Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance
By Sima Guang
Translated By Yiming Yang
Annals of Zhou Book 2 Scroll 2 (continued)
The 36th year of King Xian (333 B.C.)
The king of Chu launched an attack on the state of Qi and defeated the Qi army. He besieged Xuzhou and ordered the expulsion of Tian Ying. However, Tian Ying sent an envoy named Zhang Chou to plead with the King of Chu. After hearing Zhang Chou’s plea, King of Chu decided to halt the attack on Qi.
The construction of the grand palace portal in the state of Han has been completed. Marquis Zhao of Han had passed away, and his son had succeeded him, assuming the title of King Xuanhui of Han.
Earlier, Su Qin from the city of Luoyang had approached the King of Qin with a proposal for unifying China, but the King of Qin had not taken his advice seriously.
Su Qin then decided to visit Duke Wen of Yan and presented a persuasive argument: “The reason the state of Yan has remained free from the harassment of bandits and soldiers is the protective shield provided by the state of Zhao to the south. If the state of Qin were to wage war against Yan, it would have to do so thousands of miles away from its own territory. On the other hand, if the state of Zhao were to engage in conflict with Yan, it would be doing so only hundreds of miles from its own borders. It is unwise to worry about a distant enemy while ignoring a threat much closer to home. I propose, Your Grace, that you form a marital alliance with Zhao, ultimately uniting with the state of Zhao. This way, Yan will have no more cause for concern.”
Duke Wen of Yan recognized the wisdom in Su Qin‘s advice and not only accepted it but also facilitated his journey to the state of Zhao to pursue this alliance further.
Su Qin employed his persuasive skills once more, this time lobbying Marquis Su of Zhao. He presented his case: “At present, there is no state stronger than Zhao. Qin considers Zhao its primary adversary but has refrained from launching an offensive due to concerns that Han and Wei may conspire against them from behind. There are no natural barriers like large mountain ranges and rivers between Qin and these two states. Qin‘s strength allows it to gradually encroach on their territory, eventually besieging their capitals. Han and Wei would then succumb to Qin‘s pressure, becoming Qin‘s vassals. If Han and Wei no longer pose a threat, the state of Zhao will be next in line.
“As I examine the map of the realm, I see that the combined land area of all the other states is five times greater than that of Qin. It is estimated that these states possess ten times as many soldiers as Qin. If the six major states unite and launch a westward offensive against Qin, Qin will be overpowered. There are consultants who will attempt to encourage other states to dole out territories to appease Qin‘s threat. They will be rich and famous if Qin gets its wish. They will not concern themselves with the danger Qin poses to their states. This is why you are seeing these lobbyists constantly urging you to cede land to pacify Qin.
“Therefore, I implore you, your grace, to scrutinize their proposals. If I may offer a plan, it would be to unite the six states—Han, Wei, Qi, Chu, Yan, and Zhao—through marriage alliances to resist Qin‘s aggression. We can invite ministers and generals from all six states to a conference near the Huan River, forming an alliance by exchanging hostages as a guarantee. Our alliance charter will state: ‘All states shall send their finest soldiers to aid any state attacked by Qin or to retaliate against Qin. Any state violating this charter will face collective retaliation from the other five states.’ With all six states united against Qin, Qin‘s armored divisions will not dare to venture out of the Hangu Pass to threaten the states east of Xiao mountain.”
Marquis Su of Zhao was greatly impressed by Su Qin‘s wisdom and appreciated his advice. He treated Su Qin with great honor, bestowing him with gifts and rewards, and entrusted him as his envoy to negotiate with the leaders of the other states.
During this period, the army of Qin, under the leadership of Xi Shou [Gongsun Yan], launched a military campaign against the state of Wei. They defeated the Wei army of forty thousand troops, captured the Wei general Long Gu, and seized the city of Diaoyin. With the Qin army poised to advance further eastward, Su Qin became increasingly concerned that they would reach the state of Zhao before he could establish the alliance. He couldn’t think of anyone in Qin who would be willing to collaborate with him.
In an act of chicanery, Su Qin deliberately angered his friend Zhang Yi, who was also a student of Master Guigu and had expertise in political strategy. Su Qin believed that Zhang Yi was more skilled than himself in this art. Zhang Yi had been traveling among various states trying to garner support for their cause but had found few willing listeners. He became stranded in the state of Chu.
Su Qin summoned Zhang Yi to the state of Zhao and personally insulted him. This mistreatment infuriated Zhang Yi, who realized that only the state of Qin had the potential to pose a significant threat to Zhao. Consequently, he decided to travel westward to Qin, with the intention of aiding them in their campaign against the eastern states.
Su Qin acted covertly by sending his servant along with Zhang Yi, providing him with gold coins for his journey. Zhang Yi used these resources to bribe his way into an audience with the King of Qin. The King was impressed with Zhang Yi‘s persuasive abilities and appointed him as an advisor.After successfully gaining the King of Qin’s favor, Zhang Yi’s servant bid him farewell and explained Su Qin‘s strategy. Su Qin had intentionally provoked Zhang Yi and then arranged for him to travel to Qin. This was all part of Su Qin‘s plan to ensure Zhang Yi could wield influence in Qin, preventing a Qin invasion of Zhao and preserving the alliance. Zhang Yi was deeply impressed by Su Qin‘s strategic acumen: ”Alas! This is my specialty and I did not even realize what happened! It is obvious that Mr. Su is a superior strategist. Please convey my gratitude to Mr. Su. As long as he is in charge, Zhang Yi won’t interfere with his plan.”
Reflection by Rio Grande 