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Tag: history

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 60): Conspiracy at Shaqiu Palace

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Qin Book 2 Scroll 7 (continued)

    Terracotta Warriors in Mausoleum of the First Emperor

    The 36th year of the First Emperor(211 B.C.)

    A meteor fell in Dongjun Commandery, and someone engraved on the meteor rock: “The First Emperor dies and his land is divided.” The First Emperor ordered his justice minister to launch an inquisition around the stone’s landing place, but no one confessed. In response, the First Emperor decreed the execution of all the people who lived in the neighborhood. The rock was then incinerated.

    In response to an augury, the First Emperor relocated thirty thousand households to the regions of Yuzhong to the North of Yellow River. Each head of the household was promoted by one rank.

    The 37th year of the First Emperor(210 B.C.)

    The First Emperor was traveling in October of the winter.  He was accompanied by the Chancellor Li Si.  Vice Chancellor Feng Quji stayed behind in the capital.  Among the twenty or so sons, the First Emperor favored the youngest son Huhai.  Huhai pleaded to travel with the Emperor and his wish was granted.

    The First Emperor arrived in Yunmeng county in November. There, he held a rite to worship Emperor Shun while looking towards Jiuyi Mountains. Then he sailed down the Yangtze River, sightseeing at the town of Jike, watching an islet in the river, passing through Danyang county, and finally reaching Qiantang county. The waves were high and treacherous at the Zhe River. They traveled two hundred and twenty li westward to cross the river at a narrow point.

    The First Emperor ascended Mount Kuaiji and held a ritual in honor of Emperor Yu the Great, looking towards the South Sea. The First Emperor installed another tablet with inscriptions praising his virtue. On the way home, the First Emperor passed through the State of Wu, crossed the Yangtze River at Jiangsheng County, and sailed north on the East Ocean, reaching Mount Langya and Mount Zhifu. There, they saw a huge fish in the sea, and the First Emperor shot the fish with a crossbow. They sailed west along the coast and reached a crossing called Pingyuanjin, where the First Emperor fell ill.

    The First Emperor hated the word “death,” and none of the ministers dared to mention the subject. As his illness worsened, he ordered his chief dispatcher of central command, Zhao Gao, who was in charge of the royal seal, to write a letter to his eldest son Fusu: “Come to my funeral, come to Xianyang for my entombment.” The letter was sealed and held by Zhao Gao, but had not been given to a messenger yet.

    In July of the autumn, the First Emperor died at the Palace of Shaqiu in the village of Pingtai. Chancellor Li Si, fearing possible power wrangling among the princes with the Emperor dying away from the capital, kept the news of his death a secret. The Emperor’s coffin was insulated in his wagon to keep the temperature low, and the same favorite eunuchs drove and escorted the wagon. Whenever they traveled to a new place, food and local officials were brought to the wagon as usual. The eunuchs processed the reports and dealt out decrees as before. Only Huhai, Zhao Gao, and five or six of the most trusted eunuchs knew of the Emperor’s death.

    The First Emperor was fond of the Meng clan and trusted them deeply. Meng Tian, the top general, was stationed on the frontier as the army commander, while Meng Yi served in the court as chief of staff, holding the title “The Faithful.” Other ministers and generals dared not challenge their dominance.

    Zhao Gao was castrated at birth. The First Emperor, hearing that Zhao Gao was a capable administrator and knowledgeable about criminal laws, appointed him as the court dispatcher and asked him to teach Huhai how to judge legal cases. Huhai developed a predilection for Zhao Gao. Once, Zhao Gao committed an offense that Meng Yi deemed punishable by death. However, the First Emperor pardoned Zhao Gao because of his administrative efficiency and reinstated him to his position. Zhao Gao, having Huhai’s favor, harbored ill feelings toward the Meng family.

    Zhao Gao advised Huhai to kill Prince Fusu and install himself as crown prince using a forged will of the First Emperor. Huhai approved the plot. Zhao Gao then told Huhai, “I am afraid this plot won’t work without the consent of the Chancellor.” He approached Chancellor Li Si, saying, “His Majesty had a letter for his eldest son. The letter and the royal seal are both in the possession of Huhai. Who the crown prince will be is a matter of what Your Excellency and I decide.”

    Li Si was startled and responded, “Why do you talk about a topic that could jeopardize the fate of this empire? It is not a subject that servants like you and me are supposed to discuss!” Zhao Gao reasoned with him, “In terms of capability, strategic thinking, military achievements, popularity, and trust from the eldest son of the emperor, how do you compare to Meng Tian?” Li Si conceded, “I am not as good as Meng Tian in all aspects.”

    Zhao Gao continued, “If the eldest son succeeded his father as emperor, he certainly would appoint Meng Tian as his Chancellor. It is obvious that Your Excellency would not retire to your hometown with the seal of Marquis Tong. Huhai is a kind and magnanimous person and a good successor to the emperor. I wish Your Excellency could think long and hard to make the decision.” Li Si yielded under pressure.

    They colluded to forge an edict from the First Emperor, designating Huhai as the crown prince. They also fabricated a letter from the First Emperor to Prince Fusu. The letter reprimanded Fusu for not expanding the frontier enough, yet causing significant attrition of soldiers. It listed several instances where Fusu wrote to his father, rudely criticizing the Emperor and constantly bickering about not being able to return home and become the crown prince. The letter accused General Meng Tian of not rectifying Fusu’s behavior and being a co-conspirator. It granted the death penalty to both Fusu and Meng Tian, ordering them to pass command of the army to Meng Tian’s lieutenant, General Wang Li.

    Fusu opened the letter and burst into sobs. He went into his bedroom, preparing to commit suicide. Meng Tian stopped him, saying, “His Majesty is away from home. The position of crown prince has not been designated. His Majesty entrusted me with commanding three hundred thousand troops on the frontier and appointed you as the supervisor. That is a tremendous responsibility to the country. Now a messenger arrives, and you are going to kill yourself! Do you know whether this is not trickery? Let’s submit a memorandum to the throne for verification first; then it won’t be too late to die.”

    The envoy pressed Prince Fusu several times. Fusu said to Meng Tian, “A father grants his son death; what else do we have to verify!” He then killed himself. Meng Tian refused to comply. The envoy handed him over to the local wardens and imprisoned him in the town of Yangzhou. The envoy appointed a minion of Li Si as the supervisor of the army and went back to report to Zhao Gao and Li Si.

    Huhai learned that Prince Fusu had died and intended to set Meng Tian free. Meng Yi happened to come to debrief the Emperor after performing sacrificial ceremonies for mountains and rivers on the First Emperor’s behalf. Zhao Gao spoke to Huhai, “The late emperor had long meant to pick the best and make you the crown prince, but Meng Yi advised against it. It would be better to get rid of Meng Yi.” Meng Yi was then incarcerated in Dai commandery.

    The cortege arrived at Jiuyuan Commandery from Jingjing County during the intense heat of mid-summer. The wagon began to emit a terrible stench. To cover up the smell, they forged another edict to obtain one picul of abalone for the emperor. Eventually, they got on the thoroughfare and reached Xianyang, where they announced the funeral and Huhai usurped the throne.

    In September, the First Emperor was sepulchered at the Lishan Mausoleum. Three layers of aquifers were blocked around the tomb. It was filled with treasures and rare stones transported from all over the country. Booby-trapped crossbows were installed to shoot any trespassers. Mercury was injected into the tomb to symbolize rivers and seas. The ceiling of the tomb was decorated with celestial bodies, while the base was laid with geographical models. The concubines who had not yet borne children were ordered to die with the emperor in the tomb. When someone reminded the authorities that the technicians who made the mechanisms knew the key to the treasure and could leak the secret, all the technicians were shut in the tomb when the burial was completed.

    The Second emperor wanted to execute Meng Tian and his brother. The son of his elder brother, Ziying, advised against it: “King Qian of Zhao killed General Li Mu and promoted Yan Ju; King Jian of Qi killed his father’s loyal servant and replaced him with Hou Sheng. Both lost their kingdoms in the end. The Meng family has contributed elite ministers and strategists to the kingdom of Qin for generations, yet Your Majesty would discard them at once. Executing loyal ministers and replacing them with someone lacking character would cause ministers to lose faith within the court and dishearten warriors outside the court.”

    The Second Emperor disregarded this advice. He ordered the execution of Meng Yi and pursued Meng Tian, who was the interior minister. Meng Tian said, “From my grandfather onward, the Meng family has served the kingdom of Qin for three generations. Though I am in jail today, my influence over the three hundred thousand soldiers under my command would be enough to incite a mutiny. I keep my faith knowing I will die for this, because I do not want to tarnish my ancestors’ reputation and I have not forgotten the trust of the late emperor.” He then committed suicide by taking poison.

    Yang Xiong commented in his book Exemplary Figures: “Someone asks, ‘Meng Tian was loyal and was killed, what is the benefit of being loyal?’ The answer is: ‘From Lintao county to Liao River, he flattened mountains and filled ravines. He did not make the empire more prosperous yet left many cadavers behind. Being loyal is not good enough to be a prime minister.’”

    Sima Guang‘s comments: When the First Emperor was ravaging the country, Meng Tian was his enabler. Meng Tian was not a benevolent and wise person. However, Meng Tian maintained his loyalty to his lord and would rather die than rebel despite being innocent. This act is commendable.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 48): Don’t Kick A Man When He is Down

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Qin Book 1 Scroll 6 (continued)

    Xianyang, Shaanxi Province

    The 53rd year of King Zhaoxiang(254 B.C.)

    General Jiu of Qin attacked the Kingdom of Wei and captured the city of Wucheng. 

    The King of Han then made a pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Qin. The entire Kingdom of Wei came under the influence of Qin, following its orders.

    The 54th year of King Zhaoxiang(253 B.C.)

    The King of Qin traveled to the town of Yong, on the outskirts of Xianyang, to perform a rite of heaven worship. 

    The Kingdom of Chu relocated its capital to the city of Juyang.

    The 55th year of King Zhaoxiang(252 B.C.)

    Lord Huai of Wey made a pilgrimage to the Kingdom of Wei. He was imprisoned and killed by the Wei people, who then installed his younger brother, Lord Yuan, as his successor. Lord Yuan is the son-in-law of the King of Wei.

    The 56th year of King Zhaoxiang(251 B.C.)

    In late September, during the autumn, King Zhaoxiang of Qin passed away. His son Zhu ascended to the throne as King Xiaowen of Qin. He posthumously honored his late mother, Bazi Tang, with the title of Queen Dowager Tang. King Xiaowen designated Prince Zichu as the crown prince and brought his wife and son from the Kingdom of Zhao to Qin. The King of Han paid tribute to the late king, wearing a full mourning dress.

    The King of Yan, Xi, sent his prime minister, Li Fu, to the Kingdom of Zhao to form an alliance. Li Fu contributed five hundred catties of gold to the King of Yan and spent the entire day drinking with him. Upon returning home, Li Fu advised the King of Yan: “The adults of Zhao were all killed in the Battle of Changping. Their orphans are still too young. Now is a good time to attack.” The King of Yan then summoned Lord Changguo, Yue Jian, for advice. Yue Jian responded, “Zhao is a kingdom surrounded on four sides by adversaries and survives. Their people are accustomed to and skilled in warfare. We should not attack them.” The King asked, “What if we send in troops five times their number?” Yue Jian’s answer remained, “No.” The King was irked, but his subordinates all agreed to the attack. Consequently, he mobilized two thousand chariots. Li Fu led the attack on the city of Hao, while Qing Qin attacked the city of Dai.

    Jiang Qu, an official of Yan, spoke against the war: “We made an alliance with them; we paid five hundred catties of gold to drink with their king; our envoy reported on them, and now we will attack them. I do not feel promising about this and am afraid it won’t be successful.” The King of Yan refused to listen and led the second group of troops behind the first group. Jiang Qu held the king’s ribbon and would not let go. The king kicked him off, but Jiang Qu cried out, “I am not doing this for myself. I am doing it for the king.” The troops of Yan went to Songzi county, were counterattacked by an army led by General Lian Po. Li Fu was defeated at the city of Hao, while Qing Qin was defeated by an army led by Yue Sheng at the city of Dai. The troops of Yan were chased five hundred miles northward, and the capital of Yan was besieged by the army of Zhao. The Kingdom of Yan sued for peace, with Zhao demanding, “You must have Jiang Qu come to talk about peace.” The King of Yan appointed Jiang Qu as prime minister and sent him to negotiate the peace treaty. Subsequently, the troops of Zhao withdrew.

    Lord Pingyuan of Zhao died this year.

    The 1st year of King Xiaowen(250 B.C.) 

    In the winter of October, King Xiaowen was installed, but he died after only three days on the throne. His son Zichu succeeded him as King Zhuangxiang of Qin. He bestowed the title of Queen Dowager Huayang upon Madame Huayang and Queen Dowager Xia upon his birth mother, Lady Xia.

    A general from Yan conquered the city of Liaocheng from the Kingdom of Qi. Someone bad-mouthed him before the King of Yan, making the general fear returning home, forcing him to defend the city instead. Tian Dan led troops of Qi to lay siege to Liaocheng, but after more than a year, the city had not fallen. Lu Zhonglian wrote a letter, attached it to an arrow, and shot it over to the general. In the letter, he outlined the pros and cons: “From your point of view, you can either return to Yan or surrender to Qi. Now, you are defending a besieged city with increasing Qi forces and no aid from Yan. What will you do?”

    The general read the letter and sobbed for three days, unable to decide. Returning to Yan meant facing discord, while surrendering to Qi meant risking abuse for having killed many prisoners of war. He finally lamented, “I would rather slash my throat myself than be slashed by others!” He committed suicide, and Liaocheng descended into chaos. Tian Dan broke in and took the city. Upon his return to Qi, he credited Lu Zhonglian for the victory. The King of Qi wished to award Lu Zhonglian a knighthood, but Lu Zhonglian fled to the sea, saying, “I would rather live lowly and poorly yet freely, ignoring secular affairs, than live rich and famous but succumb to others.”

    King Anxi of Wei sought a recommendation for a noble person from Zishun. Zishun replied, “There is no such person. If you consider the next best, it would be Lu Zhonglian.” The king said, “Lu Zhonglian seems make-believe, not natural to me.” Zishun responded, “All men make-believe to do good. If he continues to do good, then he becomes a nobleman. When good deeds become habitual, then they are natural.”

    The 1st year of King Zhuangxiang(249 B.C.)

    Lv Buwei became the Chancellor of Qin. 

    The Lord of East Zhou conspired with other monarchs to plot attacks on the Kingdom of Qin. The King of Qin ordered the Chancellor to lead a campaign to annex the state. The Lord of East Zhou was forced to settle in the village of Yangrenju. The rituals of praying for the progenitors of the Zhou dynasty were discontinued thereafter. By the time the Zhou dynasty ended, it still had seven cities: Henan, Luoyang, Gucheng, Pingyin, Yanshi, Gong, and Goushi.

    The King of Qin awarded one hundred thousand families in the cities of Henan and Luoyang to Chancellor Lv Buwei as a fief and granted him the title Marquis Wenxin. 

    General Meng Ao of Qin raided the Kingdom of Han, capturing the cities of Chenggao and Xingyang. He established the prefecture of Sanchuan (Three Rivers) to govern these two cities. 

    The Kingdom of Chu annexed the state of Lu and relocated Duke Qing of Lu to the town of Bian, where he became a domestic helper.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 45): A Businessman And His Investment

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 5 Volume 5 (continued)

    The 58th year of King Nan(257 B.C.)

    In early October of the winter, Lord Wu’an was stripped of all his titles and reduced to the rank of a private. He was subsequently compelled to relocate to the modest town of Yinmi. Meanwhile, in December, additional troops were mustered and dispatched to the front lines near Fencheng, but Lord Wu’an, afflicted by illness, remained behind. As the military situation worsened with repeated retreats by Wang He under onslaught from rival kingdoms, reports of these setbacks inundated the court of Qin, prompting the king to decree Lord Wuan‘s expulsion from the city of Xianyang. Finding refuge in the nearby town of Duyou, situated roughly ten miles out of Xianyang‘s west gates, Lord Wu’an‘s fate hung in the balance. Seeking counsel from the Marquis Ying and his advisors, the king of Qin complained of Lord Wu’an‘s continued discontent and unwelcome remarks even in his exile. In a gesture both symbolic and final, the king dispatched his envoy to present Lord Wu’an with a sword. Lord Wu’an ended his own life with the blade. Despite his fall from grace, the people of Qin harbored a deep affection and sympathy for him, venerating his memory in towns and countryside alike.

    Prince Wuji decisively defeated the Qin army stationed beneath the walls of Handan, compelling Wang He’s forces to abandon their siege and retreat in disarray. Meanwhile, Zheng Anping, commanding a contingent of twenty thousand soldiers, capitulated to the encroaching Zhao troops after finding himself besieged. The blame for this surrender fell squarely on Marquis Ying due to his close association with Zheng Anping, casting a shadow over his reputation and influence.

    Prince Wuji saved the kingdom of Zhao by forging the order of the king of Wei. He dared not return to Wei and stayed in Zhao with his dependents. He let his lieutenant general command the troops of Wei and march back home. The king of Zhao discussed the reward for Prince Wuji with Lord Ping’yuan, preparing to grant five cities to the prince as a fief. The king of Zhao personally swept outside his palace in preparation for Prince Wuji’s visit. During the ceremony, the king of Zhao welcomed Prince Wuji at the west stairway of the palace. To show his modesty, Prince Wuji walked sideways, climbing from the east stairway. He remained unassuming and kept expressing his guilt towards the kingdom of Wei while taking no credit from the kingdom of Zhao. The king of Zhao wine and dined with Prince Wuji until dusk. Since the prince passed up the gratitude from the king, the five cities’ awards were withdrawn. Instead, the king of Zhao awarded Prince Wuji the town of Hao as his fief. The kingdom of Wei also reinstated the fief of the town Xinling.

    Prince Wuji learned about a wise man, Mr. Mao, who dwelt among gamblers, and another sage, Mr. Xue, who loitered in bars. When he tried to visit them, they rejected him. Undeterred, Prince Wuji followed them around on foot. When Lord Ping’yuan heard about this, he was unimpressed. Prince Wuji reacted strongly, saying, “I heard that Lord Ping’yuan was a nobleman. That’s why I turned my back on the kingdom of Wei to save the kingdom of Zhao. Now I see that Lord Ping’yuan only wants to show off his generosity without truly seeking learned men. Wuji likes to spend time with these two gentlemen and fears rejection from them. Is Lord Ping’yuan ashamed of me?” Prince Wuji packed up and prepared to leave. Lord Ping’yuan took off his hat and apologized for his comment. Prince Wuji ended up staying in Zhao.

    Lord Ping’yuan wanted to reward Lu Zhonglian. His envoys went three times to deliver the goods, but Lu rejected the offers each time. On Lu’s birthday, Lord Ping’yuan presented him with a thousand catties of gold. Lu Zhonglian laughed and said, “What is noble for a scholar is that he relieves the suffering and solves the problems for people without taking anything. If he takes compensation, he becomes a businessman. I don’t want to be a businessman.” With that, Lu Zhonglian said farewell to Lord Ping’yuan and left, never to see him again.

    The crown prince of Qin had a concubine named Madam Huayang, who bore him no sons. Another concubine, Madam Xia, had a son named Yiren. Yiren was held hostage in the kingdom of Zhao. During his stay, the kingdom of Qin raided Zhao many times, causing the people of Zhao to treat Yiren harshly. As a bastard grandson of a king held as a hostage, he received minimal funding for his living and travel expenses, and his house looked dilapidated.

    There was a wealthy merchant named Lv Buwei from the city of Yangzhai. He met Yiren during a trip to Handan and thought to himself, “This is a rare commodity to hold.” Lv Buwei visited Yiren and promised, “I will make your doorway look grand.” Yiren laughed, “Why don’t you make your own doorway look grand first?” Lv Buwei replied, “You don’t understand. My doorway will look grand only after yours does.” Understanding his intent, Yiren invited him inside, and they had a deep conversation.

    Lv Buwei explained, “The king of Qin is old. The crown prince loves Madam Huayang, but she has no son. You have more than twenty brothers, and among them, Zixi has the best chance of inheriting the kingdom with Mr. Du Cang’s assistance. You, being in the middle of the pack, are not favored and are held as a hostage far from the capital. When the crown prince is installed, you won’t have a chance to vie for the heirship.”

    Prince Yiren asked, “What can I do?” Lv Buwei answered, “The only person who can decide the heir is Madam Huayang. I am not rich, but I am willing to spend a thousand catties of gold to lobby for you to be designated as heir to the crown.” Prince Yiren agreed, “If your lobbying succeeds, I will share the kingdom of Qin with you.”

    Lv Buwei gave five hundred catties of gold to Prince Yiren to make friends with scholars and influential people. He used another five hundred ounces to buy exotic artifacts and jewelry, then traveled westward to Qin. He visited Madame Huayang’s elder sister and, through her, presented the gifts to Madam Huayang. He took the opportunity to praise Prince Yiren‘s commendable character and his popularity among scholars worldwide, emphasizing that Yiren often cried thinking of the crown prince and Madam Huayang, even declaring, “Madam Huayang, you are heaven-sent to Yiren.”

    Madam Huayang was delighted. Lv Buwei then advised Madam Huayang through her sister, “A woman’s beauty fades, but influence can last. Today, you are favored but have no son. If you don’t bond with a worthy prince now and make him the heir, will your words matter when you are old and less beautiful? Prince Yiren is decent and ranks in the middle among the princes, so he doesn’t expect to be heir. If you make him the crown prince now, he will owe everything to you. You will have a son and retain your influence in Qin.”

    Madam Huayang approved. She waited for an opportunity and, during a pillow talk with the crown prince, praised Yiren, saying, “Every guest speaks highly of him. Unfortunately, I have no son. I wish to adopt Yiren as my own and have him designated as the heir so I could depend on him.” The crown prince agreed, and they made the pledge by carving the words onto a jade charm. They then made a large endowment to Prince Yiren, delivered by Lv Buwei. With this financial backing, Prince Yiren gained more accolades and support from other kings.

    Lv Buwei married a woman of exceptional beauty from Handan. He invited Prince Yiren over to drink when he knew that she was pregnant. Prince Yiren fell in love at first sight and couldn’t help but ask for her. Lv Buwei pretended to be offended initially but eventually submitted her to Prince Yiren. The woman bore a son named Zheng after a full-term pregnancy with Prince Yiren. Prince Yiren made her the lady of his house.

    During the siege of Handan by the army of Qin, the people of Zhao wanted to kill Prince Yiren. In desperation, he gave Lv Buwei three hundred kilograms of gold to bribe the guards and allow him to flee to the camp of Qin. He finally made it home safely. Dressed in the apparel of Chu, he paid a visit to Madam Huayang. Deeply moved, she exclaimed, “I am from the kingdom of Chu. You are my son!” She changed Yiren‘s name to Zichu[Son of Chu].

    The 59th year of King Nan(256 B.C.)

    General Jiu of Qin led a campaign against the kingdom of Han, conquering the cities of Yangcheng and Fuji and beheading forty thousand soldiers of Han. He then turned his attention to the kingdom of Zhao, where the Qin army occupied more than twenty counties and beheaded ninety thousand soldiers. Horrified by these events, King Nan of West Zhou broke the pact with Qin and joined a vertical alliance with other kingdoms. Their plan was to combine their elite forces and attack Qin from the pass of Yijue, disrupting communication between the city of Yangcheng and the heart of Qin.

    In response, the king of Qin ordered General Jiu to attack the kingdom of West Zhou. Facing the overwhelming might of Qin, King Nan surrendered. He was brought to Qin, where he kowtowed to the king, begging for pardon. He submitted thirty-six towns and thirty thousand subjects to Qin. The king of Qin accepted his submission and allowed him to return home. King Nan died in the same year.

    Meanwhile, the kingdom of Chu annexed the kingdom of Lu. Duke Qing of Lu was moved to the city of Ju and demoted to the position of a housekeeper. With no descendants, his lineage ended.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 44): Lord Xinling and Tiger Tally

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 5 Scroll 5 (continued)

    Tiger Tally

    The 57th year of King Nan(258 B.C. continued)

    After the passing of King Wucheng of Yan, his son, King Xiao of Yan, ascended to the throne.

    Wei Wuji, a prince of Wei renowned for his reverence towards scholars, employed up to three thousand dependents in his household. Among them was a hermit named Hou Ying, who, at the age of seventy, served as the gatekeeper of the Yi Gate in Daliang, Wei‘s capital city.

    One day, Prince Wuji hosted a grand banquet and invited numerous esteemed guests. As the guests were seated, the prince personally drove his carriage to pick up Professor Hou, reserving the left seat for him. Without hesitation, Hou Ying donned his humble attire and took his place beside the prince. The prince, showing deference, held the reins of the carriage as they set off.

    During the journey, Hou Ying requested a detour to visit a friend working in the market. The prince complied, and upon arriving, Hou Ying engaged in a lengthy conversation with his friend Zhu Hai, surreptitiously observing the prince’s reaction. Witnessing the prince’s expression became even more gracious, Hou Ying eventually concluded the conversation and returned to the carriage.

    Upon reaching the prince’s residence, Wuji invited Hou Ying to sit beside him and praised him highly to all the guests. The unexpected display of admiration left the guests astonished and impressed by the prince’s unexpected humility and respect for Hou Ying.

    Lord Ping’yuan‘s wife is Prince Wuji‘s elder sister. As the Qin troops besieged the capital of Zhao, wagons carrying messages from Lord Ping’yuan arrived one after another at Prince Wuji‘s residence. Lord Pingyuan‘s messages were poignant: “I was honored to be part of your sister’s marriage due to your noble morality and empathy, which considers others’ suffering as your own. Now, as the city of Handan is on the brink of surrender with no relief from Wei in sight, even if you disregard me, can you ignore the plight of your own sister?”

    Deeply troubled, Prince Wuji made repeated appeals to the king of Wei, urging him to command General Jin Bi to come to the rescue of the people of Zhao. Despite the efforts of his dependents and other scholars to advocate for Zhao, the king of Wei remained unmoved. Frustrated by the lack of action, Prince Wuji assembled his dependents, equipped with over a hundred chariots, and led them to the front lines, prepared to fight to the death.

    During their passage through the Yi Gate, they encountered Hou Ying. Observing Prince Wuji‘s determined efforts, Hou Ying remarked, “The prince is making a valiant effort. However, I am too old for such endeavors.” Prince Wuji, feeling disheartened by the encounter, turned back and approached Hou Ying once more.

    Anticipating the prince’s return, Hou Ying chuckled, “I knew you would come back. Your only idea seems to be seeking death on the battlefield. But what do you hope to achieve by throwing yourself into the jaws of hungry tigers?” Prince Wuji humbly bowed to Hou Ying again, seeking guidance.

    Dismissing the prince’s attendants, Hou Ying shared a plan with Prince Wuji: he revealed that half of General Jin Bi’s command tally was kept in the king’s bedroom, accessible to Ruji, the king’s favored concubine. Knowing that Prince Wuji had previously avenged the murder of Ruji’s father and that she would do anything for him, Hou Ying suggested that Prince Wuji enlist Ruji’s help to acquire the command tally, “I learned that half of General Jin Bi’s command tally is kept in the king’s bedroom. Ruji, the king’s favorite concubine, has access to steal it from him. Furthermore, I am aware that the prince avenged the murderer of Ruji’s father, and she holds deep loyalty and affection towards you. If the prince requests her assistance, she will undoubtedly obtain the commander’s tally for you. With it in your possession, you can assume command from Jin Bi, lead his troops northward, and then westward to expel the Qin army. This achievement would be on par with the feats of the five legendary hegemons.”  Embracing this plan, Prince Wuji obtained the command tally as advised by Hou Ying.

    Before the Prince departed, Hou Ying offered him advice: “A commander on the battlefield is not obliged to follow the king’s direct orders. If Jin Bi verifies the two halves of the tally and still refuses to relinquish command, trouble will arise when he consults the king. My associate, Zhu Hai, is a strong man. He can accompany you. If Jin Bi cooperates, excellent. If not, let Zhu Hai deal with him!”

    Upon hearing this, Prince Wuji invited Zhu Hai to accompany him to the city of Ye. When General Jin Bi assembled the two halves of the commander’s tally and found them to fit perfectly, he remained suspicious. Clutching the tally tightly, he scrutinized it, questioning the Prince’s sudden assumption of command with just a single chariot.

    In response, Zhu Hai swiftly produced a hefty awl weighing twenty kilograms from his sleeve and struck Jin Bi, causing his demise. With Jin Bi eliminated, Prince Wuji swiftly rallied all the troops under his command, issuing orders: “Those with family members in the army may return home. Likewise, those with siblings serving alongside them may also depart. If you are the sole son of your family, return home to tend to your household affairs.” With eighty thousand soldiers under his command, Prince Wuji set out for the city of Handan.

    Wang He, the Qin general, faced insurmountable resistance at Handan. Despite his efforts, the reinforcements from neighboring kingdoms closed in on Handan, thwarting Wang He’s advances multiple times. Upon hearing this news, Lord Wu’an expressed his dissatisfaction: “Your Majesty chose not to heed my counsel. What course of action do you plan to take now?”

    Infuriated by Lord Wu’an‘s remarks, the king of Qin attempted to compel him to assume command. However, Lord Wu’an declined the appointment, citing a worsening illness as his reason.   

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 43): Self-Recommending Mao Sui

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 5 Scroll 5 (continued)

    Mao Sui’s Hometown

    The 57th year of King Nan(258 B.C.)

    In January, Wang Ling initiated an assault on Handan, the capital of the Zhao kingdom. However, his efforts were met with resistance, leading to setbacks. Responding to the situation, the King of Qin dispatched additional troops to reinforce Wang Ling’s campaign. Despite this reinforcement, Wang Ling suffered the loss of an additional five regiments of soldiers.

    Meanwhile, Lord Wu’an recovered from his illness, becoming a pivotal figure in the unfolding events. As the situation escalated, the King of Qin contemplated replacing Wang Ling with Lord Wu’an. However, Lord Wu’an, displaying strategic foresight and declined, “The fortress of Handan presents a formidable challenge to breach. Imminent reinforcements from neighboring kingdoms poised to aid Zhao further compound our difficulties. Lingering animosities towards Qin among these kingdoms exacerbate the situation, fueled by the bitter memories of past conflicts, notably the Battle of Changping, where despite our victory, we suffered significant casualties, halving our army’s strength. Consequently, our nation finds itself depleted of both manpower and resources. Attempting to traverse treacherous terrains and river crossings to lay siege to Zhao‘s capital would likely result in our forces being sandwiched between Zhao‘s defenders within and the combined might of other kingdoms attacking from without.”

    Recognizing the gravity of Lord Wuan‘s counsel, the King of Qin sought to persuade him through Marquis Ying. However, Lord Wu’an remained steadfast, citing his ongoing illness as an evasion to military engagement. Ultimately, the King of Qin appointed Wang He to assume command, relieving Wang Ling of his duties.

    Upon receiving the king of Zhao‘s directive to seek military aid from the kingdom of Chu, Lord Ping’yuan began assembling a retinue for the journey. After gathering his followers, he meticulously selected twenty attendants renowned for their prowess in both scholarly and martial pursuits. Among them, nineteen were chosen, leaving one vacancy yet to be filled.

    At this juncture, a man named Mao Sui stepped forward, recommending himself for the remaining spot. However, Lord Ping’yuan, unimpressed, rebuffed him,”Those who stand out in society are akin to an awl in a bag—The tip would show in the bottom inevitably. Professor Mao, despite being a member of my dining circle for three years, has failed to garner any praise or recognition from those around me. Your talents have not been acknowledged simply because you lack them, Professor Mao. I’m afraid you don’t possess the requisite qualities for this task. Therefore, you will remain behind.” In response, Mao Sui countered, “I am requesting to be dropped into the bag today. If I had been included earlier, I would have already made my mark, let alone just showing a tip.” Lord Ping’yuan, acknowledging Mao Sui‘s persistence and perhaps intrigued by his confidence, approved his request to join as the twentieth attendant. Meanwhile, the other nineteen attendants exchanged glances and shared a laugh at Mao Sui‘s audacity.

    Lord Ping’yuan engaged in lengthy negotiations with the king of Chu regarding the merits and drawbacks of forming a vertical alliance. Despite their efforts, a consensus proved elusive, with discussions stretching from sunrise until noon. Sensing impatience, Mao Sui,  laid his hand on his sword and walked up the stairs, interjected by approaching Lord Ping’yuan and remarking, “The advantages and disadvantages of a vertical alliance can be summed up in two sentences. Why did our talks take so long?”

    Enraged by this interruption, the king of Chu lashed out at Mao Sui, “Why don’t you leave this place! I am addressing your lord. What business do you have here?”

    Mao Sui held his sword and countered, “Your Majesty directs his ire at me due to the kingdom of Chu‘s populous nature. However, within a mere ten steps, Your Majesty cannot rely solely on numerical advantage. Your life hangs in the balance, held by my hand. Moreover, with my lord present, why address me in such a manner? I draw inspiration from historical examples: Shang Tang ascended from a mere seventy-mile base to become a global ruler, and King Wen of Zhou brought all lords under his sway with a mere hundred-mile domain. Did they achieve such feats solely through sheer force? No, they prevailed by seizing advantageous positions and fostering unwavering loyalty among their followers.”

    “The kingdom of Chu, boasting a vast territory spanning five thousand miles and an army numbering a million strong, stands as a formidable hegemon. No other kingdom can rival its might. Bai Qi, merely a lackey, led troops in a campaign against Chu, committing egregious acts such as seizing Yan and Ying, burning Yiling.  He vandalized your ancestral shrines and dishonored your progenitors in the third battle. These despicable acts echo through generations, casting shame even upon the people of Zhao. Yet, Your Majesty appears unfazed by these atrocities.  The vertical alliance serves not the interests of Zhao but those of Chu. Why then, direct your anger towards me in the presence of my lord?”

    The king of Chu, taken aback by Mao Sui‘s assertiveness, swiftly agreed, declaring, “Yes! Yes! My country will join the alliance just as the Professor suggested.” Mao Sui, seeking confirmation, inquired once more, receiving a resolute “Affirmative” from the king of Chu. With the decision made, Mao Sui directed the attendants of the king of Chu to fetch chicken, dog, and horse blood.

    Presenting a copper plate filled with animal blood, Mao Sui knelt before the king of Chu, proposing a blood oath to solidify the alliance. The king of Chu, as the primary participant, would swear first, followed by Lord Ping’yuan and then Mao Sui himself. With the ritual completed, the alliance was formally established.

    Mao Sui then gestured for the nineteen attendants of Lord Ping‘yuan to swear their allegiance using the same blood,”You all will swear the oath using this blood down there. You are nothing but useless free-riders, relying on others to accomplish tasks.”  With the pact secured, Lord Ping’yuan departed for the kingdom of Zhao, reflecting on his newfound respect for intellectuals, “Zhao Sheng will never judge an intellectual again in this world.” and elevating Mao Sui to a position of high regard.

    In support of the alliance, the king of Chu dispatched troops under the command of Lord Chun’shen to aid Zhao, while the king of Wei contributed a hundred thousand soldiers led by Jin Bi.

    The king of Qin dispatched a diplomat with a threatening message to the king of Wei: “I am poised to dismantle the kingdom of Zhao within days. Those who attempt to aid Zhao will face our wrath once Zhao falls.” Fearing Qin‘s might, the king of Wei instructed General Jin Bi to halt the advance and fortify positions near the city of Ye. Despite claiming to support Zhao, Wei’s actions suggested a pragmatic hedging of bets.

    Simultaneously, the king of Wei covertly dispatched General Xinyuan Yan to Handan, aiming to persuade the king of Zhao to crown the king of Qin as emperor, facilitated by Lord Ping’yuan. In return, Wei hoped for Qin‘s withdrawal from their territory.

    During this time, Lu Zhonglian, a scholar from Qi, encountered Xinyuan Yan in Handan. Expressing his vehement opposition,”The kingdom of Qin is a realm where principles and ethics are forsaken, and soldiers vie to amass the highest tally of severed heads as their ultimate accolade. If the king of Qin were to ascend to the imperial throne, I would sooner cast myself into the eastern ocean than submit as a subject. For people of Liang witnessing the grim repercussions of Qin‘s imperial reign, I would suggest the unthinkable: to have the king of Qin cook the king of Liang into a stew.”

    Xinyuan Yan, deeply offended, exclaimed, “How could you suggest such a gruesome act as having the king of Qin cook the king of Liang into stews?”

    Undeterred, Lu Zhonglian pressed on, saying, “Of course! Allow me to explain.”Lu Zhonglian elaborated on his analogy, recounting a historical tale, “Marquis Gui, Marquis E, and King Wen of Zhou served under King Zhou of the Shang dynasty. Marquis Gui, seeking favor, offered his beautiful daughter to King Zhou. However, displeased with her appearance, King Zhou callously had Marquis Gui cooked into stews. Marquis E attempted to reason with King Zhou through debate, but in response, King Zhou had Marquis E turned into jerky. Upon hearing of these atrocities, King Wen of Zhou lamented the cruelty. King Zhou, angered by King Wen’s disapproval, imprisoned him in a warehouse in Youli, intending to starve him to death.”

    “Now, consider this: Qin stands as a formidable nation, boasting ten thousand chariots. Yet, so does Liang. With both realms wielding equal military might and claiming kingship, why does Liang entertain the idea of elevating Qin‘s king to emperor, especially after Qin‘s recent victory? By doing so, aren’t you essentially putting yourselves at risk of being treated as mere commodities – perhaps even as ingredients for a gruesome meal? Imagine if the king of Qin boldly proclaims himself emperor. He would wield unparalleled power, dictating orders to the entire world. He would meddle in the affairs of his vassals, promoting those he favors and demoting those he despises. He would force his daughters and concubines into marriages solely for political gain, extending his influence over Liang‘s court. How could the king of Liang hope to maintain peace under such tyranny? And how could General Xinyuan retain his position as the king’s favorite?”

    Xinyuan Yan stood up and bowed repeatedly to Lu Zhonglian, expressing his newfound respect: “Now I recognize Professor to be a world-class scholar! Let me return, and I promise never to advocate for making the king of Qin emperor again!”

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 42): Predictions

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 42): Predictions

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 5 Scroll 5 (continued)

    Kaifeng, Henan

    The 56th year of King Nan(259 B.C.)

    In October, Lord Wu’an deployed his army in three prongs: One branch, led by Wang He, occupied the cities of Wuan and Pilao; Another branch, led by Sima Geng, moved north to suppress any resistance in the city of Taiyuan and took control of the entire Shang’dang region. The kingdoms of Han and Wei were alarmed by these movements. They sent Su Dai to persuade Marquis Ying, saying, “Is Lord Wu’an planning to besiege Handan?” Marquis Ying confirmed this, and Su Dai continued, “Qin would indeed become the king of the realm if it annexed Zhao, and Lord Wu’an would hold significant power within Qin, and your highness would be under his thumb. Even if you don’t like to be the underling, you have to accept this reality. In the past, Qin‘s invasion of Han resulted in rebellions, with the inhabitants of Shang’dang fleeing to Zhao to escape Qin‘s rule. It’s evident that many people do not wish to live under Qin‘s authority. If Zhao were to fall to Qin, the population would scatter to neighboring kingdoms, further weakening Qin‘s control over the region. Therefore, it would be wiser to negotiate for these cities as part of a cease-fire agreement rather than allowing them to become mere trophies for Lord Wu’an.”

    Marquis Ying conveyed this advice to the king of Qin, “Our troops are weary from the prolonged conflict. It would be prudent to negotiate a cease-fire agreement with the kingdoms of Han and Zhao to allow our soldiers the opportunity to rest and recover. As part of these negotiations, we should demand the transfer of certain towns from both kingdoms to secure our position and ensure a more stable peace.” The king of Qin agreed, and they demanded the city of Yuanyong from Han and six cities from Zhao in exchange for peace. In January, the war ended, and troops returned home. However, this decision led to a rift between Lord Wu’an and Marquis Ying.

    The king of Zhao was on the verge of appointing Zhao Hao as the envoy to negotiate the terms of surrendering six counties to the kingdom of Qin. Yu Qing interjected, “Did the Qin troops withdraw due to exhaustion? Or perhaps, despite having sufficient forces to advance, did they cease their attacks out of love towards your majesty?” In response, the king speculated that Qin‘s retreat stemmed from exhaustion, as they were relentless in their quest for conquest. Yu Qing pointed out, “Qin pursued an objective but failed to achieve it due to exhaustion. By offering what they couldn’t secure through force, we inadvertently facilitate their aggression against us. When Qin inevitably attacks us next year, we’ll be left without aid or support from other kingdoms.” 

    Amidst the indecision, lobbyist Lou Huan returned from Qin, prompting consultation from the king of Zhao on territorial concessions. Lou Huan argued, “Yu Qing perceived one aspect of the situation but overlooked another. The world rejoiced when Qin and Zhao clashed because it presented opportunities for exploitation: ‘We would take advantage of the loser when the strong bullies the weak.’ To counter this, Zhao should promptly cede land to Qin to confound other nations and appease Qin‘s ambitions. Failure to do so would invite further hostility from Qin and eventual division of Zhao among other states. How can we stand against Qin if Zhao itself no longer exists?”

    Yu Qing heard the lobbying of Lou Huan and offered his counter proposal to the king of Zhao, “Mr. Lou’s proposal is detrimental as it would only heighten suspicion among other nations and fail to quell Qin‘s greed. Furthermore, it would expose our perceived cowardice. However, I didn’t mean to suggest refusing to cede land altogether when opposing yielding to Qin. Instead, consider this: Qin claims six cities from us. We could offer these cities to the king of Qi. Given the animosity between Qi and Qin, the king of Qi would likely accept our offer swiftly. By giving the cities to Qi at Qin‘s expense, we demonstrate resilience to the world. Taking this initiative may prompt Qin to negotiate a peace treaty before any reinforcements arrive at our borders. Achieving peace with Qin would earn respect from Han and Wei. In one stroke, we would win the affection of three kingdoms while compelling Qin to rethink its strategies.”  Impressed by the plan, the king of Zhao endorsed it and dispatched Yu Qing to negotiate with the king of Qi.

    Before Yu Qing‘s return from Qi, Qin‘s envoy arrived in Zhao‘s capital. Lou Huan, sensing the shift in dynamics, hastily departed. In recognition of Yu Qing‘s strategic acumen, the king granted him a city as a fief.

    The King of Wei consulted with his advisers upon news of Qin‘s assault on the kingdom of Zhao. While they believed Wei stood to gain from the conflict, Kong Bin, also known by the courtesy name Zishun, dissented: “Why do you say that?” Their reasoning was that should Qin triumph over Zhao, Wei might capitulate, and if Qin failed, Wei could exploit their exhaustion. Zishun countered, “That’s not accurate. Qin‘s military prowess has been unbroken since the time of Duke Xiao of Qin. Moreover, they’re now under the command of an exceptional leader. What exhaustion do you speak of?” One adviser argued, “If Qin conquers Zhao, it wouldn’t harm us. It’s advantageous when a neighbor is weakened.” Zishun retorted, “Qin is inherently rapacious. Once they conquer Zhao, they’ll seek further conquests. Eventually, Wei may find itself targeted by Qin‘s aggression. Let me recount a tale passed down by my ancestors: Swallows built their nest beneath a house’s eaves, feeling secure.  The mother fed the babies and the babies were chirping merrily. When a fire erupted, consuming the entire dwelling, the swallows remained oblivious until it was too late. Similarly, you fail to foresee the impending peril should Zhao fall. Are we not as blind as those swallows?”

    Zishun, the sixth-generation grandson of Confucius, was highly regarded by the King of Wei, who had heard praises of him. Impressed, the king dispatched diplomats bearing gifts of gold and silk to invite Zishun to become his prime minister. Zishun‘s response was unequivocal: “If the king heeds my counsel and adopts my policies, I shall come even if sustained by mere vegetables and water. But if I am adorned with luxury and riches without genuine influence, I am but an ordinary man. Does the king require just another ordinary man?” Due to the diplomat’s persistence, Zishun relented and accompanied him.

    Upon Zishun‘s arrival, the King of Wei personally greeted him and appointed him prime minister. Zishun wasted no time in overhauling the administration, replacing officials appointed through favoritism with those chosen based on merit and virtue. He instituted a system where achievements were duly rewarded, contrasting the previous practice of rewarding slackers.

    However, as expected, those who lost positions or privileges due to Zishun‘s reforms began to slander him behind his back. Wen Zi, a confidant, informed Zishun of the malicious gossip. Zishun, undeterred, remarked, “Not engaging the public in strategic planning in early stages is a time-honored practice. It’s a well-established fact that many competent administrators throughout history faced criticism at the outset of their careers. For instance, it took three years of Zichan’s governance in the State of Zheng to silence detractors, while my ancestor Confucius, serving as prime minister in Lu, quelled disparagement within three months. I’ve only just begun leading this new administration. I don’t possess the same level of skill as those esteemed predecessors. So, why should I concern myself with the slanderous words aimed at vilifying me?”

    “I wasn’t aware of the criticisms directed at Confucius.”  Wen Zi was curious.

    “When Confucius assumed the role of prime minister, a song circulated among the people. Its lyrics went: ‘The elite in buckskin, not a crime if being put into jail; The elite wearing buckskin, put in prison no one complains.’ However, after just three months of his administration, the cultural sentiment shifted. A new song emerged: ‘Leather coats and black hats, delivered what we want; Black hats and leather coats, served us not himself.’”

    “Today, I see that you are a saint, no different than your ancestor!” Wen Zi exclaimed

    Zishun had served as prime minister of Wei for nine months without his strategic policies being implemented. Frustrated, he lamented, “My proposals lack persuasiveness, leading to a moral dilemma where I hold a high position and salary without contributing adequately.” Using illness as a pretext, he resigned from his official post. When someone suggested seeking opportunities in other kingdoms, Zishun responded, “Where could I go? The kingdom of Qin is annexing all kingdoms to the east of Xiao Mountains, an unjustifiable action. An honorable person wouldn’t align with Qin.” Retreating home, he maintained a low profile.

    Xinyuan Gu urged Zishun to reconsider, “A virtuous individual should indeed strive to educate the populace and assist the government in their own community. You held the esteemed position of prime minister in Wei, yet I observed no significant administrative reforms during your tenure before your resignation. While I understand you may have faced challenges in implementing your desired changes, why did you opt to resign so swiftly?”  Zishun explained, “I quit because I couldn’t enact government reforms. Just as a terminally ill patient has no competent clinician to save him, our efforts to save the dying county would be futile. The kingdom of Qin‘s insatiable ambition threatens global peace, rendering our pursuit of humanity and decency futile. Reflecting on history, Yi Zhi and Lv Wang sought better administrations during the Xia and Shang dynasties’ declines, yet they couldn’t avert collapse. Today, kingdoms to the east of Xiao Mountains are weakened: the three descendants from Jin cede land to Qin, the two relics of Zhou become Qin‘s vassals, and Yan, Qi, and Chu submit to Qin. In my view, Qin will own the world within twenty years.”

    The King of Qin sought vengeance against Wei Qi for mistreating Marquis Ying. Upon discovering Wei Qi‘s hiding place in Lord Pingyuan’s residence, he lured Lord Ping’yuan into Qin territory with persuasive words and captured him. Subsequently, a messenger was dispatched to inform the King of Zhao， “I will not release your brother from the Pass until I have Wei Qi‘s head.” With no refuge, Wei Qi fled to Yu Qing, who relinquished his prime ministerial seal of Zhao and fled with Wei Qi to the kingdom of Wei. They intended to seek refuge in the kingdom of Chu with the assistance of Lord Xinling, also known as Wuji, a prince of Wei. However, Lord Xinling, caught in a difficult position, delayed meeting them. Angered by the delay, Wei Qi took his own life. Meanwhile, the King of Zhao handed over Wei Qi‘s head to Qin, leading to the release of Lord Ping’yuan.

    In September of the autumn, Wang Ling, holding the position of Wu-Daifu, launched a campaign against the kingdom of Zhao. Lord Wu’an fell ill and was unable to join the expedition.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 40): Casting Skins like Cicadas

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 5 Scroll 5 (continued)

    Shangdang, Shanxi Province

    The 51st year of King Nan(264 B.C.)

    Lord Wu’an, i.e. Bai Qi, led a campaign against the kingdom of Han.  They took nine cities and beheaded fifty thousand soldiers of Han.

    Tian Dan became the prime minister of the kingdom of Zhao.

    The 52nd year of King Nan(263 B.C.)

    Lord Wu’an launched another attack on the kingdom of Han, capturing the city of Nanyang and securing control over the entire Road Taihang, effectively dividing the kingdom in two.

    Meanwhile, King Qingxiang of Chu fell ill. Huang Xie, who was attending the crown prince of Chu held hostage in the kingdom of Qin, visited Marquis Ying of Qin with a proposition, “The King of Chu may be terminally ill, prompting consideration of strategic moves. It is advisable for the kingdom of Qin to release the crown prince back to Chu. By facilitating the installment of the crown prince as the next king, Chu would likely forge an alliance with Qin. Furthermore, this act would incur a substantial debt of gratitude towards you, the Prime Minister, from the crown prince. Such a move would not only unite the two kingdoms but also secure an alliance with a formidable state boasting ten thousand chariots. Conversely, retaining the crown prince in Xianyang renders him a mere commoner, devoid of his royal stature in Chu. In such a scenario, Chu would inevitably appoint another king, potentially souring relations with Qin. Disrupting a potentially beneficial alliance with a powerful state, without any tangible gain, is an imprudent course of action.”

    Marquis Ying relayed his message to the King of Qin, who responded, “Let the crown prince’s teacher go back first; we will address the matter upon his return.”

    Huang Xie conspired with the crown prince, cautioning, “The Kingdom of Qin detains you to leverage benefits from Chu. Presently, you lack the capacity to bring advantages to Qin. Contrastingly, Lord Yang’wen, the king’s brother, has two sons entrenched in the capital. In the event of the king’s demise and your absence, one of Lord Yang’wen’s sons would ascend to the throne, nullifying your claim to ancestral heritage. It is prudent for you to clandestinely depart Qin, accompanying the envoy back to Chu. I shall remain here to aid in negotiations with the King of Qin, even at the risk of my life.” Subsequently, the crown prince changed his attire and successfully traversed the checkpoints by assuming the role of a driver for the Chu ambassador, on their journey back to Chu.

    Huang Xie resided in the crown prince’s quarters and frequently assumed sick leave on his behalf. He visited the King of Qin only when he was confident that the crown prince had safely departed Qin‘s jurisdiction. Huang Xie boldly declared to the king, “The Crown Prince of Chu has returned to his kingdom and is now beyond your reach. Please, grant me the death sentence for my deceit.” Enraged, the King of Qin was inclined to fulfill his request. However, Marquis Ying interceded, advocating for Huang Xie‘s clemency. He argued, “Huang Xie, as the crown prince’s attendant, displayed unwavering loyalty by offering his life for his lord. Should the crown prince ascend to kingship, Huang Xie would play a significant role. Pardoning him and facilitating his return to Chu would greatly enhance our relations with Chu.” The king heeded this counsel. In the following autumn, King Qingxiang of Chu passed away, three months after Huang Xie‘s return. The crown prince ascended the throne as King Kaolie of Chu and appointed Huang Xie as his prime minister. Additionally, Huang Xie was granted extensive lands north of the Huai River as a fief and bestowed the title of Lord Chun’shen.

    The 53rd year of King Nan(262 B.C.)

    The Kingdom of Chu ceded the city of Xiazhou to the Kingdom of Qin in pursuit of peace. 

    Lord Wu’an of Qin spearheaded a campaign against the Kingdom of Han, successfully capturing the city of Yewang. Consequently, the Shang’dang region, a prefecture of Han, found itself severed from the main kingdom as Qin‘s troops blocked the route to the capital, Zheng.

    Governor Feng Ting of Shang’dang engaged in discussions with his constituents, recognizing the dire situation: “Our passage to Zheng has been obstructed, leaving us vulnerable to Qin‘s advances without aid from Han‘s army. It’s prudent to transfer control of Shang’dang to the Kingdom of Zhao. If Zhao accepts us, Qin will inevitably target them. In response, Zhao will seek an alliance with Han. With our forces combined, we can withstand Qin‘s aggression.” Unanimously, they decided to dispatch a messenger to the King of Zhao, conveying their plea: “Unable to defend Shang’dang, Han has surrendered it to Qin. The people of Shang’dang prefer to be under Zhao‘s rule rather than Qin‘s. We humbly request your Majesty’s acceptance of our submission, offering the seventeen cities and towns of Shang’dang.”

    The King of Zhao sought counsel from Lord Ping’yang, named Bao. Bao responded, “A true leader avoids profiting from unjust gains.” The King of Zhao retorted, “Under my virtuous rule, my people thrive. Why do you suggest there is no merit?” Bao explained further, “Qin methodically annexed Han‘s territory, fragmenting it, waiting for Shang’dang to surrender. By redirecting the harm toward Zhao, Han spared itself. Qin bore the costs and bloodshed, yet Zhao reaps the rewards. Can a weaker state like Zhao snatch what even mighty Qin could not from the feeble? It appears as an undeserved fortune. It’s wiser to decline the offer of Shang’dang.”

    The King then consulted Lord Ping’yuan, who advised acceptance. Consequently, the King dispatched Lord Ping’yuan to Shang’dang to formalize the acquisition. He bestowed three cities, each housing over ten thousand residents, to Governor Feng Ting, granting him the title Lord Hua’yang. Additionally, each county magistrate received three towns with more than a thousand residents. Pay scales were raised by three grades for officials and citizens alike.

    Overwhelmed with emotion, Feng Ting declined to meet Lord Ping’yuan, stating, “I cannot bear to enrich myself by selling my lord’s land.”

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 35): Lord Chunshen – The Debater

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 4 Scroll 4 (continued)

    Lord Chunshen, Huang Xie

    The 42nd year of King Nan(273 B.C.)

    The combined forces from the Kingdoms of Zhao and Wei initiated a siege on Huayang, a city of Han. Faced with this dire situation, the Kingdom of Han dispatched envoys to Qin, seeking assistance. The King of Qin declined their plea for aid. In a desperate attempt, the prime minister of Han implored Chen Shi, an official of Han, stating, “We are in dire need of help. Please make a day trip to the Kingdom of Qin, even if you are unwell.”

    Despite his illness, Chen Shi complied and traveled to the Kingdom of Qin, where he met with Marquis Rang. Enquiring about the urgency, Marquis Rang said, “Did they send you due to a crisis?” Chen Shi calmly responded, “There is no immediate crisis.” Irritated, Marquis Rang questioned, “Why is that?” Chen Shi explained, “The Kingdom of Han would align with the opposing forces if facing a crisis. The fact that I am here again indicates that the situation has not reached a critical point.” Marquis Rang, recognizing the gravity of the situation, pledged, “I will appeal to the king to send troops.” Subsequently, he led Lord Wu’an (Bai Qi) and Hu Yang, another high-ranking official, to come to the aid of the Kingdom of Han.

    The Qin army, taking eight days to reach Huayang, swiftly engaged and defeated the Wei forces outside the city. In the encounter, they forced General Mang Mao to retreat, captured three additional generals, and executed a staggering one hundred thirty thousand soldiers. In a separate confrontation, Lord Wu’an clashed with General Jia Yan from the Kingdom of Zhao. In a strategic move, they managed to drown twenty thousand Zhao soldiers in the Yellow River during the intense battle.

    Duangan Zi, a minister of the Kingdom of Wei, proposed surrendering the city of Nanyang to the Kingdom of Qin as a peace offering. However, Su Dai voiced strong opposition to this suggestion when addressing the King of Wei, stating, “Duangan Zi desires the royal seal of the prime minister, and the Kingdom of Qin covets the land of Wei. By attempting to use one covetous party to counterbalance the other, Wei risks losing both the coveted royal seal and its land. Attempting to appease Qin by relinquishing land is akin to trying to extinguish a fire with brushwood. The fire will persist until all the brushwood is exhausted.”

    Despite Su Dai’s insightful counsel, the King of Wei conceded Su Dai’s point, while accentuating the difficulty of altering the course that had already been set in motion. Su Dai retorted, drawing a strategic analogy, “The chess piece ‘Xiao’ is valuable because it can capture another piece at will and remains stationary when needed. Why not make decisions as wisely as the chess piece ‘Xiao’?”

    The King of Wei did not heed Su Dai’s advice and proceeded to hand over the city of Nanyang to the Kingdom of Qin as indemnity for peace. Nanyang corresponds to the present-day Xiuwu.

    Following the death of King Xi of Han, his son, King Huanhui, ascended to the throne as his successor. 

    At this juncture, both the Kingdoms of Han and Wei found themselves under the dominance of the Kingdom of Qin. The King of Qin was on the brink of dispatching Lord Wu’an, along with the armed forces of Han and Wei, for another campaign against the Kingdom of Chu.

    However, before this plan could be set into motion, Huang Xie, the ambassador from Chu, arrived in the city. Upon learning of the impending campaign, Huang Xie harbored concerns that the Kingdom of Qin, fueled by its consecutive victories, might be poised to annihilate the Kingdom of Chu.

    Huang Xie submitted a letter to the King of Qin, expressing, “I have heard that things tend to reverse when pushed to their extremes. Winter transforms into summer, and reaching the pinnacle can become precarious, akin to stacking chess pieces. At present, the Kingdom of Qin stands as the largest realm, stretching to the boundaries of civilization in the north and the west. Never before in history has a king governed such an extensive territory.”

    Huang Xie continued, “For three generations, the Kings of Qin relentlessly pursued the establishment of a border with the Kingdom of Qi, aiming to disrupt the corridor of alliances formed against Qin by other kingdoms. Your majesty brilliantly deployed Sheng Qiao to serve the Kingdom of Han as an administrator of border towns. Through Sheng Qiao’s efforts, the territories under his jurisdiction were seamlessly integrated with those of the Kingdom of Qin, resulting in the acquisition of hundreds of miles of land without the need for war or even the threat of conflict. Your majesty’s diplomatic finesse and skillful maneuvers were evident in this accomplishment.”

    “Furthermore, Your Majesty raised armies to launch an attack on the Kingdom of Wei, effectively blocked the gates to the capital city of Daliang, seized control of the city of Henei, and captured the towns of Yan, Suanzao, Xu, and Tao. The King’s forces then penetrated the region of Xing, causing the Wei troops to disperse like clouds in the sky, unable to provide mutual support. Your Majesty’s military achievements were so remarkable!”

    “Subsequently, Your Majesty decided to grant respite to both his soldiers and the people of Wei, allowing a period of repose from the rigors of battle. Two years later, Your Majesty resumed hostilities against Wei and successfully annexed the cities of Pu, Yan, Shou, and Yuan. His forces besieged the cities of Ren, Pingqiu, Huang, and Jiyang until the inhabitants capitulated.”

    “Taking strategic measures, Your Majesty carved out the northern territories of Pumo and opened up a direct route from the Kingdom of Qin to the Kingdom of Qi. This action effectively severed the backbone of the alliance between the Kingdoms of Zhao and Chu. The once-formidable anti-Qin coalition, which had united against Qin five times and joined forces six times, now hesitated to come to each other’s aid. The unparalleled glory of Your Majesty shone brightly in these decisive victories.”

    “If Your Majesty can consolidate and uphold the current accomplishments, maintaining a superior posture, and if the desire for conquest is relinquished in favor of governing the annexed lands with benevolence and justice, ensuring tranquility in the hinterlands, then Your Majesty could rightfully stand among the Three Greatest Kings and be mentioned in the same breath as the Five Hegemons in history.”

    “However, should Your Majesty choose to rely solely on the sheer size and superior armed forces, leveraging the momentum of defeating the fighting spirit of the Kingdom of Wei to subjugate all other kings, it is a path fraught with potential troubles in the near future, particularly in the Your Majesty’s own backyard.”

    “There is a saying from the classic The Book of Songs: ‘All start well at first, very few finish so at the end.’ Another saying from The Book of Changes goes: ‘A fox soaks its tail while wading a creek, despite being careful.’ These sayings emphasize the common challenge of initiating endeavors with enthusiasm but encountering difficulties in seeing them through to completion.”

    “An illustrative historical example is the alliance between the kings of Wu and Yue, who joined forces to attack the Kingdom of Qi. Despite their victory at the city of Ailing, the king of Wu was later captured by the king of Yue on the shore of the Three Rivers on their way of return.”

    “Similarly, the Zhi family of the Kingdom of Jin placed trust in the Han and Wei families, forming an alliance to besiege the city of Jinyang belonging to the Zhao family. As victory seemed imminent, the Han and Wei families betrayed the Zhi family, leading to the killing of the Zhi family’s head, Zhi Bo (also known as Zhi Yao), at the foot of Terrace Zao.”

    “Your Majesty, there seems to be a concern that, despite harboring resentment towards the Kingdom of Chu, its existence serves as a strategic advantage for the Kingdoms of Han and Wei, acting as a counter weight. It’s essential to remember that dismantling the Kingdom of Chu might inadvertently strengthen Han and Wei, who are potential adversaries.”

    “I express my worry and respectfully advise against dismantling the Kingdom of Chu. While the Kingdom of Chu may seem like a rival, it can also be a source of support for your kingdom. The true enemies are your neighboring states.  Trusting the kingdoms of Han and Wei solely based on their flattery may echo the historical situation where the king of Wu trusted the kingdom of Yue, leading to adverse consequences.”

    “The ingratiating words from Han and Wei may be a guise to manipulate the larger kingdom while absolving themselves. This suspicion arises because the goodwill towards Qin from Han and Wei may not be enduring, given the longstanding animosity spanning generations. The adversarial history, with fathers and sons of Han and Wei falling to Qin‘s forces for the last ten generations, suggests a deep-seated resentment.  Hence, there will always be apprehension for the well-being of Qin as long as the kingdoms of Han and Wei persist. It appears incongruous to allocate resources for Han and Wei to attack the Kingdom of Chu when there has been a historical backdrop of tensions between Qin and these kingdoms.”

    “Moreover, the choice of the route the Qin army takes to attack the Kingdom of Chu is crucial. If the army traverses the territories of your enemies, such as the Kingdoms of Han and Wei, On the day the army sets forth, it marks the beginning of Your Majesty’s concern that their return might be uncertain.  If Your Majesty’s troops avoid traversing the territory of their adversaries, they must launch their attack from the right side of the Sui River. Considering the challenging terrain with wide rivers, large lakes, mountainous forests, and ravines on the right side of the Sui River, attacking from this direction poses significant challenges. These areas do not yield food, and the cost of damaging the reputation of the Kingdom of Chu might not be offset by any tangible benefits.”

    “Initiating a war with the Kingdom of Chu would likely prompt immediate reactions from the other four kingdoms. Long battles between the armies of Qin and Chu would ensue, providing an opportunity for the Kingdom of Wei to expand into regions like Liu, Fangyu, Zhi, Huling, Dang, Xiao, and Xiang, formerly part of the State of Song. Simultaneously, the Kingdom of Qi would seize the fertile land to the north of the Si River, an area with excellent transportation connections.”

    “In such a scenario, the Kingdoms of Qi and Wei could emerge as the strongest powers in the region. Considering the potential consequences and the geopolitical landscape, fostering friendly relations with the Kingdom of Chu might be a more favorable approach for the overall stability and prosperity of Qin.”

    “Considering the looming alliance between the Kingdoms of Qin and Chu, the Kingdom of Han would likely acquiesce and pay homage to Your Majesty. Leveraging the geographic advantage of the strategic pass of East Mountain and controlling the engirdling of the Yellow River loop, the Kingdom of Han could become a vassal of Qin to the east of Hangu Pass.”

    “Deploying a substantial force of one hundred thousand troops to the State of Zheng would instill fear among the people of the Kingdom of Wei. Cities like Xu and Yanling might retreat to their inner castles, disrupting the connection between the regions of Shangcai and Zhaoling. This move could potentially lead to the Kingdom of Wei becoming another vassal of Qin to the east of Hangu Pass.”

    “Moreover, amending relations with the Kingdom of Chu could lead to the Kingdoms of Han and Wei, which are formidable military states, vying for the land of Qi. The vast area of west Qi could be easily captured, extending Your Majesty’s territory from the west ocean to the east ocean, establishing Qin at the helm of the world. The kingdoms of Yan and Zhao will lose the support of the kingdoms of Qi and Chu, and reciprocally so for Qi and Chu. If the kingdom of Qin advances towards Yan and Zhao, it would destabilize the foundations of the kingdoms of Qi and Chu. This would eventually lead to the subjugation of all four kingdoms to the kingdom of Qin, even without an immediate initiation of war.”

    Recognizing the strategic advantage and potential consequences, the King of Qin agreed with Huang Xie‘s counsel. Consequently, Lord Wu’an was summoned back, and the allied troops from the Kingdoms of Han and Wei were dismissed. Huang Xie was sent back to the Kingdom of Chu, carrying a proposal for a marriage alliance between Qin and Chu.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 34): The Prognosis of Lu Zhonglian

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 4 Scroll 4 (continued)

    Lu Zhonglian

    The 36th year of King Nan(279 B.C.) (continued)

    Tian Dan was on the brink of attacking Di, a small state, when he consulted Lu Zhonglian, a renowned intellectual and lobbyist. Lu Zhonglian cautioned, “General, breaking through the city of Di will prove challenging.” Dismissing the advice, Tian Dan asserted his previous triumph over the larger forces of Yan with a meager army in Jimo. Without bidding farewell, he mounted his chariot and commenced the siege on the city of Di.

    After three months of unsuccessful attempts, He caught wind of the children of Qi singing a taunting rhyme: “A hat as big as a winnow basket, a sword as long as it touches the chops; the city of Di stands impregnable, with carcasses piled up to the hilltop.” Concerned, Tian Dan sought out Lu Zhonglian for guidance. He acknowledged, “Professor, you foresaw my failure in breaking through the city of Di. Please enlighten me on the reasons.”

    Lu Zhonglian explained, “During the siege at Jimo, General, you exhibited an unwavering commitment – weaving brackets upon sitting down, and leaning on a shovel upon standing up. You led the soldiers in songs, urging them to ‘Rush forward when the temple where we worship is gone! Where do we belong when the spirits of our ancestors are homeless?’ At that time, General, you held a resolute determination to fight to the death, with soldiers fully expecting not to return alive. Every one of them fought with utmost intensity, tears in their eyes. This was the spirit that led to the victory over the Yan army.”

    “Nowadays, General, you enjoy the enfeoffments from Ye in the east and entertainment from Zishang in the west. You traverse between the rivers Zi and Sheng, adorned with a gold belt, leading a life filled with happiness and devoid of any immediate threat of death. This stark contrast in circumstances is why the siege of Di has met with failure.”

    Touched by Lu Zhonglian‘s insight, Tian Dan declared, “I still possess the will to succeed; Professor has reignited my motivation.” The next day, he toured the battlefield, standing shoulder to shoulder with his soldiers, invoking their fighting spirit with drumsticks. Finally, the people of Di capitulated, yielding to Tian Dan‘s renewed determination and leadership.

    King Min of Qi sought to eliminate Lord Mengchang following the annexation of the kingdom of Song. Fleeing to the kingdom of Wei, Lord Mengchang was appointed as the prime minister by the Wei king. Lord Mengchang, in turn, orchestrated an alliance among several kingdoms to launch an attack on Qi. With King Min’s death, his son, King Xiang of Qi, restored the kingdom, prompting Lord Mengchang to withdraw to his fief, the state of Xue. There, he maintained a neutral stance, detached from other kingdoms.

    Wary of Lord Mengchang, King Xiang of Qi, upon his inauguration, pursued an alliance with him. Meanwhile, internal strife arose as Lord Mengchang‘s sons vied for the inheritance of their father’s title and land. The kingdoms of Qi and Wei joined forces, ultimately extinguishing the state of Xue. Regrettably, Lord Mengchang passed away without any descendants.

    The Duke Min of Lu passed away, and his son Chou succeeded him, assuming the title of Duke Qing of Lu.

    The 37th year of King Nan(278 B.C.)

    The foremost military commander of the Qin Kingdom, Bai Qi, holding the esteemed title of Daliangzao, spearheaded a military campaign against the Kingdom of Chu. Under his command, the city of Ying, which served as the capital of Chu, fell into Qin‘s control. Additionally, he orchestrated the destruction of the city of Yiling. The armed forces led by King Xiang of Chu crumbled, rendering them incapable of further resistance. Consequently, the King of Chu relocated the capital to the northeastern city of Chen. The Kingdom of Qin subsequently renamed Ying as Nanjun. In recognition of his achievements, Bai Qi was honored with the distinguished title of Lord Wu’an.

    The 38th year of King Nan(277 B.C.)

    Lord Wu’an of Qin successfully captured both the city of Wu and the region of Qianzhong, solidifying Qin‘s control over these territories. As a strategic move, he went on to establish the commandery of Qianzhong to consolidate administrative control.

    Meanwhile, in the Kingdom of Wei, King Zhao passed away. Following his demise, his son Yu ascended to the throne and assumed the title of King Anxi of Wei.

    The 39th year of King Nan(276 B.C.)

    Lord Wu’an of Qin launched an offensive against the Kingdom of Wei, resulting in the conquest of two cities under Qin‘s dominion.

    In the Kingdom of Chu, the king integrated the armed forces of the eastern territory, amassing an additional one hundred thousand soldiers. He strategically directed this potent force westwards, successfully conquering fifteen towns situated to the south of the Yangtze River.

    In the Kingdom of Wei, King Anxi bestowed the title of Lord Xinling upon his brother Wuji.

    The 40th year of King Nan(275 B.C.)

    The Marquis Rang, who held the esteemed position of prime minister in the Qin Kingdom, spearheaded a military campaign against the Kingdom of Wei. In response, General Pu Yuan from the Kingdom of Han intervened in support of Wei. However, Marquis Rang‘s forces triumphed decisively, resulting in the beheading of forty thousand soldiers from the Han army. Pu Yuan, in retreat, sought refuge in the city of Qifeng. To secure peace, the Kingdom of Wei conceded eight cities to the Kingdom of Qin.

    Undeterred, the Marquis Rang initiated another assault on the Kingdom of Wei, this time defeating General Mang Mou. The Qin forces subsequently entered the city of Beizhai and proceeded to lay siege to Daliang, the capital of Wei. Faced with the relentless pressure, the Kingdom of Wei ceded the Wen area in pursuit of a peaceful resolution.

    The 41st year of King Nan(274 B.C.)

    Once again, the Kingdom of Wei forged an alliance with the Kingdom of Qi. In response, Marquis Rang of Qin orchestrated another military campaign against Wei. The Qin forces, displaying formidable prowess, successfully captured four cities and inflicted heavy casualties by beheading forty thousand soldiers from the Wei army.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 33): The Over-Achievers

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 4 Scroll 4 (continued)

    Linzi, the capital of Qi

    The 36th year of King Nan(279 B.C.) (continued)

    The King of Zhao conferred the town of Guanjin upon Yue Yi, expressing veneration and affection for him. This move, however, raised alarms in the kingdoms of Yan and Qi. King Hui of Yan promptly dispatched an envoy to Zhao to reprimand Yue Yi: “General Yue, by embracing misguided opinions and harboring doubts about us, you abandoned the kingdom of Yan and sought refuge in Zhao. While this may benefit you personally, how do you reciprocate the grace my father bestowed upon you for recognizing your talent?”

    In response, Yue Yi composed a letter to the king, drawing a parallel with the historical account of Wu Zixu, a general in the kingdom of Wu. Wu Zixu, having advised King He Lv to engage in a distant battle at the city of Ying, was disregarded by He Lv‘s son, Fu Chai, who went so far as to dispose of Wu Zixu’s body in a river. Fu Chai, doubting Wu Zixu‘s strategic counsel, expressed no remorse upon sinking his body. Wu Zixu, unable to foresee the contrasting character of the two Wu kings, retained his indignation even in death.

    Yue Yi emphasized his commitment: “My primary objective was to accentuate the accomplishments of the late king while deliberately abstaining from claiming any credit for myself. My greatest apprehension was the prospect of being entangled in a smear campaign and facing prosecution that could tarnish the reputation of the deceased king. Confronted with an unspecified indictment, my conscience vehemently opposed exploiting the favor extended by the kingdom of Zhao to the detriment of the kingdom of Yan.”

    “I was mindful of the historical wisdom that distinguished individuals, particularly those of ancient times, refrained from denigrating each other, even in the event of severed friendships. Additionally, a devoted subject refrained from exculpating himself when forced into exile from his homeland.  I may lack intelligence, but I have been a student of gentlemen. I implore Your Majesty to observe my conduct.”

    Upon reading the letter, the King of Yan bestowed upon Yue Yi‘s son, Yue Jian, the title of Lord of Changguo. This gesture marked the restoration of Yue Yi’s relationship with the kingdom of Yan, allowing him to travel between the two kingdoms. Eventually, Yue Yi passed away in the kingdom of Zhao, posthumously honored with the title of Lord of Wangzhu.

    Tian Dan, the prime minister of the Kingdom of Qi, once encountered an old man suffering from hypothermia near the Zi River. The elderly man, unable to move after crossing the river, caught Tian Dan’s attention. Without hesitation, Tian Dan removed his fur coat and draped it over the shivering man. Witnessing this act of kindness, King Xiang of Qi became deeply perturbed, suspecting ulterior motives.

    He vented his agitation, exclaiming, “Tian Dan bestows favors; is he harboring ambitions to seize the kingdom? I fear that if I don’t address this now, he may attempt such a coup later.” After these words, he took a moment to survey his surroundings and noticed no one in close proximity. His gaze then fell upon a pearl jewel craftsman situated beneath a rock. Acting on impulse, he summoned the craftsman and inquired, “Did you overhear my remarks?” The craftsman affirmed, “Indeed, I did.” Curious, the king pressed, “What are your thoughts on the matter?”

    The perl craftsman replied: “It would be more advantageous, Your Grace, to redirect these concerns into a display of your own benevolence. Praise Tian Dan by acknowledging his compassionate actions, stating, ‘We was troubled by the plight of people facing starvation, and Tian Dan graciously opened his home, providing sustenance. We was concerned about an elderly man succumbing to the cold, Tian Dan selflessly removed his fur coat and draped it over him. We worried about the hardships faced by the people, Tian Dan demonstrated genuine empathy. Tian Dan really understands We.’”

    Embracing this advice, King Xiang agreed and rewarded Tian Dan with cattle and wine. Later, the pearl craftsman returned with further advice, recommending that the king publicly acknowledge Tian Dan‘s philanthropy during a court assembly. Additionally, he proposed issuing an executive order to identify individuals lacking food and clothing, promptly providing them with grains. The king, receptive to this counsel, implemented the suggestions.

    As word spread, the people learned of Tian Dan‘s benevolent acts through discussions among officials and intellectuals. The consensus emerged that Tian Dan‘s love for the people was a manifestation of his adherence to the teachings of the king.

    Tian Dan recommended Diao Bo to the king of Qi. However, nine courtiers conspired against Lord Anping, advising the king in a rotating fashion. Their collective suggestion was to express gratitude and goodwill to the kingdom of Chu since their recovery and subsequent peace was aided by Chu‘s general and ten thousand soldiers. The king sought a suitable ambassador, and they unanimously endorsed Diao Bo. Diao Bo embarked on a mission to Chu, where he was graciously received by the king, sharing drinks during an audience. Several months passed without Diao Bo‘s return.

    The nine courtiers seized the opportunity to influence the king, asserting that Diao Bo, a mere courier, received extravagant hospitality from a powerful kingdom due to Lord Anping‘s influence. They implied that Lord Anping‘s status rivaled the king’s, creating confusion between ruler and subject. Moreover, they criticized Lord Anping‘s internal governance of benevolence, accusing him of fostering alliances with northern barbarians, attracting talents from around the world, and harboring limitless ambitions. They urged the king to investigate these matters.

    The following day, the king issued a command: “Fetch Prime Minister Dan!” Unadorned, barefoot, and bare-backed, Tian Dan entered, acknowledging his alleged crimes. After five days of reflection, the king declared Tian Dan innocent, acknowledging no wrongdoing. He instructed Tian Dan to show the appropriate respect as a subject, while reaffirming the king’s duty to treat him as such.

    Diao Bo returned from the kingdom of Chu, and the king of Qi hosted a lavish feast in his honor. As the king became increasingly intoxicated, he suddenly exclaimed, “Summon Prime Minister Dan!” Diao Bo promptly stood up, left the table, and knelt before the king. He inquired, “Is Your Majesty comparable to esteemed figures like King Wen of Zhou?”

    The king admitted, “I am not as accomplished.” Diao Bo pressed on, “Indeed, I knew Your Majesty might not be. How about someone of lower standing, like Duke Huan of Qi?” Reluctantly, the king confessed, “I am not as accomplished.” Diao Bo concurred, “I knew Your Majesty was not. However, King Wen of Zhou addressed Lv Shang as ‘Honorable Father’ when appointing him as prime minister, and Duke Huan of Qi referred to Guan Zhong as ‘Great Uncle.’ Today, with Lord Anping‘s support, Your Majesty addresses him simply as ‘Dan.’ Such language is detrimental to our kingdom.”

    Diao Bo then recounted the achievement of Tian Dan: “Throughout the entirety of the universe’s existence and human history, none have achieved as much as Lord Anping in his ministerial role. When the previous king’s realms were under threat, and the people of Yan launched an attack, Your Majesty, unable to defend, sought refuge in the mountains near Chengyang. In these dire circumstances, Lord Anping led a meager force of seven thousand beleaguered soldiers to defend the small city of Jimo, encompassing three miles of inner city and five miles of outer city.”

    “Lord Anping‘s strategic brilliance reversed the tides of battle, resulting in the capture of Yan’s general and a remarkable comeback that reclaimed thousands of miles of the Land of Qi. During this critical juncture, Lord Anping possessed the opportunity to ascend as king, bypassing the exiled king in Chengyang, with none capable of opposing him. However, Lord Anping, guided by moral principles, rejected the notion of self-anointment.”

    “Demonstrating not only military prowess but also compassion, Lord Anping constructed plank roads and wooden houses connecting Chengyang and ensured the safe return of the king and queen to their people. Presently, with the kingdom in a state of tranquility and order, Your Majesty’s summoning of Lord Anping with a simple ‘Dan’ is deemed infantile behavior.” Diao Bo implores the king to rectify the situation by eliminating the nine conspirators and extending a genuine apology to Lord Anping, emphasizing that failure to do so jeopardizes the stability of the kingdom.The king, swayed by Diao Bo‘s counsel, executed the nine courtiers and exiled their families. Additionally, he granted Lord Anping further fiefs, comprising ten thousand households in the town of Ye.