齊六 THE STRATAGEMS OF QI VI (A)
齊負郭之民有孤狐咺者
Hu Xuan lives Outside Qi's Walls
齊負郭之民有孤狐咺者，正議閔王，斮之檀衢，百姓不附。齊孫室子陳舉直言，殺之東閭，宗族離心。司馬穰苴為政者也，殺之，大臣不親。以故燕舉兵，使昌國君將而擊之。齊使向子將而應之。齊軍破，向子以輿一乘亡。達子收餘卒，復振，與燕戰，求所以償者，閔王不肯與，軍破走。
Among the citizens living outside Qi's walls[1] there was a certain Hu Xuan[2], who raised honest criticisms of King Min[3]. He was executed at Tanqu[4] and the hundred clans ceased to support the King. A descendant of the Qi ruling house called Chen Ju[5] spoke out bluntly. He was killed[6] at the eastern gate of the city and the clan withdrew from the King. Sima Rangju[7] worked for the government. He was killed and the great servants of the state distanced themselves from the King. Yan therefore raised an army, appointed Lord Changguo[8] as its general, and struck, while Qi chose Master Xiang[9] for its own general and retaliated. Qi's chariots were destroyed and Master Xiang took the last one[10] and fled. Master Da[11] took over the remaining units, readied them for combat once more, and returned to battle with Yan. He requested funds with which to reward his troops[12]. King Min was unwilling to provide any, and the army was broken and fled.
王奔莒，淖齒數之曰：「夫千乘、博昌之間，方數百里，雨血沾衣，王知之乎？」王曰：「不知。」「嬴、博之間，地坼至泉，王知之乎？」王曰：「不知。」「人有當闕而哭者，求之則不得，去之則聞其聲，王知之乎？」王曰：「不知。」淖齒曰：「天雨血沾衣者，天以告也；地坼至泉者，地以告也；人有當闕而哭者，人以告也。天地人皆以告矣，而王不知戒焉，何得無誅乎？」於是殺閔王於鼓里。
The King fled to Ju[12]. Nao Chi[13] had much to say about this: "In an area of several hundred li between Qiancheng[14] and Bochang[15] there have been rains of blood, soaking people's clothes. Was Your Majesty aware of this?"
The King said, "I was not[16]."
"Between Ying[17] and Bo[18] the earth cracked open down to the springs below[19]. Was Your Majesty aware of this?"
The King said, "I was not."
"Someone has been crying before the watchtowers of your palace, and when we go to look for them, we find no one there. When we return inside, we hear the voice again. Was Your Majesty aware of this?"
The King said, "I was not."
Nao Chi said, "Rains of blood drenching people's clothes are a message from Heaven. Springs bursting from the ground are a message from the Earth. Weeping before your watchtowers is a message from your people. Heaven, earth and your people are sending you messages, and you are unaware of these warnings. How do you expect to avoid capital punishment?" This being so, Nao Chi killed King Min in the drum tower[20].
太子乃解衣免服，逃太史之家為溉園。君王后，太史氏女，知其貴人，善事之。田單以即墨之城，破亡餘卒，破燕兵，紿騎劫，遂以復齊，遽迎太子於莒，立之以為王。襄王即位，君王后以為后，生齊王建。
The Crown Prince[21] then threw off his court robes and fled to the house of the Taishi, where he worked as a gardener. The future Queen Jun[22], a daughter of the family[23], realised that he was of noble birth and treated him kindly. From the fortress of Jimo[24], Tian Dan[25] gathered the remaining broken and scattered Qi brigades to put Yan's troops to flight and defeat its strategists[26]. He then re-established the state of Qi. He immediately went to meet the Crown Prince in Ju, and established him on the throne, where he reigned as King Xiang[27], with Jun as his queen, and became the father of King Jian of Qi[28].
[1] I.e. the walls of the capital, Linzi.
[2] Hu Xuan is not otherwise well-known, and it is not clear whether this was actually his name. The commentaries make various suggestions. It is assumed that 孤 is an error here.
[3] King Min of Qi (300–284 BC) was famously bad at managing his subordinates, and almost lost his state following an invasion by Yan.
[4] Tanqu was the marketplace of Linzi, the capital of Qi.
[5] Chen Ju is not otherwise well-known.
[6] The implication is that this and the next killing were extra-judicial.
[7] Sima Rangju was a successful general in Qi.
[8] Also known as Yue Yi, a famous strategist in Yan and Zhao.
[9] Or Master Chu (觸), a Qi general.
[10] The commentaries suggest that the 以 here may be superfluous.
[11] Master Da was another Qi general.
[12] Formerly an independent state, Ju later become a Qi stronghold.
[13] Nao Chi was the Chancellor of Qi.
[14] Qiancheng was in what is now Gaoqing County, Shandong.
[15] Bochang was in what is now Boxing County, Shandong.
[16] The commentaries suggest that this and following incidences should possibly be read "I know", but this does not alight with Nao Chi's subsequent comments.
[17] Ying was in modern Tai'an, in Shandong.
[18] Bo was in modern Tai'an, in Shandong.
[19] Crump suggests that this may be a reference to Yellow Springs, the ancient Chinese underworld.
[20] These would be used to sound the alert and possibly to sound the watches of the day.
[21] King Xiang of Qi (283–265 BC) was the son of King Min and married Queen Jun after the former was overthrown.
[22] She only become Queen Jun later, after marrying the Crown Prince. Classical Chinese texts tend to backdate official titles.
[23] "Taishi" means "Official Historian/Astrologer", but it is also a family name, making it unclear whether this is the family of the Official Historian or merely a family named Taishi. Some of the commentaries suggest that 太史氏女 should read 太史后氏女, in which case the family name is actually Hou.
[24] Jimo was in modern Pingdu County, Shandong.
[25] Tian Dan was a celebrated Qi strategist.
[26] This follows the interpretation given by the commentaries, which suggest that this is a reference to Yue Yi.
[27] The commentaries disagree regarding the exact reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[28] King Jian of Qi (264–221 BC) was the last King of Qi.
王孫賈年十五事閔王
Wangsun Jia is Fifteen and Serves King Min
王孫賈年十五，事閔王。王出走，失王之處。其母曰：「女朝出而晚來，則吾倚門而望；女暮出而不還，則吾倚閭而望。女今事王，王出走，女不知其處，女尚何歸？」
Wangsun Jia[1] was fifteen years old and served King Min[2]. The King fled[3] and Wangsun Jia did not know where he was. His mother said, "When you go out in the morning and come back at night, I wait at the door and watch. If you go out at dusk and do not come back, I wait at the village gate and watch. Now you are a serving the King. He has fled and you do not know where he has gone. How can you return home?"
王孫賈乃入市中，曰：「淖齒亂齊國，殺閔王，欲與我誅者，袒右！」市人從者四百人，與之誅淖齒，刺而殺之。
Consequently Wangsun Jia went into[4] the marketplace and said, "Nao Chi[5] has brought chaos to the state of Qi. He killed King Min[6]. Whoever wishes to join me in executing Nao Chi, bare your right arm!" Of the people in the marketplace, four hundred followed him, and they went to execute Nao Chi. They stabbed and killed him.
[1] Wangsun Jia is known mainly via this story.
[2] King Min of Qi (300–284 BC) was famously bad at managing his subordinates, and almost lost his state following an invasion by Yan. He was killed by his Chancellor, Nao Chi.
[3] To Ju following Yan's invasion of Qi, as described in the previous chapter.
[4] Yao suggests reading 反 for 乃 here, in which case this sentence would read, "Wangsun Jia returned to the marketplace".
[5] Nao Chi was Chancellor of Qi.
[6] Commentaries suggest that the 閔 here may be superfluous.
燕攻齊取七十餘城
Yan Attacks Qi and Takes Over Seventy Towns
燕攻齊，取七十餘城，唯莒、即墨不下。齊田單以即墨破燕，殺騎劫。
Yan attacked Qi and took over seventy towns. Only Ju[1] and Jimo[2] were yet[3] to fall. From Jimo, Tian Dan[4] managed to break Yan, killing its general[5].
初，燕將攻下聊城，人或讒之。燕將懼誅，遂保守聊城，不敢歸。田單攻之歲餘，士卒多死，而聊城不下。
At the beginning of the campaign, a Yan General[6] had attacked and taken Liaocheng[7], but certain people had slandered him to his superiors and he was afraid of being executed, so he held onto Liaocheng because he did not dare to return home[8]. Tian Dan besieged it for over a year, and many officers and men died, but Liaocheng did not fall.
魯連乃書，約之矢以射城中，遺燕將曰：「吾聞之，智者不倍時而棄利，勇士不怯死而滅名，忠臣不先身而後君。今公行一朝之忿，不顧燕王之無臣，非忠也；殺身亡聊城，而威不信於齊，非勇也；功廢名滅，後世無稱，非知也。故知者不再計，勇士不怯死。今死生榮辱，尊卑貴賤，此其一時也。願公之詳計而無與俗同也。且楚攻南陽，魏攻平陸，齊無南面之心，以為亡南陽之害，不若得濟北之利，故定計而堅守之。今秦人下兵，魏不敢東面，橫秦之勢合，則楚國之形危。且棄南陽，斷右壤，存濟北，計必為之。今楚、魏交退，燕救不至，齊無天下之規，與聊城共據期年之弊，即臣見公之不能得也。齊必決之於聊城，公無再計。彼燕國大亂，君臣過計，上下迷惑，栗腹以百萬之眾，五折於外，萬乘之國，被圍於趙，壤削主困，為天下戮，公聞之乎？今燕王方寒心獨立，大臣不足恃，國弊𥰁多，民心無所歸。今公又以弊聊之民，距全齊之兵，期年不解，是墨翟之守也；食人炊骨，士無反北之心，是孫臏、吳起之兵也。能以見於天下矣！
Consequently, Lu Lian[9] wrote[10] a letter, wrapped it around an arrow[11] and fired it over the city walls, addressed to the Yan General. It said, "Your servant has heard that a wise individual does not neglect his own interests by turning his back on opportunities; a heroic officer does ruin his good name because he fears death[12]; a loyal servant does not put himself first and his lord second. Now you react thus to the condemnation of the court[13], disregarding the fact that this deprives the King of Yan[14] of one of his servants. This is not loyalty. You are about to be killed in exile in Liaocheng, and your name will lose all credibility in Qi[15]. This is not heroism. You are erasing your previous achievements and ruining your good name, such that future generations will never speak of you. This is not intelligence. This is why intelligent individuals do not go back on their plans and heroic officers are not afraid of death[16]. Now death and life, glory and dishonour, high and low status, nobility and degradation, all rest on this one moment. I hope that you will think about your plans comprehensively and not in the manner in which the common herd would approach it. Chu[17] has attacked Nanyang[18] and Wei has attacked Pinglu[19]. Qi has no intention of turning southwards[20], believing that the harm it will suffer from losing Nanyang to be less than the benefit it will gain from taking land north of the Ji River[21]. Thus Qi has settled on a plan and held firmly to it. Now Qin's partisans have dispatched their troops[22], Wei will not dare turn East. We have formed an alliance with Qin and united our power, and so Chu is in a dangerous situation. Even if we[23] abandon Nanyang, and the lands to our right[24] are cut off, we will have a presence north of the Ji: this strategy guarantees it. Now Chu and Wey are coordinating their retreat, and Yan is requesting aid but receiving none. There will be no one in All-Under-Heaven capable of constraining Qi. We will lean on Liaocheng with all our force, for as many years takes to exhaust you. Then, if I come to seek an audience with you, I will not be able to obtain one[25]. Qi has made its decision regarding Liaocheng, and you will be given no chance to revise your plans. In Yan there is great disorder, the Lord and his servants are following the wrong strategies, with superiors and subordinates leading one another astray. Li Fu[26], leading battalions a hundred thousand strong[27], has suffered five defeats abroad, and now this state of ten thousand chariots has been encircled by Zhao, its lands reduced and its Lord surrounded. Yan has been humiliated before All-Under-Heaven. Had you heard about this? Now the King of Yan is frozen with fear and stands alone. His principal private secretaries cannot be relied upon, his state is worn down and beset by misfortune[28], and the hearts of his citizens have turned away from him. Now you, likewise, have exhausted the citizens of Liaocheng[29], holding off all the armies of Qi for a whole year without respite. This was a defence worthy of Mo Di[30]. Even when eating human flesh and boiling the bones[31], your officers had no thought of rebellion or surrender. This was military management worthy of Sun Bin[32] or Wu Qi[33]. Your skills have been noticed throughout All-Under-Heaven.
「故為公計者，不如罷兵休士，全車甲，歸報燕王，燕王必喜。士民見公，如見父母，交游攘臂而議於世，功業可明矣。上輔孤主，以制群臣；下養百姓，以資說士。矯國革俗於天下，功名可立也。意者，亦捐燕棄世，東游於齊乎？請裂地定封，富比陶、衛，世世稱孤寡，與齊久存，此亦一計也。二者顯名厚實也，願公熟計而審處一也。
"Therefore, I have prepared a strategy for you[34]. Nothing would be better than to demobilise your troops and grant your officers leave. With your chariots and armour still intact, return to the King of Yan. He[35] will certainly be overjoyed. Officers and citizens will look upon you as they look upon their own parents[36]. Friends and acquaintances will take your arms and acclaim you before the world, that your works and achievements may shine more clearly. You can stand shoulder to shoulder with your lonely King, taking control over his cabinet above, while providing for the hundred clans and endowing diplomats and officials below[37]. You can rectify the state and reform customs throughout All-Under-Heaven. You can establish a great name for yourself. Or if you prefer[38] to give up on Yan and abandon the world, why not travel eastwards into Qi? I will beg that Qi grant you land and a noble title, making you as rich as Tao[39] or Wey[40]. Generations of your descendants will use royal pronouns[41] and your line will endure in Qi - this is also a potential strategy. By means of these two plans you can gain either an illustrious name or abundant wealth, so I hope that you will think urgently about this, and settle upon one of them.
「且吾聞，傚小節者不能行大威，惡小恥者不能立榮名。昔管仲射桓公中鉤，篡也；遺公子糾而不能死，怯也；束縛桎桔，辱身也。此三行者，鄉里不通也，世主不臣也。使管仲終窮抑，幽囚而不出，慚恥而不見，窮年沒壽，不免為辱人賤行矣。然而管子并三行之過，據齊國之政，一匡天下，九合諸侯，為五伯首，名高天下，光照鄰國。曹沫為魯君將，三戰三北，而喪地千里。使曹子之足不離陳，計不顧後，出必死而不生，則不免為敗軍禽將。曹子以敗軍禽將，非勇也；功廢名滅，後世無稱，非知也。故去三北之恥，退而與魯君計也，曹子以為遭。齊桓公有天下，朝諸侯。曹子以一劍之任，劫桓公於壇位之上，顏色不變，而辭氣不悖。三戰之所喪，一朝而反之，天下震動驚駭，威信吳、楚，傳名後世。若此二公者，非不能行小節，死小恥也，以為殺身絕世，功名不立，非知也。故去忿恚之心，而成終身之名；除感忿之恥，而立累世之功。故業與三王爭流，名與天壤相敝也。公其圖之！」
Your servant has heard that he who is too punctilious over small matters will never be able to undertake great things, and he who disdains small embarrassments will never be able to establish a glorious name for himself. In the past, Guan Zhong[42] shot at Duke Huan[43] and hit his belt buckle, which was an act of insurrection. He abandoned Prince Jiu[44], being unable to bring himself to die for him, which was an act of cowardice. He was shackled hand and foot[45], which was a personal humiliation. No village would allow entry to someone who had committed these three acts, nor would any sovereign in the world accept his service. If Guan Zhong had allowed himself to be brought low by this, he would have shut himself away and never gone out, too embarrassed to allow himself to be seen, passing his remaining years in penury and dying young, unable to escape the contempt of even the lowest for his behaviour[46]. Nevertheless[47], despite these three transgressions[48], Master Guan took over the government of Qi, reordered All-Under-Heaven, united the nine sovereign lords, and made his leader one of the Five Hegemons[49]. His name was renowned throughout All-Under-Heaven, his glory adding lustre even to his neighbouring states. Meanwhile, Cao Mo[50] served as a general under the Lord of Lu[51]. He fought three battles and was defeated three times, losing a thousand li of land. If Master Cao had satisfied himself with simply refusing to leave the battle lines, making his plans without looking to what would come after, those who marched out would certainly have died, and he would not have survived. Thus he could not have avoided ending up as the captured general of a defeated army. If Master Cao had become the captured general of a defeated army, this would not have been an act of heroism. His achievements would have been erased and his name ruined, such that future generations would never speak of him. This would not have been an act of intelligence. This is why he set aside the humiliation of the three defeats, retreated, and made plans with the Lord of Lu[52] to engineer a meeting[53]. Duke Huan of Qi possessed All-Under-Heaven, and the sovereign lords paid homage in his court. Using only a single knife, Cao Mo robbed Duke Huan on his own altar[54]. His expression did not change and his words were not aggressive, but in one morning the losses of three battles were reversed, shaking All-Under-Heaven and spreading terror. His glory was reported as far away as Wu and Chu, and his fame was passed down through the generations that followed. Thus, these two were not incapable of punctiliousness over small matters or of dying to avoid minor embarrassments, but they realised that being killed and leaving this world before they had established a name for themselves would not have been the intelligent thing to do. Therefore, put aside the rage and exasperation in your heart, and use all the life given to you to secure your fame. Put aside the fury of humiliation, and pile up achievements in this world. Thus your deeds will vie with those of the Three Kings[55], while your name will survive until Heaven and Earth collapse. Make your decision."
燕將曰：「敬聞命矣！」因罷兵到讀而去。故解齊國之圍，救百姓之死，仲連之說也。
The Yan General said, "I will listen respectfully to your instructions." As a result, the troops were demobilised, put their bows in their cases[56] and left. Thus, if Qi's siege was lifted its citizens saved from death, it was on account of Zhonglian's persuasions.
[1] Formerly an independent state, Ju later become a Qi stronghold.
[2] Jimo was in modern Pingdu County, Shandong.
[3] Reading 未 for 不, per the commentaries.
[4] Tian Dan was a celebrated Qi strategist.
[5] Following the interpretation given by the commentaries.
[6] It is not known which one.
[7] Liaocheng is still called Liaocheng, and is in Shandong.
[8] The commentaries disagree on the correct reading of this section; it is possible that some parts are later additions, or that it contains errors. In this case it has been translated as it is given in the text. The implication is that the General's domestic enemies denigrated him to the King of Yan while he was away, and thus he did not dare to return.
[9] Lu Lian or Lu Zhonglian was a member of the Jixia Academy.
[10] Reading 為書 for 書 here, per the commentaries.
[11] Presumably the letter was written on silk.
[12] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[13] Modern translations differ on the interpretation of this sentence, and it may be garbled. Other versions suggest "one day of condemnation".
[14] King Hui of Yan (278 - 272 BC) was a largely unsuccessful king, and would later be murdered by one of his generals.
[15] Modern translations differ on the interpretation of this sentence, and it may be garbled. This is a best-guess translation.
[16] The commentaries disagree on the correct reading of this section. In this case it has been translated as it is given in the text.
[17] The commentaries suggest that this may be intended to read "Qi".
[18] This refers to a place on the border between Qi and Chu, on the banks of the Si River, not modern Nanyang.
[19] Pinglu is still called Pinglu, and is in Shanxi. At the time it was also in Qi.
[20] I.e. to defend Nanyang and Pinglu.
[21] The Ji River ran in the current channel of the Yellow River. In this case, Lu Lian is referring to Liaocheng.
[22] I.e. to Qi.
[23] Yao suggests reading 齊 here.
[24] Lu Lian is speaking from the point of view of the King of Qi, sitting in his South-facing palace in Linzi. Pinglu would have been (a long way) to his right.
[25] Given that he has not managed to secure one in this case either, this seems to suggest that the argument has been repurposed from another context.
[26] Li Fu was Chancellor of Yan.
[27] Reading 十 for 百, per the commentaries.
[28] Other versions give 祸 for 𥰁 here; 𥰁 is a very rare character and modern translations interpret it in accordance with the former option.
[29] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[30] Mo Di, also known as Mozi, was well-known for his siege warfare skills as well as his philosophy.
[31] To extract the maximum nutrition from them.
[32] Sun Bin was a Qi General and also wrote on military strategy.
[33] Wu Qi was a Chu General and also wrote on military strategy.
[34] The 者 here may be superfluous.
[35] Yao suggests that the 燕王 here is superfluous.
[36] That is to say, with gratitude.
[37] That is to say, he can build up a power bloc of his own.
[38] Yao suggests that the 意者 here is superfluous.
[39] Wei Ran, the Chancellor of Qin, who was given a fief in Tao. Tao is now Dingtao in Shandong.
[40] Wey Yang, the former Chancellor of Qin, who was given a fief in Shang. Shang is now Shangluo in Shaanxi.
[41] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[42] Guan Zhong served as Chancellor of Qi under Duke Huan.
[43] Duke Huan was a famously successful ruler of Qi during the Spring and Autumn period. He fled into exile at a young age as a result of domestic political strife, and returned to Qi later to fight his brother for the throne. Guan Zhong originally supported the brother, Prince Jiu, and in a fracas between the two sides fired an arrow that came close to killing Duke Huan. He was later captured and was sentenced to death, but his friends begged for his life, and Duke Huan eventually appointed him as Chancellor.
[44] Prince Jiu was Duke Huan's brother.
[45] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[46] Modern translations disagree regarding the interpretation of this sentence, and this is a best guess.
[47] The commentaries suggest that the 而 here may be superfluous.
[48] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[49] The Five Hegemons were leaders who came close to uniting the empire at various points during the Spring and Autumn period.
[50] Cao Mo is famous mainly on account of the story told here. Having lost territory in three successive battles with Qi, he held Duke Huan of Qi hostage during the peace treaty signing ceremony, threatening to kill him unless the land was returned.
[51] Duke Zhuang of Lu (693–662 BC) had a long and eventful reign.
[52] Yao suggests that the 也曹子 here is superfluous.
[53] On the pretext of negotiating a surrender.
[54] Cao Mo used the opportunity of the surrender negotiations to grab Duke Huan and hold a knife to his throat, forcing him to return all the territory that his armies had taken.
[55] The Three Kings were the founders of previous dynasties: King Qi of Xia, King Tang of Shang and King Wu of Zhou.
[56] Reading 倒韣 for 到讀, per the commentaries. There is some disagreement about this sentence, but it seems to be referring to a gesture of non-aggression.
燕攻齊齊破
Yan AttackS Qi and Qi is Broken
燕攻齊，齊破。閔王奔莒，淖齒殺閔王。田單守即墨之城，破燕兵，復齊墟。襄王為太子徵。齊以破燕，田單之立疑，齊國之眾，皆以田單為自立也。襄王立，田單相之。
Yan attacked Qi and Qi was broken. King Min[1] fled to Ju[2], where Nao Chi[3] killed him. Tian Dan[4] held the city of Jimo[5], and then wiped out Yan's troops and restored Qi from the ruins. The future King Xiang[6] was recognised as the Crown Prince, but after Qi[7] broke Yan, Tian Dan had hesitated in establishing Xiang on the throne, and throughout the state of Qi the masses all believed that Tian Dan intended to make himself king. Nevertheless, King Xiang was enthroned and Tian Dan served as his Chancellor.
過菑水，有老人涉菑而寒，出不能行，坐於沙中。田單見其寒，欲使後車分衣，無可以分者，單解裘而衣之。襄王惡之，曰：「田單之施，將欲以取我國乎？不早圖，恐後之。」左右顧無人，巖下有貫珠者，襄王呼而問之曰：「女聞吾言乎？」對曰：「聞之。」王曰：「女以為何若？」對曰：「王不如因以為己善。王嘉單之善，下令曰：『寡人憂民之饑也，單收而食之；寡人憂民之寒也，單解裘而衣之；寡人憂勞百姓，而單亦憂之，稱寡人之意。』單有是善而王嘉之，善單之善，亦王之善已。」王曰：「善！」乃賜單牛酒，嘉其行。
Crossing the Zi River[8] they encountered an old man who had been intending to wade across, but it was so cold that he had been unable to continue and was sitting on the sandbank. Tian Dan saw how cold he was, and requested that the members of his retinue give him some clothes. None of them had any that they could offer, so Tian Dan took off his fur coat and wrapped him in it.
King Xiang grumbled about this, saying, "If Tian Dan is doing such things, will he soon want to take my state?[9] If I do not pre-empt this soon[10], I fear I will be too late."
He looked around and there was no one nearby, but at the bottom of the bank someone was stringing threads of beads. King Xiang called out and asked, "Did you hear what I just said?"
The reply came: "I heard."
The King said, "What did you make of it?"
"There would be nothing better for Your Majesty than to take advantage by making this good deed your own[11]. You should celebrate Tian Dan's good deed. Have a proclamation made saying, 'We were grieved that the people were hungry, and Dan received and fed them. We were grieved that the people were cold, and Dan took off his furs and clothed them. Being grieved, we laboured on behalf of the hundred clans, and Dan, also being grieved, was willing to assist us in fulfilling our aims.' When Dan does a good deed and Your Majesty celebrates it, by praising Dan's good deeds, the good deeds become your own."
The King said, "Very well." Thus he rewarded Dan with cattle and liquor, celebrating his acts.
後數日，貫珠者復見王曰：「王至朝日，宜召田單而揖之於庭，口勞之。乃布令求百姓之饑寒者，收穀之。」
Several days later, the bead-threader came back to see the King, and said, "On the day that all the officials come to Your Majesty's court, it would be apt to summon Tian Dan and bow before him in the great hall, showering praise upon him. Then send out the order to seek out those among the hundred clans who may be hungry or cold, and to receive them and provide them with grain."
乃使人聽於閭里，聞丈夫之相與語，舉曰：「田單之愛人!嗟，乃王之教澤也！」
After this, officials were sent out to listen in the villages in order to hear what the men were saying to one another. It was reported that they were saying: "Tian Dan's philanthropy... Ah, such is the fruit of the King's instructions!"
[1] King Min of Qi (300–284 BC) was famously bad at managing his subordinates, and almost lost his state following an invasion by Yan. He was killed by his Chancellor, Nao Chi.
[2] Formerly an independent state, Ju later become a Qi stronghold.
[3] Nao Chi served as Chancellor of Qi.
[4] Tian Dan was a celebrated Qi strategist.
[5] Jimo was in modern Pingdu County, Shandong.
[6] King Xiang of Qi (283–265 BC) was the son of King Min and married Queen Jun after the former was overthrown. Queen Jun would do much to ensure that Qi would be the last of the states to be conquered by Qin.
[7] Reading 已 for 以 here, per the commentaries.
[8] The Zi River is in Shandong.
[9] Traditionally one built up a political faction by bestowing gifts. This is why the King is suspicious.
[10] Reading 圖之 for 圖, per the commentaries.
[11] Yao suggests that the King asks him how he would do so at this point.
貂勃常惡田單
Diao Bo Constantly Denigrates Tian Dan
貂勃常惡田單，曰：「安平君，小人也。」安平君聞之，故為酒而召貂勃，曰：「單何以得罪於先生，故常見譽於朝？」貂勃曰：「跖之狗吠堯，非貴跖而賤堯也，狗固吠非其主也。貂勃常惡田單，曰：「安平君，小人也。」安平君聞之，故為酒而召貂勃，曰：「單何以得罪於先生，故常見譽於朝？」貂勃曰：「跖之狗吠堯，非貴跖而賤堯也，狗固吠非其主也。且今使公孫子賢，而徐子不肖。然而使公孫子與徐子鬥，徐子之狗，猶時攫公孫子之腓而噬之也。若乃得去不肖者，而為賢者狗，豈特攫其腓而噬之耳哉？」安平君曰：「敬聞命。」明日，任之於王。
Diao Bo[1] was constantly denigrating Tian Dan[2], saying, "Lord Anping[3] is a peasant."
Lord Anping heard about this, so he had wine prepared and summoned Diao Bo, saying, "How have I offended against you, that I should constantly suffer your slights[4] at court?"
Diao Bo said, "When Zhi's[5] dog barked at Yao[6], it was not because it believed Zhi to be noble and Yao contemptible; a dog will bark at anyone who is not his master. Now Master Such-and-Such[7] may be wise and Master So-and-So worthless, but nevertheless, if Master Such-and-Such were to fight Master So-and-So, then Master So-and-So's dog will snap at Master Such-and-Such's ankles[8] and bite him. But if the dog should happen to flee its worthless master and became a wise man's dog, would he then do more than bite and snap at others' ankles?"
Tian Dan said, "I will listen respectfully to your instructions." The next day, he recommended that the King[9] appoint Diao Bo to an official position.
王有所幸臣九人之屬，欲傷安平君，相與語於王曰：「燕之伐齊之時，楚王使將軍將萬人而佐齊。今國已定，而社稷已安矣，何不使使者謝於楚王？」王曰：「左右孰可？」九人之屬曰：「貂勃可。」貂勃使楚。楚王受而觴之，數日不反。九人之屬相與語於王曰：「夫一人身，而牽留萬乘者，豈不以據勢也哉？且安平君之與王也，君臣無禮，而上下無別。且其志欲為不善。內牧百姓，循撫其心，振窮補不足，布德於民；外懷戎翟、天下之賢士，陰結諸侯之雄俊豪英。其志欲有為也。願王之察之。」異日，而王曰：「召相單來。」田單免冠徒跣肉袒而進，退而請死罪。五日，而王曰：「子無罪於寡人，子為子之臣禮，吾為吾之王禮而已矣。」
The King's nine most-favoured private secretaries gathered. They wished to harm Lord Anping and they spoke jointly to the King, saying, "When Yan attacked Qi, the King of Chu[10] sent a general[11] with ten thousand of his people to help Qi. Now the state has been stabilised, and the spirits of earth and grain are at peace. Why not send an envoy to thank the King of Chu?"
The King said, "Who among my entourage could do it?"
The nine of them gathered there said, "Diao Bo would be able to do it[12]." Diao Bo undertook the mission to Chu. The King of Chu received him and held a feast in his honour. Several days passed and he had not returned.
All nine present said to the King, "This personage has been waylaid by a state of ten thousand chariots. Might it not be on account of the power backing him[13]? Lord Anping's attitude towards Your Majesty lacks the ceremony appropriate to a lord and his servant, and he does not observe the proper distinctions between superior and subordinate. He can be bent on nothing good. Internally he receives the hundred clans, comforting their minds. He provides relief to the poor and subsidies for those in need, augmenting the honour paid to him by the citizens. Abroad, he curries favour with the Rongdi[13] and the superior officials of All-Under-Heaven, and makes secret agreements with the most eminent and able among the staffs of the sovereign lords[14]. He is bent on something. We hope Your Majesty will investigate this."
Some days later, the King said, "Summon Chancellor Tian Dan." Tian Dan approached with his hair loose, barefoot and stripped to the waist, before stepping back and requesting permission to commit suicide for his transgressions.
Five days later, the King said, "You have committed no transgressions against us. You follow your protocol as a servant and I will follow mine as a king, and that will be the end of it."
貂勃從楚來，王賜諸前，酒酣，王曰：「召相田單而來。」貂勃避席稽首曰：「王惡得此亡國之言乎？王上者孰與周文王？」王曰：「吾不若也。」貂勃曰；「然，臣固知王不若也。下者孰與齊桓公？」王曰：「吾不若也。」貂勃曰：「然，臣固知王不若也。然則周文王得呂尚以為太公，齊桓公得管夷吾以為仲父，今王得安平君而獨曰『單』。且自天地之闢，民人之治，為人臣之功者，誰有厚於安平君者哉？而王曰『單，單』。惡得此亡國之言乎？且王不能守先王之社稷，燕人興師而襲齊墟，王走而之城陽之山中。安平君以惴惴之即墨，三里之城，五里之郭，敝卒七千，禽其司馬，而反千里之齊，安平君之功也。當是時也，闔城陽而王，城陽、天下莫之能止。然而計之於道，歸之於義，以為不可，故為棧道木閣，而迎王與后於城陽山中，王乃得反，子臨百姓。今國已定，民已安矣，王乃曰『單』。且嬰兒之計不為此。王不亟殺此九子者以謝安平君，不然，國危矣！」王乃殺九子而逐其家，益封安平君以夜邑萬戶。
Diao Bo came back from Chu, and the King held a banquet in his honour[15]. As they enjoyed the wine, the King said, "Summon Chancellor Tian Dan and have him come here."
Diao Bo advanced from his mat and bowed low, saying, "How can you speak thus, in the style of a doomed state[16]? If we look back to the great kings, who is superior, Your Majesty or King Wen of Zhou[17]?"
The King said, "I do not compare."
Diao Bo said, "Just so. Your servant is well-aware that Your Majesty cannot compare. Among the lesser rulers, who is superior, yourself or Duke Huan of Qi[18]?"
The King said, "I do not compare."
Diao Bo said, "Just so. Your servant is well-aware that Your Majesty cannot compare[19]. If this is so, it is because King Wen of Zhou secured the services of Lü Wang[20] and called him 'Grand Duke', while Duke Huan[21] secured the services of Guan Yiwu[22] and called him 'faithful uncle'[23]. Now Your Majesty has secured the services of Lord Anping, and you simply call him Dan[24]. When it comes to bringing order to the people and achieving great things in their service, who - since the beginning of Heaven and Earth - has done more than Lord Anping? But you say, 'Dan, Dan!' How can you speak thus, in the style of a doomed state? Your Majesty was unable to defend the former[25] kings' earth and grain. When the people of Yan mobilised their troops and raided Qi's ancestral lands, Your Majesty fled to the mountains of Chengyang[26]. Lord Anping used the terrorised town of Jimo - three square li with suburbs of five li - and seven thousand worn out troops to capture Yan's cavalry commander and return a thousand li to Qi. That was Lord Anping's achievement. If, at that time, he had held you in Chengyang and made himself King, then no one in Chengyang[27] or in All-Under-Heaven could have stopped him. Nevertheless, recognising that acting thus would have been improper, he made his plans correctly and returned in accordance with his duty. Thus he built plank roads and wooden pavilions[28] and came to meet Your Majesty and the Queen in the mountains of Chengyang, and as a consequence you were able to return and be among the hundred clans. Now that the country has been stabilised, the citizens are at peace, and still you say, 'Dan, Dan!'[29] Even a child would not think to behave thus. There would be nothing better[30] for you now than to kill your nine advisors immediately by way of apology to Lord Anping. If this is not done, then the state will be at risk." Accordingly, the King killed the nine advisors, exiled their households, and enriched Lord Anping with domain of ten thousand households in Yeyi[31].
[1] Diao Bo was a politician in Qi.
[2] Tian Dan was a celebrated Qi strategist. He was also known as Lord Anping.
[3] I.e. Tian Dan.
[4] Reading 惡 for 譽 here, following Yao.
[5] Robber Zhi was a legendary figure, somewhere between Robin Hood and Brer Rabbit. He is described as interacting with people from various eras in Chinese history, generally subverting their grand ideas and pricking their egos.
[6] Emperor Yao, a semi-legendary founding father of the Chinese nation.
[7] These seem to be made up names - literally "Master Minor-Nobility" and "Master Empty".
[9] King Xiang of Qi (283–265 BC) was the son of King Min and married Queen Jun after the former was overthrown. Queen Jun would do much to ensure that Qi would be the last of the states to be conquered by Qin.
[10] 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.
[11] According to the commentaries, this was Nao Chi, who would later serve as Chancellor of Qi.
[12] The implication is that they wish to deprive Tian Dan of his support by sending his partisans abroad.
[13] I.e. Chu is attempting to curry favour with Diao Bo because it thinks that his patron, Tian Dan, is a power in the state of Qi.
[13] The Rongdi were non-Huaxia peoples living northwest of Qin.
[14] Following the interpretation suggested by the commentaries.
[15] Reading 觴 for 賜, per the commentaries.
[16] It is the King's use of Dan's personal name, an infraction against formal protocol, that has prompted this outburst.
[17] King Wen of Zhou (1112–1050 BC) began a rebellion against King Zhou of Shang that was completed by his son, King Wu.
[18] Duke Huan of Qi (685–643 BC) was the greatest ruler of Qi during the Spring and Autumn Period, and with his Chancellor Guan Zhong led the state to a position of hegemony over the other states.
[19] The commentaries suggest that this sentence may be superfluous.
[20] Reading 望 for 尚, per the commentaries. Lü Wang was also known as Jiang Ziya. He served as a loyal minister to King Wen and later to the Duke of Zhou who served as regent following King Wen's death.
[21] The commentaries suggest that the 齊 here is superfluous.
[22] Guan Yiwu was also known as Guan Zhong, who instituted extensive legal reforms as Chancellor under Duke Huan.
[23] This was a nickname given to Guan Yiwu at the time.
[24] Calling someone by their personal name was often impolite.
[25] The commentaries suggest that 先 should possibly be read 乎 here.
[26] Chengyang is in Qingdao. Diao Bo is presumably referring to Mount Lao.
[27] The commentaries suggest that the 城陽 (Chengyang) here may be superfluous.
[28] Used to enable the army to travel quickly on difficult ground.
[29] The commentaries are not sure whether there should be one 單 or two here.
[30] Reading 不如 for 不, in accordance with modern translations.
[31] Yeyi is now Laizhou in Shandong, but it is not entirely clear whether this is, in fact, the place intended here.