Real Histories
So, there was this guy, Shuli Zi, and his name was Ji. He was the younger brother of King Hui of Qin, but they weren’t born of the same mother. His mom was Korean. Shuli Zi was both humorous and clever, and everyone in Qin called him "the brains."
In the eighth year of King Hui of Qin, Shuli Zi was appointed as the Right General. He attacked Quwo, taking the city and its people, and the territory became part of Qin. In the twenty-fifth year of King Hui of Qin, Shuli Zi was sent to lead troops against the State of Zhao, where he captured the general Zhuang Bao alive and also took Lincheng. The following year, he teamed up with Wei Zhang to attack the State of Chu, defeating their general Qu Gai and occupying the Hanzhong region. Qin made him a Yan Jun.
After King Hui of Qin died, Prince Wu Wang ascended the throne, showed Zhang Yi and Wei Zhang the door, and then appointed Shuli Zi and Gan Mao as his left and right hand men. Qin sent Gan Mao to attack the State of Han, capturing Yiyang. Then Shuli Zi was sent with a hundred chariots to the State of Zhou. The Zhou guys gave him a really respectful welcome. King Chu blew his top when he heard about this and rebuked the State of Zhou, saying they were valuing Qin’s guests too much.
A guy named You Teng analyzed the situation for King Chu: "Back when the Marquis of Zhi went after Chou You, he sent many chariots and followed the army, leading to Chou You’s destruction. Why? Because they were unprepared! Duke Huan of Qi attacked the State of Cai, claiming it was to punish the State of Chu, but really, it was an attack on Cai. Now, Qin is a country of tigers and wolves. Sending Shuli Zi with a hundred chariots to Zhou is dangerous. If the State of Zhou is as careless as Chou You or Cai, Qin will set up spears in front and strong crossbows in the back, saying it’s to protect Shuli Zi, but really, it’s to imprison him. Besides, can Zhou not worry about their own country? If one day it gets destroyed, you, my King, will be anxious too." After hearing this, King Chu finally calmed down.
After King Wu of Qin kicked the bucket, King Zhao took over, and Shuli Zi became even more influential. In the first year of King Zhao of Qin in 310 BC, Shuli Zi planned to attack Pu Yi. The Pu Yi garrison was terrified and scrambled to get Hu Yan's help. When Hu Yan arrived at Pu Yi, he said to Shuli Zi, "Are you attacking Pu Yi for the sake of Qin or for the sake of Wei? If it's for Wei, great; but for Qin, it'll be a disaster. The reason Wei has become a force is because Pu Yi acts as a barrier. Now that you are attacking Pu Yi and handing it over to Wei, the Wei people will definitely surrender to Wei. Wei can't take the land west of the Xihe River now because of insufficient troops. If Wei takes over Wei, it'll become a real powerhouse. Once that happens, the territory west of the Xihe River will be in danger. Moreover, the King's got his eye on you. If you damage Qin's interests and benefit Wei, the King of Qin will definitely blame you." Shuli Zi asked, "What should I do?" Hu Yan said, "Just back off from Pu Yi, and I'll smooth things over with the Wei king." Shuli Zi said, "Okay."
Hu Yan went to Pu Yi and said to the garrison commander, "Shuli Zi knows that Pu Yi is troublesome, and he has vowed to take it down. But I can make him give up attacking Pu Yi." The defender of Pu Yi was very scared and quickly thanked him, saying, "I'll pay you anything to help!" So he took out three hundred catties of gold and said, "As long as the Qin army withdraws, please make sure to speak a few good words for me in front of the Wei king, so I can get a plum job down south." Hu Yan pocketed the gold, and his standing in Wei shot up. Therefore, the Qin army withdrew and gave up attacking Pu Yi. Shuli Zi then tried Pi Shi, but they wouldn't budge, so he pulled out.
In the year 304 BC, during the seventh year of King Zhao of Qin, Shuli Zi died and was buried to the east of Zhangtai in Weinan. Before his death, he had said, "A royal palace would stand beside my tomb one hundred years later." Shuli Zi lived in a house in Weinan Yinxiang Shuli, west of the temple dedicated to King Zhao, while he was ill, which is why people called him Shuli Zi. After the establishment of the Han Dynasty, Changle Palace was built to the east of his tomb, Wuyang Palace was built to the west, and the armory was right in front of his tomb. There was a saying in Qin: "Ren Bi was strongest; Shuli Zi, wisest."
Gan Mao was from Xiacao and studied different philosophies under the guidance of Shi Ju, also from Xiacao. Later, he met King Hui of Qin through Zhang Yi and Shuli Zi. King Hui of Qin admired him and appointed him to lead the troops, assisting Wei Zhang in conquering Han Zhong.
After King Hui of Qin passed away, King Wu ascended to the throne. Zhang Yi and Wei Zhang left Qin and went to Wei. The Marquis of Shu Hui and Xiang Zhuang rebelled, and Qin sent Gan Mao to bring the region of Shu under control. Upon his return from pacifying Shu, Gan Mao was appointed as the Chief Minister (Left), while Shuli Zi was appointed as the Chief Minister (Right).
In the third year of King Wu of Qin, he said to Gan Mao, "I want to open up the Three Gorges to chariot traffic, to scout out the strengths and weaknesses of the Zhou Dynasty, so that I can make a name for myself even after my death." This meant that he wanted to investigate the situation of the Zhou Dynasty in order to strengthen Qin and secure his place in history.
Gan Mao suggested, "Then talk to Wei about agreeing to attack the Han Kingdom together, and have Xiang Shou assist you." Gan Mao went to Wei and told Xiang Shou, "Go back and tell the king that Wei has agreed to my request, but I hope the king will not actually attack the Han Kingdom. You'll get all the credit if it succeeds." Xiang Shou returned and relayed this message to King Wu of Qin, who went to greet Gan Mao at Xirang. When Gan Mao arrived, King Wu of Qin asked him why he had done this.
Gan Mao replied, "Yiyang is a very large county that has long controlled the Shangdang and Nanyang regions. Although it is called a county, it is almost as big as a prefecture. Now, my lord, you have to cross several steep mountains and travel thousands of miles to attack it, which is very difficult. In the past, there was a man with the same name as Zeng Can who killed someone in Feidi. Someone told Zeng Can's mother, 'Zeng Can killed someone,' but she was still weaving and didn't pay attention. Later, someone told her again, 'Zeng Can killed someone,' but she continued weaving. Eventually, someone told her again, 'Zeng Can killed someone,' and finally, she dropped her shuttle, her face pale with fear, and fled. Even someone as wise as Zeng Can had his mother believe in him, but after hearing suspicions three times, she grew afraid. I'm no Zeng Can. And your trust in me is far less than his mother's. There are more than three people who doubt me, and I fear that you will panic like Zeng Can's mother and quickly give up attacking Yiyang. In the past, Zhang Yi conquered Bashu in the west, expanded his territory north beyond the Xihe, and took Shangyong in the south. People all over the world praised him for his wisdom, not for his territory. Marquis Wen of Wei sent General Leyang to attack Zhongshan, and he conquered it in three years. When Leyang returned to report his military achievements, Marquis Wen showed him a box of criticisms. Leyang bowed deeply and apologized, saying, 'This credit is not mine; it is your lordship's credit.' I am now just a low-ranking official, and Chuli and Gongsun Shi are joining forces in Han to oppose this matter. If you believe them, it would deceive the King of Wei, and I will have to bear the resentment of Gong Zhongchi."
King Wu of Qin said, "I will not listen to them, let's just do it!" In the end, Prime Minister Gan Mao was sent to attack Yiyang with the army. After five months of fighting, they still couldn't capture it, and Chun Yuzi (an official) and Gongsun Shi (another official) began to oppose the decision. King Wu of Qin summoned Gan Mao and wanted to withdraw the troops. Gan Mao said, "The opportunity is right before us." King Wu of Qin replied, "I know." So King Wu of Qin concentrated his forces and let Gan Mao lead the attack. As a result, they slaughtered 60,000 of them and captured Yiyang. King Xiang of Han sent Gong Zhongchi to apologize and make peace with Qin.
King Wu eventually died in the Zhou capital. His brother succeeded him, becoming King Zhao. Dowager Queen Xuan, Zhao's mother, was from the state of Chu. King Huai of Chu had always resented Qin's victory over Chu in Danyang, especially since Han did not come to help. Therefore, he surrounded Han's Yongshi City with his army. Han sent Gong Zhongchi to seek help from Qin. King Zhao of Qin had just ascended the throne, and his mother was from Chu, so he wasn't keen on sending troops to help Han. Gong Zhongchi then approached Gan Mao of Qin, who spoke on behalf of Han to King Zhao, saying, "Han's Gong Zhongchi dares to defy Chu because he is counting on Qin to help him. If Yongshi City remains besieged and Qin's army does not come to the rescue, Gong Zhongchi will soon lose face with the king, and Han will be forced to give up their southern lands. If Chu and Han unite, Wei will have to obey as well, putting Qin in a vulnerable position. So, should we sit back and let them hit us, or should we go on the offensive?" King Zhao of Qin agreed and sent troops to rescue Han in Xie (a place name). Only then did Chu's army withdraw.
And so, the crisis in Han was resolved. This incident illustrates that political decisions are sometimes influenced by many factors, such as the personal emotions of the monarch, or even the queen mother's influence, all of which can affect the direction of national affairs. Gan Mao's lobbying demonstrated brilliant political strategy, as he skillfully analyzed the interests involved, ultimately convincing King Zhao of Qin to avoid a larger war. This situation involved considerations of geopolitics as well as a precise understanding of human weaknesses, making it a classic political case.
Qin sent Xiang Shou to take Yiyang and also sent Chuli Zi and Gan Mao to attack the Pi clan of the Wei Kingdom. Xiang Shou was a relative of Queen Xuan and had grown up with King Zhao since childhood, so he was highly valued. When Xiang Shou arrived in Chu, he was treated with special courtesy upon hearing that Qin valued him highly. Xiang Shou was responsible for defending Yiyang for Qin and preparing to attack Han. Gong Zhong of Han sent Su Dai to meet Xiang Shou, who said, "Even a cornered rabbit will bite! If you conquer Han, Gong Zhong will lose face. If he can regain the country and serve Qin again, he will surely be rewarded with a title. You have now drawn a boundary with Chu and appointed a minor official, Du Yang. If Qin and Chu join forces to attack Han, Han will surely be doomed. If Han is destroyed, Gong Zhong may personally lead his private army to confront Qin. Just something to think about, eh?"
Xiang Shou said, "I'm teaming up with Chu, not to take on Han. Tell Gong Zhong Qin and Han can make peace." Su Dai replied, "I’d like to make a suggestion. They say, 'A man's as good as his goods.' The King favors Gongsun Shi more than you, and Gan Mao's more talented. Neither of them's in the King's good graces, yet you're running the show. Something's fishy. Gongsun Shi's a Han man, Gan Mao's a Wei man – that's why the King doesn't trust 'em. Qin and Chu are at each other's throats, and you're siding with Chu. That's just like Gongsun Shi and Gan Mao – what makes you any different? Everyone knows Chu's unreliable. Why are you sticking your neck out for them? Talk to the King. Switch gears, make nice with Han to keep Chu in check. That's your safest bet. Han'll go with Gongsun Shi first, then Gan Mao. Han's your enemy, so playing nice with them to watch Chu makes you look clean."
Xiang Shou said, "Right, I'd really like to make peace with Korea." Su Dai replied, "Gan Mao promised to give Wu Sui to Gong Zhongwu and also bribed the people of Yiyang. It'll be a tough ask to buy them off now." Xiang Shou asked, "So, we're not going to get Wu Sui then?" Su Dai said, "Why don't you just demand Yingchuan back from Chu for Korea? This is Korea's old territory. If you get it, it will establish your prestige in Chu and make Korea grateful to you. If you fail, Korea and Chu will remain resentful and both end up siding with Qin. Then Qin and Chu will be at odds, and we can gradually bring Korea into line via Chu. That'll be good for Qin." Xiang Shou asked, "What should I do?" Su Dai said, "That's a brilliant plan. Gan Mao wants to use Wei against Qi, and Gong Sunshi wants to use Korea against Qi. Take Yiyang, keep Chu and Korea sweet, and expose Qi and Wei's wrongdoing – then Gong Sunshi and Gan Mao will be safe."
Gan Mao spoke a few words to King Zhao of Qin, which resulted in King Zhao agreeing to return Wu Sui to Korea. Xiang Shou and Gong Sunshi tried everything to get Wu Sui back, but no luck. They were frustrated and started badmouthing Gan Mao in front of King Zhao of Qin. Gan Mao got scared and quickly stopped the attack on the Pu Ban of Wei and fled. Chuli Zi negotiated a truce with Wei.
Gan Mao, on the lam, bumped into Su Dai in Qi. Su Dai was serving as an envoy from Qi to the state of Qin at that time. Gan Mao said to Su Dai, "I pissed someone off in Qin and had to make a run for it. Now I'm stuck. I heard this story about two girls spinning thread, one rich, one poor. The poor girl said, 'I don't have money to buy candles; your candlelight is more than enough. Can you share a little light with me? You wouldn't miss it, but it'd be a lifesaver for me.' I'm in a right pickle, and you're Qi's envoy to Qin – you're practically running the show over there. My family is still in Qin; I hope you can help me, just like sharing a little light, save them." Su Dai agreed. So Su Dai headed to Qin. After arriving in Qin, Su Dai advised the king of Qin, "Gan Mao's no slouch! His family's been big cheese in Qin for generations; he is very familiar with the geography of Qin from the border to Guigu. If he teams up with Qi, Han, and Wei against us, we're in deep trouble." King Zhao of Qin asked, "What should we do?" Su Dai said, "Why not shower him with gifts and bring him back? After he returns, place him in Guigu and let him stay there for the rest of his life." King Zhao of Qin said, "Great idea!" He immediately made Gan Mao a top official and sent someone with the official seal to fetch him. Gan Mao did not go. Su Dai told King Min of Qi, "Gan Mao is a talented person. Now Qin has appointed him as a high official and sent someone with the seal to welcome him. Gan Mao's clearly smitten with the Qin King's offer, so he stayed put. What do you reckon you should do with him now?" King Min of Qi said, "Okay." So, Gan Mao became a top official in Qi, too. Qin later bought up all Gan Mao's stuff in Qi.
The state of Qi sent Gan Mao to the state of Chu. King Huai of Chu was just newly married to the state of Qin and was very happy. However, when Qin heard that Gan Mao was in Chu, they sent someone to tell King Huai, "We want Gan Mao back." King Huai asked Fan Ju, "I want to appoint a minister in Qin; who would be suitable?" Fan Ju replied, "I'm not sure." King Huai asked again, "Can I send Gan Mao?" Fan Ju said, "No. This Shi Ju, a lowly gatekeeper from Xiacao County, is useless; he can't even run his own household. He's a notorious scumbag. However, Gan Mao gets along well with him. Even under the best of rulers, like Kings Hui and Wu, or even the silver-tongued Zhang Yi, Gan Mao can serve them and hold ten official positions without making any mistakes. Gan Mao is a real go-getter, but he’s not suitable to be a minister in Qin. A strong Qin ain't good for Chu. Furthermore, when you sent Shao Hua to the state of Yue before, because Yue messed up its own affairs, it fell apart, and Chu held onto Liji Gate. Your achievements were made possible because of Yue's turmoil and Chu's stability. You used Yue's chaos to your advantage, but you're forgetting about Qin. That's a big mistake. Therefore, if you want to appoint a minister in Qin, it’s better to send Xiang Shou. Xiang Shou's practically family with the Qin king; they grew up together, did everything together. So King Huai sent word to Qin, asking them to make Xiang Shou their Prime Minister. Qin eventually appointed Xiang Shou. Gan Mao never made it back to Qin, dying in Wei instead. Gan Mao's grandson, Gan Luo, started serving under the Qin Prime Minister, Lü Buwei, at the tender age of twelve.
Qin Shi Huang sent Cai Ze to Yan State, and three years later, King Xi of Yan sent Crown Prince Dan to Qin State as a hostage. Qin State sent Zhang Tang to Yan State as Prime Minister, intending to join forces with Yan State to attack Zhao State and expand their holdings in Hejian. Zhang Tang told Marquis Wenxin, "I used to fight for King Zhao of Qin against Zhao State. Zhao State hates me and said, 'Whoever catches Zhang Tang will get a hundred li of land.' Now I have to pass through Zhao State to go to Yan State; I can't go." Marquis Wenxin was furious, but couldn't make him budge.
Gan Luo asked, "What's got your knickers in a twist, my lord?" Marquis Wenxin replied, "I personally asked Zhang Tang to be Prime Minister of Yan, but he flat-out refused." Gan Luo said, "I'll give it a go." Marquis Wenxin scolded, "Get lost! If *I* can't persuade him, what makes you think *you* can, you little whippersnapper?" Gan Luo said, "Daxiang Tuo became Confucius' teacher at the age of seven. I am twelve now; let me try, why scold me?"
So Gan Luo went to see Zhang Tang and asked him, "How do your achievements stack up against those of Wu'an Jun?" Zhang Tang said, "Wu'an Jun defeated the powerful Chu State in the south, deterred Yan State and Zhao State in the north, won many battles, and captured many cities. My achievements cannot compare to his." Gan Luo asked again, "Between the power of Ying Hou in Qin State and Marquis Wenxin, which one is greater?" Zhang Tang said, "Ying Hou doesn't hold a candle to Marquis Wenxin." Gan Luo said, "You know that Ying Hou's power is not as great as Marquis Wenxin's, right?" Zhang Tang said, "I know." Gan Luo said, "Ying Hou wanted to attack Zhao State, but Wu'an Jun opposed it, and Du You, seven li outside Xianyang, died. Now Marquis Wenxin personally invited you to go to Yan State as Prime Minister, and you still refuse to go. I don't know where you're planning on kicking the bucket!" Upon hearing this, Zhang Tang said, "Alright, I'll listen to the kid." And then he prepared to depart.
One day, Gan Luo said to Marquis Wenxin, "Can I borrow five carts? I need to get a message to Zhao."
In the court of the First Emperor, Wen Xinhou made a bold proposal: "Although Gan Luo, the grandson of Gan Mao, is young, he comes from a prestigious family, and all the noble houses have heard of him. Zhang Tang wants to feign illness and not go, but Gan Luo persuaded him to go. Now Gan Luo wishes to travel to the state of Zhao to deliver a message; please grant him permission." The First Emperor summoned Gan Luo and sent him to the state of Zhao.
King Zhao Xiang personally went outside the city to welcome Gan Luo. Gan Luo said to King Zhao, "Have you heard that Crown Prince Dan of Yan has gone to Qin as a hostage?" King Zhao replied, "I have heard." Gan Luo then asked, "Have you heard that Zhang Tang has become the prime minister of Yan?" King Zhao said, "I have also heard." Gan Luo said, "Crown Prince Dan going to Qin as a hostage shows that Yan does not deceive Qin; Zhang Tang becoming the prime minister of Yan shows that Qin does not deceive Yan. If Yan and Qin do not deceive each other, then attacking Zhao becomes dangerous! Since Yan and Qin aren't deceiving each other, it means they're teaming up to attack Zhao and expand Hejian's territory. Why not give me five cities to expand Hejian's territory, and then ask Qin to send back Crown Prince Dan, so that we can attack the weak Yan together with the powerful Qin?"
King Zhao immediately ceded five cities to expand Hejian's territory. Qin sent Crown Prince Dan back. Zhao attacked Yan, capturing thirty cities in Shanggu, and Qin also gained eleven cities. After returning to Qin, Gan Luo was appointed as a high-ranking minister by the King of Qin and was rewarded with Gan Mao's estate.
Simaqian said: Shuli stuck to his guns because of his family, which makes sense, but the Qin folks thought he was clever, so they listened. Gan Mao, a nobody from Xia Cai, became a big shot among the lords, so Qi and Chu were both scared of him. Young Gan Luo came up with a brilliant plan that made him famous. He wasn't exactly a saint, but he was still a famous strategist back then. Back then, when Qin was on top, everyone was all about scheming and trickery!
Zhang Yi was from the State of Wei. Initially, he studied under Guiguzi with Su Qin. After completing his studies, Su Qin felt inferior to Zhang Yi. Zhang Yi then began to persuade the various states. Once, he drank with the Prime Minister of the State of Chu, and after the drink, the Prime Minister's jade bi was lost. The people in the Prime Minister's residence suspected Zhang Yi, saying, "Zhang Yi is down on his luck and not exactly honest; he must have stolen the Prime Minister's jade bi!" So they caught Zhang Yi and gave him a brutal beating. Zhang Yi never admitted to the theft and was eventually imprisoned. His wife said, "Honey, if you hadn't gone off studying and trying to schmooze these big shots, you wouldn't be in this mess!" Zhang Yi asked his wife, "My tongue's still working, right?" His wife smiled and said, "It's still there!" Zhang Yi replied, "That'll do!"
Su Qin had already convinced King Zhao and became the Prime Minister, forming alliances with various states. But he was worried that if the State of Qin attacked other states, the alliance would collapse, and he would be in trouble too. He thought that the only person who could deal with the State of Qin was Zhang Yi. So, Su Qin secretly sent word to Zhang Yi, "You had such a good relationship with Su Qin before; now that the State of Qin is so powerful, why don't you go to Qin and fulfill your ambitions?" Zhang Yi then went to the State of Zhao to request an audience with Su Qin. Su Qin ordered his subordinates not to inform him and deliberately made him wait for several days. Finally, he met him, had him sit on the floor, and only gave him the food meant for his servants. Then Su Qin scolded him, "With your talent, you've ended up like this? I could've made you a rich man! You're a lost cause!" Then he sent Zhang Yi away. Zhang Yi came thinking he would meet an old friend and seek help, but instead, he was humiliated and very angry. He felt that other states were not worth serving, and only the State of Qin could really mess with the State of Zhao, so he went to the State of Qin.
Su Qin later told his advisers, "Zhang Yi is one of the most brilliant minds in the land. I'm lucky to be where I am right now, but the one who can truly control the power of the Qin state is Zhang Yi. However, he's down on his luck and out of work. I worry that he will be tempted by small gains and won't achieve great things, so I deliberately rubbed him the wrong way to light a fire under him. You secretly help me serve him well." So Su Qin told King Zhao, took out a pile of gold and jewels, and sent people to secretly follow Zhang Yi, live with him, and shower him with gifts to slowly win him over. He helped him get whatever he needed, but they were not to tell him who was behind it. As a result, Zhang Yi was able to meet King Hui of Qin, and King Hui appointed him as a minister to plan attacks on other kingdoms.
Su Qin's follower was about to quit. Zhang Yi said, "I owe my success to you, and I was planning to repay your kindness. Why do you want to leave?" The follower replied, "I am not serving you, but Su Qin. Su Qin is worried that if Qin attacks Zhao and fails, it will ruin the previous agreement. He believes that only you can control the power of the Qin state, so he deliberately angered you, allowing me to secretly fund you and follow Su Qin's orders. Now that your plan has been successfully implemented, please allow me to go back and report to Su Qin."
Zhang Yi sighed, "Well, I kinda saw that coming, but I didn't realize my wisdom isn't as good as Su Qin's! I just got the job; how can I plan to attack Zhao? Please thank Su Qin for me. With Su Qin around, I wouldn't dare say a word. Besides, I wouldn't have had a chance if Su Qin was still here!" After becoming the Prime Minister of Qin, Zhang Yi sent a message to the Chu Prime Minister, saying, "When we were drinking together before, I didn't even touch your jade, and you still hit me! If you'd just minded your own business, I would've been happy to take your cities!"
Ju and Shu were at war, both appealing to Qin for aid. King Hui wanted to attack Shu, but the treacherous Shu roads daunted him. Han was also attacking Qin, leaving King Hui paralyzed by indecision: attack Han first, then Shu? Or vice versa? Neither option felt safe. Sima Cuo and Zhang Yi clashed before King Hui; Cuo favored attacking Shu, while Zhang Yi argued for Han. King Hui said, "I want to hear your reasons."
Zhang Yi replied, "We'll cozy up to Wei, appease Chu, then mass our troops in Sanchuan. We'll choke off Shigu Pass, seize the Tunliu road, crippling Wei's hold on Nanyang and threatening Chu's Nanzheng. Then, we hit Xincheng and Yiyang, pushing right to the Zhou capital's outskirts. This gives us the pretext to punish Zhou's king and grab Chu and Wei's land. Zhou's king, knowing he's helpless, will hand over the Nine Cauldrons. With the Nine Cauldrons in hand, we'll consult the classics, control the emperor, and rule the land. That's how emperors do it!
As for Shu? It's a backwater, a barbarian land in the west. Wasting our troops and people on it won't bring glory, and the land itself might not be worth the trouble. Look, prestige is won in court, profit in the marketplace. Sanchuan and the Zhou court are *the* marketplace and court – that's where we should be playing, not chasing some backwater barbarians! This whole Shu thing is small-time stuff."
Sima Cuo said: "No. I have heard that a rich country needs a big territory; a strong army needs a wealthy populace; and to become king, you need to be generous. Then kingship is a sure thing. Currently, our territory is small and the people are poor, so I suggest starting with something easier. Shu, a remote western kingdom ruled by the Rongdi, is in utter chaos, like the reigns of Jie and Zhou. Taking Shu will be like picking low-hanging fruit. Conquering Shu territory can expand our land, obtain its wealth to enrich our people, strengthen the army, with minimal casualties, and Shu will surrender on its own. No one will call us cruel for destroying them, or greedy for taking land all the way to the Western Sea. We'll gain both glory and riches, and be praised for putting down a rebellion. Attacking Han, and thus threatening the Emperor, is a bad idea. It'll bring us a bad name, and it's too risky; everyone's against it! Zhou, having lost the Nine Cauldrons, and Han, having lost the Three Rivers, will likely team up, get help from Qi and Zhao, and give the cauldrons to Chu and the land to Wei. Your Majesty won't be able to stop them. That's why attacking Shu first is the safer bet." King Hui of Qin said: "Sounds good. Let's do it." So he sent troops to attack Shu, and after ten months, he conquered it, completely subduing the region. The Shu king was demoted to marquis, and Chen Zhuang was appointed Shu's prime minister. With Shu under Qin's control, Qin grew even stronger and wealthier, and began to scorn the other states.
In the tenth year of King Hui of Qin, he sent Prince Hua and Zhang Yi to besiege Puyang, which surrendered. Zhang Yi took the opportunity to propose that Qin and Wei become allies and sent Prince Yao as a hostage to Wei. Zhang Yi also persuaded the King of Wei, saying, "The King of Qin treats Wei very well; Wei cannot be disrespectful." Wei then ceded Shangjun and Shaoliang to Qin to show their gratitude. King Hui of Qin then appointed Zhang Yi as Prime Minister and renamed Shaoliang to Xiayang. Zhang Yi served as Prime Minister of Qin for four years and helped King Hui ascend the throne. A year later, Zhang Yi led troops to conquer the Shan region and built defenses in Shangjun. Two years later, Zhang Yi was ordered to meet the Prime Ministers of Qi and Chu in Niesang. On his return, he left his post in Wei and went to Qin. Zhang Yi wanted Wei to become subservient to Qin first, hoping other vassal states would follow suit. However, the King of Wei did not listen to him. King Hui of Qin was very angry and attacked Wei, capturing Quwo and Pingzhou, and secretly promoted Zhang Yi. Ashamed, Zhang Yi could not return to Qin. He stayed in Wei for four years, until King Xiang's death and King Ai's accession. Zhang Yi tried to persuade King Ai of Wei, but he also did not listen. As a result, Zhang Yi secretly goaded Qin into attacking Wei, leading to a war between the two states, which ended in defeat for Wei.
In the second year, the state of Qi defeated the state of Wei again at Guanjin. The state of Qin also wanted to attack Wei, first defeating the Han army under General Shen, beheading eighty thousand, frightening all the warring states. At this time, Zhang Yi went to persuade the King of Wei, saying: "The territory of Wei is less than a thousand square miles, with only three hundred thousand soldiers. Its flat terrain is bordered on all sides by other states, without mountainous barriers as defenses. From Zheng to Liang (the capital of Wei) is only over two hundred miles. War chariots can speed along, and soldiers and horses can rush there with little effort. Liang borders Chu to the south, Han to the west, Zhao to the north, and Qi to the east, with soldiers stationed on all sides, guarding the passes with no less than one hundred thousand troops. The geographical location of Liang is inherently a battlefield!
If Wei only befriended Chu and not Qi, then Qi would attack its east; if it only befriended Qi and not Zhao, then Zhao would attack its north; if it did not befriend Han, then Han would attack its west; if it did not draw close to Chu, then Chu would attack its south: this is the principle of being torn apart! Furthermore, the reason the warring states form alliances is to stabilize the country, strengthen the ruler's authority, bolster their forces, and make a name for themselves. Now the warring states have formed an alliance, calling themselves brothers, swearing an oath on the Huan River, sacrificing white horses to Heaven, to show their determination to each other. But even brothers still fight over money, let alone trying to rely on deception and fickleness to use Su Qin's old strategies, which is impossible to succeed!"
If Your Majesty does not ally with Qin, Qin will send troops to attack the area west of the Yellow River, occupy Juan, Yan, and Suanzao, plunder Wei, and seize Yangjin. Then, Zhao will not move south; if Zhao does not move south, Liang will not move north, and the key transportation routes of Wei will be cut off. If the transportation routes are cut off, there is no way your country can avoid danger. Qin will first defeat Han before attacking Wei. Han is afraid of Qin; if Qin and Han unite, the downfall of Wei is only a matter of time. This is what I worry about for Your Majesty. For your own good, the best way is to get cozy with Qin. As long as we cooperate with Qin, Chu and Han will not dare to act rashly. This way, you can rest easy, and the country will be peaceful. Furthermore, Qin's main target is Chu, and the best way to weaken Chu is through Wei. Although Chu appears wealthy and powerful, it is actually very weak; despite having many soldiers, their combat capabilities are lacking. If we move all of Wei's troops to the south to attack Chu, we will surely win! Then, we can take land from Chu, weaken them, strengthen Qin, and pin the blame on someone else to keep our hands clean. If you don't listen to me, and Qin advances east, it will be too late to cooperate with them! Those smooth-talking con men are just waiting to pounce on any gullible ruler. If the ruler is swayed by their words, it will be dangerous. I have heard a saying: "A little bit of damage here and there can eventually sink a great ship, just like a bunch of small things can break a wagon wheel. Too many people talking can make a lie sound true, and constant criticism can destroy a good reputation." So, Your Majesty, please give my advice some thought, and then let me go home.
King Ai ultimately broke his word and followed Zhang Yi's advice to make a deal with Qin. Zhang Yi went back and became Qin's prime minister. Three years later, Wei double-crossed Qin and teamed up with Chu again. Qin invaded Wei and took Quwo. The following year, Wei bowed to Qin again.
Qin wanted to attack Qi, but since Qi had a good relationship with Chu, Zhang Yi went to Chu to sweet-talk them. When King Huai heard Zhang Yi was in town, he personally went to the inn to greet him and said, "We're a backwater, what could you possibly teach us?" Zhang Yi replied, "Your Majesty, listen to me. Break with Qi, and I guarantee you Shangyu—six hundred li of it!—plus some of Qin's finest ladies as your concubines. Qin and Chu will be brothers forever. That weakens Qi and strengthens us. What's not to like?" King Huai was thrilled and agreed. The other ministers were celebrating, but Chen Zhen looked worried sick.
King Huai angrily said, "I can obtain six hundred miles of land without fighting; everyone is happy, why are you the only one unhappy?" Chen Zhen replied, "No, I don't think we're getting Shangyu at all, and if Qi and Qin team up, we're doomed." King Huai asked, "What is your suggestion?" Chen Zhen said, "The reason Qin values Chu is because Chu and Qi are allies. Now that you have severed ties with Qi, Chu is isolated. Why would Qin give us an inch if we're all alone? After Zhang Yi returns to Qin, he will deceive the king. As a result, we will have cut ties with the north and Qi, and offended Qin in the west; both countries' armies may come. The king should secretly stay friendly with Qi, while pretending to cut ties, and send someone to keep an eye on Zhang Yi. If Qin really gives us the land, it's not too late to sever ties with Qi; if Qin doesn't give us the land, we can secretly discuss countermeasures with Qi."
King Huai said, "I hope Mr. Chen will stop talking and wait for me to get the land before speaking!" Then, he handed the seal to Zhang Yi and gave him many gifts. So, Chu cut ties with Qi and sent a general with Zhang Yi to Qin.
In Qin, Zhang Yi played possum—lost luggage, broken carriage—and stayed away from the king for three months. When King Huai heard about this, he thought to himself, "Does Zhang Yi think I haven't done enough to ditch Qi?" So he sent a tough guy to Song, borrowed their seal, and went to Qi to give the king a piece of his mind.
King Qi was furious, and immediately switched gears, starting to suck up to Qin. After the relationship between Qin and Qi improved, Zhang Yi went to meet the King of Qin and said to the envoy of Chu, "I've got this tiny little fief, six li, and I'd like to gift it to someone close to you, Your Majesty." The envoy of Chu said, "I'm here on the orders of the King of Chu to discuss the matter of Chu ceding six hundred li of land to Qin. What's this six-li land nonsense?" The envoy got back, told the Chu king, who blew his top and immediately marched on Qin.
Chen Zhen said, "Can I say something? Instead of attacking Qin, how about we give them some land, bribe them, and team up to take on Qi?" That way, yeah, we lose some land to Qin, but we get something back from Qi, and Chu stays strong. The Chu king ignored him and sent General Qu Mai to attack Qin anyway.
So, Qin and Qi teamed up against Chu, wiping out eighty thousand soldiers, including General Qu Mai. Qin grabbed Danyang and Hanzhong. Chu tried a surprise attack on Qin, got all the way to Lantian before getting their butts kicked. Finally, Chu had to give up two cities to make peace.
The state of Qin wanted the state of Chu to give up the Qianzhong region and wanted to exchange it for the land beyond Wuguan Pass. The King of Chu said, "Forget the land swap, I'll give you Qianzhong if you just give me Zhang Yi." The King of Qin wanted to send Zhang Yi but hesitated. Zhang Yi volunteered to go. King Huai of Chu said, "The King's still furious about you swindling us out of Shangyu—he's not gonna trust you now, is he?" Zhang Yi said, "Qin's strong, Chu's weak. I'm good with Jin Shang, and he's got the ear of Queen Zheng Xiu. Zheng Xiu has the King's ear. Sent by the Qin King, they wouldn't dare kill me, would they? Even if they do kill me, getting Qianzhong for Qin would be worth it." So he went to Chu.
King Huai had Zhang Yi arrested, intending to kill him. Jin Shang said to Zheng Xiu, "You know how little sway you have with the King, right?" Zheng Xiu asked, "Why?" Jin Shang said, "The Qin King's really fond of Zhang Yi and doesn't want to lose him. He's offering six Shangyong counties, plus a bunch of beautiful women and palace dancers, as a wedding gift for the King. The King loves land, respects Qin, so Qin women will be all the rage, leaving you in the shade. You gotta convince the King to let Zhang Yi go." So Zheng Xiu spoke to King Huai of Chu day and night, "Every minister serves his king. Qin hasn't got the land yet, and they sent Zhang Yi—that shows how much they value the King. If the King kills him without a second thought, Qin will be furious and attack. Tell the King to get his family and move to Jiangnan before Qin slaughters us all like fish!" King Huai of Chu regretted, pardoned Zhang Yi, and treated him as before.
When Zhang Yi left the state of Chu, he had not gone far when he heard that Su Qin had died. So he advised King Huai of Chu again, saying, "Qin controls half the land in the empire, and their army could take on four countries at once. They are surrounded by mountains and rivers, with strategic terrain and defenses on all sides. They have tens of thousands of elite soldiers, a thousand war chariots, ten thousand cavalry, and enough food to feed an army for years. Their laws are clear. Their soldiers are accustomed to hardship and willing to sacrifice for the country. The king is wise and decisive. The generals are resourceful and skilled in warfare. Even if they don't go to war, they can still dominate the strategic areas of Changshan and will surely crush the backbone of the world. Any country that later submitted was conquered first. Moreover, following them is like leading sheep against a tiger—a hopeless fight. Now, Your Majesty is not allying with the fierce tiger but joining forces with a group of sheep. I believe Your Majesty is making a mistake."
The strongest countries in the world are either Qin or Chu. If these two countries go to war, it will be a fight to the death. If Your Majesty goes against Qin, they will send troops to occupy Yiyang, cutting off the northern transportation line of Han. If Qin takes Hedong and Chenggao, Han will surely surrender, and Liang will follow suit. If Qin attacks Chu from the west, while Han and Liang attack from the north, can Chu's territory be protected?
Additionally, those countries that blindly follow others are weak nations banding together to attack a powerful country without considering the enemy's strength. These countries are already poor and constantly at war. Isn't that a recipe for disaster? I have heard that a country with inferior military strength should not provoke others, and a country with insufficient food supply should not engage in prolonged warfare. Those who flatter will only speak pleasing words, exaggerate the positives, and ignore the risks. When Qin truly attacks, it will be too late to remedy the situation. So, Your Majesty, please think this over carefully.
West of Qin lies Ba Shu, where a large amount of grain is stored. Grain from the Wen Mountains is shipped down the Yangtze to Chu—a three-thousand-li journey. Big boats carry fifty men and three months' rations apiece. Downstream, they cover over three hundred li a day. Although the journey is long, it does not require the strength of oxen and horses, and they can reach Hangu Pass within ten days. If Hangu Pass falls, the whole eastern region will be fortified; Qianzhong and Wujun will be lost. A Qin attack on Chu would last only three months, while it'd take Chu and its allies at least six months to respond – no contest. Smaller states count on others, forgetting the Qin's might. This is what worries me about Your Majesty.
Your Majesty fought Wu five times, winning three, but your armies were depleted and the people suffered defending Xin Cheng. They say great victories bring great risks, and a disgruntled populace. You need to protect your hard-won gains *and* face Qin. Frankly, Your Majesty's in a precarious position.
For fifteen years, Qin hasn't attacked Qi or Zhao from Hangu Pass – they're biding their time, aiming for unification. Chu clashed with Qin in Hanzhong, lost badly, and lost the territory itself. It's like two tigers fighting – both are wounded, while Han and Wei watch and wait. That's the biggest danger of all. Please give this serious thought, Your Majesty.
If Qin attacks Wei and Yang Jin, chaos will surely ensue. Your Highness, if you concentrate your forces on attacking Song, you will be able to take it in just a few months. After taking Song, you can advance eastward, and all twelve smaller kingdoms in the Sishui River basin will submit to you.
Su Qin, relying on his eloquence and alliances, was eventually appointed as the Marquis of Wu'an and became the prime minister of Yan. Secretly, he conspired with the King of Yan to attack and divide the territory of Qi; then, pretending to have committed a crime, he fled to Qi, where the King of Qi appointed him as prime minister. After two years, the King of Qi discovered the truth and, in great anger, had Su Qin torn apart. With someone like Su Qin, who relies on trickery, wanting to control the world and unify the vassal states is simply impossible; this truth couldn't be clearer.
Now that Qin and Chu are neighboring and traditionally friendly states, Your Highness, if you are willing to listen to me, I suggest that the Prince of Qin be sent to Chu as a hostage, the Prince of Chu be sent to Qin as a hostage, and the Princess of Qin be married to you as a concubine. The prosperous cities of Qin will be designated as tax-exempt territories for Chu, and the two countries will become brotherly nations, never attacking each other again. I believe there is no better solution than this.
King Huai has already bribed Zhang Yi and given the Qianzhong region to Qin to fulfill Zhang Yi's request. Qu Yuan said, "In the past, Your Highness was deceived by Zhang Yi. Now that he has come, I believe you should kill him; even if you can't bear to kill him, you should not listen to his poisonous lies." King Huai said, "Agreeing to Zhang Yi's request for the Qianzhong region is a great advantage. It would be bad to go back on it later." So, they swallowed their concerns and allied with Qin.
Zhang Yi went to the State of Chu and then to the State of Han. He said to the ruler of Han: "The terrain of Han is rough, with mostly mountainous areas. The only crops that can be grown are mostly beans and greens. The common people mainly eat bean dishes and vegetable soup. If there's a bad harvest one year, they can't even get enough bran to eat. The land area is only about nine hundred li (approximately 300 miles), and there’s barely two years' worth of food. The total number of soldiers under the king is no more than three hundred thousand, including lots of support troops. Excluding the soldiers guarding the border passes, the front-line troops are at most two hundred thousand.
As for the State of Qin, they boast over a million soldiers, a thousand chariots, and ten thousand cavalry. And their elite troops? Countless. The war horses of Qin are strong and numerous. When they gallop, their hooves kick up dust three feet high. Shandong soldiers fought in full armor, but Qin soldiers could shed theirs and pursue the enemy, capturing heads with their left hand and holding prisoners with their right.
Compared to the soldiers of Shandong, Qin soldiers are like lions to lambs. Qin uses powerful forces to oppress the enemy, like a hawk to a baby. Sending brave warriors like Meng Ben to attack weak nations that are easy to defeat is like dropping a boulder on an eggshell; it’s not going to end well."
The king's advisors and nobles, blinded to the country's poverty, have been swayed by empty promises and back-slapping, boasting, "Follow my plan, and we'll rule the world!" They ignore the long-term interests of the country, only believing in short-term gains, misleading the ruler. You couldn't make a bigger mistake. If the king doesn't side with Qin, they will invade Yiyang (a strategic location), cut off the Han state's Shangjun (the upper command), then advance east to occupy Chenggao (another important area) and Xingyang (a key city), and the Hongtai Palace and Sanglin Park will no longer be yours. Once Chenggao is occupied and Shangjun is cut off, your country will be divided. Allying with Qin keeps us safe; otherwise, we're in big trouble. That's a recipe for disaster! Trying to please Chu while defying Qin? That's a death wish. Therefore, for the king's sake, we need to side with Qin. Qin's biggest goal is weakening Chu, and that means using us. It's not that we're stronger, but our location makes us key. If we team up with Qin against Chu, the Qin king will be thrilled. Let's hit Chu, grab their land, and win Qin's favor. That's our best bet.
King Han took Zhang Yi's advice. After Zhang Yi returned, King Hui of Qin granted him five cities and honored him as Lord Wuxin (a title signifying military trustworthiness). Zhang Yi then went to the state of Qi to persuade King Min of Qi, saying, "There’s no country stronger than Qi. Every official's rolling in it, and the people are living the good life. However, those who advise the king only think about immediate benefits and ignore long-term plans. The flatterers will say, 'To the west of Qi is the powerful state of Zhao, and to the south are Han and Wei. Qi is a land of abundant resources, strong soldiers, and brave generals. Even if a hundred Qin states came, they couldn't harm Qi.' The king accepts these claims without looking into the actual situation. Those who form factions believe that flattery is the best approach.
I’ve heard that Qi and Lu fought three times, and Lu won all three. Yet, Lu was eventually destroyed because it was weaker than Qi. Now, the relationship between Qin and Qi mirrors that of Qi and Lu in the past. Qin and Zhao have clashed at Hezhang twice, with Zhao winning both times; they also fought at Fanwu twice, and Zhao won both of those battles as well. After four major battles, Zhao lost hundreds of thousands of soldiers, and the city of Handan was nearly lost. Although they seemed to win the war, the country was actually in ruins. Why? It’s a classic case of a seemingly victorious war leading to national ruin because of the underlying power imbalance.
Now the states of Qin and Chu are now brothers-in-law; the state of Han has handed over Yiyang; the state of Wei has given up the land west of the Yellow River; and the state of Zhao met with the King of Qin at Mianchi and ceded the Hejian region to please Qin. Look, if you don't play ball with Qin, they will team up with Han and Wei to attack the southern region of Qi, while letting Zhao's army cross the Qing River and advance to Boguan. At that point, Linzi and Jimo will no longer belong to you. Once the country is attacked, even if you want to serve Qin, it will be too late. So I hope you will think this over carefully."
King Min of Qi said, "Qi is located in a remote area, tucked away by the East Sea, and has never heard of any big plan for the future in any country." So he agreed to Zhang Yi's request.
Zhang Yi left Qi and went to the state of Zhao to persuade the King of Zhao, saying, "My king sent me over with a bit of a dumb idea. If you can command the vassals of the world to submit to Qin, then Qin's army won't pass through the Hangu Pass for fifteen years. Your reputation has spread throughout Shandong, and we're really scared, so we're frantically preparing for war, stockpiling supplies, and generally freaking out."
Now, relying on your strength, you have already taken over Bashu, controlled Hanzhong, taken over most of the old Zhou lands, brought in the Nine Tripods, and are guarding the Bai Ma Jin Fortress. Although Qin is in a remote location, they have been holding a grudge for a long time. Although Qin's armor is worn out and the soldiers are exhausted, the army is already stationed in Mianchi, ready to cross the Yellow River, cross the Zhang River, occupy Fanwu, and then meet under the city of Handan. They're planning a showdown on Jiazi to settle the score for Shang's fall, so they sent word.
In short, Your Majesty, the Su Qin you trust and rely on has confused the princes, distorted right and wrong, and tried to incite rebellion in Qi State, but ended up being ripped apart by five horses in the bustling market. It is clear that unifying the world is difficult. Currently, Chu State and Qin State are close allies, Han State and Wei State claim to be vassals in the east, and Qi State contributes the lucrative fish and salt region, which is like cutting off the right arm of Zhao State. How can we fight a war, crippled and alone, and expect to survive?
Now Qin State has sent out three armies: one to seal off the Wu Pass, while telling Qi State to send troops to cross the Qing River and camp east of Handan; one stationed in Chenggao, forcing the armies of Han and Wei to retreat to the other side of the Yellow River; one stationed in Mianchi. Qin State plans to unite these four countries to attack Zhao State. Once Zhao State is conquered, they will divide our land. Therefore, I'm reporting this to you, Your Majesty, because I can't keep it to myself. I urge you to meet King Qin at Mianchi, negotiate a ceasefire, and avoid war. I hope you will carefully consider my suggestion.
King Zhao said: "When the late king was in power, Lord Yang was a tyrant and a deceiver, misleading the late king and monopolizing power. At that time, I was still a low-ranking official and could not participate in state affairs. The late king abandoned his ministers, and as I was young and had just ascended the throne, I have always been suspicious, feeling that ignoring Qin for so long hasn't been good for us. Therefore, I planned to change my mind, cede land and make reparations to please Qin State. Just as I was about to send out the carriages and horses, I heard the official decree from the envoy." Only then did Zhang Yi leave, satisfied with King Zhao's agreement.
So, there's this guy named Bei in Yan, who said to King Zhao of Yan, "Your Majesty, Zhao's your best bet, right? Back in the day, when King Zhao of Zhao wanted to annex the State of Dai, he married his sister to the King of Dai and arranged to meet at Juzhuse. He had a golden wine jug custom-made – a real beauty, but with a wickedly long handle, perfect for a little… persuasion. While drinking with the King of Dai, he secretly instructed the cook, 'When we’re drunk and happy, serve hot soup, then use the golden jug to take him out!' As a result, when they were drunk and the hot soup arrived, the cook took the opportunity to use the golden jug, and bam! The King of Dai was a goner. Upon hearing this, the King of Dai's sister committed suicide with a hairpin, hence the place now known as 'Mo Ji Mountain.' That story's famous, Your Majesty."
Furthermore, Bei continued, "That Zhao guy's a real snake in the grass. You know it as well as I do. Do you still think King Zhao is trustworthy? Zhao's invaded us twice before, Your Majesty, besieging the capital and even holding you hostage, forcing you to cede ten cities. And now? He's just buttered up the Qin King, handing over Hejian like it's nothing! If you don’t serve Qin now, when the Qin army arrives at Yunzhong and Jiuyuan, they’ll use Zhao to attack Yan, and then the Yishui River and the Great Wall won't be able to hold.
Qin sees Zhao as just another county, so they don’t dare to fight back. If you serve Qin, the King of Qin will be pleased, and Zhao will not dare to act rashly. In this way, with the powerful state of Qin as a support in the west, you won’t have to worry about threats from Qi and Zhao in the south. So, Your Majesty, think about it. What do you say?"
King Zhao of Yan said, "As the ruler of this barbaric little country, although I may look big and burly, in reality, my thoughts are as simple as a child's, and the words I speak cannot determine any great plans. Now, since you, my honored guest, are willing to guide me, I will listen to you and align ourselves with Qin to the west, offering the five cities in the Hengshan region to Qin!" King Zhao of Yan then followed Zhang Yi's advice. Zhang Yi returned to report, but before he reached Xianyang, King Hui of Qin had already passed away, and King Wu succeeded to the throne. When King Wu of Qin was still the crown prince, he did not like Zhang Yi. After he ascended the throne, many courtiers badmouthed Zhang Yi, saying that he was untrustworthy and willing to sell out his country for personal gain. If Qin were to use him again, everyone would mock Qin. Upon hearing that King Wu of Qin had distanced himself from Zhang Yi, all the vassal states rebelled against Qin and returned to their former allies. In the first year of King Wu of Qin's reign, the ministers hated Zhang Yi's guts, and before things calmed down, envoys from Qi came to question him. Scared of getting his head chopped off, Zhang Yi took the initiative to say to King Wu of Qin, "I've got a dumb idea that I would like to offer you." King Wu of Qin asked, "What idea?" Zhang Yi said, "To help Qin, we must first create chaos in the east so that you, Your Majesty, can grab more land. It is said that the King of Qi has it in for me, and wherever I go, Qi will definitely send troops to attack. Therefore, I would like to request that you let this nobody go to Wei. Qi will surely send troops to attack Wei. When Wei and Qi are locked in a brutal fight outside the city walls and cannot break free, Your Majesty can grab the chance to attack Han, take control of the land of Sanchuan, and then march on Hangu Pass. Without lifting a finger, you can go directly to the Zhou Dynasty, and the Zhou royal family will hand over their sacrificial stuff. In this way, you can use the emperor to control the other states, retake our lost lands, just like the map says, and really cement your place in history!"
King Wu of Qin loved the plan, so he prepared a whole convoy of war chariots and sent him to Wei. Qi indeed sent troops to attack Wei. King Ai of Wei was very frightened. Zhang Yi said, "Your Majesty, don't worry, I will make Qi withdraw its troops." He sent his subordinate Feng Xi to Chu, and then from Chu to Qi, telling the King of Qi, "Your Majesty, while you hate Zhang Yi, entrusting him to Qin is a strange sort of compliment, isn't it?" The King of Qi replied, "I hate Zhang Yi so much; wherever he goes, I will attack. How can it be considered entrusting him?" Feng Xi responded, "This is exactly what Your Majesty entrusted him to do! When I left Qin, I had already agreed with the King of Qin: 'For Your Majesty's sake, we must first create chaos in the east, so that Your Majesty can seize more territory. Now I hear that the King of Qi especially hates me. Wherever I go, Qi will definitely send troops to attack. So I want to request that this useless person go to Wei. Qi will surely attack Wei. When Wei and Qi are fighting fiercely under the city and cannot get away, Your Majesty can then seize Han's Sanchuan region, march on Hangu Pass, and claim the Zhou royal treasures without a fight. In this way, you can use the emperor to command the vassals and recover lost territories according to the records in the atlas; this is the way of the king!' King Wu of Qin thought this was a good idea, so he prepared thirty war chariots to send me to Wei. Now that I have arrived in Wei, you have indeed sent troops to attack, which shows that your country is in chaos internally while you are using force externally, expanding conflicts with neighboring countries, and putting yourself in a dangerous situation, yet you still believe in Zhang Yi's promises to the King of Qin. That's what I mean by 'entrusting' him – using him to stir up trouble for your benefit." King Qi said, "Good!" and then ordered the troops to withdraw.
Zhang Yi served as Wei's prime minister for a year, then died there.
Chen Zhen is a smooth-talking diplomat who flitted between different kingdoms. He and Zhang Yi both worked under King Hui of Qin and were favored, but they started vying for the king's favor. Zhang Yi spoke ill of Chen Zhen in front of King Hui of Qin: "Chen Zhen is shuttling between Qin and Chu, lining his pockets, claiming to promote friendship between the two countries. However, Chu did not treat Qin better because of Chen Zhen; instead, they treated Chen Zhen kindly. This shows he's only looking out for himself, and ignoring you, Your Majesty! Besides, Chen Zhen wants to leave Qin for Chu. Shouldn't you at least hear him out?"
Upon hearing this, King Hui of Qin asked Chen Zhen, "I heard that you want to leave Qin for Chu, is that true?" Chen Zhen replied, "Yes." King Hui of Qin said, "Zhang Yi's got a point." Chen Zhen responded, "Not only Zhang Yi knows, but everyone on the road knows! Loyal ministers always attract followers. Filial sons always win admiration. So, unsold servants are considered undesirable; unmarried women are seen as lacking. If I am not loyal to Qin now, why would Chu think I am loyal? If loyalty is abandoned, where else can I go if not to Chu?" King Hui, convinced by Chen Zhen's argument, decided to give him the benefit of the doubt.
After staying in the state of Qin for a year, King Hui of Qin ultimately took Zhang Yi back into his favor. Chen Zhen had no choice but to flee to the state of Chu. Initially, Chu largely ignored him at first, but then sent him on a mission to Qin. When passing through the state of Liang, he wanted to meet the Prime Minister, but was initially refused. Chen Zhen said, "I’m here to discuss important matters. If you don’t see me, I’ll have to leave. I haven't got time to wait around." The Prime Minister then agreed to see him. Chen Zhen asked the Prime Minister, "What do you usually drink?" The Prime Minister replied, "Nothing in particular." Chen Zhen said, "How about I give you something to do?" The Prime Minister asked, "What is it?" Chen Zhen replied, "Tian Xu and the feudal lords have agreed to form alliances. The King of Chu is doubtful and hasn’t believed it yet. You should tell the King of Chu, 'I’m close to the kings of Yan and Zhao; they’ve been hinting we should get together. I’d like to pay them a visit—with your permission, Your Majesty.' Even if the King agrees, don’t bring too many carriages and horses. Just bring thirty carriages, make a show of force at court, and explain directly to the people of Yan and Zhao." Yan and Zhao immediately sent word to their kings and dispatched welcoming parties. Upon hearing this, the King of Chu was furious, saying, "Tian Xu agreed to form an alliance with me, but the Prime Minister went to Yan and Zhao. This is a trick!" He was so angry that he ignored the matter. When the state of Qi heard that the Prime Minister had gone north, they entrusted him with their affairs. The Prime Minister then went, handling the affairs of the three countries. Finally, Chen Zhen arrived in Qin.
Han and Wei have been slugging it out for a year, and neither side's winning. King Hui of Qin wanted to help and asked those around him for advice. Some said to help them, while others said not to. King Hui was stumped. Then Chen Zhen shows up in Qin. King Hui said, "You ditched Qin for Chu – still loyal, are ya?" Chen Zhen replied, "Ever heard of this guy, Zhuang Xi, from Yue?" Hui said, "I haven't." Chen Zhen said, "Zhuang Xi, a Yue guy, was a big shot in Chu. When he got sick, the Chu king asked him, 'You were a nobody from Yue, now you're a big cheese in my court, rich and powerful. Still think about Yue?' Zhuang Xi replied, 'Regular folks only miss home when they're sick. If he's missing Yue, he's still with Yue; if not, he's all Chu.' The Chu king had him watched, and sure enough, Zhuang Xi was still mooning over Yue! Even though Chu kicked me out, you think I'd forget about Qin?"
King Hui of Qin said: "That's right. Han and Wei have been at war for a year now and it hasn't ended yet. Some say we should help them, some say we shouldn't. I can't make up my mind. I hope you can help me decide." Chen Zhen said: "Have you heard the story of Bian Zhuangzi stabbing the tiger? Bian Zhuangzi wanted to stab a tiger, but a gatekeeper stopped him and said: 'Two tigers are eating a cow. When they taste something delicious, they will fight over it. Fighting will lead to injuries and death. You should wait for them to be injured and then strike, killing both tigers in one move.' Bian Zhuangzi thought it made sense and waited. After a while, the two tigers indeed started fighting, the larger one got injured, and the smaller one died. Bian Zhuangzi seized the opportunity to stab the injured tiger and killed both tigers. Now, Han and Wei have been at war for a year without resolution. It's just like the two tigers fighting. The powerful nation will be injured, and the weaker one will perish. If we wait for them to be exhausted and battered and then attack, we can easily defeat them, just like Bian Zhuangzi stabbing the tiger. What difference does it make whether I advise you or myself?" King Hui of Qin said: "Good!" In the end, they did not intervene. As expected, the powerful nation was severely injured, and the weaker one was destroyed. Qin launched an attack and won a resounding victory. This was Chen Zhen's strategy.
Meanwhile, Xi Shou, a man from the Yinjin region of Wei named Yan of the Gongsun clan, were bitter rivals with Zhang Yi.
Zhang Yi served as a diplomat for the State of Qin, and the King of Wei treated him as a VIP. However, Xishi (a minister of Wei) disapproved of Zhang Yi and sent someone to tell Gongshu, a minister of the State of Han: "Zhang Yi has forged an alliance between Qin and Wei. He proposed a plan where Wei would attack Nanyang while Qin attacked Sanchuan. The reason the King of Wei values Zhang Yi so much is that he wants to acquire Han land. Furthermore, Han's Nanyang is almost taken by Wei. Why not throw him a bone and let him take the credit? In this way, the alliance between Qin and Wei will be broken. In the future, Wei will definitely confront Qin, abandon Zhang Yi, reclaim Han's territory, and you'll profit from it." Gongshu thought this was a good idea and followed Xishi's advice, giving the territory of Nanyang to Wei to earn merit. As a result, he became the prime minister of Wei, and Zhang Yi left Wei.
Lord Yiqu went to Wei to meet the King of Wei. When Xishi heard that Zhang Yi had become the prime minister of Qin again, he felt jealous. Xishi said to Lord Yiqu: "It's a long trip, and you might not get another chance to come back. I have to tell you something from the bottom of my heart." Xishi said: "If there is peace in the country, Qin will devastate your country; if there is war in the country, Qin will use contempt and bribes to buy off your country." Later, five warring states attacked Qin together. At this time, Chen Zhen said to the King of Qin: "Lord Yiqu is a powerful leader. Why not send some gifts to win him over?" The King of Qin agreed and sent thousands of bolts of silk and a hundred beauties to Lord Yiqu. Lord Yiqu gathered his ministers and discussed: "Was this Zhang Yi's doing?" So Lord Yiqu led the troops to attack Qin and defeated the Qin army under Li Bo.
After Zhang Yi's death, Xishi became the prime minister of Qin. He once served as the prime minister of five countries at the same time, with great power and high status.
Sima Qian said: In the Three Jin area, there are many masters of political intrigue. Most of those who advocated for allying with Qin were from the Three Jin states. Zhang Yi was even more ruthless than Su Qin, but people disliked Su Qin, even though he died young, while Zhang Yi used Su Qin's shortcomings to elevate himself, consolidate his position, and successfully implement his strategy of shifting alliances. So, these two were real bad news!
Su Qin was from Luoyang. When he was young, he went to Qi to study and also became a student of Guiguzi. Several years later, he traveled around trying to persuade others, but he faced setbacks repeatedly and returned home in poverty. His brothers, sister-in-law, and wife all made fun of him, saying, "Zhou people are all about practicality, you know? Business, making money—that's the way to go. You're just spouting nonsense! So what's surprising about being broke?" Su Qin felt ashamed and self-blamed after hearing this, so he locked himself in, stopped going out, and buried himself in his books. He said to himself, "What's the use of studying all these books if it doesn't get me anywhere?" Later, he found the military book "Zhou Shu - Yinfu" and immersed himself in studying it.
After about a year, he felt that he had enough knowledge and confidently said, "I'm ready to go give it a shot with the king!" So he first went to persuade King Xian of Zhou. However, King Xian's people knew him and thought he was a nobody.
So Su Qin went to the state of Qin. Unfortunately, King Xiaogong of Qin had passed away, so he went to persuade King Hui of Qin instead. He told King Hui, "Qin's got the best geography—mountains all around, the Wei River winding through it, the Yellow River to the east, Hanzhong to the west, Ba and Shu to the south, and the Di and Ma to the north. It's a natural fortress! With the numerous people of Qin and its strong military power, it can completely conquer the world and establish an empire!" King Hui said, "You're not ready to take on the world yet." At that time, Qin was dealing with the aftermath of Shang Yang, and they hated smooth-talking debaters, so Su Qin got nowhere.
Next, Su Qin went to the state of Zhao. The Marquis of Zhao made his brother Zhao Cheng prime minister, Lord Fengyang. However, Lord Fengyang did not listen to Su Qin's advice.
He went to Yan State again, and it was over a year before he saw Marquis Wen of Yan. He said to Marquis Wen of Yan, "To the east of Yan State are Joseon and Liaodong, to the north are Linhu and Loufan, to the west are Yunzhong and Jiuyuan, and to the south are Hutuo and Yishui. The land area is over two thousand li, with an army of hundreds of thousands, six hundred war chariots, six thousand cavalry horses, and enough grain to last for years. In the south, there are rich resources in Jieshi Mountain and Yanmen Pass, and in the north, there are special products such as dates and chestnuts. The people could live off the land even without farming. This is simply the legendary Land of Plenty!"
Our peaceful existence, free from warfare, is entirely due to Yan. Do you know why this is, Your Majesty? The reason why Yan State has not been invaded or suffered from war is because Zhao State serves as a barrier to the south. Qin and Zhao were locked in a bitter struggle, with Qin winning two battles and Zhao winning three. Despite their constant conflict, Your Majesty has been able to preserve Yan State, which is the reason for the peace in Yan State. Furthermore, if Qin were to attack Yan State, they would have to cross Yunzhong and Jiuyuan, pass through Daijun and Shanggu, and travel thousands of li. Even if they capture the city of Yan State, Qin would not be able to hold it. Qin cannot defeat Yan State, a clear advantage. Now if Zhao wants to attack Yan State, with one command, within ten days, hundreds of thousands of troops can reach the eastern wall of Yan State. Crossing the Hutuo River and passing through Yishui, they can reach the capital of Yan State in four or five days. Therefore, if Qin attacks Yan State, they have to fight from a thousand li away; if Zhao attacks Yan State, it is within a hundred li. To fear a distant threat while ignoring the danger close at hand is sheer folly! So, I hope that Your Majesty can form an alliance with Zhao State, unify the world, and then Yan State will no longer have any worries.
Marquis Wen said, "You make sense, but our country is small, bordering the powerful Zhao State to the west and near Qi State to the south. Qi State and Zhao State are both powerful countries. If you truly wish to unite the lords to protect Yan, I would willingly pledge my entire kingdom to the cause."
So they kitted Su Qin out with a carriage, horses, and enough gold and silver to make him rich, sending him off to Zhao. Old Fengyang was dead and gone, and Su Qin took the opportunity to persuade Lord Zhao Su, saying: "Everyone, from top to bottom, thinks you're a top bloke and’ve been dying to work for you. However, in the past, Fengyang was jealous of talents, and you didn’t use them, so yes-men and hangers-on didn’t dare to fully support you. Now Fengyang's kicked the bucket, you're more approachable, so I thought I'd throw my two cents in."
Honestly, what you should do most is to let the common people get on with their lives and not always disturb them. Whether they get a decent life depends on who you pal up with. If you choose the right friends, the common people will be safe; if you choose the wrong friends, they’ll never be at peace in their lifetime. Let's talk about external threats: Qi and Qin are our enemies, and whichever way we jump, the people lose out. Therefore, those who give advice to the monarch, strategize in battles, and seize territories always try to stir things up between countries. Don't be a mug, and don't go blabbing. It's as simple as black and white.
If you listen to me, Yan will be sending you top-notch furs and steeds, Qi'll be piling on the seafood, Chu'll be showering you with oranges and pomelos, and Han, Wei, and Zhongshan will be falling over themselves to pay tribute. Your mates and family will all be lords and ministers. It's the way things have always been done to get ahead. You get all this without lifting a finger – that's my plan for you.
If you ally with the State of Qin, they will definitely weaken the States of Han and Wei; if you ally with the State of Qi, they will definitely weaken the States of Chu and Wei. If Wei is weakened, they will cede territory beyond the river; if Han is weakened, they will give up Yiyang; if Yiyang is lost, Shangjun will be in danger; if territory beyond the river is lost, communication will be cut off; if Chu is weakened, no one will help us. So you gotta weigh these three options carefully.
If Qin opens up the Zhi Road, Nanyang will be in danger; if Qin attacks Han, surrounding Zhou territory, Zhao's gonna have to train up its army to defend itself; if Qin occupies the State of Wei, seizing Juandi, Qi'll be kissing Qin's ass. If Qin wants to completely take over Shandong, then they will definitely attack the State of Zhao. Once Qin crosses the Yellow and Zhang Rivers and takes Fanwu, then war will definitely break out in Handan. These are all my concerns for you.
Now, in the Shandong region, the strongest is the State of Zhao. Zhao's got a huge territory – over two thousand li – plus a massive army: hundreds of thousands of soldiers, a thousand chariots, ten thousand cavalry, and enough food to last years. To the west is Changshan as a barrier, to the south are the Yellow River and Zhang River, to the east is Qinghe, and to the north is the State of Yan. Yan's weak, so don't worry about them. The State of Qin's ultimate goal is to eliminate Zhao among all the states, but they dare not attack Zhao directly. Why is that? They're scared Han and Wei will stab them in the back! Therefore, the States of Han and Wei are the southern barrier of Zhao. If Qin goes after Han and Wei, nothing's stopping them from slowly eating away at them until they reach the capital. Han and Wei can't stand up to Qin; they'll end up bowing down. If Qin no longer has the restraint of Han and Wei, then Zhao's screwed. That's what keeps me up at night, Your Majesty.
I heard that Emperor Yao did not have a fixed territory at the beginning, and Emperor Shun did not have a single inch of his own land, yet they were able to rule the land; King Yu initially had a mere few hundred men under his command, yet he could command the neighboring kingdoms; Kings Tang and Wu, with armies of at most three thousand men, three hundred chariots, and thirty thousand soldiers, were able to establish the position of the emperor: the key lies in their mastery of the correct way of governing! Therefore, a wise monarch should measure the strength of the enemy externally and assess the quality of his own soldiers internally. Even before the two armies face each other, the situation of victory or defeat is already in his mind. How could he be misled by others' words and make decisions blindly?
I privately calculated on a map that the combined land of the neighboring kingdoms is five times that of the Qin state, and their armies are ten times larger. If the six states unite and attack Qin from the west, Qin will definitely be defeated! But now we are serving Qin to the west, turning ourselves into subjects of Qin. Is being defeated and becoming a subject the same thing?!
Those who surrender to Qin are all thinking of ceding the land of the neighboring kingdoms to Qin. Once Qin becomes powerful, they will construct lavish palaces and pleasure gardens, listening to elegant music all day long, with towering palaces in front and beautiful concubines behind. The country will be harmed by Qin, but they are not worried at all. So those who surrender to Qin use Qin's power day and night to intimidate and threaten the neighboring kingdoms in order to achieve the goal of selling out for personal gain. So, Your Majesty, think carefully about this!
They say a wise king never worries about superstitions, ignores gossips, and keeps his distance from backstabbers. Therefore, on strengthening the nation and expanding its borders, Your Majesty's ministers can speak freely. I believe Your Majesty's best course of action is to unite Han, Wei, Qi, Chu, Yan, and Zhao against Qin. Let's get the generals of the six states together by the Huanshui River, share intel, and swear an oath. The alliance will be as follows: "If Qin attacks Chu, Qi and Wei support Chu, Han cuts off supplies, Zhao crosses the Yellow and Zhang Rivers, and Yan defends north of Changshan. If Qin attacks Han and Wei, Chu cuts off the Qin army's retreat, Qi supports Han and Wei, Zhao crosses the Yellow and Zhang Rivers, and Yan defends Yunzhong. If Qin attacks Qi, Chu cuts off the Qin army's retreat, Han defends Chenggao, Wei intercepts the Qin army, Zhao crosses the Yellow and Zhang Rivers and Bogan, and Yan supports Qi. If Qin attacks Yan, Zhao defends Changshan, Chu's army is stationed at Wuguan, Qi crosses Bo Sea, and Han and Wei support Yan. If Qin attacks Zhao, Han's army is stationed at Yiyang, Chu's army is at Wuguan, Wei's army is stationed outside the river, Qi crosses Qinghe, and Yan supports Zhao. If any of the princes violate the alliance, the other five countries will jointly attack it." With the six states united against Qin, they'll never dare cross Hangu Pass and invade Shandong. Then we'll rule the world!
King Zhao said, "I am young and my country is newly founded. I have never heard of long-term strategies for national development before. Now this important visitor is wholeheartedly thinking about stabilizing the world and protecting the vassals. I am willing to lead my country to join your alliance." So, King Zhao prepared a hundred war chariots, a thousand gold ingots, hundreds of jade bi discs, and a thousand pieces of brocade to form an alliance with the vassals.
At that time, King Zhou was sending sacrificial meat to King Hui of Qin. King Hui of Qin sent Xi Shou to attack the state of Wei, capturing the great general Long Jia of Wei, seizing the city of Diao Yin, and planning to continue advancing eastward. Su Qin feared that the Qin army would attack Zhao, so he deliberately provoked Zhang Yi and sent him to Qin.
Oh, King Xuan of Han, think about how good the territory of our Han state is! North of Han lie the strong cities of Gong and Cheng Gao; to the west are the natural defenses of Yi Yang and Shang Ban; to the east are Wan and Rang, along with the Wei River; and to the south is Xing Mountain—a total of over nine hundred miles, with tens of thousands of well-equipped soldiers. The best arbalests in the world are produced in our Han state! Those skilled archers, like Xi Zi and Shao Fu, can shoot six hundred steps away! Our Han soldiers have precise archery skills, hitting the target every time, shooting far enough to pierce the chest and close enough to hit the heart. Our weapons, swords and halberds, come from famous mountains and rivers like Ming Shan, Tang Xi, Mo Yang, He Gu, Deng Shi, Wan Feng, Long Yuan, and Tai A; they can cut through anything on the battlefield, well-equipped and complete in every way. Every Han soldier is brave and skilled in battle, wearing sturdy armor, wielding powerful arbalests, and carrying sharp swords. A single soldier could take on a hundred enemies!
Think about it, with the strong power of our Han state and your wise leadership, it is simply humiliating to serve the Qin state submissively, becoming the laughingstock of the world! Is there anything more embarrassing than this? Therefore, I hope that Your Majesty will consider it carefully! If you serve the Qin state, they will definitely demand Yiyang and Chenggao first. Give them land this year, and next year they'll demand more. Give in, and you'll have nothing left; refuse, and you'll face even greater disaster. Your land is limited, while the demands of the Qin state are endless. Using limited land to resist endless demands is like asking for trouble; even before the war begins, your territory has already been reduced. I have heard a saying: "Better to be the head of a chicken than the tail of an ox." Now, serving the Qin state submissively, what's the difference between that and being a slave? You are so wise, and you command the powerful Han army, yet you risk earning the reputation of being a "cow's tail." I am ashamed for you, Your Majesty!
Upon hearing this, the King of Han's face changed drastically, he pushed back his sleeves, widened his eyes, held his sword, looked up at the sky, and sighed, saying, "Although I am not great, I will never serve the Qin state! Now I accept your advice; I will follow the example of the King of Zhao and defend our kingdom to the death!"
King Wei Xiang, your kingdom's huge—south to Honggou, Chen, Runan, Xuchang, Yancheng, Kunyang, Zhaoling, Wuyang, Xindu, and Xinkou; west to the Great Wall; north to He Wai, Juan, Yan, and Suanzao, covering thousands of square miles! Yeah, those place names might not sound fancy, but there are countless fields and houses, so no worries about space for livestock. Your kingdom's booming—people everywhere, carts and horses all day and night—it's like you've got three armies! I'd say you're as strong as Chu, if not stronger. But your ministers are scared of the powerful Qin invading, and now you're worrying about Qin too, without thinking of the consequences. Using Qin to scare you is a major no-no! Wei is a powerhouse, and you're a wise king, but now you're thinking of serving Qin in the west, calling yourself a vassal, building yourself a fancy palace, and accepting Qin's clothing and rituals. Seriously, I'm ashamed for you!
I heard that King Goujian of Yue, with only three thousand surviving troops, defeated King Fucha of Wu at the Battle of Kuaisu; King Wu only used three thousand soldiers and three hundred chariots to defeat King Zhou of Shang at the Battle of Muye. They were able to win not because they had many soldiers, but because they were brave and fought hard! Now I hear that Your Majesty has two hundred thousand warriors, two hundred thousand servants, two hundred thousand conscripted laborers, one hundred thousand commoners, six hundred chariots, and five thousand war horses. This military force is much larger than that of King Goujian and King Wu! But now you are listening to those ministers and want to serve the state of Qin. Serving Qin will definitely lead to ceding territory and paying tribute, so the country has suffered heavy losses even before going to war! Those ministers who advise you to serve Qin are all treacherous; they are not loyal officials! These ministers, by ceding land to appease a foreign power, prioritize short-term gains over long-term stability, sacrificing national interests for personal advancement. They leverage Qin's might to intimidate Your Majesty into submission, hoping to profit from the territorial concessions. Please consider this carefully, Your Majesty!
The *Book of Zhou* warns: "Uncontrolled growth leads to ruin. Untamed branches, however lush, will eventually be felled." If we don't make good plans now, there will be great disasters in the future; what should we do? If Your Majesty can listen to me, be friendly with the other six states, work together, and unite against the enemy, then the threat of strong Qin will naturally be eliminated. Therefore, King Zhao sent me to offer my humble opinion and bring the alliance; please give your command, Your Majesty!
King Wei said: "I have been remiss; I have never had the chance to hear your wise words before. Now you come to advise me on behalf of King Zhao, and I humbly accept your advice and will heed it."
King Xuan of Qi listened and said to Su Qin, "Qi is naturally protected by its geography, with Mount Tai to the south, Langya Mountain to the east, Qinghe to the west, and Bo Sea to the north. Qi has a land area of over two thousand li (approximately 800 kilometers), with well-equipped soldiers numbering in the tens of thousands, and food piled up like mountains. The army is elite, with military service being commonplace; they attack swiftly like sharp arrows, fight fiercely like thunder, and retreat quickly like the wind and rain. Even during military actions, they have never crossed Mount Tai, crossed Qinghe, or crossed Bo Sea. There are seventy thousand households in Linzi City, and I estimate that each household has at least three men. Three times seventy equals two hundred and ten thousand. Without needing to call soldiers from distant counties, there are already two hundred and ten thousand soldiers in Linzi City. Linzi is very wealthy, with people enjoying leisure activities such as playing musical instruments, raising fighting cocks, walking dogs, playing games, and kicking balls. In the bustling streets of Linzi, wheels clattered together, people moved shoulder to shoulder, sleeves brushed together in a sea of movement, and sweat poured down like a summer downpour, with every household prosperous, everyone wealthy, and spirits high. With your wisdom and Qi's strength, no one in the world can compete. But now you want to submit to the Qin state in the west? I think that’s a real disgrace, Your Majesty!"
Han and Wei are so afraid of Qin because they share a border. War with Qin is a ten-day fight to the death—no ifs, ands, or buts. If Han and Wei win, they'd lose half their army and still lose the border; lose, and they're done. But attacking Qi is a different story. To get at Qi, Qin has to go through Han and Wei, then slog through miles of rough country—narrow mountain passes where chariots can't even move abreast, let alone a whole army. A hundred men can hold a pass against a thousand. And even if they did break through, Han and Wei would be right behind them. So Qin just postures, too scared to actually attack. It's pretty clear they can't hurt Qi. Ignoring how helpless Qin is against Qi, and suggesting we surrender anyway—that's just dumb. We don't need to bow to Qin, and we're strong enough to stand up to them. So, Your Majesty, give my plan a look.
The King of Qi said, "Look, I'm not exactly a genius, and we're just a small, poor country out here on the edge of nowhere. I've never heard of you before. So the King of Zhao sent you? Okay, I'll listen."
Next, he ran to King Chu Wei and persuaded him like this: "Chu State is the most powerful country under heaven; you are the wisest king in the world. To the west, there are Qianzhong and Wu prefectures; to the east, there are Xia Prefecture and Haiyang; to the south, there are Dongting Lake and Cangwu; to the north, there are Xingsai and Xunyang. The country covers over five thousand *li* (a Chinese unit of length), the army has a million soldiers, a thousand war chariots, ten thousand cavalry, and enough food reserves for ten years. This is more than enough to conquer the world! With the strength of Chu State and your wisdom, no one can compete with you. Now you want to submit to Qin in the west, then other vassals will all run to Xianyang to pay homage to the King of Qin."
"Qin's biggest fear is Chu. Chu's strength is Qin's weakness, and vice versa. Therefore, for your sake, the best way is to form an alliance with Qi and isolate Qin. If you ignore my advice, Qin will attack from both Wuguan and Qianzhong, putting Yanjing (the capital of Chu State) in danger!"
"Good rulers prevent problems before they arise. If you worry when disaster strikes, it will be too late. So, I hope you will consider this seriously."
"Listen to me, and the Shandong lords will pay tribute. They'll follow your orders, support your rule, and help you prepare for war. If you truly accept my humble advice, then the beauties of Han, Wei, Qi, Yan, Zhao, and Wei will enrich your harem, and the camels and fine horses of Yan and Dai will fill your stables. Join forces with me, and you'll rule all of Chu. Agree to this, and Qin will only be emperor. Giving up this chance to rule the world to become someone's subject? That's a terrible deal!"
The State of Qin is a wolf in tiger's clothing, intent on swallowing the world; it is the enemy of all! Everyone wants to cede land to please Qin; this is simply courting disaster! Those who act as subjects, in order to please the powerful State of Qin, actually cede their own country's land, colluding with the enemy, only to invite Qin's wrath, yet they do not consider the consequences. Using Qin's power to extort land concessions is the height of treachery! Therefore, getting close to the State of Chu, the vassals cede land to please Chu; forming an alliance with Qin, Chu cedes land to please Qin. The difference between these two strategies is too great. Your Majesty, what do you really want to do? King Zhao sent me to present this humble suggestion. We await your command and remain committed to our alliance.
King Chu said: "My country borders Qin to the west, and Qin has always wanted to swallow Ba and Shu and Hanzhong. Qin is a ferocious state; we cannot get close to them! Han and Wei are both being pressured by Qin; we can't afford to get too close to them. If we become entangled with them, we'd be in danger before we even begin. I have weighed it myself; Chu cannot beat Qin head-on, and the ministers in the country are also unreliable. I'm plagued by sleepless nights and anxieties, unsure of what course to take. Now, if you want to unify the country, subdue the vassals, and save our nation, I will do my best to support it!"
Therefore, the six states united and jointly resisted Qin. Su Qin led the alliance and served as Chancellor to all six states.
Su Qin sent a letter to King Zhao, saying that he would pass through Luoyang. His entourage was grand, with many carriages and horses, and full of supplies. Officials from various states came to see him off; it was a kingly welcome. When King Xian of Zhou heard about this, he was so frightened that he quickly sent people to clear the roads and went out to meet Su Qin on the outskirts. Su Qin's brother, wife, and sister-in-law were too scared to look up at him; they served him in silence, heads bowed. Su Qin smiled and asked his sister-in-law, "You used to be so indifferent to me; why are you so respectful now?" His sister-in-law, ashamed, prostrated herself and said, "I didn't realize how powerful and wealthy you'd become!" Su Qin sighed and said, "When a person is wealthy and noble, relatives and friends are afraid of him; when he is poor and humble, relatives and friends look down on him, let alone an ordinary person! If I only had a couple of acres outside Luoyang, how could I be holding the seals of six states?" So he took out a lot of money to reward his relatives and friends. When Su Qin went to Yan State, he even borrowed a hundred coins for travel expenses, but now that he had become successful, he repaid the hundred coins with a hundred gold pieces and repaid everyone who had helped him. One of his attendants, who did not receive any rewards, voluntarily stepped forward to explain the situation. Su Qin said, "I have not forgotten about you. When we were in Yan, by the Yi River, you almost left me several times. At that time, I was in a difficult situation, so I had a deep impression of you; that's why I didn't pay attention to you. Now you have also received a reward."
Su Qin successfully urged the six states to form a united front against Qin. After returning to Zhao State, Marquis Su of Zhao made him Marquis of Wu'an, and he handed over the alliance treaty to the Qin State. The Qin army stayed away from Hangu Pass for fifteen years. Later, Qin sent Xīshǒu to deceive Qi and Wei, and together they attacked Zhao, trying to destroy the united alliance. Qi and Wei attacked Zhao, and King Zhao blamed Su Qin. Afraid, Su Qin requested to be sent to Yan State to repay the favor to Qi. With Su Qin gone, the alliance crumbled.
King Hui of Qin married his daughter to the Crown Prince of Yan. That year, Prince Wen of Yan passed away, and the Crown Prince succeeded to the throne, becoming King Yi of Yan. As soon as King Yi took the throne, King Xuan of Qi took advantage of Yan's mourning period to attack and seize ten cities. King Yi of Yan said to Su Qin, "When you first came to Yan, the late king supported you to go to Zhao, which led to the alliance of the six states. Now Qi has attacked Zhao and then Yan, all because of you, making a laughingstock of himself. Can you help Yan regain the lost land?" Su Qin felt extremely ashamed and said, "Let me get those lands back for you, Your Majesty."
Su Qin paid a visit to the King of Qi, first bowing deeply, then prostrating himself as if in celebration, only to suddenly rise and wail as if in mourning. The King of Qi asked in confusion, "What's with the sudden celebration and mourning?"
Su Qin explained, "I've heard tell that a starving man would sooner die than eat from a crow's beak—a full belly's no guarantee against starvation. Yan, though weak, is the King of Qin's brother-in-law. For ten measly cities, you'd risk a long war with mighty Qin. Using weak Yan as a pawn against Qin, hoping to cripple them and then draw in every army in the land... that's like eating from a crow's beak, a recipe for disaster!" The color drained from King Xuan's face. "So what do we do?" he stammered.
Su Qin continued, "I have heard that in ancient times, those who were masters of playing politics could resolve crises, turn danger into safety, and turn failure into success. If Your Majesty is willing to listen to my plan, then return the ten cities of Yan to them. Yan will be pleased to receive the ten cities back for no reason, and the King of Qin will also be pleased to know that it was because of him that Yan regained the cities. This is what we call killing two birds with one stone and forming a strong friendship! If both Yan and Qin submit to Qi, then Your Majesty will be able to call the shots, and no one will dare to disobey. In this way, Your Majesty will have pacified Qin with a few kind words and exchanged the ten cities for the submission of the world, laying the foundation for ruling the world!"
The King of Qi said, "Excellent!" and ordered the return of the ten cities of Yan.
Some people spoke ill of Su Qin, calling him a double-dealer who was likely to start a rebellion in the future. Fearing to offend anyone, Su Qin returned to his country, and the King of Yan no longer gave him an official position.
Su Qin found the King of Yan and said, "Your Majesty, I, Su Qin, am just a nobody from the Eastern Zhou, yet you honored me with a personal audience in the temple and treated me with great respect in the court. Now that I have repelled the army of Qi for Your Majesty and regained the ten cities, I should be more involved in your affairs. However, you do not give me an official position, which will surely make others suspect me of lying to you. I am not trusted, which is actually beneficial to you! I have heard that loyalty and trustworthiness are for self-preservation, while initiative is for serving others. Besides, when I advised the King of Qi, I was not deceiving him. I left my elderly mother in the Eastern Zhou to protect myself and strive for success. Even if I were as good as Zeng Can, Boyi, and Wei Sheng combined, how about using these three to serve you?" The King of Yan said, "Sounds good."
Su Qin said, "Someone as filial as Zeng Can, who doesn't even leave his parents for one night, how can you make him come from afar to serve you, the unpredictable King of Yan? Someone as upright as Boyi would rather starve to death on Mount Shouyang than become the heir of Gu Zhu Jun or a subject of King Wu, refusing any titles or rewards. How can you make such an upright person travel far to work for you in the Qi state? Someone as trustworthy as Wei Sheng waits under a bridge for a woman he promised to meet, even when the woman doesn't show up and the water rises; he refuses to leave and ends up drowning while holding onto the bridge pillar. How can you make such a trustworthy person go far to resist the strong army of the Qi state? My offense stems from my loyalty and trustworthiness!" The King of Yan said, "If it wasn't for loyalty and trustworthiness, how could one offend others because of loyalty and trustworthiness?" Su Qin replied, "It's not like that. I heard of a man who was working as an official in a distant place, and his wife was having an affair with her lover. When the husband was about to return, her lover was worried. The wife said, 'Don't worry, I have prepared wine laced with poison for him.' After three days, the husband indeed returned, and the wife asked a maid to bring the wine laced with poison. The maid wanted to warn that the wine was poisoned, but she was afraid of offending the mistress; if she didn't say anything, she was afraid of offending the master. So she pretended to trip and spilled the wine. The master got angry and whipped her fifty times. The maid, by pretending to trip and spill the wine, tried to protect both the master and mistress, but she still ended up being punished. How is this not a mistake in loyalty and trustworthiness? My mistake is similar to that of this maid!" The King of Yan said, "Sir, you should return to your original position." And he treated him even more generously.
Word got out that Su Qin was having an affair with Queen Yi, the wife of Duke Wen.
When the King of Yan found out, he showered Su Qin with even greater favors. Su Qin feared punishment, so he said to the King of Yan, "Remaining in Yan, I cannot strengthen it; however, by going to Qi, I can ensure Yan's strength."
The King of Yan, knowing this, treated Su Qin even better. Su Qin, fearing for his life, said to the King of Yan: "Staying in Yan does not benefit Yan. If I go to Qi, Yan will gain more status." The King of Yan replied, "Do as you wish." Following the King's instructions, Su Qin deliberately offended him and then fled to Qi, where King Xuan of Qi treated him as an honored guest.
After the death of King Xuan of Qi, King Min succeeded to the throne. He urged King Min to hold a lavish funeral to show off his piety and to build huge palaces and sprawling gardens to boast about his success, intending to undermine Qi to help Yan. After the death of King Yi of Yan, King Kui ascended to the throne.
Later, lots of Qi bigwigs were jealous of Su Qin and sent someone to assassinate him. Su Qin got away, though badly hurt. The King of Qi sent people to find the assassin, but they were unsuccessful.
As Su Qin was about to die, he said to the King of Qi: "If I die, have me chopped up and put on display in the marketplace, saying 'Su Qin caused trouble for Yan in Qi,' then my enemies will be found." Following his words, the killer of Su Qin was revealed and executed by King of Qi. When Yan heard of this, they said: "Wow, Qi really got revenge for Su Qin!"
Su Qin was near death, so he said to King Qi, "If I die, have me dismembered and displayed in the market, announcing I was a Yan spy. By doing so, my murderer will be revealed." As he said, the killer who murdered Su Qin indeed appeared, and King Qi had the killer executed. When the State of Yan heard about this, they exclaimed, "Wow, Qi really went all out for Su Qin!"
After Su Qin's death, all his dirty laundry was aired. The Queen of Qi was livid and wanted Yan's blood. The State of Yan was greatly frightened. Su Qin's brothers, Su Dai and Su Li, saw how well their brother Su Qin had done and picked up the game of power politics. After Su Qin's death, Su Dai wanted to meet with the King of Yan to continue his brother's work. He said to the king, "Your Majesty, I'm just a nobody from the Eastern Zhou. I hear you're a man of your word, Your Majesty. Though I'm not much, I dropped everything to see you. My trip from Handan showed me things aren't as rosy as they sound back in the Eastern Zhou. I've been biting my tongue. Since I got here, I've seen your officials, and you're one smart cookie, Your Majesty!" The King of Yan asked him, "What makes a good ruler?" Su Dai replied, "I hear good rulers listen to criticism, not just flattery. Therefore, I would like to point out your shortcomings. Qi and Zhao are enemies of Yan, while Chu and Wei are allies of Yan. Yet, Your Majesty is attacking allies and pleasing enemies, which is damaging to the interests of Yan. Your Majesty, think about it, this strategy is flawed, and no one dares to tell you the truth. That ain't loyal, Your Majesty!"
The King of Yan said, "Qi has always been my enemy, and I've long wanted to attack it, but I'm just too weak. If you can help me defeat Qi, I'll give the whole country to you!" Su Dai said, "Right now, seven states are at war with each other, and Yan is the weakest. Fighting alone is definitely not an option; we need to find a powerful ally. If we buddy up with Chu down south, they'll get stronger; if we team up with Qin to the west, they'll get stronger; and if we align with Han and Wei in the middle, they'll get stronger. As long as the allied country is strong, Yan will naturally become strong. Currently, the Qi king is full of himself. They've been attacking Chu to the south for five years, cleaning out their coffers; fighting with Qin to the west for three years, wearing their troops down; and battling Yan to the north, losing three battles and two top generals. Despite this, they can still mobilize their remaining troops to attack Song to the south while also controlling twelve vassal states. So the Qi king's greedy, and his people are totally wiped out. Is that really a fight we *want*? Furthermore, I've heard that too many wars wear people down, and long campaigns wreck armies."
King Yan asked, "I heard that the Qi State has the Qingji River and the Muddy River as natural barriers, as well as the Great Wall and Jufang as defense fortifications. Is this true?" Su Dai replied, "If luck's not on their side, even with the Qingji River and the Muddy River, they won't be effective! If the people are worn out, even with the Great Wall and Jufang, they can't be defended! Furthermore, in the past, the Qi State did not station troops in the western Ji region to guard against the Zhao State and did not station troops in the northern Hebei region to guard against the Yan State. Now troops have been sent to both areas, and the national strength of the Qi State has weakened. An arrogant king always chases his own interests. Ministers who ruin their country are always greedy. If you, the king, can put aside your pride, send your son, mother, and brother as hostages to the Qi State, and bribe the Qi State's ministers with treasures and jewels, they will take a shine to the Yan State, scoff at the Song State, and conquering Qi will be a piece of cake." King Yan said, "I will ultimately follow your plan; it's meant to be!" Therefore, the Yan State sent a prince to the Qi State as a hostage. While the Yan prince was held hostage in Qi, Su Li went to visit the Qi King. The Qi King loathed Su Qin and wanted to nab Su Li. The Yan State prince stepped in, and eventually, Su Li became a man of Qi.
Yan Xiangzi wanted to seize power in Yan, so he had Su Dai accompany the crown prince to the Qi State as a hostage. The Qi State sent Su Dai back to the Yan State, and King Yan asked him, "Is the Qi King going to be the big dog?" Su Dai said, "No." King Yan asked, "Why not?" Su Dai said, "He's got no faith in his own ministers." As a result, King Yan bought Xiangzi's story hook, line, and sinker, and later handed over the throne to him, causing chaos in the Yan State. Jumping at the chance, the Qi State attacked the Yan State, killing King Yan and Xiangzi. King Zhao was established as the new king of the Yan State, and Su Dai and Su Li, terrified, did not dare to return to the Yan State and remained in the Qi State, where they were treated well.
Later, Su Dai arrived in Wei, and he was detained due to Yan's actions. Qi sent someone to the King of Wei saying, "We'll give Jingyang Jun Song's land, and Qin definitely won't accept it. Qin doesn't want Song because of Qi; they don't trust King Qi or Su Dai. With Qi and Wei at odds, Qi wouldn't risk deceiving Qin. If Qin believes Qi, with the alliance of Qi and Qin, Jingyang Jun will get Song's land, and there will be no benefit for Wei. Therefore, it's better for the king to release Su Dai; Qin will definitely suspect Qi and won't trust Su Dai. If Qi and Qin don't unite, things'll be peaceful, and the plan to attack Qi is toast." So Wei released Su Dai. Su Dai arrived in Song, and Song treated him very well.
Qi attacked Song, and Song was in danger. Su Dai wrote a letter to King Zhao of Yan: Stuck serving Qi, a nobody with no real power; helping Qi attack Song bankrupted the people. Conquering Song, hitting Chu hard, and making Qi richer—all bad for Yan. Three ways to screw up a country. But he did it to win Qi's trust. If Qi doesn't trust you and suspects Yan even more, you're cooked. Adding Song to the north of the Huai makes Qi even stronger. The Northern Barbarians are seven hundred li away; adding Lu and Wei to it makes Qi even stronger. Qi alone is tough; three Qis? Yan's doomed.
Smart guys turn bad luck into good. Qi's purple dye started as a defeat, but it made them ten times richer. Goujian of Yue, hiding in Kuaiji, eventually beat Wu and ruled all of China. That's turning lemons into lemonade.
Long story short, a power-hungry minister from Yan used Su Dai as a pawn in his power grab, sending him to Qi as a hostage, which ultimately led to Qi wiping out Yan. Later, Su Dai wandered through Wei and Song, and finally wrote a letter to King Zhao of Yan, weighing the risks and urging him not to trust Qi blindly, warning him to be prepared for the worst. In the letter, he gave examples of Qi's annexation of other countries to strengthen its power, indicating that if Yan continued to help Qi, they’d pay the price. Su Dai also used the examples of others who'd risen from the ashes to show that even in the direst straits, one could turn things around.
Now, if the king wants to take advantage of this disaster to turn the tide and change the course of events, the best way is to support Qi, allowing it to become the dominant power, and then form an alliance with the Zhou dynasty, reneging on the alliance with Qin, and declaring to the outside world: "This is the best strategy; it can defeat Qin and ensure that Qi remains subservient to us for a long time." Qin is using Qi to deal with us, and the king of Qin will definitely worry. The five generations of kings of Qin have been attacking the vassals, but now they have to be subordinate to Qi. If the king of Qin can completely conquer Qi, he will do so at any cost. Wouldn't it be wise for the king to send a skilled diplomat to convey this to the king of Qin? "The states of Yan and Zhao attacked Song, which has strengthened Qi, not because Yan and Zhao benefited from it. They did so because they do not trust the king of Qin. So why not send a trustworthy person to secure the loyalty of Yan and Zhao? Let Lord Jingyang and Lord Gaoling go to Yan and Zhao first; if there is any change in Qin, hold them as guarantees of good faith, so that Yan and Zhao will trust Qin. Qin is called the Western Emperor, Yan is the Northern Emperor, and Zhao is the Central Emperor; let these three states rule the world. If Han and Wei do not obey, send Qin to attack; if Qi does not obey, send Yan and Zhao to attack. Who else would dare to defy us? If the world obeys, then unite with Han and Wei to attack Qi, declaring to the outside world, 'We must reclaim the land of Song and return the territory north of the Huai River to Chu.' Reclaiming Song's land and returning the land north of the Huai River to Chu is what Yan and Zhao desire; establishing the three emperors is what they have always wanted. Once they receive what they want, fulfilling their wishes, Yan and Zhao will abandon Qi without hesitation. If Yan and Zhao are not cultivated now, Qi will certainly succeed. If all the vassals support Qi, and the king does not follow, the country faces attack; if all the vassals support Qi and the king does follow, the reputation will be damaged. Cultivating relationships with Yan and Zhao now will bring peace and enhance the nation's glory; failing to do so will lead to ruin and disgrace. Choosing ruin and disgrace over peace and glory is not a choice wise people would make." When the king of Qin hears these words, he will surely feel deeply offended. So why doesn't the king send a skilled diplomat to convey this to the king of Qin? Qin will definitely agree, and Qi will certainly be attacked.
Attacking the State of Qin strengthens friendships; attacking the State of Qi looks out for interests. A good king strengthens friendships and looks out for his own interests.
King Zhao of Yan liked this plan very much and said, "My ancestors once had grace with the Su clan. During the Zhi rebellion, the Su clan left Yan. To get back at Qi, Yan needs Su Dai." So he summoned Su Dai, showed him friendship again, and together they planned to attack the State of Qi. In the end, they defeated Qi, and King Min of Qi fled.
Long ago, the State of Qin wanted to summon the King of Yan. The King of Yan was preparing to go, but Su Dai quickly advised him, saying, "Chu fell because of Zhi, Qi because of Song. The reason Qi and Chu won't serve Qin is the deep enmity Qin has towards them! Qin's conquering the world isn't about being nice; it's about brute force. That's the message to everyone."
The State of Qin told the State of Chu, "Shu's army'll be in Yingdu in five days, sailing down the Yangtze from Wenshui. Hanzhong's army will reach Wuzhu in four days, sailing down the Han River from Badi. Our Qin army is gathering in Wandong, ready to move south to attack Suidi. Smart guys won't even have time to think, let alone brave warriors to get mad. I'm that fast! Waiting for the others to attack Hangu Pass? Too late!" Because of this speech from the State of Qin, the King of Chu obediently served the State of Qin for seventeen years.
The State of Qin directly told the State of Han, "Shaoqu to Daxing? One day. Yiyang to Pingyang? Two days, and they'll completely submit. Bypassing Zheng? Five days to conquer the whole State of Zheng." The State of Han believed the State of Qin was right, so they also served the State of Qin.
The State of Qin directly told the State of Wei: "If we capture Anyi and block the Nuji Pass, the Taiyuan region of the State of Han will be drawn into the conflict. We will take Zhicheng, then attack Nanyang, block the Jide area, and surround the surrounding areas. Exploiting the summer floods, we will advance rapidly in light boats, with strong crossbows in front and spears behind. Breaching the river embankment at Yingyang would leave Daliang vulnerable; breaching it at Baima would leave Waihuang and Jiyang vulnerable; and breaching it at Suxu would leave Xuqiu and Dunqiu vulnerable. If we attack by land, we will target Henei; if we attack by water, we will destroy Daliang." Wei agreed and became Qin's vassal.
The State of Qin wanted to attack Anyi, fearing that the State of Qi would come to its rescue, so they used the State of Song to confuse Qi. Qin said: "The King of Song is a tyrant, using wooden dummies to mock me, then shooting them in the face. My forces are stretched too thin to attack Song; Anyi is too far away to support such an operation. If the King can conquer Song and occupy it, it will be as if I did it myself." After capturing Anyi and blocking the Nuji Pass, Qin used this as an excuse to shift the blame for attacking Song to Qi.
The State of Qin wanted to attack the State of Han, fearing that the other states would come to its rescue, so they used the State of Qi to confuse them. Qin said: "The King of Qi has deceived me four times in our agreements; he will definitely lead the other powers to attack me. It's Qin or Qi; one must fall." After capturing Yiyang and Shaoqu, occupying Lin and Lishi, Qin used this as an excuse to shift the blame for attacking Qi to the other states.
The state of Qin wanted to attack the states of Wei and Chu, so they gave the Nanyang region to Chu, essentially claiming: "I have already severed ties with the state of Han. Occupying Junling and blocking the Mèng Pass—benefiting Chu is as good as benefiting Qin." Wei abandoned its alliance with Chu and sided with Qin, and then Qin used this as an excuse to shift the blame for blocking the Mèng Pass onto Chu.
The Qin army suffered military defeats in the forest, and then tried to win over the states of Yan and Zhao by giving the Jiaodong region to Yan and the Jixi region to Zhao. After reaching an agreement with Wei, Qin sent Prince Yan and Xishi to attack Zhao.
After being defeated at Qiaoshi and Yangma, the Qin army tried to win over Wei by giving the Ye and Cai regions to Wei. After negotiating terms with Zhao, Qin threatened Wei again, but Wei refused to cede territory. When Qin was trapped, they sent the younger brother of the Queen Mother, Ranghou, to negotiate peace, and would deceive their uncle and mother to claim victory if they won.
Qin offered Jiaodong to Yan, Jixi to Zhao, Ye and Cai to Wei, Mèng Pass to Chu, and Song to Qi. This was a whirlwind of empty promises and shifting alliances; the mother could not control it, and the uncle could not restrain it.
In the battles of Longjia, Anmen, Fengling, Gaoshang, and Zhaozhuang, Qin killed countless lives in the Sanjin region, and those who are still alive were orphaned by Qin's actions. Beyond Xihe, in the Shangluo and Sanchuan regions, the disaster of Jin state—half of the calamities in the Sanjin region were caused by Qin. The calamity of Qin is so great! Those who sided with Qin in Yan and Zhao were all vying for credit and slandering their monarchs; this reckless expansionism and betrayal are my greatest concerns.
King Zhao of Yan did not accept Su Qin's advice. Su Qin returned to Yan, and that's what I'm most worried about.
The State of Yan sent people to unite with other princes, imitating Su Qin's original approach. Some princes agreed, some did not, but from then on, the world respected the Su family's strategy of vertical alliance. Both Su Dai and Su Li died of old age, their reputation renowned among the princes.
Historian Sima Qian said: The three brothers Su Qin all lobbied princes for fame and fortune, skilled in adapting their strategies. Su Qin was later killed by a dirty trick, and people mocked him, and no one dared copy his methods. However, there are many legends about Su Qin, and any similar feat was attributed to him. Su Qin, born a commoner, was able to unite six states to resist Qin, demonstrating exceptional intelligence. Therefore, I have recorded his deeds, arranged in chronological order, to set the record straight.
Shang Yang, a son of the Wei state named Yang, with the surname Gongsun, originally belonged to the Ji clan. When Yang was young, he liked to study criminal law and the school of law. He once worked as a junior aide under the prime minister of Wei, Gongsun Zuo. Gongsun Zuo knew he was talented but had not yet recommended him. Later, when Gongsun Zuo fell ill, King Hui of Wei personally visited him and asked how he was doing and what was happening with the kingdom. Gongsun Zuo said, "I have a young man under my command named Gongsun Yang. Although he is young, he is very capable. I hope the king can put him in charge." King Hui said nothing. As King Hui was about to leave, Gongsun Zuo dismissed the others and quietly warned Gongsun Yang, "If the king doesn't listen to me and promote you, he'll have your head. Don't give him the chance to arrest you." King Hui just stared at him. Gongsun Zuo thanked Gongsun Yang and said, "When the king asked me who could be the prime minister, I recommended you. The king didn't look happy about it, but he agreed. I told him if he didn't use you, he'd kill you. You should leave quickly, or it will be dangerous." Gongsun Yang replied, "If the king doesn't even listen to you, how could he listen to you to kill me?" In the end, he did not leave. After King Hui left, he told his companions, "Gongsun Zuo was seriously ill. It is a pity. Can you believe he wanted me to entrust the country to Gongsun Yang? What a ridiculous idea!" After Gongsun Zuo's death, Shang Yang heard that King Xiao of Qin had issued an order to find able men nationwide, aiming to follow in Duke Mu's footsteps and expand the territory to the east. So, he came from the west to the state of Qin. He got a meeting with King Xiao through Jing Jian, a favorite of King Xiao.
Lord Xiao met with Shang Yang and talked about state affairs for a long time. But Lord Xiao kept dozing off from time to time and didn't really listen. After the conversation, Lord Xiao angrily blamed Jing Jian, saying, "That guy you recommended seems a bit of a nutcase and hasn't been much help!" Jing Jian told Shang Yang what Lord Xiao said. Shang Yang said, "I used the emperor's approach to persuade the ruler, but he didn't get it."
Five days later, Shang Yang requested another audience. Shang Yang met Lord Xiao again, and this time the conversation was better than last time, but they still weren't on the same page. After the conversation, Lord Xiao once again blamed Jing Jian, and Jing Jian passed on the message to Shang Yang. Shang Yang said, "I used the kingly way to persuade the ruler, but he still didn't understand. Please let me see him again."
Shang Yang went to see Lord Xiao again. Lord Xiao appreciated him more this time, but still did not accept his advice. After Shang Yang left, Lord Xiao said to Jing Jian, "He seems like a sharp cookie; you should talk to him." Shang Yang said, "I used the hegemonic strategy to persuade the ruler, and he seemed interested. If he summons me again, I will know his thoughts."
Shang Yang visited Lord Xiao again. They really clicked, and Lord Xiao didn't even realize he had put his feet on the table. They talked for several days in a row, and Lord Xiao was hooked. Jing Jian asked Shang Yang, "How did you make the Duke so happy? The Duke's really taken to you!" Shang Yang replied, "I used the emperor's approach, comparing the ancient Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties (think of them like really, really old empires) with him, but he said, 'It's too far away, I can't wait that long. Besides, wise monarchs all want to make a name for themselves in their lifetime; how can they wait for hundreds of years to rule the land?' So I used the method of building up the country's power to persuade him, and he was very pleased. But that makes him less virtuous than those old emperors."
After Shang Yang was entrusted with great power by King Xiaogong of Qin, he wanted to reform the laws but was worried about people's opinions. Shang Yang said, "If you keep second-guessing yourself, you'll never get anything done. Hesitation breeds failure. Anyone with vision is bound to face criticism; anyone with original ideas will be laughed at. Fools can't see success coming, but smart people spot the trends early. The common folk might not understand your vision at the start, but they'll sure enjoy the benefits later. Anyone who champions true morality won't be popular; anyone who achieves great things doesn't need everyone's approval. A true leader strengthens the nation, regardless of tradition; a true leader benefits the people, regardless of outdated customs." Xiaogong said, "Good!"
Gan Long replied, "No. A sage will not easily change customs for education, and a wise person will not easily change laws for governing a country. By following customs for education, success can be achieved effortlessly; by governing according to laws, officials are familiar, and the people live in peace and contentment." Shang Yang said, "Gan Long's words are just the same old tired arguments. The average person is happy with things as they are, and academics are stuck in their old ways. These methods can be used for officialdom and law enforcement, but cannot be used to discuss matters beyond the law. The Three Dynasties and the Five Hegemons all had different laws, yet they all thrived. Wise men make laws, and fools obey them; virtuous men change rites, and the non-virtuous are bound by rites."
Du Zhi said, "Don't change the rules unless you're sure it'll be a huge improvement, and don't change your methods unless it's ten times better. Following the ways of the ancients is not wrong, and adhering to rites and laws is not deviating." Shang Yang said, "There is no single path to governing the world, and making a country strong does not necessarily have to follow the ways of the ancients. Therefore, Tang and Wu did not follow the ancient systems to become kings, and Xia and Shang did not change the rites and laws and perished. Those who oppose ancient systems cannot be said to be wrong; and those who blindly follow rites and laws are not worthy of praise." Xiaogong said, "Good!" So he appointed Shang Yang as a top official, and thus Shang Yang's reforms were implemented.
The law said folks had to team up, ten or five to a group, keep an eye on each other, and share the blame if one messed up. If you didn't rat out bad guys, you got your head chopped off. But if you did, you got a big reward. Keeping it quiet got you the same punishment as deserting to the enemy. If you had more than two grown men in your house and didn't split up, your taxes doubled. Guys with military achievements got promoted, but if you got into a brawl, you got punished—the worse the fight, the worse the punishment. Farming and crafts were big deals—produce enough grain or silk, and you got out of doing forced labor. If you were a businessman or bum and poor, the government made you a slave. Royal family members? No military achievements, no place on the family roster. Social status and titles were crystal clear—your rank decided your land, slaves, and clothes. If you did something great, you were a big shot. Rich but lazy? No glory for you. Shang Yang had his laws all set, but he was worried nobody would believe him, so he waited. So, he stuck a huge wooden post at the south gate and offered ten gold coins to anyone who could lug it to the north gate. Nobody bit. He upped the ante to fifty gold coins. Someone did it, Shang Yang paid up, and *then* he announced the new laws. Showed everyone he meant business.
The law has been implemented for a year, and thousands of folks from the state of Qin ran to the capital to complain that the law wasn't working. At this time, even the crown prince broke the law! Shang Yang said, "The law isn't being followed because those in power are leading the violation!" So, he planned to go after the crown prince according to the law. Since the crown prince is the heir to the throne and cannot be punished, Shang Yang punished the crown prince's teacher, Gongzi Qian, and even had the crown prince's master, Gongsun Jia, branded on the face. The next day, all the people of Qin obediently followed the law. Ten years later, life in Qin was good; you didn't find stuff lying around, bandits were gone, and everyone was doing well. The folks bravely participated in wars but dared not fight privately, and the people in the villages all lived in peace. Those Qin folks who initially said the new law was bad now came to praise it, and Shang Yang said, "These people are all rabble-rousers!" and then moved them all to the border. From then on, no one dared to discuss the law again.
Therefore, Shang Yang was appointed as the top minister. He led troops to surround Anyi of the state of Wei and captured it. Three years later, he built the magnificent Jique Palace in Xianyang, and the capital of Qin was also moved from Yong to Xianyang. At the same time, he ordered the prohibition of fathers, sons, and brothers sharing a room. He also merged smaller towns into counties, established county leaders, and set up a total of thirty-one counties. He planned fields, dug canals, and demarcated boundaries, making taxes fairer; he unified weights and measures. Four years after the implementation of the law, Gongzi Qian broke the law again, and Shang Yang cut off his nose. Five years later, the national strength of Qin was strong, and the emperor specially rewarded Duke Xiao, with other vassals coming to congratulate.
Meanwhile, the following year, the state of Qi wiped the floor with the state of Wei in the Battle of Maling, capturing the crown prince of Wei, Shen, and killing the general of Wei, Pang Juan.
In the second year, Shang Yang said to Lord Xiaogong: "The relationship between the states of Qin and Wei is like a life-or-death struggle. Either Wei will destroy Qin, or Qin will destroy Wei. Why do I say this? Wei is located on the western side, a strategic location for transportation, with its capital in Anyi, occupying the advantageous lands east of the Yellow River. When the situation is favorable, Wei advances westward to invade Qin; when the situation is unfavorable, it expands eastward. Now, with your brilliant leadership and strong army, the state has become strong, while Wei suffered a major defeat by Qi in recent years, and its vassals had abandoned it. This is the ideal moment to strike Wei. Wei cannot withstand Qin's attack and will definitely move eastward. If it moves east, Qin can occupy the strategic Yellow River and control the vassals to the east, which is the grand ambition of an emperor!" Lord Xiaogong found Shang Yang's words reasonable and sent him to attack Wei. Wei sent Prince Ang to resist. When the two armies faced each other, Shang Yang wrote a letter to Wei's general Prince Ang, saying: "We were once close friends. Now, as generals of opposing states, I cannot bear to attack each other. Why don't we meet, make an alliance, have a drink, and then withdraw our troops, ensuring peace for both Qin and Wei?" Prince Ang of Wei found Shang Yang's words reasonable. After meeting, signing the alliance, and drinking, Shang Yang had his troops lay an ambush, suddenly attacked, captured Prince Ang, and then defeated the Wei army, returning victorious to Qin. King Hui of Wei, due to repeated defeats by Qi and Qin, with its resources depleted and national strength weakening, was very afraid. He sent envoys to cede the Hexi region to Qin to secure peace. Wei eventually abandoned Anyi and moved the capital to Daliang. King Hui of Liang said: "I regret not accepting the advice of Gongshu Zuo!" After defeating Wei and returning to Qin, Shang Yang was granted fifteen cities in the Hexi region and was honored with the title of Lord Shang.
Shang Yang served as Chancellor of the Qin State for ten years, and many members of the royal family were not pleased with him. Zhao Liang went to see Shang Yang. Shang Yang said, "I heard about you from Meng Langao, and now I want to be friends with you. Can we be friends?"
Zhao Liang said, "Absolutely not. Confucius said: 'A ruler who promotes the talented prospers; one who surrounds himself with the incompetent is doomed.' I am not suitable, so I can't accept your invitation. I have heard: 'To occupy a position that is not one's own is greed for position; to possess something that one does not deserve is greed for fame.' I'm afraid that if I accept your invitation, I will make the mistake of grabbing power and glory."
Shang Yang said, "Do you not support my reforms in the Qin State?" Zhao Liang replied, "You've got to listen between the lines to understand, look within to see clearly, and master yourself to be strong. Shun said it best: 'Being humble is the most important.' You should learn from Shun's approach and stop asking me these questions." Shang Yang said, "Back then, in Qin, Rong and Di customs meant no distinction between fathers and sons—they lived together. Now I have changed this custom, stipulating differences between men and women, and have greatly expanded construction to build the Jique Palace, making it as grand as Lu or Wei. Look at my reforms in the Qin State, and compare them to my achievements with the Five Sheep Doctor; who's the bigger player?"
Zhao Liang said, "A thousand sheepskins aren't worth one fox's pelt; a thousand voices of approval don't outweigh one honest objection. King Wu thrived on straight talk; King Zhou's stubbornness was his downfall. If you don't think you're worse than King Wu, then I ask to speak bluntly and advise you every day without being killed. Can I?" Shang Yang said, "As the saying goes, sweet talk's a lie, but harsh truth's the cure. If you're truly willing to speak bluntly and advise me every day, then you are my good medicine. I'd like to give you a position of importance; is there anything else stopping you?"
Zhao Liang said: "Minister Wu Gui is from a remote area of Jing State. He heard that Duke Mu of Qin was a brilliant and righteous ruler, so he eagerly wanted to meet him. However, he had no money or power, so he became a cook for Qin's nobles, dressed in coarse clothes, and ate simple meals. After a year, Duke Mu of Qin recognized his talent and promoted him from the bottom to the top. No one in Qin State dared to compare with him. He served as Qin's prime minister for six or seven years, defeated Zheng State in the east, helped three different rulers of Jin take power, and once saved Jing State from danger. He promoted education within the country, and the Ba people all offered tribute. He was kind to the other states, and eight tribes pledged their allegiance to him. Hearing of his wisdom, You Yu specially came to request an audience at Hangu Pass. While prime minister of Qin, he never rode in a carriage, even when tired. He didn't use an umbrella in the heat. He walked everywhere, unarmed. His accomplishments and fame were known only to a few, but his virtues were passed down through the generations. After Wu Gui's death, men, women, and children of Qin State all wept, children stopped singing songs, and women grinding rice stopped talking to each other. And that, my friends, is the legacy of Minister Wu Gui!"
Now you see the King of Qin, relying on the relationship with the powerful minister, Jing Jian; this is not a good reputation. As the Prime Minister of the state of Qin, if you don't care about the people's affairs, but instead lavishly build the Ji Que Palace, this is not an achievement. Branding the crown prince's tutor and cruelly punishing the people is accumulating grievances and disasters! Educating the people is more effective than giving orders, and the people imitate the upper class faster than they obey commands. Now you are engaging in superficial displays; this is not a way of education. Your '寡人' (Guǎrén) self-aggrandizement before the King only serves to suppress the noble sons of Qin all day long. The Book of Songs says: "Even a rat has its own form; yet you show no decorum. Why don't you just die, you uncouth brute?" From the Book of Songs, this is not a way to live long. Lord Qian has remained secluded for eight years; you have also killed Zhu Fu and punished Gong Sun Jia. The Book of Songs says: "With talented people, one can prosper; without talented people, one will perish." None of these are ways to gain talented people. When you go out, there are more than ten carriages behind you; your escort carriages are all armed, with strong and powerful men acting as charioteers, and those holding spears and halberds running alongside the carriages. You won't stir unless everything is precisely in place. The Book of Documents says: "Those who rely on virtue will prosper; those who rely on force will perish." Your life hangs by a thread; do you still want to live longer? Why not return to your ancestral lands, plant vegetables in the countryside, persuade the King of Qin to use those hidden talents living in the mountains, care for the elderly and orphaned, respect parents and elder brothers, reward those who have merit, and respect those with virtue? Only then can there be some stability. You still covet the wealth of Shang Yang, indulging in the power of Qin, accumulating the people's resentment. Should the King turn his back on his advisors and not attend court, will it be difficult for Qin to deal with you? Your demise is inevitable!" Shang Yang did not listen to his advice.
Five months later, Qin Xiaogong died, and the crown prince took the throne. Gongzi Qian and his cronies ratted Shang Yang out and sent officials to arrest him. Shang Yang fled to the foot of the Hangu Pass, looking for a room. The innkeeper didn’t know he was Shang Yang and said, "Shang Yang's laws say you gotta register if you're staying the night, mate." Shang Yang sighed and said, "Crikey, the very laws I made got me into this mess!" He had no choice but to flee to the State of Wei. The Wei folk were furious – he'd tricked their general, Gongzi Ang, and smashed their army. No way they'd give him refuge. Shang Yang planned to go to another country. The people of Wei said, "Shang Yang's the big cheese in Qin. With Qin that powerful, the big cheese showing up in Wei and refusing to go home? No way, Jose!" So they sent him back to Qin. After returning to Qin, Shang Yang fled to Shangyi, rattled up his troops, and attacked the State of Zheng in the north. The Qin army was sent to get Shang Yang and killed him at Minchi in Zheng. Qin Huiwang dismembered Shang Yang's body and declared, "No one was more of a rebel than Shang Yang!" Then he wiped out Shang Yang's entire family. Sima Qian said, "Shang Yang was a right nasty piece of work, born without a heart. Trying to win over Xiaogong with fancy talk and royal tricks wasn't really him. He used Xiaogong's favourite to get ahead, then bumped off Gongzi Qian, double-crossed Wei's general, and ignored Zhao Liang's warnings. That'll tell you all you need to know about the bloke – no loyalty, no gratitude." So, yeah, he ended up with a rotten reputation in Qin – and rightly so!
Confucius said that he taught 77 students, each a specialist in their own right. As for character, there were Yan Hui, Min Ziqian, Ran Qiu, and Zhong Gong; in politics, there were Ran You and Ji Lu; in speech, there were Zai Wo and Zigong; in literature, there were Ziyou and Zixia. There were also Shibi, Canlu, Chai Yu, You Yan, Huilukong, and many others. Although Zigong was not bound by official positions, he was very successful in business, and he was always spot on with his predictions.
Confucius had a lot of respect for Laozi in the Zhou Dynasty, Qubo Yu in the State of Wei, Yan Pingzhong in the State of Qi, Lao Lai Zi in the State of Chu, Zichan in the State of Zheng, and Meng Gongchuo in the State of Lu. In addition, he praised Zang Wenzhong, Liuxia Hui, Tongdi Bohua, and Jieshan Ziran, but they weren't around at the same time.
Yan Hui, from the State of Lu, with the courtesy name Ziyuan, was thirty years younger than Confucius. When Yan Hui asked what benevolence was, Confucius said, "If you can control yourself and live a life of ritual propriety, the world will be at peace."
Confucius said of Yan Hui, "He's a truly virtuous man! Despite living simply on a meager diet and in a humble alley, he was always happy. He might seem a bit simple, but he's a deep thinker, not at all foolish. He only acts when necessary, and otherwise keeps to himself. He's the only one besides me who does that!"
Yan Hui passed away at the age of 29, his hair already white. Confucius wept and said, "Ever since Yan Hui came along, my students have become closer." Duke Ai of Lu asked, "Among your students, who loves learning the most?" Confucius replied, "Yan Hui loves learning the most, never blaming others, and never repeating mistakes. It's a pity that he passed away young and is no longer here."
Min Sun, with the courtesy name Ziqian, was fifteen years younger than Confucius. Confucius said, "Min Ziqian is truly filial! Others cannot compare to his devotion to his parents and siblings." He did not hold official positions and did not accept dirty salaries. "If there's anyone else like him, they'd be a rare find indeed."
Ran Geng, with the courtesy name Bonyu, was considered by Confucius to have great character.
Bo Niu was seriously ill, and Confucius went to visit him. Leaning in through the window, he took his hand and said, "It's just fate, isn't it? A man like that, to get this sick... it's just fate."
Ran Yong, styled Zhonggong.
Zhonggong asked about the way of governing, and Confucius said, "Treat everyone you meet like a VIP, and treat the common folk like it's a big holiday. No complaints from the court, no complaints from home."
Confucius believed that Zhonggong had noble character and said, "Zhonggong has the makings of a ruler."
Zhonggong's father had a low status. Confucius said, "Even a plow horse's strong, healthy foal wouldn't be left to waste, would it?"
Ran Qiu, styled Ziyu, was 29 years younger than Confucius and had served as the prime minister of the Ji clan. Ji Kangzi once asked Confucius, "Is Ran Qiu a benevolent person?" Confucius said, "Give him a city with over a thousand households, or a large family with a hundred chariots; he'd keep the tax system running smoothly. As for whether he is a benevolent person, I don't know." Ji Kangzi asked again, "What about Zilu, is he a benevolent person?" Confucius replied, "Pretty much the same as Ran Qiu."
Ran Qiu once asked Confucius, "Should I put what I've learned into practice right away?" Confucius said, "Yes, you should implement it." Zilu also asked the same question, "Should I put what I've learned into practice right away?" Confucius replied, "You've got family responsibilities. You can't just drop everything and do it right away!" Zihua felt strange and asked Confucius, "Wait, why the different answers?" Confucius explained, "Ran Qiu's a bit shy, so I push him to be more assertive. Zilu, on the other hand, is a bit reckless, so I tell him to slow down."
Zhongyou, styled Zilu, was from Biandi and was nine years younger than Confucius. Zilu was rough, tough, and fiercely honest; sporting a rooster comb and boar tusks, he treated Confucius with blatant disrespect. Confucius slowly guided him with etiquette, and later Zilu became respectful and humble, actively requesting to become Confucius' student.
Zilu once asked Confucius how to govern a country, and Confucius said, "Set a good example and work hard." Zilu asked again, and Confucius replied, "Keep at it." Zilu then asked, "Should a gentleman value martial arts?" Confucius said, "Righteousness is the most important. A gentleman who's good at fighting but lacks righteousness will cause chaos; a thug who's good at fighting but lacks righteousness will become a thief." Zilu understood the reasoning but couldn't follow through, always worried that he wasn't living up to it. Confucius commented on him, saying, "Zilu's the kind of guy who can settle a case in one sentence!" "Zilu's even gutsier than me, but he lacks strategy." "A guy like Zilu's probably gonna end up dead." "Only Zilu wouldn't be embarrassed wearing rags next to someone in a fox fur coat." "Zilu's in the hall, but he hasn't even gotten to the inner sanctum."
Ji Kangzi asked, "Is Zilu a good man?" Confucius said, "Give him a huge army, and he can manage taxes well; as for whether he is a good man, I do not know."
Zilu enjoyed studying with Confucius, and along the way, he encountered Changju, Jie Ni, and an old man carrying firewood.
Zilu later became the Ji clan's top minister, and Ji Sun asked Confucius, "Can Zilu be considered a top minister?" Confucius said, "He can be considered a pretty good minister."
Zilu later became Puyi's top guy and bid farewell to Confucius. Confucius said to him, "Puyi's full of tough guys, and it's a tough place to run. But here's the secret: be respectful and careful, and you'll control the strongmen; be fair and generous, and you'll unite the people; be respectful, fair, and calm, and you'll please the ruler."
Initially, Duke Ling of Wei had a hot concubine named Nanzi. The crown prince – Duke Zhuang's old man – was banging Nanzi and, fearing execution by Duke Ling, he fled. When Duke Ling kicked the bucket, his wife wanted to make Gongzi Ying, the son of the crown prince, the ruler. But Gongzi Ying refused, saying, "The son of the crown prince is still alive!" So the state of Wei made the son of the crown prince the ruler, and this became Duke Chu of Wei.
Wei Chugong served as the ruler of the state for twelve years, while his father Kui remained in exile and could not return. During this time, Zilu acted as a county administrator under Kong Kui in the state of Wei. Kui, together with Kong Kui, rebelled, planning first to attack Kong Kui's household and then lead his men against Wei Chugong. Wei Chugong fled to the state of Lu, and Kui returned to become the ruler, known as Duke Zhuang of Wei.
When Zilu heard about Kong Kui's rebellion while he was away on official business, he hurried back. On the way, he met Zigao coming out of the city gate of Wei. Zigao said to Zilu, "The Duke had already escaped, and the city gate is closed. You should go back and not die in vain." Zilu replied, "If you eat someone’s rice, you must do things for them. How can you avoid danger?" Zigao eventually left. At that moment, a messenger entered the city, and the gate opened. Zilu followed him in and found Kui and Kong Kui standing on a platform. Zilu said, "Your Majesty, why do you still rely on Kong Kui? Let me kill him!" Kui did not agree. So Zilu tried to set fire to the platform. Kui became afraid and sent his men to attack Zilu, cutting off his hat and belt. Zilu declared, "A gentleman's honor is paramount," and then used his belt to commit suicide.
When Confucius heard about the rebellion in Wei, he said, "Alas, Zilu is dead!" It was later confirmed that Zilu had died. So Confucius remarked, "Since I had Zilu, I have not heard any bad news." Meanwhile, Zigong was on a mission to the state of Qi from the state of Lu.
Zai Yu, whose courtesy name was Ziwo, was a very eloquent person with good speaking skills. After studying with Confucius, he asked him, "Is a three-year mourning period too long? If a nobleman does not hold sacrificial activities for three years, the ritual music system will definitely collapse; if entertainment activities are not held for three years, they will definitely decline. We've finished the old harvest and the new one is in, and the technique for making fire has been mastered. Can the three-year mourning period be ended?" Confucius asked him, "Do you feel right about this?" Zai Yu replied, "I'm fine with it." Confucius said, "If you are at peace in your heart, then go ahead. During the mourning period, a nobleman finds no pleasure in enjoying fine food and drink, and does not feel joy when listening to music; that is why sacrificial and entertainment activities are not held." After Zai Yu left, Confucius said, "Zai Yu is really unrighteous! Children aren't weaned until they're three. The three-year mourning period is a common principle in the world!" Zai Yu slept during the day. Confucius said, "Decayed wood cannot be carved; a wall made of dung cannot be plastered." Zai Yu also asked about the virtues of the Five Emperors, but Confucius said, "I am not someone who studies in that area." Zai Yu later became a minister in Linzi, rebelled with Tian Chang, and was eventually exterminated. Confucius felt very ashamed of this. Duanmu Ci, from the state of Wei, with the courtesy name Zigong, was 31 years younger than Confucius. Zigong was very eloquent and had good speaking skills. Confucius often criticized him for being too good at arguing. Zigong asked Confucius, "Who is better between me and Yan Hui?" Confucius said, "Do you dare to compare yourself with Yan Hui? Yan Hui can understand ten meanings at once, while you can only understand two at a time." This passage talks about how Zigong was very articulate, and Confucius felt he was a bit too good at talking, so he often guided him. Then Zigong humbly asked who was better between himself and Yan Hui, and admitted that he was not as good as Yan Hui. After completing his studies, Zigong asked Confucius, "What kind of person am I?" Confucius said, "You are a vessel." Zigong asked again, "What kind of vessel?" Confucius said, "A precious jade vessel."
After completing his studies, Zigong went to ask his teacher what kind of person he was. Confucius said he was a top-notch guy, like one of those fancy ceremonial vessels. Chen Ziqin asked Zigong, "Where did Confucius study?" Zigong replied, "The wisdom of King Wen and King Wu has not been lost; it exists among the people. Those with talent can grasp its essence, while those without talent can get a piece of it. No one is untouched by the ways of the world. Where did the teacher study? Did he have a fixed teacher?" Chen Ziqin asked again, "When Confucius goes to a country, does he always understand the local political situation by himself, or is he told by others?" Zigong said, "The teacher is a gentle, respectful, and courteous guy, which is why he can appreciate these things. His way of understanding politics is different from that of ordinary people."
Zigong asked Confucius, "What do you think of someone who is rich but not arrogant, and poor but not servile?" Confucius said, "That's okay, but it's better to be poor and devoted to one's aspirations, and wealthy but fond of rituals."
Tian Chang wanted to rebel in the state of Qi, but was afraid of the four powerful families - Gao, Guo, Bao, and Yan. So he moved his army to attack the state of Lu. When Confucius heard about this, he told his students, "Lu is our ancestral homeland, where our ancestors are buried. The country is in deep trouble; why aren't you all going out to help?" Zilu requested to go, but Confucius stopped him. Zizhang and Zishi also requested to go, but Confucius did not allow them. Zigong requested to go, and Confucius agreed. This last passage describes how Tian Chang of Qi wanted to rebel and attack Lu first. When Confucius learned of this, he only let Zigong go help.
First, Zigong hit up Tian Chang in Qi and said, "Attacking Lu is not a good strategy! Lu is a tough place to take on. The walls are short and flimsy, the land is narrow, and it's low-lying and prone to flooding. The ruler of Lu is a total dunce, the ministers are a bunch of two-faced losers, and the people hate war. You can't conquer a place like that. You’d be better off going after Wu instead. Wu has high, strong walls, a huge population, great weapons, well-trained soldiers, and powerful ministers – it's a much easier target."
When Tian Chang heard this, his face immediately darkened and he angrily said, "What you call hard, others find easy; what you call easy, others find hard. Think you're teaching me how to run things?" Zi Gong calmly replied, "I sense your worries. I have heard that when one has worries in their heart, they will attack powerful enemies; when one has no worries, they will attack weaker enemies. I have also heard that you have tried to divide the land three times, but each time was unsuccessful because the ministers did not listen to you!
Now, as you attack the state of Lu to expand the power of Qi, relying on victories in battle to make the ruler proud and elevating the status of the ministers by destroying other countries, you yourself gain nothing from it. If this continues:
- the relationship between you and the ruler will become more distant,
- the ruler will become arrogant, and the ministers will do as they please,
- achieving great things will become difficult,
- when the ruler is arrogant, he will indulge,
- the ministers will fight for power and profit.
This will create a rift between you and the ruler, and you and the ministers will also fight against each other. Your position of power in Qi will be in danger! So I suggest, why not attack the state of Wu? Even if the attack on Wu fails, the common people will die in battle, and the ministers will suffer heavy losses. This way, you will not have powerful ministers opposing you, and the common people will not blame you. Wouldn't that be a more advantageous position?"
After listening to Zi Gong's words, Tian Chang said, "You are right! However, my army has already set out to attack the state of Lu. If I were to attack Wu now, my ministers will be suspicious. What should I do?" Zi Gong confidently replied, "Hold your army; don't attack Lu. I will go to Wu and persuade the king to send troops to rescue Lu and attack Qi. You can then use your army to confront them." Tian Chang agreed to Zi Gong's suggestion and dispatched Zi Gong south to see what he could do with the Wu king.
Someone said: "I heard that a true king won't let the world perish, and a hegemon has no powerful opponents. Even if it’s a heavy object weighing a thousand catties, a little extra weight can move it. Now, you’re using the powerful Qi to secretly help the weak Lu while at odds with Wu. I think this is too dangerous! Furthermore, saving Lu can bring you fame, while defeating Qi can yield great benefits. If you can bring the Sishui princes into line, defeat the tyrannical Qi, and deter the powerful Jin, the rewards will be immense! On the surface, it seems like saving Lu, but in reality, it weakens the powerful Qi. That's the smart play."
The King of Wu said, "You're right! However, I fought against Yue before and got trapped in Kuaiji Mountain. King Goujian of Yue is probably plotting revenge. You'll have to wait for me to defeat Yue before you share your plan."
Zigong said, "Yue is weaker than Lu, and Wu is weaker than Qi. If you attack Yue first and ignore Qi, by the time you're done with Yue, Qi will have already destroyed Lu. Besides, you're using the guise of restoring the fallen states to attack the small Yue first while fearing the powerful Qi. That ain't brave! Real heroes aren't afraid of a fight, virtuous people don't sweat the small stuff, and wise people seize opportunities. Kings don’t let the world perish to establish their own prestige. You should first pacify Yue, show your righteousness to the princes, then save Lu, defeat Qi, and deter Jin. At that point, the other princes will be lining up to kiss your ring, and you'll be king of the hill! Moreover, since you hate Yue's guts, I request to go east to meet King Goujian and have him send troops to act together. It'll look like a coalition, but it'll weaken Yue."
The King of Wu was very pleased and sent Zigong to Yue.
King Goujian personally went out of the city to meet Zigong. After arriving at the guest house, he asked Zigong, "Wu is a country of barbarians. What brings you here with such formality?"
Zigong replied, "I just advised the King of Wu to help Lu in attacking Qi. The King of Wu wanted to go, but feared Yue, saying, 'I’ll go after defeating Yue.' This way, he thinks defeating Yue will definitely be successful. Also, it’s foolish to hide your desire for revenge, dangerous to show it too openly, and risky if your plans are known before you act. These are three things you absolutely can't do if you want to succeed!"
Goujian immediately bowed deeply twice, exclaiming, "I underestimated my own strength before and fought with Wu, only to be trapped in Kuaiji. Consumed by grief day and night, I only wished to die alongside the King of Wu. That was my wish!" He then asked Zigong for advice.
Zigong said, "The King of Wu is fierce, and his ministers can’t stand him. Wu has weakened from multiple wars, soldiers are tired of fighting, and the people resent the court. The ministers clash internally, Wu Zixu was killed for his honesty, and the Prime Minister abuses power to satisfy his own desires. These are the reasons for Wu's decline. If you send troops to support Wu to raise their spirits, win him over with lavish gifts, and show respect with humble words, he will attack Qi. If Wu loses, you’re safe. If Wu wins, they’ll turn to Jin, and I’ll request to meet the King of Jin to attack Wu together, weakening them. With Wu's elite forces attacking Qi and heavy troops stuck in Jin, you can attack Wu and the destruction of Wu will be assured!"
King Goujian of Yue was very happy and agreed to Zigong's suggestion. He gave Zigong a hundred *jin* of gold, a magnificent sword, and two excellent spears. Zigong did not accept and left. The King of Wu sent someone to tell Goujian, "I passed your message on to King Fuchai." Goujian was scared and quickly said, "I've been incredibly unlucky, lost my father at a young age, and made mistakes that were punished by the Wu state. My army was defeated, I was humiliated, and I could only hide in Kuaiji. Thanks to your gracious gift, I can continue to worship my ancestors. I will never forget your kindness and dare not have any other thoughts!" Five days later, Zhuang, a humble servant from the East and the envoy sent by Goujian, bowed and greeted the King of Wu, saying, "I, Zhuang, a lonely servant of the Eastern Sea, am here to inquire about the situation. I have heard that you are going to raise an army to right wrongs and secure the Zhou dynasty. I request to recruit 3,000 soldiers from within the country, and I'll lead the charge, be the first into battle. Also, I offer the ancestral weapons left by my ancestors: twenty suits of armor, a battle-axe, a Qu Lu spear, and a Bu Guang sword as gifts to the army." The King of Wu was very pleased and asked Zigong, "Goujian wants to personally join me in attacking Qi; what do you think?" Zigong replied, "It's wrong to take all of Yue's army, and their king too! You have accepted their gifts and agreed to their army, but refused their monarch; that's unwise." The King of Wu agreed with Zigong's words and declined Goujian's request. So the King of Wu launched his attack on Qi, drawing troops from nine counties.
Zigong ditched Wu and headed for Jin. He said to the ruler of Jin, "I've heard you can't handle surprises if you don't plan ahead, and you can't win a war if you don't know what you're doing. Now Qi and Wu are about to go to war. If Wu loses, Yue'll jump in; if Wu wins, they'll come after Jin." The Jin ruler freaked out and asked, "So what do we do?" Zigong said, "Get your army ready, rest up, and get prepared." The ruler of Jin agreed.
Zigong left Jin and went to the state of Lu. The Wu king battled Qi at Ailing, crushed 'em, took seven generals prisoner, but instead of going home, he marched straight on Jin, meeting them at Huangchi. Wu and Jin went at it, Jin wiped the floor with Wu. When Fuchai heard, he crossed the Yangtze, ambushed Wu, and set up camp seven miles outside the city. The Wu king hightailed it back from Jin, clashed with Yue at Wuhu, lost three fights in a row, couldn't hold the city gates, and ended up with Yue surrounding the palace, killing Fuchai and his top guy. Three years later, Yue ruled the east.
Zigong shows up, and boom: Lu's chill, Qi's a mess, Wu's down for the count, Jin's on top, and Yue's kissing their feet. He stirred things up, and in ten years, everything changed. Zigong was a shrewd businessman, always making money. He'd praise people's good points but wouldn't sugarcoat their bad ones. He shuttled between Lu and Wei, raking in a fortune, and finally kicked the bucket in Qi.
Yan Yan, a man from the state of Wu, courtesy name Ziyu, was forty-five years younger than Confucius. After completing his studies, Ziyu became the magistrate of Wucheng County. When Confucius passed by, music and singing drifted out from inside. Confucius smiled and said, "That's like using a cannon to kill a mosquito." Ziyu explained, "I once heard Master say that a gentleman learns principles to love others, while a small-minded person learns principles to be better at serving others." Confucius replied, "You are right, Ziyu. I was just joking." Confucius felt that Ziyu had his head buried in the classics.
Bu Shang, courtesy name Zixia, was forty-four years younger than Confucius. Zixia asked Confucius, "What does 'Charming smiles, beautiful eyes, pure and elegant (meaning something like 'naturally beautiful')' mean?" Confucius replied, "It means you need a sketch before you start painting." Zixia then asked, "Does this mean that rituals should come first?" Confucius said, "Shang, now you're finally ready to talk about the *Shijing*." Zigong asked Confucius, "Who is better, you or Zixia?" Confucius said, "I've got my flaws, and Zixia's still learning." "So, are you better?" Confucius replied, "Too much of a good thing." Confucius also advised Zixia, "You should be a scholar of true virtue, not a petty Confucian scholar." After Confucius passed away, Zixia taught in Xihé and became the teacher of the Marquis Wen of Wei. When his son died, he cried himself blind.
Zhuan Sun, a man from the state of Chen, with the courtesy name Zizhang, was forty-eight years younger than Confucius. Zizhang asked Confucius about his career prospects and salary. Confucius said, "Ask questions, be careful what you do, and you'll make fewer mistakes. Watch what's going on, be careful of trouble, and you'll regret less. Make fewer mistakes, have fewer regrets, and naturally, the salary will come." One day, they got stuck between Chen and Cai, and Zizhang asked Confucius what to do. Confucius said, "Be honest and keep your word, treat people with respect, and you'll be alright even in the sticks. If you're not honest and respectful, you won't last long anywhere! Stand tall, sit straight, and people will respect you." Zizhang wrote down these words on his belt.
Zizhang asked Confucius, "What does it mean to be truly successful?" Confucius asked him in return, "What do you mean by 'successful'?" Zizhang said, "Someone who's famous at court and back home." Confucius replied, "That is just being well-known, not truly successful. A truly successful person is honest, kind, perceptive, and always thinks of others. Such a person, whether in the court or in their hometown, will be recognized as truly successful. Those who are well-known often act righteous on the surface, but they're not really, and they don't even realize it. These people may have fame in the court and hometown, but they are not truly successful."
Ceng Can, from Nanwu City, whose courtesy name was Ziyu, was 46 years younger than Confucius. Confucius thought he was filial and perceptive, so he took him as a student and even let him write the "Classic of Filial Piety." Ceng Can later died in Lu. Dantai Mieming, from Wucheng, whose courtesy name was Ziyu, was 39 years younger than Confucius. He was not good-looking and wanted to be a student of Confucius, but Confucius thought he had average abilities. However, after becoming a student of Confucius, Dantai Mieming practiced diligently, never took shortcuts, and never visited officials or nobles without official business. He later traveled south to the area around the Yangtze River with three hundred students, circulating among the various states and gaining great fame. When Confucius heard about this, he sighed and said, "In the past, I valued people's words too much and missed out on Zai Yu; I valued people's appearances too much and missed out on Ziyu." Mi Boqi, whose courtesy name was Zijian, was 30 years younger than Confucius. Confucius praised him, saying, "Zijian is truly a gentleman! If there were no gentlemen in Lu, where would I find one?" Zijian became the county magistrate of Danfu, and when he returned to Lu, he reported to Confucius, saying, "There are five people of high moral character in this country, but their methods of governing the country are very different." Confucius said, "It's a pity that the area governed by Zijian is too small. If it were larger, he could have achieved much more." Yuan Xian, whose courtesy name was Zisi, was also notable for his contributions.
Yuan Xian asked Confucius what shame is. Confucius said, "It ain't shameful to have food when things are good; it *is* shameful to have food when things are bad." Yuan Xian then asked, "If someone keeps their wants in check and doesn't whine about fate or other people, does that make 'em good?" Confucius said, "It’s tough to restrain desires; as for benevolence and righteousness, I don’t know." After Confucius passed away, Yuan Xian secluded himself in the mountains. Zigong went on a mission to the state of Wei, with a grand procession, riding in a chariot pulled by four horses, accompanied by many followers, and arrived at the place where Yuan Xian was living in seclusion. Yuan Xian came out in tattered clothes to meet Zigong. Zigong was all, "Hey, Professor, you sick or somethin'?" Yuan Xian said, "I heard it said that bein' broke is one thing, but bein' a hypocrite is a sickness. Me? I'm just broke." Zigong felt ashamed and left unhappily, feeling embarrassed for his rash words for the rest of his life.
Gongye Chang, from the state of Qi, styled himself Zichang. Confucius said, "Gongye Chang's a good egg. Even though he did some time, it wasn't his fault." So he married his daughter to him. Nangong Kuo, styled Zirong.
Confucius was asked, "Houyi was a killer shot, Boyi was a top-notch rower, but neither of 'em had a happy ending. Dayu and Houji busted their butts farmin' and ended up runnin' the country. What gives?" Confucius did not answer. After the person left, Confucius sighed, "What a stand-up guy! A real moral compass!" "In good times, they're okay; in bad times, they stay alive." Confucius also repeatedly mentioned the story of "Bai Gui's stain" and married his niece to that person.
Gong Xi'ai, styled Jici. Confucius said, "Everybody's chasin' after a job, either workin' for someone else or in the big city. But Jici? Never touched the stuff."
Zengzi, courtesy name Xi, was one of Confucius's students. Confucius said to him, "Tell me about your aspirations." Zeng Xi replied, "In the spring, when the clothes are ready, five or six gentlemen and six or seven young boys will go to Yishui to bathe, dance at the Yuyu Terrace, and then sing as they walk home." Confucius listened and sighed, saying, "Zeng Xi and I share the same aspirations!"
Yan Hui, courtesy name Lu, was the father of Yan Hui. Both father and son served Confucius at different times. After Yan Hui passed away, Yan Lu's family was poor, and he borrowed a cart from Confucius to bury Yan Hui. Confucius said, "Regardless of talent, parents will always speak up for their children. Yan Hui (Li) has passed away, but there is only a coffin and no outer coffin. I cannot walk to make one for him, as I have followed the nobles and cannot walk."
Shangqu, a man from the state of Lu, courtesy name Zimu, was twenty-nine years younger than Confucius. Confucius passed the Book of Changes to Shangqu, who then passed it down through a chain of disciples, eventually reaching Yanghe from the region of Zichuan. During the reign of Han Emperor Yuan Shuo, Yanghe was appointed as a Han Zhong official due to his proficiency in the Book of Changes.
Gao Chai, courtesy name Zigao, was thirty years younger than Confucius. Zigao was less than five feet tall and studied under Confucius, who thought he was slow-witted. Zilu recommended Zigao to be the magistrate of Feiyi, but Confucius said, "This would be unfair to him." Zilu replied, "There are common people and the state; why must one read to be considered educated?" Confucius said, "That's why I dislike those who are silver-tongued."
Qi Qiaokai, courtesy name Zikai, was asked by Confucius to become an official, and Zikai replied, "I cannot do that." Confucius was very pleased.
Gongbo Liao, courtesy name Zizhou. Zizhou reported Zilu to the Jisun clan, and Zifu Jingbo informed Confucius, saying, "Master, you have always had misleading ideas. As for Gongbo Liao, I can take care of him publicly in the marketplace." Confucius said, "If the Dao is to prosper, it is Heaven's will; if the Dao is to decline, it is also Heaven's will. What can Gongbo Liao do!"
Sima Geng, courtesy name Ziniu.
Niu was talkative and impulsive, and he went to ask Confucius what benevolence is. Confucius said, "A benevolent person speaks cautiously." Niu asked again, "Can speaking cautiously be considered benevolence?" Confucius replied, "It's very difficult to achieve. Can one speak without caution?"
Next, Niu asked what a gentleman is, and Confucius said, "A gentleman is neither worried nor afraid." Niu continued to ask, "Can one be considered a gentleman if they are neither worried nor afraid?" Confucius replied, "If one self-reflects without guilt, what else is there to worry or fear?"
Fan Chi, courtesy name Zichi, was 36 years younger than Confucius.
Fan Chi wanted to learn farming from Confucius, who said, "I can't compare to an old hand at farming." Fan Chi then wanted to learn vegetable gardening, and Confucius said, "I can't compare to an old hand at vegetable gardening." After Fan Chi left, Confucius sighed, "Fan Chi is truly a small-minded man! When leaders uphold ritual, justice, and integrity, the people will be respectful, obedient, and diligent. In that case, people from all directions will come to you with their children in tow. Is there still a need to learn farming?"
Fan Chi also asked what benevolence is, and Confucius said, "Benevolence." He asked what wisdom is, and Confucius said, "Knowing others."
You Ruo was 43 years younger than Confucius. You Ruo said, "The use of rituals should prioritize harmony, as this was the noble way of the ancient kings. All matters, big or small, should be conducted accordingly; those who understand harmony and pursue it without conforming to ritual norms will not succeed." "Sincerity approaches righteousness; one keeps their word. Respect approaches ritual; one avoids shame. Actions that don't violate filial piety serve as good examples."
After Confucius passed away, his disciples missed him very much. A disciple, You Ruo (有若), who resembled Confucius, was unanimously chosen as their teacher, and they served him as they used to serve Confucius. One day, the disciples asked You Ruo for instruction: "In the past, Master would have us bring rain gear when he went out, and it would rain later. How did Master know? Master said: 'Doesn't the Classic of Poetry say, "When the moon leaves the asterism Bi, there will be heavy rain"? Wasn't the moon out of the Bi asterism last night?' However, when the moon was in the Bi asterism later, it did not rain. Shang Qu was old and had no sons, so his mother arranged a marriage for him. Confucius sent him to the state of Qi, and Shang Qu's mother came to request from Confucius. Confucius said: 'Don't worry, Shang Qu will have five sons after he turns forty.' And so it proved. How did Master know these things?" You Ruo remained silent, unable to answer. The disciples stood up and said, "You Ruo, perhaps this is beyond your expertise!"
Gong Xi Chi, styled Zihua, was 42 years younger than Confucius. Zihua served as an envoy to the state of Qi, and Ran You asked for grain on behalf of his mother. Confucius said, "Give her one pot of grain." Ran You requested more, and Confucius said, "Give her one yu of grain." Ran You then gave her five bing of grain. Confucius said, "When Zihua goes to the state of Qi, he rides a fine steed and wears rich furs. I heard that a gentleman helps those who need it, not those who are already well-off."
Wu Ma Shi, styled Ziqi, was thirty years younger than Confucius.
Chen Sibai asked Confucius: "Does Duke Zhao of Lu understand etiquette?" Confucius replied: "He understands etiquette." After Chen Sibai came out, he bowed to Wuma Shi and said: "I heard that a gentleman does not engage in factionalism or self-serving behavior. Can a gentleman also form factions? The Duke of Lu married a woman from the state of Wu as his wife and called her Mengzi, a courtesy title. Mengzi's surname is Ji, and it is taboo to have the same surname, so she is referred to as Mengzi. Since the Duke of Lu understands etiquette, who wouldn't?" Wuma Shi told Confucius about this, and Confucius said: "I'm fortunate; any mistakes I make are bound to be noticed. It's proper etiquette for ministers not to speak ill of their ruler – it's a matter of avoiding taboo."
Liang Zan (Shuyu) was 29 years younger; Yan Xing (Ziliu), 46; Ran Ru (Zilu), Cao Xi (Zixun), and Bo Qian (Zixi), all 50; and Gongsun Long (Zishi), 53.
Starting with Zi Shi, there were thirty-five individuals with recorded ages and records of being disciples of Confucius, which can be found in historical records. The remaining forty-two, however, lack age records or are otherwise undocumented in historical sources. Their names are as follows: Ran Ji (Zi Chan); Gong Zu Ju Zi (Zi Zhi); Qin Zu (Zi Nan); Qi Diao Duo (Zi Lian); Yan Gao (Zi Jiao); Qi Diao Tu Fu; Rang Si Chi (Zi Tu); Shang Ze; Shi Zuo Shu (Zi Ming); Ren Bu Qi (Xuan); Gong Liang Ru (Zi Zheng); Hou Chu (Zi Li); Qin Ran (Kai); Gong Xia Shou (Cheng); Xi Rong Zhen (Zi Xi); Gong Jian Ding (Zi Zhong); Yan Zu (Xiang); Qiao Dan (Zi Jia); Ju Jing Jiang; Han Fu Hei (Zi Suo); Qin Shang (Zi Pi); Shen Dang (Zhou); Yan Zhi Pu (Shu); Rong Qi (Zi Qi); Xian Cheng (Zi Qi); Zuo Ren Ying (Xing); Yan Ji (Si); Zheng Guo (Zi Tu); Qin Fei (Zi Zhi); Shi Zhi Chang (Zi Heng); Yan Kuai (Zi Sheng); Bu Shu Cheng (Zi Che); Yuan Kang Ji; Le Kai (Zi Sheng); Lian Xie (Yong); Shu Zhong Hui (Zi Qi); Yan He (Ran); Di Hei (Xi); Bang Xun (Zi Lian); Kong Zhong; Gong Xi Yu Ru (Zi Shang). Gong Xi Zhen (Zi Shang). This simply means Gong Xi Zhen's courtesy name was Zi Shang.
Sima Qian said: Many scholars cite Confucius' seventy-two disciples, sometimes with excessive praise or inaccurate criticism. I, Sima Qian, never met these guys, so I judge whether they were Confucius' disciples based on the contents recorded in the *Analects*, aiming for accuracy. I've put together their names and stories from the *Analects* and *Disciples' Questions*, leaving gaps where I'm unsure.
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