Comprehensive Reflections to Aid in Governance
By Sima Guang
Translated By Yiming Yang
Annals of Zhou Book 5 Scroll 5
Duration of 17 years
The 43rd year of King Nan(272 B.C.)
The kingdom of Chu dispatched Crown Prince Mi Wan to the kingdom of Qin as a hostage as part of their pledge. Accompanying the crown prince was Huang Xie, serving as the state counselor of Chu and assisting the prince in his diplomatic role.
Meanwhile, the kingdom of Qin established the office of Nanyang commandery.
The kingdoms of Han, Qin, Wei, and Chu joined forces in a war against the kingdom of Yan.
King Hui of Yan passed away. His son ascended to the throne, becoming King Wu’cheng of Yan.
The 44th year of King Nan(271 B.C.)
Lin Xiangru of the kingdom of Zhao initiated a campaign against the kingdom of Qi, and the invading forces advanced as far as the city of Pingyi.
Zhao She held the position of minister of the department of agriculture and was responsible for tax collection in the kingdom of Zhao. However, the family of Lord Ping’yuan refused to pay taxes, leading to a confrontation. In response, Zhao She enforced the law and imposed the death penalty on nine attendants of Lord Pingyuan. Enraged, Lord Ping’yuan sought revenge, intending to kill Zhao She.
In a bold move, Zhao She addressed Lord Pingyuan, “Your excellency holds a position of great honor in the kingdom of Zhao. Yet, you’ve allowed your family members to shirk their responsibilities to the common good. This not only undermines the rule of law but jeopardizes the strength of our entire state. A weakened state becomes a target for external threats, and if Zhao falls, where will your excellency enjoy your wealth?”
“Consider the respect your excellency commands in our kingdom. If your excellency upholds the law and contributes to public service, both the higher and lower classes will stand behind you without complaint. Fair treatment for all strengthens the state; it ensures that every citizen feels a part of our shared prosperity. The kingdom of Zhao‘s fortitude lies in a unified and just state.”
“As a person of esteemed royalty, who in the world would dare to disregard your excellency’s influence? Embracing the principles of justice and public service not only secures our kingdom but also cements your excellency’s legacy as a wise and revered leader.”
Impressed by Zhao She‘s wisdom and integrity, Lord Ping’yuan recommended Zhao She to the king of Zhao, who subsequently appointed him in charge of the kingdom’s treasury. Under Zhao She‘s leadership, taxes were lowered, leading to increased prosperity among the people and a well-stocked state treasury.
The 45th year of King Nan(270 B.C.)
The kingdom of Qin launched an attack on the kingdom of Zhao, putting the city of Yuyu under siege. Seeking counsel, the King of Zhao consulted with military strategists Lian Po and Yue Sheng, asking if they could provide relief for the besieged city. Both responded, “It is far away, and the road there is narrow and treacherous. It is difficult to bring relief to them.”
Turning to Zhao She with the same question, the king received a different perspective. Zhao She remarked, “It is far away, and the road there is narrow and treacherous. It is like two mice fighting inside their burrow. The side with courage would win.” Impressed by Zhao She‘s insight, the King of Zhao appointed him as the leader of the rescue mission.
Zhao She halted the march when they were thirty miles away from Handan, the capital of the kingdom. He issued a decisive order: “Death to those petitioning for military strategy.” The Qin army approached the west of Wu’an city, causing vibrations in the roof tiles as they pounded drums and hollered. When a Zhao scout spoke out to rescue Wu’an, Zhao She beheaded him, commanding the troops to fortify the barracks and hold out for twenty-eight days. The Zhao army continued strengthening their barracks, and Qin sent spies to infiltrate the camp. Zhao She treated the spies well and sent them back.
The Qin general, misinterpreting Zhao She’s slow-walking as timidness, expressed delight, believing Yuyu would soon fall. Zhao She, seizing the opportunity, ordered his troops to expedite their movement. They speed-marched to Yuyu in one day and one night, building barracks fifty miles from the city. Anticipating the Qin army’s response, Zhao She received military advice from a Zhao soldier named Xu Li. Xu Li recommended consolidating troops’ formation and confronting Qin head-on to maintain high morale. Zhao She, acknowledging the wisdom, refused to punish Xu Li when he asked to be sentenced, saying, “Wait! The order expired after Handan.”
Xu Li then suggested occupying the high ground of the Northern Mountain first, emphasizing the advantage of those who arrive early. Zhao She approved and deployed ten thousand soldiers to secure the high ground. The Qin troops, arriving late, were repelled from the Northern Mountain. Zhao She seized the opportunity for a full-throttle attack, defeating the Qin army. With this victory, Zhao She and his troops successfully relieved the siege of Yuyu and returned triumphantly.
In recognition of his outstanding leadership, the king of Zhao bestowed upon Zhao She the title of Lord Mafu, elevating him to the same rank as Lian Po and Lin Xiangru. Xu Li, too, was rewarded with a promotion to the position of a brigade general.
Reflection by Rio Grande 