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  • 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.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 31): Lian Po And Lin Xiangru

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 4 Scroll 4 (continued)

    Lian Po and Lin Xiangru

    The 35th year of King Nan(280 B.C.)

    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.

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

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 4 Scroll 4 (continued)

    Bai Qi, Lord Wu’an

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

    The army of Qin defeated the army of Wei in the city of Xie.

    The 22nd year of King Nan(293 B.C.)

    Gongsun Xi of Han, alongside forces from Wei, launched an assault on the kingdom of Qin. Marquis Rang (also known as Wei Ran) advocated for Bai Qi, holding the title of Zuogeng, to the King of Qin, favoring him over the current military leader, Xiang Shou. Bai Qi took command of the Qin army and decisively defeated the combined forces of Wei and Han at Yique, resulting in the beheading of two hundred and forty thousand enemy soldiers. Furthermore, Bai Qi‘s troops captured Gongsun Xi, the opposing general, and secured control of five cities. As a result of his remarkable achievements, the King of Qin appointed Bai Qi as the Defense Minister of Qin.

    Subsequently, the King of Qin penned a missive to the King of Chu, asserting, “The kingdom of Chu has betrayed Qin, prompting Qin to lead a coalition of kingdoms in an incursion against Chu. I advise Your Majesty to uplift your soldiers and prepare them for a forthcoming battle.” Faced with this formidable declaration, the King of Chu was apprehensive. Consequently, he proposed a renewed alliance with Qin through a matrimonial bond once again.

    The 23rd year of King Nan(292 B.C.)

    Upon the arrival of his new wife from the kingdom of Qin, King Xiang of Chu extended a warm welcome.

    Sima Guang’s comments: Qin exhibits immoral behavior! They have not only murdered the former king but also bullied his son. As for Chu‘s King, he shows weakness. Enduring the assassination of his father and subsequently marrying the murderer. Oh! If only the King of Chu understood proper governance and was aided by competent ministers, even when facing the mighty Qin, how could he have been subjugated in such a manner! Xun Quang’s words resonate deeply: ‘With proper governance, even a small state covering a hundred miles can assert its independence. With misguided governance, even a vast territory like Chu, spanning six thousand miles, would fall victim to its enemies.

    Wei Ran relinquished his position as the prime minister because of poor health. His deputy, Zhu Shou, succeeded him as the new prime minister of Qin.

    The 24th year of King Nan(291 B.C.)

    Qin launched an invasion into Han territory and successfully captured the city of Wan.

    The kingdom of Qin relieved Zhu Shou of his position and reinstated Wei Ran as the prime minister. Additionally, Wei Ran was granted the fief towns of Xiang and Tao, thereby earning the title of Marquis Rang. Furthermore, Qin bestowed the town of Wan as a fief to Prince Shi and the town of Deng to Prince Kui.

    The 25th year of King Nan(290 B.C.)

    The kingdom of Wei ceded four hundred miles of territory east of the Yellow River to Qin, while Han similarly relinquished two hundred miles of land encompassing Wusui.

    Mang Mou of Wei was widely esteemed for his skill in deceit and strategic cunning.

    The 26th year of King Nan(289 B.C.)

    Bai Qi, the Grand Marshal, and Sima Cuo, the Vice Prime Minister of Qin, spearheaded a military campaign against the kingdom of Wei, advancing as far as Zhi Pass. Throughout their expedition, they successfully captured a total of sixty-one towns, large and small, in the region.

    The 27th year of King Nan(288 B.C.)

    In the winter month of October, the King of Qin declared himself the West Emperor and extended the title of East Emperor to the King of Qi through his envoy, Wei Ran. This gesture aimed to foster amicable relations, contingent upon Qi‘s commitment to jointly attack the kingdom of Zhao. Seeking counsel, the King of Qi consulted Su Dai, recently returned from Yan, about Qin‘s proposal. Su Dai opined, “Your Grace, I suggest accepting the offer quietly without announcing it to the world. If the world accepts Qin‘s declaration, you can follow suit later. Conversely, if the world reacts unfavorably to Qin‘s claim, your decision not to declare will earn widespread approval—a valuable political asset. Regarding military action against Zhao or the kingdom of Song, where do we gain more advantages? I propose relinquishing the emperor’s claim, earning global approval, and directing military efforts against the immoral kingdom of Song. A victory against Song would profoundly impact Chu, Zhao, Liang, and Wey. We maintain a superficial deference to Qin while uniting the world against them. This strategy embodies the notion that humility garners greater respect.” The King of Qi endorsed Su Dai’s strategy. He assumed the emperor’s title for a mere two days before reverting to his former title as king.

    In December, Lv Li, an official from Qi, journeyed to Qin. Promptly following, the King of Qin also renounced his emperorship, returning to his previous status as king.

    Amidst these diplomatic maneuvers, the kingdom of Qin launched an invasion into Zhao, successfully capturing the town of Duyang.

    The 28th year of King Nan(287 B.C.)

    The kingdom of Qin conducted raids into Wei and Zhao territories, resulting in the seizure of the cities of Xinyuan and Quyang.

    The 29th year of King Nan(286 B.C.)

    Sima Cuo, a prominent official of Qin, spearheaded a military campaign targeting the prefecture of Henei in Wei territory. In response to Qin‘s campaign, Wei conceded the town of Anyi in pursuit of peace. Qin relocated all the town’s inhabitants to Qin‘s territory and subsequently returned the land to Wei.

    Additionally, the army of Qin achieved victory by defeating the Han troops stationed at the town of Xiashan.

    In the kingdom of Song, a hawk was discovered to have hatched in a sparrow’s nest nestled in a corner of the castle. The official soothsayer proclaimed it an auspicious sign, interpreting that from the small emerges the great, predicting that the King of Song would become the world’s hegemon. Delighted by this prophecy, King Kang of Song enthusiastically mobilized his armed forces, initiating the annexation of the state of Teng and launching raids on a smaller state named Xue. His military engagements yielded victories: defeating the kingdom of Qi in the east, claiming five cities; subduing the kingdom of Chu in the south, annexing territories spanning three hundred miles; and overcoming the army of the kingdom of Wei in the west. Song declared both Qi and Wei as public enemies, further boosting the king’s confidence in his pursuit of hegemony.

    Emboldened by these military triumphs, King Kang began extravagant displays of power, shooting at the sky and flagellating the ground. He aggressively defied tradition by desecrating the idols of land and grain gods, burning altars to showcase military might to the divine realm. Engaging in excessive revelry, he spent nights in endless drinking bouts within his chamber, prompting attendants to cheer “Viva!” His exuberance spilled beyond the palace walls, with attendants outside echoing the chant, soon echoed by the people throughout the kingdom. This orchestrated fervor reached such a level that dissent was unthinkable.Disdain for King Kang’s actions grew among neighboring kingdoms, labeling him “JieSong” in reference to the despotic ruler Jie of the Xia dynasty. Consequently, when King Min of Qi sent troops to invade the kingdom of Song, its people fled, leaving the ramparts undefended. King Kang sought refuge in Wei but eventually met his demise in a place known as Wen.

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

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 3 Scroll 3 (continued)

    Queen Xuan

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

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

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

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

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

    A comet appeared in the sky.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    A comet appeared in the sky.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    A total solar eclipse occurred.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 3 Scroll 3 (continued)

    King Wuling of Zhao

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 3 Scroll 3 (continued)

    Zhang Yi

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

    The prime minister of Shu murdered the Marquis of Shu.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated By Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 3 Scroll 3 (continued)

    Guo Wei

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 6): The Ultimate Revenge

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated by Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 1 Scroll 1 (continued)

    The 11th Year of King An (391 B.C.)

    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 12th Year of King An (390 B.C.)

    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 13th Year of King An (389 B.C.)

    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 15th Year of King An (387 B.C.)

    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.

    Duke Hui of Qin passed away, and his son succeeded him as Duke Chu. 

    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.

    The 16th Year of King An (386 B.C.)

    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.

    The 17th Year of King An (385 B.C.)

    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.

    The 19th Year of King An (383 B.C.)

    The state of Wei defeated the army of Zhao at a place named Tutai.

    The 20th Year of King An (382 B.C.)

    There was a solar eclipse, which became annular soon.

    The 21st Year of King An (381 B.C.)

    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.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 5): Assassin Nie Zheng

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated by Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 1 Scroll 1 (continued)

    The 24th Year of King Weilie (402 B.C.)

    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 1st Year of King An (401 B.C.)

    The Kingdom of Qin launched an invasion against the Kingdom of Wei, and their military campaign extended as far as Yanghu.

    The 2nd Year of King An (400 B.C.)

    The armies of the kingdoms of Wei, Han, and Zhao launched a joint attack against the kingdom of Chu, advancing as far as Sangqiu.

    Meanwhile, the troops of the state of Zheng laid siege to the city of Yangzhai in the kingdom of Han.

    In the kingdom of Han, Marquis Jing passed away, and his son Han Qu ascended to the throne, assuming the title of Marquis Lie.

    Similarly, in the kingdom of Zhao, Marquis Lie died, and his younger brother was installed as Marquis Wu.

    In the kingdom of Qin, Duke Jian passed away, and his son Duke Hui succeeded him as the new ruler.

    The 3rd Year of King An (399 B.C.)

    Prince Ding of Chu sought refuge in the State of Jin, fleeing from the turmoil in his own state.

    In a catastrophic event, Mount Guo erupted, resulting in the blockage of the Yellow River.

    The 4th Year of King An (398 B.C.)

    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.

    The 5th Year of King An (397 B.C.)

    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.

    The 6th Year of King An (396 B.C.)

    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 8th Year of King An (394 B.C.)

    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 9th Year of King An (393 B.C.)

    ​​The State of Wei launched an attack on the State of Zheng。

    In a different realm, the ruler Duke Lie of Jin passed away, and his son Ji Qing ascended to the throne, assuming the title of Duke Xiao. 

    The 11th Year of King An (391 B.C.)

    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.

  • Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance(Part 4): General Wu Qi

    Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance

    By Sima Guang

    Translated by Yiming Yang

    Annals of Zhou Book 1 Scroll 1 (continued)

    Duration of 48 years
    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.