Zhao Xiang and gain close access to Zhao Wuxu, making revenge easier to achieve. The friend questioned why Yu Rang chose the arduous path of suffering. In response, Yu Rang declared, “No, if I become a courtier and then betray him, I would be disloyal. I choose to take the most challenging route in whatever I do. My purpose is to shame those future courtiers who are disloyal to their lords.” With unwavering determination, Yu Rang hid under a bridge, observing Viscount Zhao Xiang coming out of his house. It was on that bridge that Viscount Zhao Xiang‘s horse became startled, leading to a search that resulted in Yu Rang‘s capture once again. In the end, Yu Rang was killed, but not before he was given the opportunity to plunge a dagger into Zhao Wuxu‘s empty robe.
Viscount Zhao Xiang had five sons, but he did not choose any of them as the heir to the Zhao family. Instead, he believed that the descendants of his older brother Bolu should rightfully inherit the position. As a result, Viscount Zhao Xiang granted the land of Dai to Bolu‘s son, appointing him as Lord Dai Cheng. Sadly, Lord Dai Cheng passed away at a young age.
Viscount Zhao Xiang selected the son of Lord Dai-Cheng, named Zhao Huan, as the new heir to the Zhao family. However, upon Viscount Zhao Xiang‘s death, his younger brother Viscount Huan, named Zhao Jia, expelled Zhao Huan from his position and took his place as the family heir. Regrettably, Viscount Huan‘s reign was short-lived as he passed away within a year.
The people within the Zhao Family held the belief that Viscount Huan as the family heir had not been the true intention of Viscount Zhao Xiang. Taking matters into their own hands, they took decisive action by killing Viscount Huan‘s son and reinstating Zhao Huan as the head of the Zhao family. From that point on, he became known as Viscount Zhao Xian. Notably, Viscount Zhao Xian‘s son, referred to as Marquis Zhao Lie, is the Zhao Ji mentioned at the beginning of this book.
As for the other two Marquises mentioned, Wei Si and Han Qian, they have their own lineage and connections. Wei Si, one of the three Marquises, is the grandson of Viscount Wei Huan and is referred to as Marquis Wei Wen. On the other hand, Viscount Han Kang‘s son is named Han Qizhang, or Viscount Han Wu. Viscount Han Wu, in turn, named his own son Han Qian, who is recognized as the Marquis Han Jing among the three Marquises granted titles by the King of Zhou.
Marquis Wei Wen, known for his reverence for knowledge, extended invitations to two esteemed scholars, Bu Zixia and Tian Zifang, to be his teachers. Additionally, he held a deep respect for another scholar named Duan Ganmu, who declined the offer to become his teacher. Despite this, Marquis Wei Wen continued to show his admiration for Duan Ganmu by paying a respectful salutation every time he passed by the scholar’s house. His sincere gestures demonstrated his appreciation for intellectual pursuits.
Due to his reputation as a patron of learning, intellectuals from far and wide were drawn to work for Marquis Wei Wen. They recognized the value he placed on intellectual pursuits and were eager to contribute their knowledge and skills to his court.
On one occasion, Marquis Wei Wen was enjoying a lively drinking party with his courtiers when a sudden rain shower began. Undeterred by the weather, Marquis Wei Wen expressed his desire to arrange chariots and venture into the woods. Perplexed by his decision, his assistants questioned why they should go out in the rain when they were already having a good time. Marquis Wei Wen explained, “I just remembered that I had made an appointment with the administrator of the forest to go hunting. We must honor our commitments, even if we are currently engaged in leisurely activities.” He insisted on going to his hunting appointment and canceled it in person.
The state of Han approached Marquis Wei Wen, seeking troops for a campaign against the state of Zhao. However, Marquis Wei Wen declined the request, stating, “Zhao is my brother state. We cannot oblige.” In a similar fashion, when the state of Zhao requested troops from Marquis Wei Wen for a campaign against the state of Han, he provided the same response. Initially, both Han and Zhao were disappointed with the Marquis’s refusal.
However, their disappointment turned into deep respect for the state of Wei when they discovered that both states had received the same answer. The consistent stance taken by Marquis Wei Wen showcased his unwavering loyalty to his friends and his commitment to maintaining harmonious relationships. The other states recognized and appreciated the integrity and principle that Marquis Wei Wen displayed.
As a result, the state of Wei emerged as the strongest among the three states that derived from the state of Jin. Its unwavering loyalty and the respect it garnered from other states solidified its position of superiority.
General Yue Yang of the Wei state successfully led a campaign and conquered the state of Zhong Shan. Marquis Wei Wen bestowed the conquered territory upon his son, Prince Ji. Seeking validation for his actions, Marquis Wei Wen questioned his assistants, asking them how he was performing as a lord. To this inquiry, all of his assistants responded by praising him as a gracious lord, except for Ren Zuo.
Ren Zuo voiced his dissent, pointing out that Marquis Wei Wen had conquered Zhong Shan and granted it to his son instead of his younger brother. Ren Zuo argued that this act contradicted the notion of being a gracious lord. Marquis Wei Wen was unhappy, and Ren Zuo got out quickly.
Later, Marquis Wei Wen posed the same question to Zhai Huang, who echoed the sentiment that he was indeed a gracious lord. Curious about Zhai Huang‘s reasoning, Marquis Wei Wen inquired further. Zhai Huang replied: ”I hear that the subordinates are out-spoken when their lord is gracious. I heard that Ren Zuo spoke out the other day, therefore, I thought that you were gracious.” Amused by Zhai Huang‘s response, Marquis Wei Wen instructed him to invite Ren Zuo back. Welcoming Ren Zuo at the door, Marquis Wei Wen treated him with utmost respect and honored him as a distinguished guest.
The head of the Zhi family, Viscount Zhi Xuan, had intended to name Yao as his heir. However, Zhi Guo objected and suggested choosing Zhi Xiao instead: “While Yao possessed superior qualities such as height, good looks, an enviable beard, excellent archery and chariot driving skills, athleticism, eloquence in debate and skillful writing, as well as strong character and resolute decision-making abilities, he lacked benevolence.” Zhi Guo argued that if someone lacking benevolence were chosen as the heir, nobody would be willing to follow him. Despite Zhi Guo‘s advice, Viscount Zhi Xuan did not change his decision. Zhi Guo eventually left the Zhi family and officially joined another clan, the Fu family, by changing his name in the family register.
Viscount Zhao Jian, the head of the Zhao family, had two sons named Bolu and Wuxu. As he could not decide which one to make his heir, he wrote an admonition on two bamboo slips and gave one to each of his sons, instructing them to remember it well. Three years later, when he asked Bolu about the text, he couldn’t recall it and had lost the slip. In contrast, Wuxu had memorized the text and produced the slip from his sleeve. Impressed by his wisdom and ability to study, Zhao Jian chose Wuxu as his heir.
Viscount Zhao Jian appointed Yin Duo as the governor of Jinyang. Yin Duo asked Zhao Jian whether he wanted Jinyang to serve as a revenue source or as a barrier and fortress. Zhao Jian replied that he wanted it to be a barrier and fortress. As a result, Yin Duo reduced the number of taxable households in the region. Zhao Jian was pleased with the results and remarked to Wuxu that he could always seek refuge in Jinyang during times of disaster in the Kingdom of Jin, even though Yin Duo was young and Jinyang was far away.
After the death of Viscount Zhi Xuan, Zhi Bo (also known as Yao) succeeded him as the head of the family. He hosted a banquet at Lantai with Viscount Han Kang and Viscount Wei Huan, the heads of two prominent households. During the banquet, Zhi Bo ridiculed Han Kang and insulted his prime minister, Duan Gui.
When Zhi Guo heard about this, he admonished Zhi Bo, warning him that trouble was coming if he wasn’t vigilant. Zhi Bo dismissed the idea, saying: “What troubles? Who would make trouble if I don’t?” Zhi Guo argued that wrong doing, if repeated, could lead to resentment and danger. He cited a saying from the Book of Summer: “If one has done wrong repeatedly, he should be prepared even if there is no perceived resentment.”
Zhi Guo pointed out: “You insulted a lord at a feast and didn’t take precautions today. You say that no one makes trouble but yourself, but won’t it be too late if trouble begins? Crabs, ants, bees, and wasps can all harm people, let alone a lord and his prime minister?” However, Zhi Bo did not heed his advice.
Zhi Bo solicited land from Viscount Han Kang, but Viscount Han Kang was unwilling to comply. Duan Gui advised him, saying, “Zhi Bo is known for his arrogance and greed. If we refuse to give him the land, he might initiate a war against us. It would be wiser to appease him. Once he perceives his demands are met, he may seek land from others as well. If others refuse, it could lead to conflicts. However, we can avoid the trouble and observe from the sidelines.” Viscount Han Kang agreed, stating, “That’s a good idea,” and sent an ambassador to Zhi Bo, granting him a town with ten thousand households. Zhi Bo was delighted with the outcome.
He then requested land from Viscount Wei Huan, but Viscount Wei Huan was unwilling to concede. Ren Zhang inquired, “Why won’t you grant it to him?” to which Viscount Wei Huan responded, “I refuse to submit to his baseless request.”
“Indeed, his baseless demands have instilled fear among all the officials. If we give in to his wishes, he will only become more emboldened and disdainful towards others. Those who are intimidated by him would unite against him, while he underestimates his enemies. The Zhi family’s power and influence won’t last long. As the Book of Zhou states, ‘Pretend to assist when you want him to fail; pretend to give when you wish to take from him.’ My lord, you should grant him the land, fueling his overbearing nature, and seek alliances among those he has wronged to conspire against him. Why should we bear the brunt of Zhi Bo‘s attacks?”
Viscount Wei Huan, upon hearing the suggestion, responded, “That’s a good idea.” He also decided to grant a town with ten thousand households to Zhi Bo.
Zhi Bo attempted to acquire the lands of Cai and Gaolang from Viscount Zhao Xiang, but his request was flatly rejected. Enraged by this refusal, Zhi Bo ordered the troops of Han and Wei to join an attack on Zhao. As a result, Viscount Zhao Xiang was compelled to flee and sought advice from his followers regarding his next move. One of them suggested, “Changzi city is nearby and has sturdy and well-preserved city walls.”
However, Viscount Zhao Xiang dismissed the idea, expressing his concern, “The people of Changzi dedicated their efforts to constructing those walls. If I now ask them to defend them with their lives, how would they view me?” Others proposed an alternative, saying, “Handan city has abundant food supplies in its warehouses.”
Viscount Zhao Xiang countered this suggestion, explaining, “The people there have already been stripped of their resources, and now I would ask them to fight to the death. How would they treat me in such circumstances?” He then proposed an alternative plan, stating, “Why don’t we go to Jinyang? Jinyang is my father’s stronghold, and Yin Duo has been benevolent towards the people there. They would surely treat me well.” Consequently, Viscount Zhao Xiang fled to Jinyang.
The three families mobilized their troops to besiege Jinyang city by deliberately flooding its surrounding area. Only a mere six feet of the city walls remained above the water level. The flooding was so severe that even the city’s stoves were submerged, leading to the emergence of frogs. Despite these challenging conditions, the citizens of Jinyang did not show any signs of desertion.
During this time, Zhi Bo went to survey the extent of the flood. Viscount Wei Huan took charge of driving the chariot, with Viscount Han Kang seated beside him. Observing the situation, Zhi Bo remarked, “Today, I have come to realize the power of water in conquering other states.” In response, Viscount Wei Huan discreetly nudged Viscount Han Kang with his elbow, and Viscount Han Kang acknowledged him by stepping on Viscount Wei Huan‘s foot. They were exchanging ominous possibilities: diverting the Fen River to flood Anyi, the capital city of the Wei State, while using the Jiang River to flood Pingyang, the capital city of the Han State.
Chi Ci conveyed his concern to Zhi Bo, saying, “Han and Wei will eventually turn against us.” Perplexed, Zhi Bo inquired, “How can you be so sure?”
Chi Ci responded, “I can gather this information from the people around you. You commanded the forces of Han and Wei to attack Zhao, and if we succeed in defeating the Zhao family, it will put Han and Wei in a precarious situation. Now, as we are on the verge of victory and about to divide Zhao‘s territory, their city is submerged under water, with only six feet of the city wall still visible. The citizens are resorting to eating their own horses, and the city is on the verge of collapse within a matter of days. Despite this dire situation, the leaders of Han and Wei do not exhibit any signs of joy but rather grave concern. Are these not clear indications of an impending revolt?”
The following day, Zhi Bo repeated Chi Ci‘s concerns to Viscount Han Kang and Wei Huan. However, both of them vehemently denied the accusations, asserting that this was a ploy orchestrated by malicious officers who sought to support the Zhao family. They argued that the purpose behind such claims was to divert attention from the pressure on Zhao and sow suspicions about Han and Wei. They emphasized that it made no sense for them to reject the immediate benefits of sharing Zhao‘s territory and willingly court disaster by engaging in irrational actions.
After Viscount Han Kang and Wei Huan left, Chi Ci entered the room and questioned Zhi Bo, asking why he had shared their conversation with them. Incredibly, Zhi Bo asked how Chi Ci knew about it. Chi Ci explained that he had encountered Viscount Han Kang and Wei Huan as they were leaving. They noticed his presence and hastened their pace, thus revealing that Zhi Bo had indeed shared the information.
Despite Chi Ci‘s disappointment, Zhi Bo remained unrepentant for his actions. Chi Ci expressed his desire to become the ambassador to the State of Qi, perhaps seeking a change in his position due to the unfolding circumstances.
Viscount Zhao Xiang, understanding the precarious situation and the potential defection of Viscount Han Kang and Wei Huan, sent Zhang Mengtan to meet with the two officials secretly. Zhang Mengtan, acting as an envoy, persuaded them, saying, “I have heard that when the lips are gone, the teeth feel the chill. Now, Zhi Bo is leading the troops of Han and Wei to attack Zhao. Once the Zhao family is destroyed, Han and Wei will be the next targets.”
The two officials acknowledged the truth of Zhang’s words, expressing their genuine concern that if their conspiracy were to be exposed, disaster would befall them immediately. In response, Zhang Mengtan reassured them, saying, “The conspiracy spoken from your honorable mouths to my humble ears, is there any problem with that?”
Subsequently, the two officials privately discussed the planned date of the revolt and sent Zhang Mengtan back to Zhao. Viscount Zhao Xiang, upon receiving the information, took decisive action. He dispatched assassins to eliminate the officers guarding the dam, causing a breach that flooded the troops of Zhi Bo. The troops of Zhi Bo were thrown into disarray.
Seizing the opportunity, the forces of Han and Wei launched attacks on the flanks of Zhi Bo‘s troops, while Viscount Zhao Xiang personally led his soldiers in a frontal assault against Zhi Bo. The result was a resounding victory as Zhi Bo‘s troops was decisively defeated, and Zhi Bo, along with his entire family, was killed. Only Fu Guo, formerly known as Zhi Guo, survived the disaster.
Sima Guang’s commentary: The death of Zhi Bo highlights the significance of the capabilities overriding morals. While capabilities and morals are distinct, many people struggle to differentiate between them. They often mistakenly refer to both as virtues, resulting in misjudging candidates.
Brilliance, knowledge, strength, and perseverance are examples of capabilities, whereas integrity, honesty, fairness, and gentleness are aspects of morals. Capabilities support morals, and in turn, morals guide capabilities. For instance, bamboo from Yunmeng would not become the most penetrating arrows in the world without straightening and attaching feathers to it. Similarly, the metal from Tangxi would not become the sharpest weapon without undergoing processes such as tempering, quenching, forging, and grinding. Therefore, individuals who possess both morals and capabilities are considered saints, while those lacking in both are deemed fools. A person whose morals govern their capabilities is referred to as a nobleman, while someone whose capabilities override their morals is seen as a con-man.
When selecting a candidate for a job, it is preferable to choose a fool over a con-man if neither saints nor noble individuals are available.
Why? A nobleman employs their full capabilities to do good, whereas a con-man employs their full capabilities to do evil. Superb capabilities applied to good causes will yield positive results. Superb capabilities applied to evil causes will inevitably result in negative consequences. Even a fool may wish to do evil, but they lack the intelligence or strength to cause significant damage. Like a puppy biting its owner, the owner can easily keep it under control. However, a con-man possesses both the trickery to deceive and the strength to violate, similar to a violent tiger with wings, and can cause great damage.
It is true that individuals with moral values may come across as stoic, while those with capabilities may be more likable. People often gravitate towards likable individuals and may distance themselves from the stoic ones. Consequently, officials may be easily overwhelmed by a candidate’s capabilities and overlook their moral character. Throughout history, administrators who disrupt state affairs or descendants who bring ruin to family fortunes are often individuals with impressive capabilities but deficient morals. This can lead to the downfall of states or families. Zhi Bo is not an isolated example in this regard.
By understanding the distinction between capabilities and morals and placing importance on moral character, we can avoid selecting the wrong person for important positions in both state and family affairs.
Reflection by Rio Grande 