齊三 THE STRATAGEMS OF QI III
楚王死
The Death of the King of Chu
楚王死，太子在齊質。蘇秦謂薛公曰：「君何不留楚太子，以市其下東國。」薛公曰：「不可。我留太子，郢中立王，然則是我抱空質而行不義於天下也。」蘇秦曰：「不然。郢中立王，君因謂其新王曰：『與我下東國，吾為王殺太子。不然，吾將與三國共立之。』然則下東國必可得也。」
The King of Chu[1] died, and the Crown Prince[2] was serving as a hostage in Qi. Master Su[3] spoke to the Duke of Xue[4], saying, "Why does Your Lordship not detain the Crown Prince of Chu and use him to haggle for the eastern part of his state[5]?"
The Duke of Xue said, "Impossible. If I detain the Crown Prince, someone else will be enthroned in Ying[6], and in that case I will be left holding a worthless hostage, and my unjust conduct will become notorious throughout All-Under-Heaven."
Su Qin said, "Not so. If they enthrone someone else in Ying, Your Lordship can speak to their new King, saying, 'If you give me the eastern part of your state I will kill the Crown Prince for you. If not, I will come with three states[7] to put him on the throne.' If you do, then you will certainly be able to get the eastern part of his state."
蘇秦之事，可以請行；可以令楚王亟入下東國；可以益割於楚；可以忠太子而使楚益入地；可以為楚王走太子；可以忠太子使之亟去；可以惡蘇秦於薛公；可以為蘇秦請封於楚；可以使人說薛公以善蘇子；可以使蘇子自解於薛公。
In this business of Su Qin's[8]: he may successfully request a travel permit. He may proceed to press the King of Chu urgently to hand over the the eastern part of his state; he may proceed to profit by gaining more land in Chu. He may proceed to act in good faith towards the Crown Prince and have Chu provide Qi with more land; he may proceed to get rid of the Crown Prince on behalf of the King of Chu; he may proceed to act in good faith towards the Crown Prince and send him back in all urgency. He may proceed to have himself slandered to the Duke of Xue; he may proceed to beg for a domain for himself in Chu; he may proceed to send people to[9] persuade to the Duke of Xue to favour him again; he may proceed to go in person to explain himself to the Duke of Xue.
蘇秦謂薛公曰：「臣聞謀泄者事無功，計不決者名不成。今君留太子者，以市下東國也。非亟得下東國者，則楚之計變，變則是君抱空質而負名於天下也。」薛公曰：「善。為之奈何？」對曰：「臣請為君之楚，使亟入下東國之地。楚得成，則君無敗矣。」薛公曰：「善。」因遣之。
Su Qin spoke to Duke Xue, saying, "Your servant has heard that the affairs of one whose plans are leaked never succeed, and that one whose plans do not secure his victory will never achieve fame. Now you have detained the Crown Prince of Chu[10], you can use him to haggle for land in the east of their state. If you do not act urgently to obtain this land, then Chu will change its plans. If it changes its plans, then you will be left holding a worthless hostage, having turned your back on the reputation that you could have used him to gain among the states of All-Under-Heaven."
Duke Xue said, "Very well. How shall we handle this?"
Su Qin replied, "I request Your Lordship's permission to go to Chu and have them hand over the eastern part of their state with all urgency. When you have taken over possession from Chu, then you cannot lose."
Duke Due said, "Very well." As a result of this, he sent Su Qin to Chu. Therefore I say it was possible that Su Qin would successfully request a travel permit[11].
謂楚王曰：「齊欲奉太子而立之。臣觀薛公之留太子者，以市下東國也。今王不亟入下東國，則太子且倍王之割而使齊奉己。」楚王曰：「謹受命。」因獻下東國。故曰可以使楚亟入地也。
Su Qin spoke to the King of Chu[12], saying, "Qi would like to return the Crown Prince and have him enthroned, but I have witnessed the Duke of Xue detaining the Crown Prince in order to use him to haggle for the lands in the east of your state. If you do not hand them over immediately then the Crown Prince will offer twice as much to have Qi return him to Chu."
The King of Chu said, "I shall pay careful attention to your advice." As a result, he offered them the eastern part of his state. Therefore I say that Su Qin could proceed to make Chu hand over the land in all urgency.
謂薛公曰：「楚之勢可多割也。」薛公曰：「奈何？」「請告太子其故，使太子謁之君，以忠太子，使楚王聞之，可以益入地。」故曰可以益割於楚。
Su Qin spoke to the Duke of Xue, saying, "Chu's situation can be be used to get much more land."
Duke Xue said, "How can we do this?
"I beg permission to report your plans to the Crown Prince, and send him to visit you. Express your loyalty towards him and make sure that the King of Chu hears about it, and we can profit by acquiring even more land." Therefore we can say that Su Qin could proceed to profit by taking more land from Chu.
謂太子曰：「齊奉太子而立之，楚王請割地以留太子，齊少其地。太子何不倍楚之割地而資齊，齊必奉太子。」太子曰：「善。」倍楚之割而延齊。楚王聞之恐，益割地而獻之，尚恐事不成。故曰可以使楚益入地也。
He spoke to the Crown Prince, saying, "Qi intended to return you and put you on the throne, but the King of Chu has begged us to accept gifts of land in exchange for detaining you here. Qi regards his offer of land as too small. Why not double Chu's offer of land? Then we will definitely ensure your return."
The Crown Prince said, "Very well." He doubled Chu's offer of land. The King of Chu heard about this and was afraid. He set aside more land and offered it to Qi, remaining afraid that the affair would not come off in his favour. Therefore we can say that Su Qin could proceed to use Chu to gain additional land.
謂楚王曰：「齊之所以敢多割地者，挾太子也。今已得地而求不止者，以太子權王也。故臣能去太子。太子去，齊無辭，必不倍於王也。王因馳強齊而為交，齊辭，必聽王。然則是王去讎而得齊交也。」楚王大悅，曰：「請以國因。」故曰可以為楚王使太子亟去也。
Su Qin spoke to the King of Chu, saying, "The reason Qi dares[13] to take so much land from you is because they have the Crown Prince in their hands. Now they have already got the land, but their demands do not stop, using the Crown Prince to intimidate Your Majesty. Therefore if your servant can ensure that the Crown Prince leaves Qi, then after he has left Qi will have no more arguments to make, and will certainly take no more land from Your Majesty. You can have someone gallop off to mighty Qi to improve your relations[14] such that when you speak to them they will certainly listen to you. Thus you can get rid of your enemy and secure your relationship with Qi."
The King of Chu was delighted, and said, "I beg to place the resources of the state in your hands in order that you may seize this opportunity." Therefore it can be said that Su Qin could proceed to have the Crown Prince leave urgently on the King of Chu's behalf.
謂太子曰：「夫剬楚者王也，以空名巿者太子也，齊未必信太子之言也，而楚功見矣。楚交成，太子必危矣。太子其圖之。」太子曰：「謹受命。」乃約車而暮去。故曰可以使太子急去也。
Su Qin spoke to the Crown Prince, saying, "The one with the power to make decisions in Chu is the King. The one bargaining on the basis of an empty title is you. Qi has as yet no reason to trust your words, while the results of Chu's actions are visible. If Chu forms a relationship with Qi, you will be in danger. You had better come up with a plan to deal with this.
The Crown Prince said, "I shall pay careful attention to your advice." Accordingly he borrowed a carriage and by sundown was gone. Therefore it can be said that Su Qin could proceed to make the Crown Prince leave in all urgency.
蘇秦使人請薛公曰：「夫勸留太子者蘇秦也。蘇秦非誠以為君也，且以便楚也。蘇秦恐君之知之，故多割楚以滅跡也。今勸太子者又蘇秦也，而君弗知，臣竊為君疑之。」薛公大怒於蘇秦。故曰可使人惡蘇秦於薛公也。
Su Qin had someone importune Duke Xue, saying, "The one who pushed for the detention of the Crown Prince was Su Qin, but he was not acting sincerely on your behalf, rather he was working for Chu's benefit. He was afraid that Your Lordship would become aware of this, therefore he has acquired more land for your from Chu to cover his tracks. Su Qin has also been advising the Crown Prince, though Your Lordship was not aware of it. Your servant humbly seeks to awaken your suspicions."
Duke Xue was enraged with Su Qin. Therefore we can[15] say that Su Qin could proceed to have people malign him before Duke Xue.
又使人謂楚王曰：「夫使薛公留太子者蘇秦也，奉王而代立楚太子者又蘇秦也，割地固約者又蘇秦也，忠王而走太子者又蘇秦也。今人惡蘇秦於薛公，以其為齊薄而為楚厚也。願王之知之。」楚王曰：「謹受命。」因封蘇秦為武貞君。故曰可以為蘇秦請封於楚也。
Su Qin also had someone speak to the King of Chu[16], saying, "The one who had Duke Xue detain the Crown Prince was Su Qin; the one who ensured Your Majesty's elevation and your replacement of of the Crown Prince was also Su Qin. The one who took the opportunity[17] to organise the land transfer agreement was also Su Qin. Now people are denigrating him to Duke Xue, giving out that[18] he is working to weaken Qi and strengthen Chu. I hoped to make Your Majesty aware[19] of this."
The King of Chu said, "I shall pay careful attention to your advice." As a result he granted Su Qin a domain and the title Lord Wuzhen[20]. Therefore we can say that Su Qin could proceed to have people ask for lands for him in Chu.
又使景鯉請薛公曰：「君之所以重於天下者，以能得天下之士而有齊權也。今蘇秦天下之辯士也，世與少有。君因不善蘇秦，則是圍塞天下士而不利說途也。夫不善君者且奉蘇秦，而於君之事殆矣。今蘇秦善於楚王，而君不蚤親，則是身與楚為讎也。故君不如因而親之，貴而重之，是君有楚也。」薛公因善蘇秦。故曰可以為蘇秦說薛公以善蘇秦。
He also sent Jing Li[21] to importune Duke Xue, saying, "The reason that Your Lordship is so influential within All-Under-Heaven is because you have the capacity to obtain the most talented officials. Thus you have gained power in Qi. Now Su Qin is among the most distinguished rhetoricians in All-Under-Heaven, and this world has few like him. Using this as a reason[22] to withdraw your favour from him is therefore like building a wall to keep out the talents of All-Under-Heaven, ensuring that you will not benefit from their persuasive skills. If someone unfavourable to Your Lordship were to receive Su Qin, then Your Lordship's affairs will be in danger. Su Qin currently has the favour of the King of Chu, and if you do not quickly renew your relations with him then you will have created an enemy for yourself in Chu. You would do better to take this opportunity and renew your friendship with him, elevate him and bolster his influence. This being done, Chu will be yours." As a result of this, Duke Xue ingratiated himself with Su Qin. Therefore I say that Su Qin could proceed to have someone persuade Duke Xue to accord him his favour.
[1] Yao suggests that this was King Huai of Chu (328 - 299 BC), however King Huai's heir, Prince Heng (King Qingxiang), actually returned from his hostage duties in Qi to assume the throne while King Huai was still alive and being held hostage in Qin. The commentaries suggest that another prince may briefly have been enthroned at some point; if so he was not recorded elsewhere.
[2] There is some confusion about who was involved in this story. This seems to refer to another prince who must have been serving as a hostage in Qi at the same time as Prince Heng.
[3] The commentaries suggest 子 for 秦. Su Qin was among the principal proponents of the vertical alliance, aiming at bringing together the other states to oppose Qin's expansion.
[4] Tian Ying was a member of the Qi royal family, and the father of Lord Mengchang.
[5] I.e. the part nearest to Qi.
[6] Ying was the capital of Chu, and was just outside modern Jingzhou, in Hubei.
[7] Qin, Han and Wei.
[8] This passage seems to consist of someone's annotations, which have accidentally been incorporated into the text by a copyist. It is interesting insofar as that it appears to be a combination of a flowchart and a prisoner's dilemma style matrix of choices and consequences. I think the logic is something like this:
In other words, not only has Su Qin ensured that there is no way that he can lose, he has successfully arranged to cycle through multiple options in turn, gaining more than one pay-off. It is a pity that whoever wrote this remains unknown, as he was clearly 2000 years ahead of his time.
[9] According to the commentaries, the 人說 here may be superfluous.
[10] Reading 楚太子 for 太子, per the commentaries.
[11] Reading 之。故曰可以請行也 for 之。 per the commentaries.
[12] Presumably King Qingxiang (298–263 BC), who had also served as a hostage in Qi.
[13] The commentaries suggest that the 敢 here may be superfluous.
[14] The commentaries suggest reading 而為交於齊 for 而為交.
[15] Reading 可以 for 可, per the commentaries.
[16] This seems to imply that Chu appointed another Crown Prince in his absence, preparatory to enthroning the former at an auspicious date.
[17] Reading 因 for 固, per the commentaries.
[18] The commentaries suggest reading 之以 for 以 here.
[19] The first 之 in this sentence may be superfluous.
[20] The commentaries say that this was a town in Chu, but I can find no other reference to it.
[21] Ying Li was a politician and diplomat from Chu.
[22] Yao suggests reading 固 for 因 here, in which case it would read "resolving to withdraw".
齊王夫人死
The Death of the King of Qi's Wife
齊王夫人死，有七孺子皆近。薛公欲知王所欲立，乃獻七珥，美其一，明日視美珥所在，勸王立為夫人。
The principal wife of the King of Qi[1] died, and he had seven noble concubines[2], all of whom he was close to. Duke Xue[2] wished to know which one the King intended to make his new principal wife, so he offered seven sets of earrings, of which one was more beautiful than the others. The next day, he saw who was wearing the most beautiful earrings, and recommended that the King make that lady his new principal wife[4].
[1] Probably King Xuan of Qi (319–301 BC), who was best known for receiving advice from Mencius and establishing the Jixia Academy.
[2] The commentaries suggest that this may be intended to read 者皆 for 皆.
[3] It is not clear whether this refers to Tian Ying, who was a member of the Qi royal family, or Lord Mengchang, his son.
[4] The implication is that the King was planning to choose this woman anyway, so the Duke of Xue will receive credit for providing good advice from both the King and his new wife, even though he merely anticipated the inevitable.
孟嘗君將入秦
Lord Mengchang is on the Point of Going to Qin
孟嘗君將入秦，止者千數而弗聽。蘇秦欲止之，孟嘗曰：「人事者，吾已盡知之矣；吾所未聞者，獨鬼事耳。」蘇秦曰：「臣之來也，固不敢言人事也，固且以鬼事見君。」
Lord Mengchang[1] was on the point of going to Qin. Those attempting to stop him numbered in the thousands, but he did not listen. Su Dai[2] also wanted to stop him, but Lord Mengchang[3] said, "When it comes to human affairs, I already know everything there is to know. The only thing I have not yet heard about is the affairs of ghosts."
Su Dai said, "If your servant has come here, it is definitely not that he dares to lecture you on human affairs; it was in the hope of discussing the affairs of ghosts that I sought an audience with you."
孟嘗君見之。謂孟嘗君曰：「今者臣來，過於淄上，有土偶人與桃梗相與語。桃梗謂土偶人曰：『子，西岸之土也，挺子以為人，至歲八月，降雨下，淄水至，則汝殘矣。』土偶曰：『不然。吾西岸之土也，土則復西岸耳。今子，東國之桃梗也，刻削子以為人，降雨下，淄水至，流子而去，則子漂漂者將何如耳。』今秦四塞之國，譬若虎口，而君入之，則臣不知君所出矣。」孟嘗君乃止。
Lord Mengchang granted him an audience. Su Dai spoke to Lord Mengchang, saying, "Now when your servant was coming here[4], at the Zi River[5] crossing there was a terracotta statue and another made from a peach branch, and they were having a conversation. The peach branch statue spoke to the terracotta statue, saying, 'You were made of clay from the west bank of the river and shaped to look like a person[6], when the eighth month arrives the heavy rains will fall. The waters of the Zi will reach you and you will dissolve.' The clay statue said, 'Not so. I am made of clay from the west bank of the river, and my clay[7] will thus return to the west bank of the river. Now you are a peach branch from the eastern states, and you have been carved into a person, but when the heavy rains fall and the Zi River reaches you, the current will sweep you along and away. Thus you will float here and there, and then where will you be[8]?' Now Qin is a state with barriers[9] on all sides. It is like a tiger's mouth, and if Your Lordship enters, I do not know how you will get out." Lord Mengchang desisted.[10]
[1] This probably refers to Tian Wen rather than Tian Ying. Tian Wen was a celebrated politician and general in Qi.
[2] Reading 代 for 秦 here and thoughout, per the commentaries.
[3] Reading 孟嘗君 for 孟嘗, per the commentaries.
[4] The commentaries suggest that the 者 here is superfluous.
[5] The Zi River is in Shandong.
[6] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[7] Yao suggests 吾殘則 for 土則.
[8] Reading 如何 for 何如, per the commentaries.
[9] Qin was protected from the other states by mountains and rivers.
[10] Lord Mengchang did eventually go to Qin, and, as predicted, had a difficult time leaving.
孟嘗君在薛
Lord Mengchang Takes up Residence in Xue
孟嘗君在薛，荊人攻之。淳于髡為齊使於荊，還反過薛。而孟嘗令人體貌而親郊迎之。謂淳于髡曰：「荊人攻薛，夫子弗憂，文無以復侍矣。」淳于髡曰：「敬聞命。」
Lord Mengchang[1] took up residence in Xue[2], and Jing's[3] partisans attacked him. Chunyu Kun[4] had been serving as one of Qi's envoys in Jing, and his return journey took him through Xue. Lord Mengchang[5] had his people follow formal protocol and welcome him on the outskirts of the city[6]. He spoke to Chunyu Kun, saying, "Jing's partisans have attacked Xue. You need not worry, but when you return I will not be here to wait upon you. "
Chunyu Kun said, "I shall pay respectful attention to what you have decreed[7]."
至於齊，畢報。王曰：「何見於荊？」對曰：「荊甚固，而薛亦不量其力。」王曰：「何謂也？」對曰：「薛不量其力，而為先王立清廟。荊固而攻之，清廟必危。故曰薛不量力，而荊亦甚固。」齊王和其顏色曰：「譆！先君之廟在焉！」疾興兵救之
Chunyu Kun returned to Qi to make his final report. The King[8] said, "What did you see in Jing?"
He replied, "Jing is extremely determined and Xue has not accurately assessed his own strength."
The King said, "Why do you say that?"
Chunyu Kun replied, "Xue cannot have accurately assessed his own strength. He has built a shrine to the former King[9]. If Jing is determined to attack, the shrine will certainly be in danger. Therefore I say that Xue has not accurately assessed his own strength and Jing is extremely determined."
The King of Qi's face remained calm as he said, "Ah? So there is a shrine to the former King there?" But he sent them military aid post-haste.[10]
顛蹶之請，望拜之謁，雖得則薄矣。善說者，陳其勢，言其方，人之急也，若自在隘窘之中，豈用強力哉！
If Lord Mengchang had flung himself down and begged for help, bowing deeply as soon as he set eyes on the sovereign, whatever he received would have been inadequate. A skilled persuader simply expounds upon the situation and the approaches being taken to deal with it, and the sense of urgency created is such that it is as if his listeners were themselves in difficulty. Why use force?
[1] Also known as Tian Wen or Duke Xue, whose dramatic career was the source of a large number of persuasions, was a high-ranking member of the Qi royal house. He later defected to Wei.
[2] Xue was in the area of Tengzhou, in modern Shandong. Lord Mengchang inherited it from his father, Tian Ying.
[3] Jing was an alternative name for Chu. The fact that it is being used here hints that this stratagem was written in Qin, where the character for "Chu" was under a naming taboo during the late Warring States era, following the death of King Zhuangxiang, whose personal name it formed a part of.
[4] Chunyu Kun was a Confucian scholar at the Jixia Academy, who also advised the Qi government. He was famous for his wit and clever arguments.
[5] Reading 孟嘗君 for 而孟嘗, per the commentaries.
[6] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear. The formal welcome would presumably have involved sacrifices at an ancestral shrine, something that will be important later.
[7] The commentaries suggest reading 敬聞命矣 for 敬聞命 here.
[8] The commentaries suggest that this was King Xuan (319–301 BC), but at least one modern translation gives it as King Min (300–284 BC).
[10] Losing the shrine would be of little military import, but a massive symbolic blow, hence the King is willing to protect the shrine at all costs while being happy to leave Xue in general to fend for itself. The implication is that Lord Mengchang has built it to force the King to provide aid.
孟嘗君奉夏侯章
Lord Mengchang Gives Gifts to XiaHou zhang
孟嘗君奉夏侯章以四馬百人之食，遇之甚懽。夏侯章每言未嘗不毀孟嘗君也。或以告孟嘗君，孟嘗君曰：「文有以事夏侯公矣，勿言，董之。」繁菁以問夏侯公，夏侯公曰：「孟嘗君重非諸侯也，而奉我四馬百人之食。我無分寸之功而得此，然吾毀之以為之也。君所以得為長者，以吾毀之者也。吾以身為孟嘗君，豈得持言也。」
Lord Mengchang[1] gave Xiahou Zhang[2] four horses and subsistence for a hundred people, and was happy to provide such hospitality. Xiahou Zhang never said a word that was not critical of Lord Mengchang[3]. Someone reported this to Lord Mengchang, who said, "I have business with Xiahou Zhang; say no more."
Dongzhi Fanjing[4] asked Xiahou about this, and Xiahou said, "Lord Mengchang accords no importance to the sovereign lords, but he gave me four horses and subsistence for a hundred people. I had not the least achievement to deserve it. This being so, I criticised him and thereby created one; His Lordship's means of rising to greatness will be through my criticisms[5]. I am risking my life for Lord Mengchang's sake, how could he oppose my recommendations[6]?"
[1] Also known as Tian Wen or Duke Xue, whose dramatic career was the source of a large number of persuasions, was a high-ranking member of the Qi royal house. He later defected to Wei.
[2] Xiahou Zhang was a politician in Qi.
[3] Bao suggests 之 for 孟嘗君 here.
[4] Reading 勿言。」董之繁菁 for 勿言，董之。」繁菁, per the commentaries. He was a politician in Qi.
[5] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[6] This sentence seems garbled; commentaries and translations can only guess at the intended meaning. The general implication seems to be that Lord Mengchang's tolerance of critics like Xiahou Zhang will be what makes his reputation as a wise leader.
孟嘗君讌坐
Lord Mengchang Entertains His Guests
孟嘗君讌坐，謂三先生曰：「願聞先生有以補之闕者。」一人曰：「訾天下之主，有侵君者，臣請以臣之血湔其衽。」田瞀曰：「車軼之所能至，請掩足下之短者，誦足下之長；千乘之君與萬乘之相，其欲有君也，如使而弗及也。」勝(上股下目)曰：「臣願以足下之府庫財物，收天下之士，能為君決疑應卒，若魏文侯之有田子方、段干木也。此臣之所為君取矣。」
Lord Mengchang[1] was entertaining his guests, and spoke to three learned elders[2], saying, "I would like to hear the means you would use to repair my faults[3]."
One of them said, "If, among the carping lords of All-Under-Heaven, any would impose upon Your Lordship, your servant would beg to dye the lapels of his robe with his blood."
Tian Mao[4] said, "Wherever galloping chariots can reach, I beg permission to conceal Your Lordship's shortcomings and praise your strong points. Lords of a thousand chariots and Chancellors with ten thousand, all will want you on their side; they will not be able to appoint you fast enough[5]."
Sheng Tun[6] said, "I would wish to use resources of Your Lordship's treasury to receive the scholars of All-Under-Heaven. They could decide doubtful matters and respond to emergencies, just as Marquis Wen of Wei[7] had Tian Zifang[8] and Duanhan Mu[9]. Thus your servant would bring them over to Your Lordship."
[1] Also known as Tian Wen or Duke Xue, whose dramatic career was the source of a large number of persuasions, was a high-ranking member of the Qi royal house. He later defected to Wei.
[2] Following the interpretation given by the commentaries.
[3] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[4] It is not clear whether this name is written correctly.
[5] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this speech, but the general sense is clear.
[6] According to the commentaries, this is probably intended to read 勝臀, on the other hand, modern translations give 勝醬 (Sheng Jiang).
[7] Marquis Wen was fond of scholarship, consulting various scholars in forming policy. His reforms strengthened the state of Wei and he eventually attained hegemony in the fifth century BC.
[8] Tian Zifang was a Confucian philosopher, stories about his profound advice to Marquis Wei abound.
[9] Duanhan Mu was another Confucian philosopher, who was apparently so virtuous that Qin refrained from attacking Wei while he was there.
孟嘗君舍人有與君之夫人相愛者
A Guest of Lord Mengchang Has a Mutual Infatuation With His Concubine
孟嘗君舍人有與君之夫人相愛者。或以問孟嘗君曰：「為君舍人而內與夫人相愛，亦甚不義矣，君其殺之。」君曰：「睹貌而相悅者，人之情也，其錯之勿言也。」
One of Lord Mengchang's[1] guests had a mutual infatuation with his concubine[2]. Someone asked Lord Mengchang about it, saying, "For a lord's guest to share such feelings with one of his concubines is extremely improper. You should have him killed."
Lord Mengchang said, "To gaze upon beauty and find mutual joy therein is human nature; let us set it aside and speak no more of it."
居期年，君召愛夫人者而謂之曰：「子與文游久矣，大官未可得，小官公又弗欲。衛君與文布衣交，請具車馬皮幣，願君以此從衛君遊。」於衛甚重。
After a year, Lord Mengchang summoned the man who had been fond of his concubine and spoke to him, saying, "You have long been traveling with me. I still have not managed to find a high-ranking official position for you, and you certainly would not want a low-ranking one. The Lord of Wey[3] has granted me the honour of his friendship; please prepare carriages and horses, furs and silks. I would like Your Lordship to take them and travel to join the entourage of the Lord of Wey." The guest travelled to Wey and[4] was treated with great respect.
齊、衛之交惡，衛君甚欲約天下之兵以攻齊。是人謂衛君曰：「孟嘗君不知臣不肖，以臣欺君。且臣聞齊、衛先君，刑馬壓羊，盟曰：『齊、衛後世無相攻伐，有相攻伐者，令其命如此。』今君約天下之兵以攻齊，是足下倍先君盟約而欺孟嘗君也。願君勿以齊為心。君聽臣則可；不聽臣，若臣不肖也，臣輒以頸血湔足下衿。」衛君乃止。
Relations between Qi and Wey declined[5]. The Lord of Wey formed a profound desire to make an alliance with All-Under-Heaven and send troops to attack Qi. This being so, Lord Mengchang's man spoke to the Lord of Wey[6], saying, "Lord Mengchang was not aware of my degeneracy, and I deceived him. However, I have heard that the former lords of Qi and Wey sacrificed horses and sheep and made an alliance, saying, 'In future generations, Qi and Wey will never attack one another or come to battle; if we attack one another or come to battle, may we end up like these sacrificial victims.' Now Your Lordship is forming an alliance with All-Under-Heaven to attack Qi. This being so, you are betraying the alliance of the former sovereigns and double-crossing Lord Mengchang. I wish that Your Lordship would not set your heart upon Qi. If you listen to me now, then all will be well. If you do not listen, well then your servant is a degenerate individual[7] and would think nothing of staining your collar with arterial blood." The Lord of Wey desisted.
齊人聞之曰：「孟嘗君可語善為事矣，轉禍為功。」
The people of Qi heard of this and said, "Lord Mengchang can be said to have been skilled in handling his affairs[8], having turned misfortune into success."
[1] Also known as Tian Wen or Duke Xue, whose dramatic career was the source of a large number of persuasions, was a high-ranking member of the Qi royal house. He was famous for the size of his entourage.
[2] This follows the interpretation given by the commentaries, which suggest that this refers to a low-ranking concubine or maid.
[3] Lord Si of Wey (335 - 293 BC), he voluntarily reduced his title from Marquis to Lord in the hope of preserving his state.
[4] Reading 舍人遊於 for 於, per the commentaries.
[5] The commentaries interpret 惡 as 睦, but modern translations do not follow this.
[6] The commentaries suggest that the 衛 here may be superfluous.
[7] The commentaries suggest 者 for 若 here.
[8] The commentaries suggest 謂 for 語 here.
孟嘗君有舍人而弗悅
Lord Mengchang Has a Guest he Looks Down On
孟嘗君有舍人而弗悅，欲逐之。魯連謂孟嘗君曰：「猿獮猴錯木據水，則不若魚鱉；歷險乘危，則騏驥不如狐狸。曹沫之奮三尺之劍，一軍不能當；使曹沫釋其三尺之劍，而操銚鎒與農夫居壟畝之中，則不若農夫。故物舍其所長，之其所短，堯亦有所不及矣。今使人而不能，則謂之不肖；教人而不能，則謂之拙。拙則罷之，不肖則棄之，使人有棄逐，不相與處，而來害相報者，豈非世之立教首也哉！」孟嘗君曰：「善。」乃弗逐。
Lord Mengchang[1] had a guest that he looked down on; he wished to cast him out. Lu Lian[2] spoke to Lord Mengchang, saying, "If an ape or a monkey leaves its tree and takes to the water, then it will be no equal to the fish and the turtles[3]. When trying to escape a precipitous and dangerous pass, a qiji[4] horse is not the equal of a fox. When Cao Mo[5] deployed his three-chi knife a whole army could not equal it, but if you had him surrender his three-chi knife and take up the hoe to join the peasants in the fields, he would not be their equal. Thus, if everyone were to abandon their strengths for their weak points, then even a Yao[6] would have no way to attain his aim. Now we assign people tasks that they cannot complete and then call them worthless. We instruct them in that for which they are incapable and then call them stupid. Because they are stupid we give up on them; because they are worthless we abandon them. Once someone has been abandoned and cast out, and others will not associate with him, then he will return to harm you in revenge. This surely cannot be the example you aim to set up for future generations?"
Lord Mengchang said, "Very well." He refrained from expelling his guest.
[1] Also known as Tian Wen or Duke Xue, whose dramatic career was the source of a large number of persuasions, was a high-ranking member of the Qi royal house. He was famous for the size of his entourage.
[2] Lu Lian, or Lu Zhonglian was a member of the Jixia Academy, but refused to assume office.
[3] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[4] A legendary horse.
[5] Cao Mo was famous for his bravery. Serving as a Lu general, he lost land to Qi, but then at the signing of the peace treaty jumped on Duke Huan of Qi and held a knife to his throat until he agreed to give it back.
[6] Yao (traditional dates c. 2356 – 2255 BC) was a semi-legendary Chinese founding father.
孟嘗君出行國至楚
Lord Mengchang Goes Out Offering His Skills Among the States, Finally Arriving in Chu
孟嘗君出行國，至楚，獻象床。郢之登徒，直使送之，不欲行。見孟嘗君門人公孫戍曰：「臣，郢之登徒也，直送象床。象床之直千金，傷此若髮漂，賣妻子不足償之。足下能使僕無行，先人有寶劍，願得獻之。」公孫曰：「諾。」
Lord Mengchang[1] went out offering his skills among the states[2], finally arriving in Chu, where he was offered a couch made of ivory[3]. Deng Tu[4] of Ying[5] was appointed to convey it to him, but did not want to go. He saw Gongsun Xu[6], one of Lord Mengchang's party, and said, "Your servant, Deng Tu of Ying, has been appointed to take an ivory couch to Lord Mengchang. It cost a thousand gold pieces, and I damaged it slightly, leaving a hairline crack. Even if I were to sell my wife and children, I would not have enough to pay for it. If Your Lordship can ensure that I do not have to go, I have a precious sword inherited from my ancestors and I would like to give it to you."
Gongsun Xu[7] said, "I will do so."
入見孟嘗君曰：「君豈受楚象床哉？」孟嘗君曰：「然。」公孫戍曰：「臣願君勿受。」孟嘗君曰：「何哉？」公孫戍曰：「小國所以皆致相印於君者，聞君於齊能振達貧窮，有存亡繼絕之義。小國英桀之士，皆以國事累君，誠說君之義，慕君之廉也。今君到楚而受象床，所未至之國，將何以待君？臣戍願君勿受。」孟嘗君曰：「諾。」
He headed in to see Lord Mengchang and said, "Are you going to accept the ivory couch from Chu?"
Lord Mengchang said, "I am."
Gongsun Xu said, "I wish you wouldn't take it."
Lord Mengchang said, "Why?"
Gongsun Xu said, "If the smaller states[8] have been willing to give you their official seals, the reason is that they have heard about how you were able to make the depleted flourish in Qi, and that you have the judgement to settle life or death matters properly. The leading officials among the smaller states are willing to put their states' affairs and troubles in your hands because they are delighted by your integrity and admire your honesty. Now you have arrived in Chu and are accepting a gift of an ivory couch. When you arrive in the other states, what will they be able to offer you to match this? Your servant hopes you will not accept it."
Lord Mengchang said, "I will not."
公孫戍趨而去。未出，至中閨，君召而返之，曰：「子教文無受象床，甚善。今何舉足之高，志之揚也？」公孫戍曰：「臣有大喜三，重之寶劍一。」孟嘗君曰：「何謂也？」公孫戍曰：「門下百數，莫敢入諫，臣獨入諫，臣一喜；諫而得聽，臣二喜；諫而止君之過，臣三喜。輸象床，郢之登徒不欲行，許戍以先人之寶劍。」孟嘗君曰：「善。受之乎？」公孫戍曰：「未敢。」曰：「急受之。」因書門版曰：「有能揚文之名，止文之過，私得寶於外者，疾入諫。」
Gongsun Xu hurried away, but before he had crossed the threshold of the inner doorway Lord Mengchang summoned him back. When he returned, Lord Mengchang said, "You have instructed me not to take the ivory couch, which I am happy about[9]. But why, now, are you skipping away in such high spirits?"
Gongsun Xu said, "Because I have three great reasons to be content, and a precious sword on top of that."
Lord Mengchang said, "Why do you say that?" Gongsun Xu said, "Hundreds wait beyond your gate and none dare enter and air their criticisms; I am the only one who can come do this - that is my first reason to be content. My criticisms obtained a hearing - that is my second great reason to be content. I made my criticisms and was able to prevent your Lordship from making a mistake - that is my third reason to be content. Also, the man commissioned to transport the ivory couch, Deng Tu of Ying, did not want to come, and has promised me his ancestor's precious sword if I could ensure that he would not have to."
Lord Mengchang said, "Well said. And are you going to accept it?"
Gongsun Xu said, "I would not dare."
Lord Mengchang said, "You should accept it right away." As a result, Lord Mengchang had a sign written on his palace gate, saying, "If there is anyone who can improve Wen's good name by preventing him from making a mistake, then even if he is receiving other gifts on the the side, he should hurry in and make his criticisms."
[1] Also known as Tian Wen or Duke Xue, whose dramatic career was the source of a large number of persuasions, was a high-ranking member of the Qi royal house. He was famous for the size of his entourage.
[2] Following the interpretation given by the commentaries. At the time he had left Qi in protest at King Min's poor human resources policy, and was searching for a position elsewhere.
[3] Or a bed - a raised platform for sitting or sleeping.
[4] It is not entirely clear whether this is a personal name or an official title.
[5] Ying was the capital of Chu, near modern Jingzhou.
[6] Reading 戌 for 戍 here and throughout, per the commentaries. Gongsun Xu is known principally via this story.
[7] Reading 公孫戌 for 公孫, per the commentaries.
[8] This follows the text, but it may also be intended to read "five states" or "big states".
[9] Following the interpretation given by the commentaries.
淳於髡一日而見七人於宣王
Chunyu Kun Brings Seven People for Audiences With King Xuan in One Day
淳于髡一日而見七人於宣王。王曰：「子來，寡人聞之，千里而一士，是比肩而立；百世而一聖，若隨踵而至也。今子一朝而見七士，則士不亦眾乎？」淳于髡曰：「不然。夫鳥同翼者而聚居，獸同足者而俱行。今求柴葫、桔梗於沮澤，則累世不得一焉。及之睪黍、梁父之陰，則]車而載耳。夫物各有疇，今髡賢者之疇也。王求士於髡，譬若挹水於河，而取火於燧也。髡將復見之，豈特七士也。」
Chunyu Kun[1] brought seven people for audiences with King Xuan[2] in one day.
The King said, "Come, we have heard that if there is one good official every thousand li then it is as if they were standing shoulder-to-shoulder, and that if a sage appears once in a hundred years, then they are following hot on one another's heels[4]. Now in one morning you have brought seven officials in to see me; isn't that a lot?"[5]
Chunyu Kun, said, "Not so. Birds of a feather flock together, and hoof prints show game herds moving as one. Now if you search for bottle gourds and bellflowers on dry ground, then you could wear yourself out for a lifetime and not get a single one, though if you went to Gaoshu[6] or the northern slopes of Liangfu[7], then you would be able to fill a cart full. Everything has its natural habitat, and right now my entourage is the natural habitat of the wise. Asking me for officials is[8] like getting water from a river or fire from a flint. I will be back with more officials to see you, why stop at seven?"
[1] Chunyu Kun was a Confucian scholar at the Jixia Academy, who also advised the Qi government. He was famous for his wit and clever arguments.
[2] King Xuan of Qi.
[3] A li was about a third of a mile.
[4] The commentaries suggest 生 for 至 here. The implication is that such individuals are so rare that if you have any at all then you are doing better than average.
[5] All of them will be expecting jobs, with salaries paid by King Xuan.
[6] This was a mountain, but it is not clear where it was.
[7] Mount Liangfu is in Shandong.
[8] Reading 若 for 譬若, per the commentaries.
齊欲伐魏
Qi Wishes to Attack Wei
齊欲伐魏。淳于髡謂齊王曰：「韓子盧者，天下之疾犬也。東郭逡者，海內之狡兔也。韓子盧逐東郭逡，環山者三，騰山者五，兔極於前，犬廢於後，犬兔俱罷，各死其處。田父見之，無勞勌之苦，而擅其功。今齊、魏久相持，以頓其兵，弊其眾，臣恐強秦大楚承其後，有田父之功。」齊王懼，謝將休士也。
Qi wished to attack Wei. Chunyu Kun[1] spoke to[2] the King of Qi[3], saying, "The Han Mastiff[4] is the fastest dog in All-Under-Heaven, while the rabbits of East Guo are the most cunning rabbits within the four seas. A Han Mastiff once chased an East Guo rabbit. Three times they went round the mountain, and five times they ran up and down it, with the rabbit struggling ahead and the dog flagging behind, until both were so exhausted that they dropped dead in their tracks. A farmer saw this, and without the trouble of working, picked up the spoils[5]. Now Qi and Wei have long been in a standoff, their soldiers dropping from fatigue and their people exhausted. Your servant is afraid that mighty Qin or great Chu will profit from the aftermath, achieving a success akin to the farmer's." The King of Qi was afraid; he thanked his generals for their service and granted leave to his officers[6].
[1] Chunyu Kun was a Confucian scholar at the Jixia Academy, who also advised the Qi government. He was famous for his wit and clever arguments.
[2] The 謂 here may be intended to read 為, in which case Chunyu Kun is speaking on behalf of the King of Qi.
[3] It is not clear which King of Qi is indicated here.
[4] These seem to have been large, black sighthounds of some variety.
[5] Both the rabbit and the dog would have gone into the pot.
[6] The commentaries suggest that the 也 here may be superfluous.
國子曰秦破馬服君之師
Guo Zi Discusses Qin's Destruction of Lord Mafu's Battalions
國子曰：「秦破馬服君之師，圍邯鄲。齊、魏亦佐秦伐邯鄲，齊取淄鼠，魏取伊是。公子無忌為天下循便計，殺晉鄙，率魏兵以救邯鄲之圍，使秦弗有而失天下。是齊入於魏而救邯鄲之功也。安邑者，魏之柱國也；晉陽者，趙之柱國也；鄢郢者，楚之柱國也。故三國欲與秦壤界，秦伐魏取安邑，伐趙取晉陽，伐楚取鄢郢矣。福三國之君，兼二周之地，舉韓氏取其地，且天下之半。今又劫趙、魏，疏中國，封衛之東野，兼魏之河南，絕趙之東陽，則趙、魏亦危矣。趙、魏危，則非齊之利也。韓、魏、趙、楚之志，恐秦兼天下而臣其君，故專兵一志以逆秦。三國之與秦壤界而患急，齊不與秦壤界而患緩。是以天下之勢，不得不事齊也。故秦得齊，則權重於中國；趙、魏、楚得齊，則足以敵秦。故秦、趙、魏得齊者重，失齊者輕。齊有此勢，不能以重於天下者何也？其用者過也。」
Guo Zi[1] said, "Qin destroyed Lord Mafu's[2] battalions and encircled Handan[3]. Qi and Wei both helped Qin in its attack on Handan; Qi took Zishu[4] and Wei took Yishi[5]. Conveniently for All-Under-Heaven, Prince Wuji[6] pursued his plan to kill Jin Bi[7] and lead Wei's troops to help relieve the siege on Handan, ensuring that Qin would not be able to take possession of All-Under-Heaven. If this happened, it was because Qi joined Wei and they managed to help relieve Handan[8]. Anyi[9] was the capital of the state of Wei. Jinyang[10] was the capital of the state of Zhao. Yan and Ying[11], for their part, were the capitals of the state of Chu. These three states shared a border with Qin[12]. Qin attacked Wei and took Anyi, it attacked Zhao and took Jinyang[13], it attacked Chu and took Yan and Ying. It overwhelmed the armies of these three states[14], annexed the lands of the two Zhou, and united the Han family's lands with its own - that is half of All-Under-Heaven. If it now threatens Zhao and Wei, alienating the central states[15], acquiring Wey's eastern marches, annexing Wei's lands on this side of the Yellow River[16] and cutting off Dongyang[17] from Zhao, then Zhao and Wei will already[18] be in danger. If Zhao and Wei are in danger, then that will be of no benefit to Qi. Han, Wei, Zhao and Chu are of one mind; they are afraid that Qin will annex All-Under-Heaven and they will become servants of its lord. Therefore they have amalgamated their troops and are as one in their will to resist Qin. The three states that border Qin suffer acutely; Qi has no shared border with Qin and will suffer slowly. Such is the momentum within All-Under-Heaven, and the other states cannot but serve Qi's interests. If Qin gains Qi's backing, then its power over the central states will increase. If Zhao, Wei and Chu gain Qi's backing, then they will be a match for Qin. Thus, whoever among Qin, Chu[19], Zhao and Wei gains Qi's support will be reinforced, and whoever loses Qi's support will be inconsequential. If Qi has such influence, why does it not carry more weight in All-Under-Heaven? Because Qi has been using its influence wrongly."
[1] Guo Zi was a politician in Qi.
[2] Lord Mafu was Zhao Kuo, the son of the celebrated Zhao general Zhao She, who was defeated by Qin forces led by Bai Qi at the Battle of Changping.
[3] This refers to the Battle of Handan, which took place in the late 250s BC. Handan was the capital of Zhao at the time, and is in modern Hebei.
[4] I am not sure where Zishu was.
[5] This may be intended to read 伊氏 rather than 伊是. The transliteration does not change. It was in modern Anze County, Shanxi.
[6] Otherwise known as Lord Xinling. He was a member of the Wei royal house, and a famous strategist, but was eventually eased out as a result of internal political squabbles and drank himself to death in retirement.
[7] Jin Bi was the Wei General in charge of the troops at the siege of Handan. Zhao had requested help from Prince Wuji, but he could not convince the King of Wei to provide it. He persuaded the King's wife to steal the royal seal and then used it to get into the army camp, kill Jin Bi, and assume command. He then led the army against Qin and succeeded in freeing Handan.
[8] This sentence appears to be garbled, the point seems to be that Wei changed sides and Qi followed it.
[9] Anyi was the capital of Wei, it is now Yuncheng in Shanxi.
[10] Jinyang is now Taiyuan in Shanxi.
[11] The capital of Chu was originally situated in Ying. It was then moved to Yan, but still often referred to as Ying, with the general are being referred to as Yanying. Both cities were in the area surrounding Jingzhou, in Hubei.
[12] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, and it is an odd statement given that at the time this story took place Qin still shared a border with Wei, Zhao and Chu.
[13] In fact, Jinyang had not yet been captured at the time.
[14] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence. It seems that 君 should read 軍, however.
[15] The Central Plains were traditionally held to be the cradle of Chinese civilisation.
[16] Reading 河內 for 河南, per the commentaries.
[17] There were multiple places called Dongyang, but none seem like probable candidates.
[18] Reading 亦已 for 亦, per the commentaries.
[19] Reading 秦、楚 for 秦, per the commentaries.