楚一 THE STRATAGEMS OF CHU I (B)
城渾出周
Cheng Hun Leaves Zhou
城渾出周,三人偶行,南游於楚,至於新城。
Cheng Hun[1] left Zhou and, with three people he encountered en route[2], travelled South to Chu, finally arriving at Xincheng[3].
城渾說其令曰:「鄭、魏者,楚之耎國;而秦,楚之強敵也。鄭、魏之弱,而楚以上梁應之;宜陽之大也,楚以弱新城圍之。蒲反、平陽相去百里,秦人一夜而襲之,安邑不知;新城、上梁相去五百里,秦人一夜而襲之,上梁亦不知也。今邊邑之所恃者,非江南泗上也。故楚王何不以新城為主郡也,邊邑甚利之。」
Once there, Cheng Hun exercised his persuasions on the city magistrate, saying, "Zheng and Wei are feeble states compared to Chu, while Qin and Chu are equally matched in strength. Weak as Zheng and Wei are, Chu used Shangliang's[4] troops to respond to their threats. Big as Yiyang[5] is, Chu planned to use weak Xincheng against it[6]. Puban[7] and Pingyang[8] are only a hundred li from Anyi[9], but Qin's partisans raided them both in a single night, without Anyi being aware of it. Xincheng and Shangliang are five hundred li apart, and Qin's partisans could raid you in one night without Shangliang being aware of it. Now among those upon whom the border towns can rely for help, there are none south of the Yellow River or north of the Si[10]. Therefore, why should the King of Chu[11] not make Xincheng into a military outpost? It would be to the benefit of the borderlands."
新城公大說,乃為具駟馬乘車五百金之楚。城渾得之,遂南交於楚,楚王果以新城為主郡。
The magistrate of Xincheng was overjoyed, and consequently prepared a chariot with a four-horse team and five hundred gold pieces for Cheng Hun to take with him into Chu[12]. Cheng Hun took them and headed South to build relations in Chu. As a result, the King of Chu[12] made Xincheng a military outpost.
[1] Cheng Hun is known principally via this story.
[2] This part appears to be corrupt, and no one has yet managed to come up with a definitive explanation.
[3] Xincheng was in Yichuan County, Henan. It was very close to the border with Qin, Zhou and Han.
[4] Shangliang was in northern Chu.
[5] Yiyang is still called Yiyang, and is in Henan. At the time it had already been captured by Qin.
[6] Reading 圖 for 圍, per the commentaries.
[7] Reading 阪 for 反 here, per the commentaries. Puban is now Yongji, in Shanxi.
[8] Pingyang was in Linfen County, Shanxi.
[9] Anyi was the capital of Wei, now Yuncheng in Shanxi.
[10] The Si River is in Hubei. He means that Chu is incapable of protecting its northern borders because its troops are based too far away.
[11] King Huai of Chu (328 - 299 BC) was known for having been the object of various poetic complaints by Qu Yuan. He was captured by Qin in 299 BC and his son King Qingxiang took the throne. He made one attempt to escape, but was recaptured and died in 296 BC.
[12] The commentaries suggest that this may be intended to read 楚 for 楚王, in which case it is Chu rather than the King himself acting.
韓公叔有齊魏
Han Gongshu Has the Support of Qi and Wei
韓公叔有齊、魏,而太子有楚、秦以爭國。鄭申為楚使於韓,矯以新城、陽人予太子。楚王怒,將罪之。對曰:「臣矯予之,以為國也。臣為太子得新城、陽人,以與公叔爭國而得之。齊、魏必伐韓。韓氏急,必懸命於楚,又何新城、陽人之敢求?太子不勝,然而不死,今將倒冠而至,又安敢言地?」楚王曰:「善。」乃不罪也。
In their struggle for control of the state, Han Gongshu[1] had Qi and Wei on his side, while the Crown Prince[2] had Chu and Qin. Zheng Shen[3] was sent by Chu as an envoy to Han. He exceed his authority by offering Xincheng[4] and Yangren[5] to the Crown Prince.
The King of Chu[6] was annoyed, and was about to sanction him, but he pre-empted this, saying, "If I exceeded my authority in making this offer, it was for the good of the state. Your servant took Xincheng and Yangren for the Crown Prince in order to support him in his struggle with Gongshu for the state, and ensure that Qi and Wei will attack Han. The Han family will be hard pressed, and their fate will be dependent upon Chu. How then would they dare to request Xincheng and Yangren? If the Crown Prince does not win and has the good fortune to escape death[7], he will then abandon his crown and show up here. After that, how would he dare discuss land?"
The King of Chu said, "Excellent." Consequently no sanctions were applied.
[1] Han Gongshu served as Chancellor of Han, and is known mainly for his rivalry with Han Gongzhong.
[2] Han Jise (幾瑟), also known as Jishi (蟣虱). King Xiang of Han had three sons: Boying, Jiu and Jise. After the death of Boying, Han Gongzhong, Chu and Qin backed Jise, while Han Gongshu, Qi and Wei supported Jiu, who went on to become King Xi (295 - 273 BC)
[3] Zheng Shen was a politician in Chu.
[4] Xincheng was in Yichuan County, Henan.
[5] Yangren was near Ruzhou, Henan.
[6] King Qingxiang of Chu (298–263 BC) was the son of King Huai, and ascended the throne while his father was still held prisoner in Qin.
[7] Reading 幸 for 然 here, per the commentaries.
楚杜赫說楚王以取趙
Du He Persuades the King of Chu to Employ Him to Win Over Zhao
楚杜赫說楚王以取趙。王且予之五大夫,而令私行。
Du He[1] of Chu persuaded the King of Chu[2] to employ him to win Zhao over. The King intended to give him the title[3] of Counsellor of the Fifth Rank[4] and instruct him to act at his own discretion.
陳軫謂楚王曰:「赫不能得趙,五大夫不可收也,得賞無功也。得趙而王無加焉,是無善也。王不如以十乘行之,事成,予之五大夫。」王曰:「善」乃以十乘行之。
Chen Zhen[5] spoke to the King of Chu, saying, "If Du He cannot win Zhao over, then the title cannot be taken back. This being the case[6], he will have obtained a reward without having achieved anything. If he does win Zhao over, then there is nothing more that Your Majesty can give him. This being the case, there will be no further benefit to him. Your Majesty could do no better than to dispatch him with ten carriages; if he succeeds in this affair, then give him the title of Counsellor of the Fifth Rank."
The King said, "Very well." Accordingly, ten carriages were provided to convey him to Zhao.
杜赫怒而不行。陳軫謂王曰:「是不能得趙也。」
Du He was indignant and refused to go.
Chen Zhen spoke to the King, saying, "If he refuses to go, it is because he is incapable of winning Zhao over."
[1] Du He is mentioned several times in the Stratagems, but little else is known about him.
[2] It is not clear which King of Chu is indicated here.
[3] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[4] This was a title specific to Chu.
[5] Chen Zhen came from Qi and was the source of several famous persuasions. He competed with Zhang Yi for position at the Qin court, before leaving to bolster the vertical alliance.
[6] Reading 是 for 得 here, per the commentaries.
楚王問於范環
The King of Chu Questions Fan Huan
楚王問於范環曰:「寡人欲置相於秦,孰可?」對曰:「臣不足以知之。」王曰:「吾相甘茂可乎?」范環對曰:「不可。」王曰:「何也?」曰:「夫史舉,上蔡之監門也。大不如事君,小不如處室,以苛廉聞於世,甘茂事之順焉。故惠王之明,武王之察,張儀之好譖,甘茂事之,取十官而無罪,茂誠賢者也,然而不可相秦。秦之有賢相也,非楚國之利也。且王嘗用滑於越而納句章,昧之難,越亂,故楚南察瀨胡而野江東。計王之功所以能如此者,越亂而楚治也。今王以用之於越矣,而忘之於秦,臣以為王鉅速忘矣。王若欲置相於秦乎?若公孫郝者可。夫公孫郝之於秦王,親也。少與之同衣,長與之同車,被王衣以聽事,真大王之相已。王相之,楚國之大利也。」
The King of Chu[1] questioned Fan Huan[2], saying, "We wish to propose a new Chancellor for Qin, who would be suitable?"
He replied, "Your servant is not knowledgeable enough to answer."
The King said, "If I made Gan Mao[3] Chancellor[4], would he be suitable?"
Fan Huan replied, saying, "He would not."
The King said, "Why?"
He said, "Shi Ju[4] was a gatekeeper in Shangcai[5]. He was incapable of serving his Lord in great matters, or of busying himself at home with small ones[6]. He was spoken of throughout the world for being severely punctilious, but Gan Mao served and followed him. If Gan Mao was also able to serve someone with King Hui's[7] intelligence, someone with King Wu's discernment[8], and someone with Zhang Yi's sharp tongue, acquiring ten official positions without committing any offense, then Gan Mao is genuinely a wise individual[9]. This is why he would not be suitable to appoint as Chancellor of Qin. If Qin were to acquire a wise Chancellor, this would not be in the interests of the state of Chu. Your Majesty already employed Hua[10] in Yue, and thus received Juzhang[11]. The difficulties over Mei[12] and the insurrection in Yue[13] allowed Chu to cut them off[14] from Lake Lai[15] to the south and the wastelands east of the Yellow River. If Hua was able to orchestrate this success for Your Majesty, it was because Yue was disordered and Chu well-governed. Now you used this method in Yue, but have forgotten it in Qin, and your servant feels you have forgotten it with excessive speed. You wish, then, to appoint a new Chancellor in Qin? Then Gongsun He[16] would be suitable. His relationship with the King of Qin[17] is a close one - when they were children they wore the same clothes and now they are grown they ride in the same carriage, and the King has him dress in royal robes to hear official business. Your Majesty should ensure that this de facto Chancellor becomes Chancellor de jure. If you are the one who confirms him as Chancellor, Chu will benefit greatly."
[1] King Huai of Chu (328 - 299 BC) was known for having been the object of various poetic complaints by Qu Yuan. He was captured by Qin in 299 BC and his son King Qingxiang took the throne. He made one attempt to escape, but was recaptured and died in 296 BC.
[2] Fan Huan is not otherwise well-known. His name is written differently elsewhere - as 范蜎 (Fan Yuan), 范蝝 (Fan Yuan), 干象 (Gan Xiang) or something else.
[3] Gan Mao was the Qin General who conquered Yiyang. He was later forced out as a result of internal political wrangling.
[4] Yao suggests 吾欲相 for 吾相 here.
[4] Shi Ju is known mainly for his associations with Gan Mao and Zhang Yi.
[5] Shangcai is still called Shangcai, and is in modern Henan.
[6] The commentaries suggest reading 知 for 如 in one or both of these clauses.
[7] King Huiwen of Qin (338–311 BC) began his reign by killing Shang Yang, but maintained his legal and military reforms, using his strengthened state to acquire large tracts of additional land.
[8] King Wu of Qin (310–307 BC) was only king for a short time, but managed to expand Qin's territory via wars with Han and Wei. He died after breaking his shins while trying to lift a heavy bronze cauldron in the Zhou palace on a bet.
[9] The implication is that Gan Mao is a strictly moral individual, but he has the tact and intelligence to serve under an immoral one without doing violence to his conscience.
[10] It is not entirely clear how this person's name was written - it may have been 召滑 (Zhao Hua), 昭滑 (Zhao Hua) or 卓滑 (Diao Hua). He was a politician and diplomat in Chu. He served as Chancellor of Yue for a time.
[11] According to Yao this refers to Kuaiji.
[12] The Battle of Chuisha, in which Chu troops led by Tang Mei lost to a coalition from Han, Wei and Qi.
[13] During this episode King Kuai of Yan bequeathed the kingdom to his Chancellor, Zizhi. Qi invaded, Kuai and Zizhi were killed, and Kuai's son, Zhao, ended up on the throne.
[14] Reading 塞 for 察 here, per the commentaries.
[15] Reading 湖 for 胡. This sentence seems to be missing several characters, and my interpretation follows modern translations.
[16] Gongsun He may have been the same person as 向壽 (Xiang Shou), who was a relative of Queen Dowager Xuan and grew up with King Zhaoxiang of Qin. Later he may have served as an official decoy for assassination attempts.
[17] King Zhaoxiang of Qin (306–251 BC) began life as a relatively minor prince, and served as a child hostage in Zhao before being sneaked out by Queen Xuan (his mother), her brother Wei Ran, and King Wuling of Zhao to assume the throne following the premature death of his brother, King Wu. Upon coming of age, he exiled Queen Xuan and Wei Ran, and worked with a succession of important figures of the age (Gan Mao, Fan Ju, Bai Qi...) to expand Qin's territory during the course of a long and successful reign.
蘇秦為趙合從說楚威王
Su Qin, Building an Alliance for Zhao, Exercises his Persuasions on King Wei of Chu
蘇秦為趙合從,說楚威王曰:「楚,天下之強國也。大王,天下之賢王也。楚地西有黔中、巫郡,東有夏州、海陽,南有洞庭、蒼梧,北有汾陘之塞、郇陽。地方五千里,帶甲百萬,車千乘,騎萬匹,粟支十年,此霸王之資也。夫以楚之強與大王之賢,天下莫能當也。今乃欲西面而事秦,則諸侯莫不南面而朝於章臺之下矣。秦之所害於天下莫如楚,楚強則秦弱,楚弱則秦強,此其勢不兩立。故為王室計,莫如從親以孤秦。大王不從親,秦必起兩軍:一軍出武關;一軍下黔中。若此,則鄢、郢動矣。臣聞治之其未亂,為之其未有也;患至而後憂之,則無及已。故願大王之早計之。
Su Qin[1] was building an alliance for Zhao, and exercised his persuasions on King Wei of Chu[2], saying, "Chu is the strongest state in All-Under-Heaven. Your Majesty is the wisest King in All-Under-Heaven. The lands of Chu have Qianzhong[3] and Wu Commandery[4] to the west. To the east there are Xiazhou[5] and Haiyang[6]. To the south there are Lake Dongting[7] and Cangwu[8]. To the north you have the Fenxing Barrier[9] and Xunyang[10]. Your lands are five thousand square li, and are guarded by a million men-at-arms and a thousand chariots with ten thousand two-horse teams, as well as enough grain supplies to support you for ten years. These are the resources of a hegemon. With Chu's strength and Your Majesty's wisdom[11], then no one in All-Under-Heaven will be able to match you. If you now wish to turn west and serve Qin, then among the sovereign lords none South and pay homage in the court at Zhangtai[12]. No one in All-Under-Heaven has the same potential to injure Qin as Chu. If Chu grows stronger, then Qin grows weaker; if Chu grows weaker, then Qin grows stronger. These two forces cannot coexist. Therefore, I have prepared a strategy on Your Majesty's behalf[13]. Nothing would be better form those close to you into an alliance to isolate Qin. If you do not make an alliance, Qin will certainly raise two armies. One army will be dispatched through the Wu Pass[14]; the other will head down into Qianzhong. If Qin acts thus, then Yan[15] and Ying[16] will be shaken. Your servant has heard order must be created before chaos emerges and that one should assert oneself pre-emptively[17]. It you only worry about problems once they are here, then you will never reach the end of them. Therefore I hope that Your Majesty will make your plans soon.
「大王誠能聽臣,臣請令山東之國,奉四時之獻,以承大王之明制,委社稷宗廟,練士厲兵,在大王之所用之。大王誠能聽臣之愚計,則韓、魏、齊、燕、趙、衛之妙音美人,必充後宮矣。趙、代良馬橐他,必實於外廄。故從合則楚王,橫成則秦帝。今釋霸王之業,而有事人之名,臣竊為大王不取也。
If Your Majesty is genuinely capable of following my advice, I will request an authorisation to travel among the states east of the mountains[18]. They will offer you gifts for every season, and receive Your Majesty's enlightened guidance[19], placing at your disposal their earth and grain, their ancestral temples, their trained officers and their battle-hardened troops. These will be yours to employ. If Your Majesty is genuinely capable of following my simple suggestions, then the most exquisite singers and beauties of Wei, Qi, Yan, Zhao and Wey[20] will fill the private rooms of your palace, and the best horses and camels[21] of Zhao[22] and Dai will fill your stables to overflowing. Thus, if a vertical alliance is made then Chu will reign; if a horizontal alliance is made, then imperium will be Qin's. Now you are abandoning the work of a hegemon or a king, and have earned a name as one who serves others. Your servant[23] humbly suggests that this is not an appropriate course for Your Majesty.
「夫秦,虎狼之國也,有吞天下之心。秦,天下之仇讎也,橫人皆欲割諸侯之地以事秦,此所謂養仇而奉讎者也。夫為人臣而割其主之地,以外交強虎狼之秦,以侵天下,卒有秦患,不顧其禍。夫外挾強秦之威,以內劫其主,以求割地,大逆不忠,無過此者。故從親,則諸侯割地以事楚;橫合,則楚割地以事秦。此兩策者,相去遠矣,有億兆之數。兩者大王何居焉?故弊邑趙王,使臣效愚計,奉明約,在大王命之。」
Qin is a state of tigers and wolves, with a mind to devour All-Under-Heaven, and the partisans of the horizontal alliance are all seeking to break up the lands of the sovereign lords to serve Qin's interests. This is what is called 'nourishing an enemy and raising an opponent'. Public servants divide up their rulers' lands and conduct their diplomacy in such a way as to strengthen the tigers and wolves of Qin, who then encroach upon All-Under-Heaven, whose troops are harried by Qin while they look elsewhere and ignore their own troubles[24]. Holding tight to mighty Qin's prestige abroad, these people betray their sovereigns at home, using their position to beg for lands. High treason and disloyalty, there could be no greater crime than this. Therefore, if a close vertical alliance is formed, then the sovereign lords will offer land to serve Chu's interests, but if a horizontal alliance is formed, then Chu's land will be offered to serve Qin's interests. These two policies are a million miles apart. How do you settle upon one of them? This is why the King of Zhao[25], my humble state, sent me to present you with this simple scheme, to enlighten you regarding our covenant, and to await your orders."
楚王曰:「寡人之國,西與秦接境,秦有舉巴蜀、并漢中之心。秦,虎狼之國,不可親也。而韓、魏迫於秦患,不可與深謀,恐反人以入於秦,故謀未發而國已危矣。寡人自料,以楚當秦,未見勝焉。內與群臣謀,不足恃也。寡人臥不安席,食不甘味,心搖搖如懸旌,而無所終薄。今君欲一天下,安諸侯,存危國,寡人謹奉社稷以從。」
The King of Chu said, "Our state shares a border with Qin in the west. Qin has a mind to unify the territories of Ba, Shu and Hanzhong[26] with its own. Qin, a state of tigers and wolves, is impossible to befriend; Han and Wei are driven by Qin's harassment, and it is impossible to form deep plans with them[27]. I am afraid that they will turn their backs on us and throw themselves into Qin's arms. Thus, before any plans have been put into effect, our state will already be in danger. Our own perspective is that we can see no way that we would prevail in the event that we face off against Qin. At home we make plans with our private secretaries, but they cannot be relied upon. When I lie down I am uneasy in my bed, and when I eat my food does not taste sweet. My mind wavers back and forth, like a banner dangling in the wind, and I can find no way to settle it. Now if your Lord wishes to unify All-Under-Heaven[28], pacify the sovereign lords and preserve our dying state[29], we respectfully offer our earth and grain in support of your alliance."
[1] Su Qin led the diplomatic opposition to Qin's expansion, working to form alliances between the other states.
[2] King Wei of Chu (339–329 BC) enjoyed a quiet reign.
[3] Qianzhong Commandery covered areas surrounding Changde, Hunan.
[4] Wu Commandery was centered upon modern Wushan, in Sichuan.
[5] Xiazhou seems to have been in or near modern Wuhan, Hubei.
[6] Haiyang was in modern Taizhou, Jiangsu.
[7] Lake Dongting is still called Lake Dongting.
[8] Cangwu Commandery was centred around Yongzhou, in modern Hunan.
[9] Fenxing was in modern Xiangcheng County, Henan.
[10] Xunyang was in modern Dengzhou, Henan.
[11] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[12] The correct reading of this sentence is not clear. The commentaries suggest that it should read 今乃欲西面而事秦,則諸侯莫不西面而朝於章臺之下矣 ("If you now wish to turn West and serve Qin, then among the feudal lords none will not look West and pay homage in the court at Zhangtai", with Zhangtai being a reference to a place in Xianyang in Qin. The modern Chinese interpretation reads it as 今乃欲西面而事秦,則諸侯莫南面而朝於章臺之下矣 ("If you now wish to turn West and serve Qin, then among the feudal lords none South and pay homage in the court at Zhangtai", with Zhangtai being a reference to a Chu royal palace).
[13] Reading 大王 for 王室, per the commentaries.
[14] The Wu Pass was in modern Danfeng County, Shaanxi.
[15] Yan was in modern Yicheng, Hubei.
[16] Ying was in modern Jingzhou, Hubei. At the time it was the capital of Chu.
[17] This seems like a quotation, but I cannot find any parallels.
[18] Mount Hua, which marked the Eastern border of Qin.
[19] Yao suggests 奉 for 承 here.
[20] The commentaries suggest that the 衛 here may be superfluous, in which case the list does not include Wey.
[21] Reading 駝 for 他 here, per the commentaries.
[22] Yao suggests Yan for Zhao here.
[23] The commentaries suggest that the 臣 here may be superfluous.
[24] Modern translations differ on precisely how this should be interpreted, but the general sense is clear.
[25] Marquis Su of Zhao (349 – 326 BC) attempted to gain a royal title for himself, failed, and - afraid of retaliation from the other states - built walls along his southern border.
[26] Hanzhong is still called Hanzhong and is in Shaanxi. At the time it was on the border between Qin and Chu.
[27] The commentaries suggest that the 與深謀 here may be superfluous, in which case the sentence reads something like "and it is also impossible to ally with them".
[28] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[29] Reading 亡 for 危 here, per the commentaries.
張儀為秦破從連橫
Zhang Yi Breaks the Vertical Alliance for Qin
張儀為秦破從連橫,說楚王曰:「秦地半天下,兵敵四國,被山帶河,四塞以為固。虎賁之士百餘萬,車千乘,騎萬疋,粟如丘山。法令既明,士卒安難樂死。主嚴以明,將知以武。雖無出兵甲,席卷常山之險,折天下之脊,天下後服者先亡。且夫為從者,無以異於驅群羊而攻猛虎也。夫虎之與羊,不格明矣。今大王不與猛虎而與群羊,竊以為大王之計過矣。
Zhang Yi[1] broke the Vertical Alliance for Qin by persuading the King of Chu[2] to join the Horizontal Alliance[3]. He said, "Qin's lands make up half of All-Under-Heaven, and its troops are equal to those of four states[4]. We are surrounded by our mountains and the Yellow River, with solid barriers on all four sides[5]. Our tiger warriors[6] number over a million, we have a thousand chariots, ten thousand horses, and mountains of grain. Laws and ordinances are clear, and the troops are at peace with hardship and delight in risking their lives. Our sovereign applies his intelligence with severity, and our generals exert their military skills with perspicacity. Even if we dispatch no troops[7], we could take the Mount Chang[8] Pass as easily as rolling up a mat, breaking the back of All-Under-Heaven. The last to submit will be the first to die. Those trying to build a Vertical Alliance are no different from men trying to lead an army of sheep against a ferocious tiger. If a tiger goes up against a herd of sheep, it is clear that this is no match at all. Now Your Majesty does not side with the tiger, but rather you have joined the herd of sheep. I humbly suggest that this strategy is a mistake.
「凡天下強國,非秦而楚,非楚而秦。兩國敵侔交爭,其勢不兩立。而大王不與秦,秦下甲兵,據宜陽,韓之上地不通;下河東,取成皋,韓必入臣於秦。韓入臣,魏則從風而動。秦攻楚之西,韓、魏攻其北,社稷豈得無危哉?
In All-Under-Heaven only one state can be the strongest: if not Qin then Chu, if not Chu then Qin. The two are equally matched and vying for supremacy; two such forces cannot coexist. If Your Majesty does not take Qin's side, Qin will dispatch men-at-arms and seize Yiyang[9], cutting off the route into Upper Han[10]. We will go down into the region east of the Yellow River, and take Chenggao[11], then Han will certainly come to Qin to pay homage and enter our service. When Han has done this[12], then Wei will follow in its wake. Qin will then attack Chu from the West, while Han and Wei attack from the North. How then will you keep your altars of earth and grain out of danger?
「且夫約從者,聚群弱而攻至強也。夫以弱攻強,不料敵而輕戰,國貧而驟舉兵,此危亡之術也。臣聞之,兵不如者,勿與挑戰;粟不如者,勿與持久。夫從人者,飾辯虛辭,高主之節行,言其利而不言其害,卒有楚禍,無及為已,是故願大王之熟計之也。
The treaties made by the Vertical Alliance are assembling the weak to attack the strong. When the weak attack the strong, it is because they have not correctly assessed their opponents and enter into battle lightly; when a state is poor but rushes to raise troops, this is the kind of scheming that puts it in danger of extinction. Your servant has heard that when troops are inadequate to the task then no challenges should be thrown out, and when grain reserves are insufficient then no long engagements should be launched. The partisans of the Vertical Alliance are full of polished dialectic and empty words, praising your conduct and talking of the benefits without mentioning the harms. This will end in disaster for Chu[13], and there will be no undoing what has been done. This being so, I hope that Your Majesty will plan intensively for this.
「秦西有巴蜀,方船積粟,起於汶山,循江而下,至郢三千餘里。舫船載卒,一舫載五十人,與三月之糧,下水而浮,一日行三百餘里;里數雖多,不費馬汗之勞,不至十日而距扞關;扞關驚,則從竟陵已東,盡城守矣,黔中、巫郡非王之有已。秦舉甲出之武關,南面而攻,則北地絕。秦兵之攻楚也,危難在三月之內。而楚恃諸侯之救,在半歲之外,此其勢不相及也。夫恃弱國之救,而忘強秦之禍,此臣之所以為大王之患也。且大王嘗與吳人五戰三勝而亡之,陳卒盡矣;有偏守新城而居民苦矣。臣聞之,攻大者易危,而民弊者怨於上。夫守易危之功,而逆強秦之心,臣竊為大王危之。
West of Qin there are Ba and Shu, which transport grain in boats departing from Mount Wen[14] and following the Yangtze River to Ying[15], over three thousand li away. If the boats[16] were used to transport troops, each one would carry fifty people and three months' worth of grain. Floating down river with the current they can cover over three hundred li in a day. Though there are many li to cover, the effort wears out no sweating horses[17], and within ten days they will reach the Han Pass[18]. After they surprise the border post at the Han Pass, then all the cities[19] east of Jingling[20] will be forced onto the defensive. Qianzhong[21] and Wu Commandery[22] will no longer be your property. If Qin raises troops and dispatches them through the Wu Pass[23], turning southwards to attack, then the land to the north will be cut off. When Qin's troops attack Chu, you will be pushed to your limit within three months, while the help that Chu relies on from the sovereign lords will not be here within half a year. Thus, their forces will never join up with yours. You rely on the aid that will be provided by these weak states, and overlook the afflictions that will be inflicted by mighty Qin. This is why I worry on Your Majesty's behalf[24]. Your Majesty has already fought five battles against the partisans of Wu, winning three and wiping them out, but your active troops are at the end of their strength; you successfully defended far-off Xincheng[25] and your citizens suffered for it. Your servant has heard that he who attacks a bigger enemy will easily fall into danger, and exhausted citizens will begrudge their superiors. By grasping for such achievements you will easily fall into danger, and by resisting the will of Qin, your servant humbly suggests that you are at risk.
「且夫秦之所以不出甲於函谷關十五年以攻諸侯者,陰謀有吞天下之心也。楚嘗與秦構難,戰於漢中。楚人不勝,通侯、執珪死者七十餘人,遂亡漢中。楚王大怒,興師襲秦,戰於藍田,又郤。此所謂兩虎相搏者也。夫秦、楚相弊,而韓、魏以全制其後,計無過於此者矣,是故願大王熟計之也。
If Qin did not dispatch troops beyond the Hangu Pass[26] to attack the sovereign lords for fifteen years, it was in order to conceal our intent swallow up All-Under-Heaven. Chu has already come into conflict with Qin. When we met in battle at Hanzhong[27], the people of Chu did not prevail. Over seventy nobles and high-ranking officials died, and you still lost Hanzhong. The King of Chu[28] was enraged and raised an army to raid Qin[29], coming to battle at Lantian[30] where you were defeated again. This can be described as 'two tigers pouncing on one another'. Once Qin and Chu had fought to a standstill, Han and Wei then used all their strength to overpower us from behind. There could be no strategy more mistaken than this[31]! This is why I hope that your Majesty will consider this intensively.
「秦下兵攻衛、陽晉,必開扃天下之匈,大王悉起兵以攻宋,不至數月而宋可舉。舉宋而東指,則泗上十二諸侯,盡王之有已。
If Qin sends troops to attack Wey and Yangjin[32], we will bar the gate to the heart of All-Under-Heaven[33], and if you raise all your troops[34] to attack Song, it will not be many months before Song's territories can be unified with your own. If you incorporate Song and continue eastwards, then the twelve sovereign lords whose territories adjoin the Si River[35] will all be yours.
「凡天下所信約從親堅者蘇秦,封為武安君而相燕,即陰與燕王謀破齊共分其地。乃佯有罪,出走入齊,齊王因受而相之。居二年而覺,齊王大怒,車裂蘇秦於市。夫以一詐偽反覆之蘇秦,而欲經營天下,混一諸侯,其不可成也亦明矣。
Su Qin[36] was All-Under-Heaven's most trusted broker of alliances and the most resolute partisan of the Vertical Alliance. He was made Lord Wu'an and Chancellor of Yan, while plotting secretly with the King of Yan[37] to destroy Qi and divide up its land. He pretended to have committed an offense[38] in Yan and fled into Qi[39]. The King of Qi[40] took the opportunity to welcome him and make him Chancellor. After he had been there for two years, the King of Qi became aware of the plot; he was enraged and had Su Qin torn apart by chariots in the marketplace[41]. They hoped to engage with All-Under-Heaven and unite the sovereign lords by means of a meretricious turncoat like Su Qin; it is plain to see why this did not succeed.
「今秦之與楚也,接境壤界,固形親之國也。大王誠能聽臣,臣請秦太子入質於楚,楚太子入質於秦,請以秦女為大王箕帚之妾,效萬家之都,以為湯沐之邑,長為昆弟之國,終身無相攻擊。臣以為計無便於此者。故敝邑秦王,使使臣獻書大王之從車下風,須以決事。」
Now Qin is next to Chu, sharing a border, and our states once had an unshakeable friendship. If Your Majesty is genuinely capable of listening to my advice, I will request that the Crown Prince of Qin[42] come to serve as a hostage in Chu, while the Crown Prince of Chu[43] goes to serve as a hostage in Qin. I will request women from Qin to serve as your maids, as well as a city of ten thousand households for your estate in the capital[44]. The brotherhood between our states will endure; never again will we launch attacks against one another. Your servant believes that there is no more expedient strategy for you than this. Therefore the King of our humble state[45] has sent me as an envoy to present my letter of credence to Your Majesty, and follow in the wake of your carriage until you decide this matter."
楚王曰:「楚國僻陋,託東海之上。寡人年幼,不習國家之長計。今上客幸教以明制,寡人聞之,敬以國從。」乃遣使車百乘,獻雞駭之犀、夜光之璧於秦王。
The King of Chu said, "Chu is a distant and unsophisticated state, perched on the edge of the Eastern Sea. I am young and unfamiliar with far-reaching matters of national strategy. Now we have had the good fortune to have such an elevated guest provide clear instructions, we will pay attention and respectfully ensure that our state joins your alliance." A hundred carriages were sent to offer the Jihai Ivory[46] and the Yeguang Jade[47] to the King of Qin.
[1] Zhang Yi was the leading Qin diplomat of his era.
[2] ] King Huai of Chu (328 - 299 BC) was known for having been the object of various poetic complaints by Qu Yuan. He was captured by Qin in 299 BC and his son King Qingxiang took the throne. He made one attempt to escape, but was recaptured and died in 296 BC.
[3] This sentence is a little confusing and modern translations interpret it in slightly different ways, but the general sense is clear.
[4] That is to say, it is capable of securing all four of its borders.
[5] The commentaries suggest that the 四塞 here may be superfluous.
[6] These were the Emperor's personal guards; as such, the number seems exagerated.
[7] Some versions seem to read this as 雖出兵甲 - and render it as "thus if we were to dispatch troops".
[8] Changshan is also known as Hengshan, in Shanxi.
[9] Yiyang is still called Yiyang, and is in Henan. Qin's conquest of the city was crucial to its expansionary plans, and has been covered extensively in previous chapters.
[10] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[11] The Chenggao Road was a key strategic choke point on the bank of the Yellow River, now known as Sishui or Tiger Cage Pass.
[12] The commentaries suggest that the 臣秦 here may be superfluous.
[13] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[14] Mount Wen was in modern Wenchuan County, Sichuan.
[15] Ying was the capital of Chu, near Jingzhou in modern Hubei.
[16] Yao suggests 方舡 for 舫船 here.
[17] Reading 馬汗 for 汗馬 here, per the commentaries.
[18] The Han Pass was in modern Fengjie County, Sichuan.
[19] Reading 以 for 已 here, per the commentaries
[20] Jingling is now Zhongxiang in Hubei.
[21] Qianzhong Commandery covered areas surrounding Changde, Hunan.
[22] Wu Commandery was centered upon Wushan.
[23] The Wu Pass was on the border between Qin and Chu, in modern Shaanxi.
[24] The commentaries suggest that the 之 here may be superfluous.
[25] Xincheng was in modern Yichuan County, Henan.
[26] The Hangu Pass was the main entrance to Qin, and was in Henan.
[27] Hanzhong is still called Hanzhong, and is in Shaanxi.
[28] King Huai of Chu (328 - 299 BC) was known for having been the object of various poetic complaints by Qu Yuan. He was captured by Qin in 299 BC and his son King Qingxiang took the throne. He made one attempt to escape, but was recaptured and died in 296 BC.
[29] The Battle of Lantian took place in 312 BC, just Southeast of modern Xi'an.
[30] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[31] Yao suggests 危 for 過 here.
[32] Yangjin was in modern Yuncheng County, Shandong.
[33] Reading 關 for 開 per the commentaries.
[34] Yao suggests that the 兵 here may be superfluous.
[35] The Si River flows Eastwards from Hubei.
[36] Su Qin was a proponent of the Vertical Alliance. In fact, he died well after Zhang Yi, so this paragraph cannot be authentic.
[37] King Yi of Yan (323 – 321 BC) lost several cities to Qi but gained them back thanks to the good offices of Su Qin.
[38] Su Qin was accused of sleeping with the former King's wife. This version differs from Sima Qian's biography, which says that Su Qin genuinely did commit sexual misconduct in Yan and fled to Qi to escape the consequences.
[39] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[40] King Xuan of Qi (319–301 BC) is best known for receiving advice from Mencius and establishing the Jixia Academy.
[41] The commentaries suggest that Qin was responsible for letting this slip, however Zhang Yi would not have known this as he died long before Su Qin. In Sima Qian's biography, Su Qin is assassinated in the course of a court squabble during the reign of King Min, and the tearing apart of his body was part of a ploy to identify the killer that he himself had proposed prior to his own death.
[42] It is not clear who was Crown Prince of Qin at the time.
[43] It is not clear who was Crown Prince of Chu at the time.
[44] During the Zhou dynasty a tangmuyi was an estate in the vicinity of the imperial capital that a feudal lord would use when going to pay his respects to the emperor. It was later used to refer to towns accorded to minor members of the royal house to support them.
[45] King Huiwen of Qin (338–311 BC) began his reign by killing Shang Yang, but maintained his legal and military reforms, using his strengthened state to acquire large tracts of additional land.
[46] This artefact was mentioned in the Baopuzi, but and seems to have been made of brilliantly white rhinoceros ivory.
[47] This was another of Chu's royal treasures, a jade object that was reputed to glow in the dark.
張儀相秦
Zhang Yi Serves as Chancellor of Qin
張儀相秦,謂昭雎曰:「楚無鄢、郢、漢中,有所更得乎?」曰:「無有。」曰:「無昭雎、陳軫,有所更得乎?」曰:「無所更得。」張儀曰:「為儀謂楚王逐昭雎、陳軫,請復鄢、郢、漢中。」昭雎歸報楚王,楚王說之。
When Zhang Yi[1] was Chancellor of Qin, he spoke to Zhao Ju[2], saying, "Chu no longer has Yan[3], Ying[4] and Hanzhong[5]. Are there any other domains it could get that would be as useful?"
Zhao Ju said, "There are none."
Zhang Yi said, "If it did not have Zhao Guo[6] or Chen Zhen[7], would there be anyone else it could get who would be as useful?"
Zhao Ju said, "It could get no one as useful."
Zhang Yi said, "Ask the King of Chu[8] on my behalf to expel Zhao Guo and Chen Zhen, and I will request that Qin return Yan, Ying and Hanzhong." Zhao Ju returned and reported this to the King of Chu. The King of Chu was happy with this[8].
有人謂昭雎曰:「甚矣,楚王不察於爭名者也。韓求相工陳籍而周不聽;魏求相綦母恢而周不聽,何以也?周是列縣畜我也。今楚,萬乘之強國也;大王,天下之賢主也。今儀曰逐君與陳軫而王聽之,是楚自行不如周,而儀重於韓、魏之王也。且儀之所行,有功名者秦也,所欲貴富者魏也。欲為攻於魏,必南伐楚。故攻有道,外絕其交,內逐其謀臣。陳軫,夏人也,習於三晉之事,故逐之,則楚無謀臣矣。今君能用楚之眾,故亦逐之,則楚眾不用矣。此所謂內攻之者也,而王不知察。今君何不見臣於王,請為王使齊交不絕。齊交不絕,儀聞之,其效鄢、郢、漢中必緩矣。是昭雎之言不信也,王必薄之。」
Someone spoke to Zhao Guo, saying, "This is too much! The King of Chu is incapable of accurately assessing the claims of all those vying to make their reputations[9]. Han sought to make Gongchen Ji[10] its Chancellor, but Zhou paid no attention. Wei sought to make Qiwu Hui[11] its Chancellor, but Zhou paid no attention. Why did it act thus? The King of Zhou said[12], 'I would be placing myself among the ranks of their county magistrates.' Now Chu is a mighty state of ten thousand chariots, and its King is the wisest in All-Under-Heaven[13]. Now Zhang Yi says that he should expel yourself and Chen Zhen, and the King listens to him. If Yi is acting in this way, it is to win a reputation in Qin and because he wants to make money from Wei. If he wishes to launch attacks Wei's behalf, he must start by attacking Chu in the South, because the principle of military aggression is to first cut off your enemy's diplomatic relations abroad and to chase away his strategic advisors at home. Chen Zhen is a man of Xia[14] and he is familiar with the affairs of the Three Jin, therefore he must be expelled in order to deprive Chu of strategic advisors. Now you know how to deploy Chu's population, so you must also be expelled to prevent Chu from making use of its manpower. This is called 'attacking from within', and the King lacks the awareness to see it. Why do you not now secure me an audience with the King? I will beg him to send me to ensure that relations with Qi are not severed. If relations with Qi are not severed[15], Yi will hear of this and he will be forced to postpone his transfer of Yan, Ying and Hanzhong. If this happens, then Zhao Ju's speeches will no longer have any credibility, and the King will certainly regard him with contempt.
[1] Zhang Yi was the leading Qin diplomat of his era.
[2] Zhao Ju was a minor member of the Chu royal family, and an advisor to the King of Chu. He was also a member of the Mi clan that almost succeeded in marrying its way into ruling Qin.
[3] Yan was in modern Yicheng, Hubei.
[4] Ying was the capital of Chu, near Jingzhou in modern Hubei.
[5] Hanzhong is still called Hanzhong, and is in Shaanxi.
[6] Reading 昭過 for 昭雎 per the commentaries. He was a politician from Chu.
[7] Chen Zhen came from Qi and was the source of several famous persuasions. He competed with Zhang Yi for position at the Qin court, before leaving to bolster the vertical alliance.
[8] King Qingxiang of Chu (298–263 BC) was the son of King Huai, and ascended the throne while his father was still held prisoner in Qin.
[9] The commentaries suggest that the 爭 here is superfluous.
[10] Elsewhere this person is referred to as Gongshi Ji. He was a politician in Zhou.
[11] Qiwu Hui was a politician in East Zhou.
[12] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear. It is not clear which King of Zhou is indicated here.
[13] Bao suggests 王 for 主 here.
[14] Xia refers to the Central Plains area North of Chu.
[15] The commentaries suggest that the repeated 齊交不絕 here may be superfluous.
威王問於莫敖子華
King Wei Questions Commissaire Zi hua
威王問於莫敖子華曰:「自從先君文王以至不穀之身,亦有不為爵勸,不為祿勉,以憂社稷者乎?」莫敖子華對曰:「如華不足知之矣。」王曰:「不於大夫,無所聞之?」莫敖子華對曰:「君王將何問者也?彼有廉其爵,貧其身,以憂社稷者;有崇其爵,豐其祿,以憂社稷者;有斷脰決腹,壹瞑而萬世不視,不知所益,以憂社稷者;有勞其身,愁其志,以憂社稷者;亦有不為爵勸,不為祿勉,以憂社稷者。」王曰:「大夫此言,將何謂也?」
King Wei[1] questioned Commissaire Zi Hua[2], saying, "From the time of our former lord King Wen down to that of my hopeless self, has there been anyone who did not give advice in order to receive preferment, or work in order to receive emoluments, but rather did so out of concern for the altars of earth and grain?"
Commissioner Zi Hua replied, "This I am not knowledgeable enough to answer[3]."
The King said, "If not from you, then from whom could learn this?"
Commissaire Zi Hua replied, "What king of person would you like to hear about? There are some who accept only honest recompenses and live in poverty out of concern for the altars of earth and grain. There are some who augment their titles and increase their fortunes out of concern for the altars of earth and grain. There are some who are beheaded or cut in two, closing their own eyes in death and knowing that ten thousand generations of their descendants will never open theirs[4], rejecting all thought of profit out of concern for the altars of earth and grain. There are some who weary their bodies and worry their minds out of concern for the altars of earth and grain[5]. These are those who do not give advice in order to receive preferment, or work in order to receive emoluments, but do so out of concern for the altars of earth and grain."
The King said, "When you say this, to whom do you intend to refer?"
莫敖子華對曰:「昔令尹子文,緇帛之衣以朝,鹿裘以處;未明而立於朝,日晦而歸食;朝不謀夕,無一月之積。故彼廉其爵,貧其身,以憂社稷者,令尹子文是也。
Commissaire Zi Hua replied, "The former Lord President of the Privy Council Ziwen[6] wore plain black silk robes to court and deerskins when at home. He would be standing in the royal court before dawn, and when the sun went down he went home to eat[7]. As he ate his morning meal, he had no thought of what he would eat in the evening, and did not have more than a day's worth of grain in storage[8]. Thus if there was anyone who accepted only honest recompenses and lived in poverty out of concern for the altars of earth and grain, it was Privy Counsellor Ziwen.
「昔者葉公子高,身獲於表薄,而財於柱國;定白公之禍,寧楚國之事;恢先君以揜方城之外,四封不侵,名不挫於諸侯。當此之時也,天下莫敢以兵南鄉。葉公子高,食田六百畛,故彼崇其爵,豐其祿,以憂社稷者,葉公子高是也。
In times past, Duke Zigao of She[9] had an unprepossessing appearance and obscure origins, but his talents made him a generalissimo[10]. He pacified the troubles provoked by the Duke of Bai[11] and brought peace to the affairs of Chu. He expanded the heritage of the former lords by taking possession of the regions beyond Fangcheng[12]. The rulers of the neighbouring domains did not dare to invade[3], and there was no tarnishing of our name among the sovereign lords. At that time, there was no one in All-Under-Heaven who dared send troops into their southern hinterlands[14], and Duke Gao of Ye could support himself with the produce of six hundred arable fields. Thus if there was anyone who augmented his titles and increased his fortunes out of concern for the altars of earth and grain, it was Duke Zigao of She.
「昔者吳與楚戰於柏舉,兩御之間夫卒交。莫敖大心撫其御之手,顧而大息曰:『嗟乎子乎,楚國亡之月至矣!吾將深入吳軍,若扑一人,若捽一人,以與大心者也,社稷其為庶幾乎?』故斷脰決腹,壹瞑而萬世不視,不知所益,以憂社稷者,莫敖大心是也。
In the past, when Wu and Chu fought at Boju[15], the armies[16] of both sides had closed the distance between them and their infantry had already joined battle. Commissaire Daxin[17] took his driver by the hand, turned to him and, with a heavy sigh, said, 'Alas[18], the month of Chu's demise has arrived[19]! I will push deep into the Wu army. If, with you by my side, I can strike down just one of their partisans - grab just one by the hair[20] - then maybe the altars of earth and grain will survive[21]?' Thus, if there was anyone who was willing to be beheaded or cut in two, closing their own eyes in death and knowing that ten thousand generations of their descendants would never open theirs, rejecting all thought of profit out of concern for the altars of earth and grain, it was Commissaire Daxin.
「昔吳與楚戰於柏舉,三戰入郢。寡君身出,大夫悉屬,百姓離散。棼冒勃蘇曰:『吾被堅執銳,赴強敵而死,此猶一卒也,不若奔諸侯。』於是贏糧潛行,上崢山,踰深谿,蹠穿膝暴,七日而薄秦王之朝。雀立不轉,晝吟宵哭。七日不得告。水漿無入口,瘨而殫悶,旄不知人。秦王聞而走之,冠帶不相及,左奉其首,右濡其口,勃蘇乃蘇。秦王身問之:『子孰誰也?』棼冒勃蘇對曰:『臣非異,楚使新造朙棼冒勃蘇。吳與楚人戰於柏舉,三戰入郢,寡君身出,大夫悉屬,百姓離散。使下臣來告亡,且求救。』秦王顧令不起:『寡人聞之,萬乘之君,得罪一士,社稷其危,今此之謂也。』遂出革車千乘,卒萬人,屬之子滿與子虎,下塞以東,與吳人戰於濁水而大敗之,亦聞於遂浦。故勞其身,愁其思,以憂社稷者,棼冒勃蘇是也。
In the past, when Wu and Chu fought at Boju, they fought three times and Wu entered Ying[22]. The Lord of Chu[23] escaped, his counsellors all went with him, and the hundred clans scattered. Fenmao Bosu[24] said, 'If I tightened my armour and sharpened my sword, I could stand firm against the enemy and still be killed like an ordinary infantryman. It would be better to give up and go to the sovereign lords.' This being so, he packed some food and set out in secret, crossing high mountains and deep valleys until his shoes were worn through and his knees torn. After seven days, he approached the King of Qin's[25] court. He stood there like a crane, not moving, reciting his troubles during the day and sobbing at night. After seven days, he had still not been able to deliver his report. No water or food passed his lips, his mind wandered and he fell into a faint, no longer aware of his surroundings. The King of Qin heard about this and hurried out to him, without tying up his hair or fastening his belt. With his left hand the King held Bosu's head, and with his right he wet his lips, until Bosu came to himself once more. The King of Qin questioned him personally: 'Who are you?' Fenmao Bosu replied, 'Your servant is none other than Fenmao Bosu, Chu's envoy[26]. Wu has fought with the partisans of Chu at Boju. We fought three times and they entered Ying. Our Lord has escaped, his counsellors all went with him, and the hundred clans have scattered. They sent your humble servant to inform you of our impending demise, and to beg for help.' The King of Qin carefully brought him to his feet[27]. 'We have heard that if a lord of ten thousand chariots offends against a single scholar, then his altars of earth and grain are in danger. Now this can be called just such a situation.' Accordingly he dispatched a thousand armoured chariots and ten thousand troops under the command of Zipu[28] and Zihu[29]. They crossed the border and headed East, fighting the partisans of Wu by the Zhuo River[30] and inflicting a great defeat; I have heard that they got as far as Suipu[31]. Thus, if anyone wearied his body and worried his mind out of concern for the altars of earth and grain, it was Fenmao Bosu.
「吳與楚戰於柏舉,三戰入郢。君王身出,大夫悉屬,百姓離散。蒙穀給鬥於宮唐之上,舍鬥奔郢曰:『若有孤,楚國社稷其庶幾乎?』遂入大宮,負雞次之典以浮於江,逃於雲夢之中。昭王反郢,五官失法,百姓昏亂;蒙穀獻典,五官得法,而百姓大治。此蒙穀之功,多與存國相若,封之執圭,田六百畛。蒙穀怒曰:『穀非人臣,社稷之臣,苟社稷血食,餘豈悉無君乎?』遂自棄於磨山之中,至今無冒。故不為爵勸,不為祿勉,以憂社稷者,蒙穀是也。」
After Wu and Chu fought at Boju, when they had fought three times and Wu had entered Ying. When the Lord of Chu had escaped with all of his counsellors, and the hundred clans had scattered, then Meng Gu[32] joined[33] the fray above Gongtang[34], before abandoning the fight and heading for Ying, saying, 'If there is still an heir, then maybe the altars of earth and grain will survive?' Accordingly he entered the palace[35], hefted the books of laws and regulations[36] onto his back and headed off down the Yangtze River, fleeing into Yunmeng[37]. When King Zhao returned to Ying, the five classes of officials had no access to the laws, and the hundred clans had fallen into disorder. Meng Gu offered them the books. The officials took the laws in back in hand and the hundred clans returned to perfect order. Thus Meng Gu's work was as significant as that of those who saved Chu, worthy of a domain and the title of Consul General[38], as well as six hundred fields, but Meng Gu was indignant and said, 'I do not serve people, but the spirits of earth and grain. As long as the spirits of earth and grain are fed with sacrificial blood, why would I worry about titles[39]?' Accordingly he withdrew from the world and went to live on Mount Mo[40] and from that day to this he has desired nothing else. Thus, if there was anyone who did not give advice in the hope of preferment or act in the hope of receiving emoluments, but rather out of concern for the altars of earth and grain, it was Meng Gu."
王乃大息曰:「此古之人也。今之人,焉能有之耶?」莫敖子華對曰:「昔者先君靈王好小要,楚士約食,馮而能立,式而能起。食之可欲,忍而不入;死之可惡,然而不避。章聞之,其君好發者,其臣抉拾。君王直不好,若君王誠好賢,此五臣者,皆可得而致之。」
The King let out a great sigh and said, "These people lived in ancient times. Among the people of our time, is there anyone like this?"
Permanent Secretary Zi Hua replied, "In the past, the former Lord, King Ling[41], liked thin waists[42], so the officials of Chu starved themselves, needing sticks to stand, and crutches to get up. Though they wanted to eat, they persisted and did not give in. Though death is something loathesome, they continued[43] and did not turn aside. I[44] have heard that if a Lord is fond of archery, then his ministers will all wear thumb rings and wrist guards[45]. Your Majesty clearly does not appreciate the right things; if you sincerely appreciated wisdom, then you would get them - they would come to you."
[1] King Wei of Chu (339–329 BC) enjoyed a quiet reign.
[2] Zi Hua was a politician in Chu. Yao suggests that this may actually be a reference to Zi Zhang, based on the fact that his given name is provided as 章 later in the text. Chu bureaucratic titles were different from those used elsewhere in China, but a 莫敖 was the equivalent of a government minister. It originally seems to have been a reference to a watchdog.
[3] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[4] The commentaries suggest 一 for 壹 here.
[5] The commentaries suggest that this sentence may be superfluous.
[6] Also known as Dougu Wutu, Ziwen was a celebrated Chu bureaucrat during the seventh century BC. Confucius praised his loyalty. A 令尹
was the Chu equivalent of a 相 (Chancellor). The origin of the term is obscure.
[7] Implying that he was not engaged in corruption or subversion, which tended to go on after dark
[8] Reading 日 for 月 here, per the commentaries.
[9] Duke Zigao of She was also known as Zhu Liang. He was a general and politician in Chu, in the fifth and sixth centuries BC. His conversations with Confucius were recorded in the Analects.
[10] Another Chu title. Literally "Pillar of the State".
[11] Duke Sheng of Bai was a minor royal in Chu, who led a rebellion against King Hui. He was defeated by Duke Gao and hanged himself.
[12] Fangcheng is still called Fangcheng, and is in Henan. At the time it would have been in Northern Chu.
[13] The commentaries disagree with modern translations on the reading of this sentence. We have followed the modern interpretations. However, it could potentially be a reference to the shifty behaviour of the neighbouring lords.
[14] I.e. northern Chu.
[15] The Battle of Boju took place in 506 BC. Boju is now Macheng in Hubei.
[16] Reading 軍 for 御, per the commentaries.
[17] Daxin was also known as Sima Xu, and he as the father of Duke Zigao. He was killed in the battle.
[18] Reading 予 for 子, per the commentaries.
[19] Yao suggests "day" for "month" here.
[20] Following the interpretation given by the commentaries. The implication seems to be that the enemy has been beheaded and they are collecting the head to prove their achievement.
[21] According to the commentaries, the 為 here is superfluous.
[22] Ying was the capital of Chu, near Jingzhou in modern Hubei.
[23] King Zhao of Chu (515–489 BC) lost his kingdom following the Wu invasion, ordered by King Helü and led by Sun Wu, author of The Art of War. He returned to power with Qin's assistance, but was later killed in a battle against Helü's son, Fuchai.
[24] Also known as Shen Baoxu, Fenmao Bosu was a politician in Chu. He was related to Ziwen.
[25] Actually Duke Ai of Qin (536–501 BC). He strengthened Qin's alliance with Chu saving Chu from destruction following the Battle of Boju.
[26] The commentaries suggest that this is another Chu-specific administrative title, but the text is corrupt and it is difficult to work out what it may have been. However, modern translations suggest that it is a reference to some offense on Bosu or Chu's part for which he feels a need to apologise to Qin.
[27] Reading 之 for 不 here, per the commentaries. In the original version the King tells Bosu that he needn't stand.
[28] Reading 子蒲 for 子滿, per the commentaries. Zipu is known principally for this episode.
[29] Zihu is also known principally for this episode.
[30] This was on the border between Qi and Chu.
[31] Suipu was in modern Suichuan County, Jiangxi. This was far to the Southeast of Chu.
[32] Meng Gu was a general in Chu.
[33] Reading 結 for 給, per the commentaries.
[34] It is not clear where this was.
[35] The commentaries suggest that the 大 here may be superfluous.
[36] Reading 離 for 雞. The books were called the 離次之典 (Lici Zhi Dian).
[37] Yunmeng is still called Yunmeng, and is in Hubei.
[38] Literally "Jade Tablet". Another Ruritanian Chu title, it seems to have been a way to grant additional honour to an already-powerful politician.
[39] Reading 余豈患無君乎 for 餘豈悉無君乎, per the commentaries.
[40] Mount Mo is in modern Wuhan, Hubei.
[41] King Ling of Chu (540–529 BC). He killed his brother to seize the throne, ruling via threats and violence, and interfering in the affairs of neighbouring states. His subordinates eventually rebelled and he committed suicide.
[42] The commentaries suggest 腰 for 要 here.
[43] Yao suggests 就 for 然 here.
[44] Reading 華 for 章, per the commentaries. If this story is indeed about Zi Zhang, then 章 is correct.
[45] Reading 決 for 抉 here, per the commentaries. Chinese archers used a thumb draw, and would wear rings to protect themselves.