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韓二 THE STRATAGEMS OF HAN II (B)

齊明謂公叔

Qi Ming Speaks to Gongshu

齊明謂公叔曰:「齊逐幾瑟,楚善之。今楚欲善齊甚,公何不令齊王謂楚王:『王為我逐幾瑟以窮之。』楚聽,是齊、楚合,而幾瑟走也;楚王不聽,是有陰於韓也。」

 

Qi Ming[1] spoke to Gongshu[2], saying, "Qi has expelled Jise[3], but Chu favours him. Now Chu wishes to ingratiate itself with Qi so why not have the King of Qi[4] speak to the King of Chu[5], saying: 'Please expel Jise for me; this will finish him.' If Chu listens it will show that Qi and Chu intend to make an accord and Jise will flee. If the King of Chu does not listen, that will show that he is secretly inclined towards Han[6]."

[1] Qi Ming served as a counsellor to King Nan of Zhou, later going on to have a political career in Han and Chu. He opposed Qin.

[2] Han Gongshu served as Chancellor of Han for a time, he opposed Han Jise's attempt to establish himself as crown prince. 

[3] Han Jise was one of the sons of King Xiang of Han. At the time two sons of King Xiang of Han, Han Jiu and Han Jise, were fighting for the position of Crown Prince. The Han government's plan was originally  to appoint Jise (who had the backing of Qin and Chu), but Jise had been serving as a hostage in Chu, and before he could return, Jiu (who had the support of Gongshu, Qi and Wei) had managed to secure enough support to be appointed in his place. In this story Qi has already dispatched troops who have aided Jiu in dislodging him, and he has fled back to Chu.

[4] King Min of Qi (300–284 BC) was famously bad at managing his subordinates, and almost lost his state following an invasion by Yan. His own generals eventually turned upon him and one of them, Nao Chi, killed him.

[5] 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.

[6] I.e. that the King of Chu does not intend to make a treaty with Chu, but rather with whichever Han faction finally takes power.

公叔將殺幾瑟
Gongshu Plans to Kill Jise

公叔將殺幾瑟也。謂公叔曰:「太子之重公也,畏幾瑟也。今幾瑟死,太子無患,必輕公。韓大夫見王老,冀太子之用事也,固欲事之。太子外無幾瑟之患,而內收諸大夫以自輔也,公必輕矣。不如無殺幾瑟,以恐太子,太子必終身重公矣。」

 

Gongshu[1] was planning to kill Jise[2], but someone said to him, "If the Crown Prince[3] makes so much of you, it is because he is afraid of Jise. When Jise is dead, the Crown Prince will nothing more to worry about, so he will lose interest in you. The counsellors of Han can see that the King[4] is growing old and they are all resolved to place themselves at the Crown Prince's service in anticipation of his assumption of control over state affairs[5]. If the Crown Prince no longer has to worry about Jise's activities abroad[6] he will turn his attention to domestic affairs and work to bring all the state counsellors over to his side, so your influence will be diminished. You would do better to refrain from killing Jise, given that he provides you with a means to frighten the Crown Prince and ensure that he will honour you as long as he lives."

[1] Han Gongshu served as Chancellor of Han for a time. 

[2] Han Jise was one of the sons of King Xiang of Han. At the time two sons of King Xiang of Han, Han Jiu and Han Jise, were fighting for the position of Crown Prince. The Han government's plan was originally  to appoint Jise (who had the backing of Qin and Chu), but Jise had been serving as a hostage in Chu, and before he could return, Jiu (who had the support of Gongshu, Qi and Wei) had managed to secure enough support to be appointed in his place. 

[3] This refers to Prince Jiu. 

[4] King Xiang of Han (311 - 296 BC) suffered repeated attacks by both Qin and Chu during his reign.

[5] And so will be competing for Gongshu's position. 

[6] At the time Jise was in Chu. 

公叔且殺幾瑟

Gongshu is About to Kill Jise

公叔且殺幾瑟也,宋赫為謂公叔曰:「幾瑟之能為亂也,內得父兄,而外得秦、楚也。今公殺之,太子無患,必輕公。韓大夫知王之老而太子定,必陰事之。秦、楚若無韓,必陰事伯嬰。伯嬰亦幾瑟也。公不如勿殺。伯嬰恐,必保於公。韓大夫不能必其不入也,必不敢輔伯嬰以為亂。秦、楚挾幾瑟以塞伯嬰,伯嬰外無秦、楚之權,內無父兄之眾,必不能為亂矣。此便於公。」

 

Gongshu[1] was on the point of killing Jise[2], but Song He[3] spoke to him on Gongshu's behalf, saying, "It is within Jise's power to spark an insurrection. At home he has the support of his relations[4], abroad he has Qin and Chu on his side. If you kill him now, then the Crown Prince[5] will have nothing more to worry about, and so he will lose interest in you. The counsellors of Han know that the King[6] is growing old and once they are sure of the Crown Prince they will work secretly to serve his interests. If you cannot assure Qin and Chu of Han's support[7] then they will turn secretly to serve Boying[8]. Thus Boying may as well be Jise as far as you are concerned. You would do better to refrain from killing Jise. Boying will be afraid and seek your discreet protection[9] and the counsellors of Han - unable to be sure that Jise will not return - will not dare align themselves with Boying and revolt[10]. Qin and Chu will arrive, bringing Jise with them to thwart Boying, who lacks the backing of powers like Qin and Chu abroad and of his various relations at home, and thus has no capacity to fight a civil war. This will suit Your Lordship very well."

[1] Han Gongshu served as Chancellor of Han for a time. 

[2] Han Jise was one of the sons of King Xiang of Han. At the time two sons of King Xiang of Han, Han Jiu and Han Jise, were fighting for the position of Crown Prince. The Han government's plan was originally  to appoint Jise (who had the backing of Qin and Chu), but Jise had been serving as a hostage in Chu, and before he could return, Jiu (who had the support of Gongshu, Qi and Wei) had managed to secure enough support to be appointed in his place. 

[3] This person is not otherwise well-known.

[4] Principally Han Gongzhong.

[5] This seems to have been Prince Boying at the time, implying that this chapter took place prior to the previous one. 

[6] King Xiang of Han (311 - 296 BC) suffered repeated attacks by both Qin and Chu during his reign.

[7] This sentence is confusing and the commentaries are uncertain about the correct interpretation. This follows modern translations. 

[8] Boying was King Xiang's younger son. He was intended to inherit the throne but died young, precipitating a succession crisis and a power struggle between Jiu and Jise. 

[9] Reading 陰保 for 保, per the commentaries. 

[10] Thus leaving the field open for Jiu.

謂新城君曰

Speaking to Lord Xincheng

謂新城君曰:「公叔、伯嬰恐秦、楚之內幾瑟也,公何不為韓求質子於楚?楚王聽而入質子於韓,則公叔、伯嬰必知秦、楚之不以幾瑟為事也,必以韓合於秦、楚矣。秦、楚挾韓以窘魏,魏氏不敢東,是齊孤也。公又令秦求質子於楚,楚不聽,則怨結於韓。韓挾齊、魏以眄楚,楚王必重公矣。公挾秦、楚之重,以積德於韓,則公叔、伯嬰必以國事公矣。」

 

Someone spoke to Lord Xincheng[1], saying, "Gongshu[2] and Boying[3] are afraid that Qin and Chu will reinstall Jise[4] in Han. Why not request hostages from Chu on Han's behalf? If the King of Chu[5] listens to you and sends hostages to Han, then Gongshu and Boying will realise that Qin and Chu do not intend to take up Jise's cause as their own, and this will serve to foster an accord between Han, Qin and Chu. Qin and Chu, carrying Han along with them, can then use their alliance to put pressure on Wei. The House of Wei will not dare to look East for support[6], which will leave Qi isolated. If, on the other hand, you have Qin request that Chu send hostages to Han and Chu does not listen, this will show that Chu bears a grudge against Han. Han will begin to look askance at Chu, and drag Qi and Wei into the quarrel[7], the better to intimidate the King of Chu. If you come to them bolstered by your high status in Qin and Chu, then you will be able to accumulate more and more tribute from Han, and thus Gongshu and Boying will put their state at your service." 

[1] Lord Xincheng was also known as Mi Rong. He was originally from Chu and was brother of Queen Dowager Xuan of Qin, who made him Lord Huayang and later, after Qin captured Xincheng from Chu, Lord Xincheng.

[2] Han Gongshu served as Chancellor of Han for a time. 

[3] Boying was a younger son of King Xiang of Han. This story seems to contradict other versions of the tale, in which Jise flees to Chu after Boying's death.

[4] Han Jise was another son of King Xiang. At the time he was serving as a hostage in Chu.

[5] King Huai of Chu (328 - 299 BC), who 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.

[6] I.e. Wei will join Chu, Han and Qin rather than seeking Qi's help to resist them.

[7] Reading 盻 for 眄 here, per the commentaries. 

胡衍之出幾瑟於楚
As Hu Yan Was Taking Jise to Chu

胡衍之出幾瑟於楚也,教公仲謂魏王曰:「太子在楚,韓不敢離楚也。公何不試奉公子咎,而為之請太子。因令人謂楚王曰:『韓立公子咎而棄幾瑟,是王抱虛質也。王不如亟歸幾瑟。幾瑟入,必以韓權報讎於魏,而德王矣。』」

 

As Hu Yan[1] was taking Jise[2] to Chu[3] Gongzhong[4] spoke to[5] the King of Wei[6], saying, "With its Crown Prince there, Han will not dare break ties with Chu. Why not attempt to elevate Prince Jiu's[7] status and request that he be made Crown Prince instead?  Then you can have one of your people say to the King of Chu[8], 'If Han elevates Prince Jiu and abandons Jise you will be left holding a worthless hostage. You Majesty would do better to send him back immediately. When Jise returns home he will certainly use Han's power to get revenge on his enemies in Wei while paying due tribute to Your Majesty.'" 

[1] Hu Yan was a politician in Han.

[2] Han Jise was one of the sons of King Xiang of Han. He had been appointed Crown Prince following the unexpected death of his younger brother, Boying, however his brother Jiu was jockeying to replace him. At the time of this story he was leaving to serve as a hostage in Chu.

[3] The commentaries suggest that this actually happened when Jise was leaving Chu for Han, which does not seem to fit with the subsequent story. 

[4] Gongzhong Chi, also known as Han Gongzhong, Gongzhong Peng and Han Chi served as Chancellor and supported Han Jise in his struggle for power. He had ties with Qin.

[5] According to the commentaries 教 is superfluous.

[6] King Xiang of Wei (318 - 296 BC) he spent his entire reign switching between anti-Qin and anti-Chu alliances in an attempt to preserve his territory against larger neighbours.

[7] Prince Jiu was the other son of King Xiang. He would later rule as King Xi.

[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. 

幾瑟亡之楚

Jise Flees to Chu

幾瑟亡之楚,楚將收秦而復之。謂羋戎曰:「廢公叔而相幾瑟者楚也。今幾瑟亡之楚,楚又收秦而復之,幾瑟入鄭之日,韓,楚之縣邑。公不如令秦王賀伯嬰之立也。韓絕於楚,其事秦必疾,秦挾韓親魏,齊、楚後至者先亡。此王業也。」

 

Jise[1] had fled to Chu and Chu was planning to solicit Qin's aid to reinstate him in Han. Someone spoke to Mi Rong[2], saying, "It was Chu that had Gongshu[3] dismissed and aided Jise[4]. Now Jise has fled to Chu and Chu is going to solicit Qin's assistance to reinstate him in Han. The day that Jise returns to Zheng[5] Han will become nothing more than a province of Chu[6]. You would do better to get the King of Qin[7] to congratulate Boying[8] on his appointment as Crown Prince. Han will sever its relations with Chu and immediately turn to serve Qin. Once Qin has got its hands on Han, you can stage a rapprochement with Wei, Qi or Chu. Whichever is the last to come to your side will be the first to be exterminated. That would the work of a true king."  

[1] Han Jise was one of the sons of King Xiang of Han. At the time two sons of King Xiang of Han, Han Jiu and Han Jise, were fighting for the position of Crown Prince. The Han government's plan was originally  to appoint Jise (who had the backing of Qin and Chu), but Jise had been serving as a hostage in Chu, and before he could return, Jiu (who had the support of Gongshu, Qi and Wei) had managed to secure enough support to be appointed in his place. At this point he has tried and failed to take up his position and fled back to Chu. 

[2] Mi Rong was originally from Chu and was brother of Queen Dowager Xuan of Qin, who made him Lord Huayang and later, after Qin captured Xincheng from Chu, Lord Xincheng.

[3] Han Gongshu served as Chancellor of Han for a time. He was opposed to Jise's bid for power. 

[4] The commentaries suggest 助 for 相 here. 

[5] Zheng was the capital of Han. It was in modern Weinan, in Shaanxi.

[6] The commentaries suggest 已 for 邑 here.

[7] 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.

[8] Boying was a younger son of King Xiang. He was Crown Prince for a time, but died young and was replaced by Jise and then by Jiu. his appearance here is a little confusing, given that other historical evidence suggests that he was dead by the time that Jise fled to Chu. Possibly Jise did this more than once. 

冷向謂韓咎
Leng Xiang Speaks to Han Jiu

冷向謂韓咎曰:「幾瑟亡在楚,楚王欲復之甚,令楚兵十餘萬在方城之外。臣請令楚築萬家之都於雍氏之旁,韓必起兵以禁之,公必將矣。公因以楚、韓之兵奉幾瑟而內之鄭,幾瑟得入而德公,必以韓、楚奉公矣。」

 

Leng Xiang[1] spoke to Han Jiu[2], saying, "Jise[3] has fled to Chu and the King of Chu[4] has such a deep desire to reinstate him in Han that he has sent over a hundred thousand Chu troops to take up positions beyond Fangcheng[5]. Your servant begs your leave to have Chu build a city of ten thousand households near Yongshi[6]. Han will raise troops to prevent this and will certainly appoint you as their general. You can take advantage of this and use the armed forces of both Chu and Han to reinstate Jise and return him to Zheng[7]. If Jise manages to return to Han then he will pay you due tribute, mobilising Han and Chu in your service."

[1] Leng Xiang was a politician in Han, however, the commentaries suggest that this may be an error for 蘇代 (Su Dai), a brother of Su Qin and an opponent of Qin.

[2] Han Jiu was one of the sons of King Xiang of Han. He would later manage to seize the throne after his father died while Han Jise (the Crown Prince) was serving as a hostage in Chu. However, as will be described below, his position here seems incompatible with other historical evidence surrounding this story, so it is possible that "Han Jiu" is an error.

[3] Han Jise was Jiu's brother. It is unclear when this is supposed to be taking place, as Jise fled to Chu after Jiu launched his attempt to usurp the throne. Possibly Leng Xiang believes that Jiu cannot possibly succeed and is suggesting a means for him to walk back his scheme. Alternatively, it is possible that Jise fled to Chu more than once.  

[4] King Huai of Chu (328 - 299 BC), who 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.

[5] This refers to land on the northern border of Chu. 

[6] Yongshi was north of modern Yuzhou, in Henan.

[7] The commentaries suggest that the 鄭 here may be superfluous. Zheng was the capital of Han. It was in modern Weinan, in Shaanxi.

楚令景鯉入韓

Chu Sends Jing Li to Han

楚令景鯉入韓,韓且內伯嬰於秦,景鯉患之。冷向謂伯嬰曰:「太子入秦,秦必留太子而合楚,以復幾瑟也,是太子反棄之。」

Chu had sent Jing Li[1] to Han. Han was about to send Boying[2] go to Qin and Jing Li was worried about this[3]. Leng Xiang[4] spoke to Boying, saying, "If Your Highness goes to Qin, then Qin will certainly detain you and form an accord with Chu to reinstate Jise[5] in Han. If that happens, then you can abandon any hope of coming back."

[1] Jing Li was a politician in Chu.

[2] Boying was a younger son of King Xiang of Han. He was Crown Prince at the time, but died young, leading to an internal power struggle.

[3] Because Boying will likely be garnering support to prevent his brother Jise, who was a hostage in Chu and had Chu's support, from replacing him as Crown Prince. 

[4] Leng Xiang was a politician in Han.

[5] Han Jise was one of the sons of King Xiang of Han. At the time two sons of King Xiang of Han, Han Jiu and Han Jise, were fighting for the position of Crown Prince. The Han government's plan was originally  to appoint Jise (who had the backing of Qin and Chu), but Jise had been serving as a hostage in Chu, and before he could return, Jiu (who had the support of Gongshu, Qi and Wei) had managed to secure enough support to be appointed in his place.

韓咎立為君而未定

When Han Jiu's Appointment as the Future Lord of the State Was not Yet Secure 

韓咎立為君而未定也,其弟在周,周欲以車百乘而送之,恐韓咎入韓之不立也。綦母恢曰:「不如以百金從之,韓咎立,因也以為戒;不立,則曰來效賊也。」

When Han Jiu's[1] appointment as the future Lord of the state was not yet secure, his younger brother[2] was in Zhou and Zhou wished to send him home accompanied by a hundred chariots, but was afraid that Han Jiu would return to Han and he would not be established as Crown Prince. Qimu Hui[4] said, "It would be better to send him off with a hundred gold pieces. Then if Han Jiu is made Crown Prince you can say[4] that it was for the purpose helping him to recruit troops, if not, you can say that you are bringing back a traitor[5]."

[1] Han Jiu was one of the sons of King Xiang of Han. At the time two sons of King Xiang of Han, Han Jiu and Han Jise, were fighting for the position of Crown Prince. The Han government's plan was originally  to appoint Jise (who had the backing of Qin and Chu), but Jise had been serving as a hostage in Chu, and before he could return, Jiu (who had the support of Gongshu, Qi and Wei) had managed to secure enough support to be appointed in his place. 

[2] I am not sure which brother is indicated here. Whoever he was, he must have been one of Han Jiu's allies.

[3] Qimu Hui was a politician in East Zhou.

[4] Reading 曰  for 因也, per the commentaries. 

[5] The idea behind this is that a hundred gold pieces can be hidden if circumstances change, whereas a hundred chariots cannot.

史疾為韓使楚

Shi Ji Serves as an Envoy for Han in Chu

史疾為韓使楚,楚王問曰:「客何方所循?」曰:「治列子圉寇之言。」曰:「何貴?」曰:「貴正。」王曰:「正亦可為國乎?」曰:「可。」王曰:「楚國多盜,正可以圉盜乎?」曰:「可。」曰:「以正圉盜,柰何?」頃間有鵲止於屋上者,曰:「請問楚人謂此鳥何?」王曰:「謂之鵲。」曰:「謂之烏,可乎?」曰:「不可。」曰:「今王之國有柱國、令尹、司馬、典令,其任官置吏,必曰廉潔勝任。今盜賊公行,而弗能禁也,此烏不為烏,鵲不為鵲也。」

 

Shi Ji[1] was serving as Han's envoy in Chu and the King of Chu[2] questioned him, saying, "Whose methods do you follow?"

He said, "I studied the precepts of Master Lie the Thief-Catcher[3]."

The King said, "What does he set store by?"

He said, "The rectification of names[4]."

The King said, "And is it possible to manage a country by rectifying names?" 

He replied, "It is."

The King said, "Chu has many thieves, can the rectification of names help catch them?"

Shi Ji said, "It can."

The King said, "Using the rectification of names to catch thieves... How does one manage this?"

At that moment, a magpie landed on one of the roof beams of the hall[5], and Shi Ji said, "If I may ask, what do the people of Chu call this bird[6]?"

The King said, "They call it a magpie."

Shi Ji said[7], "Could I call it a crow?"

The King said, "You could not."

Shi Ji said, "Now Your Majesty's state has Generalissimos, Prime Ministers, Cavalry Commanders, Masters of the Rolls[8], and whenever one is appointed it is invariably said that it is on account of his integrity, his propriety and his achievements. If thieves and robbers currently go about their business in public and they are seemingly unable to prevent it, this shows that your crows are not behaving like crows and your magpies are not behaving like magpies[5]." 

[1] Shi Ji is known principally via this story. 

[2] It is not clear which King of Chu is indicated here. 

[3] Lie Yukou was also known as Liezi or Master Lie, and wrote a book about Taoist mysticism that has come down to us today. Yukou was actually his given name, but read literally means "thief catcher". The King of Chu will riff on this later on.

[4] The idea that once things are properly defined the solution to problems will become self-evident. All of the schools of thought argued in favour of the principal, though they disagreed on how exactly to do it. 

[5] Yao suggests 聞 for 問 here.

[6] Bao suggests 之 for 此鳥 here. 

[7] Bao suggests that 曰 is superfluous here.

[8] All of these ranks except 司馬 are components of Chu's uniquely Ruritanian system of distinctions and did not exist in the other states.

[9] I.e. the officials that are passing themselves off as honest and competent are not.

韓傀相韓

Han Gui Serves as Chancellor of Han

韓傀相韓,嚴遂重於君,二人相害也。嚴遂政議直指,舉韓傀之過。韓傀以之叱之於朝。嚴遂拔劍趨之,以救解。於是嚴遂懼誅,亡去游,求人可以報韓傀者。

 

Han Gui[1] was serving as Chancellor of Han, but it was Yan Sui[2] who held sway with Lord of the state[3]; the two of them were irreconcilable. Yan Sui criticised Han Gui in the bluntest terms in the palace audience hall, bringing up all of his past mistakes, and Han Gui shouted him down. Yan Sui drew his sword and rushed upon Han Gui, who was only able to escape thanks to his supporters. Yan Sui, fearing execution as a result of this, fled into a rootless exile, seeking anyone who could help him get revenge on Han Gui. 

至齊,齊人或言:「軹深井里聶政,勇敢士也,避仇隱於屠者之間。」嚴遂陰交於聶政,以意厚之。聶政問曰:「子欲安用我乎?」嚴遂曰:「吾得為役之日淺,事今薄,奚敢有請?」於是嚴遂乃具酒,觴聶政母前。仲子奉黃金百鎰,前為聶政母壽。聶政驚,愈怪其厚,固謝嚴仲子。仲子固進,而聶政謝曰:「臣有老母,家貧,客游以為狗屠,可旦夕得甘脆以養親。親供養備,義不敢當仲子之賜。」嚴仲子辟人,因為聶政語曰:「臣有仇,而行游諸侯眾矣。然至齊,聞足下義甚高。故直進百金者,特以為夫人麤糲之費,以交足下之驩,豈敢以有求邪?」聶政曰:「臣所以降志辱身,居市井者,徒幸而養老母。老母在,政身未敢以許人也。」嚴仲子固讓,聶政竟不肯受。然仲子卒備賓主之禮而去。

 

When he arrived in Qi a local said to him, "Nie Zheng[4] of Shenjing[5] in Zhe[6], is a man of quality - brave and daring. To avoid his enemies, he is living secretly among the town butchers." Yan Sui discreetly reached out to Nie Zheng, eventually developing a rapport with him. 

Nie Zheng asked[7], "What use do you wish to make of me?"

Yan Sui said, "I only received you into my service a few days ago. What common cause have we such that I would dare request anything of you?" Yan Sui then proceeded to have some wine prepared and proposed a toast to the health of Nie Zheng's mother[8], also presenting him with a hundred yi[9] of gold with which to celebrate his mother's birthday. Nie Zheng was surprised and as his feeling of disquiet grew he resolved to decline the gift[10], but Zhongzi[11] was as determined to press it upon him as Nie Zheng was to refuse it.

Nie Zheng said, "You servant has an aged mother and a poor family, but living in exile and working as dog butcher, morning and evening I still manage to provide those close to me with sweet and succulent delicacies. As long as I can provide food for my family, I would not dare to accept such a gift from you."

Yan Sui sent his people away before saying to Nie Zheng, "Having made enemies, your servant left to wander among the states of the various sovereign lords, finally arriving in Qi. Having heard all about your high principles, it seemed that it would only be right to offer a hundred gold pieces for the purpose of covering the everyday expenses of such an individual[12], in the hope that it would bring some happiness[13]. How would I dare make any request?"

Nie Zheng said, "My modus vivendi has been to abandon ambition and accept a degraded existence, living as a butcher on the marketplace[14]. I have thus been fortunate enough to be able to support my mother[15]. As long as she is alive[16], then I cannot pledge my life to anyone else." Yan Zhongzi persisted in his offer, but Nie Zheng remained unwilling to accept it. This being so, Zhongzi observed the courtesies appropriate to a guest and left.

久之,聶政母死,既葬,除服。聶政曰:「嗟乎!政乃市井之人,鼓刀以屠,而嚴仲子乃諸侯之卿相也,不遠千里,枉車騎而交臣,臣之所以待之至淺鮮矣,未有大功可以稱者,而嚴仲子舉百金為親壽,我雖不受,然是深知政也。夫賢者以感忿睚眥之意,而親信窮僻之人,而政獨安可嘿然而止乎?且前日要政,政徒以老母。老母今以天年終,政將為知己者用。」

 

Some time later Nie Zheng's mother died. As soon as she was buried and he had put off his mourning dress, he said, "Ah, that I should be a denizen of the marketplace, brandishing my blade only for butchery, but Yan Zhongzi - who has been Chancellor to the feudal lords - did not consider a thousand li too far to travel, tiring his carriage horses, to make my acquaintance. The manner in which I received him was profoundly inadequate[17]. Though I have done nothing that can be said to be of great merit, he offered me a hundred gold pieces to celebrate my mother's birthday. While I did not accept it[18], this fact shows the depth of his appreciation for me. If this sage was so moved to fury by his grievances that he would show trust and affection to a poor outcast, how can I simply sit here in silence? Previously, when he wanted me, I was devoted to my mother. Now that my mother's time is over, I will put myself at the disposal of one who appreciates me."

遂西至濮陽,見嚴仲子曰:「前所以不許仲子者,徒以親在。今親不幸,仲子所欲報仇者為誰?」嚴仲子具告曰:「臣之仇韓相傀。傀又韓君之季父也,宗族盛,兵衛設,臣使人刺之,終莫能就。今足下幸而不棄,請益具車騎壯士,以為羽翼。」政曰:「韓與衛,中間不遠,今殺人之相,相又國君之親,此其勢不可以多人。多人不能無生得失,生得失則語泄,語泄則韓舉國而與仲子為讎也,豈不殆哉!」遂謝車騎人徒,辭,獨行仗劍至韓。

 

Accordingly, he went West to Puyang[19] and sought an audience with Yan Zhongzi, saying, "Previously I could not commit myself to you, having a parent still living. Now, sadly, she is dead[20]. Who is the enemy upon whom you seek to avenge yourself?"

Yan Zhongzi told him everything, saying, "Your servant's adversary is Gui, the Chancellor of Han[21], who is also uncle to the Lord of Han[22]. Their lineage is flourishing and armed guards surround them. Your servant has sent people to assassinate Han Gui, but none managed to get near to him. I am fortunate that you have not abandoned me now. Please allow me to supply you with chariots, horses and brave men to help you on your way." 

Zheng said, "The distance between Han and Wey is not that great[23]. The person I am going to kill is Chancellor, and on top of that a relation of the Lord of the state. Given the circumstances, I should not arrive with a large entourage. When many people are involved, mistakes are inevitable, and when that happens word of what we are doing will leak out. When word of what we are doing leaks out then the Han family will mobilise their entire state in pursuit of their feud with you. Is this not a risk?" Accordingly, he declined the chariots, horses and followers, and took his leave, setting off alone for Han with his sword in his hand.   

韓適有東孟之會,韓王及相皆在焉,持兵戟而衛者甚眾。聶政直入,上階刺韓傀。韓傀走而抱哀侯,聶政刺之,兼中哀侯,左右大亂。聶政大呼,所殺者數十人。因自皮面抉眼,自屠出腸,遂以死。韓取聶政屍於市,縣購之千金。久之莫知誰子。

 

At the time Han happened to be holding a meeting at Dongmeng[24], at which the chief ministers of the King of Han[25] were all present, along with their crowds of retainers and men-at-arms[26]. Nie Zheng entered directly and mounted the steps to kill[27] Han Gui[28]. Han Gui ran and flung himself[28] upon Marquis Lie[29], but Nie Zheng stabbed both of them. The attendants fell into chaos and Nie Zheng, letting out a great war cry, killed dozens of them[30], and then took advantage of the panic to slash at his own face, put out his eyes, and eviscerate himself[31]. Thus he died. The Han family took Nie Zheng's corpse and exposed it in the marketplace[32], announcing reward of a thousand gold pieces for information about him, but time passed and no one admitted to knowing who he was[33].

 

政姊聞之,曰:「弟至賢,不可愛妾之軀,滅吾弟之名,非弟意也。」乃之韓。視之曰:「勇哉!氣矜之隆。是其軼賁、育而高成荊矣。今死而無名,父母既歿矣,兄弟無有,此為我故也。夫愛身不揚弟之名,吾不忍也。」乃抱屍而哭之曰:「此吾弟軹深井里聶政也。」亦自殺於屍下。

 

Zheng's elder sister, Ying[34], heard about this and said, "My brother was an exceptional man. I cannot, for the love of my own life, allow his reputation to fade. This is not what he would have wanted." Thus she set off for Han.

When she saw the corpse she said, "Such a hero! "Such a hero, such a proud and noble spirit - outstripping Ben[35] and Yu[36] and surpassing[37] Cheng Jing[38]! Now he is dead and no one even knows his name. His mother and father have also passed on, and he has no brothers. He arranged this for my sake[39], but seeing my brother's name lost simply to preserve my own life is something I could not endure." Then she embraced his body, weeping, and said, "This is my brother, Nie Zheng of Shenjing Village in Zhe." Then she killed herself, falling upon his broken corpse.

 

晉、楚、齊、衛聞之曰:「非獨政之能,乃其姊者,亦列女也。」聶政之所以名施於後世者,其姊不避菹醢之誅,以揚其名也。

 

As news of this spread throughout Jin, Chu, Qi and Wey, people said, "It is not simply that Zheng was accomplished man, but his sister was an exemplary woman too[40]." The reason future generations will know Nie Zheng's name is because his sister was not one to shrink from a horrifying death[41] if it would secure his immortal name.

[1] Han Gui, also known as Xialei, was a member of the ruling house of Han, and a politician. 

[2] Yan Sui was also known as Yan Zhongzi, and was politician in Han.

[3] Marquis Ai of Han (376 BC - 374 BC) led the family during the break-up of Jin, and also oversaw the annexation of Zheng.

[4] Nie Zheng is famous mainly as a result of this story, of which several versions exist in literature. 

[5] Shenjing was to the South of Jiyuan in Henan.

[6] Zhe is now Jiyuan in Henan.

[7] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear. 

[8] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear. 

[9] A yi was a measurement used for weighing gold, but it was not standardised, meaning that it is hard to tell what quantity is implied here. Nevertheless, it was a huge amount, so large that this is almost certainly an exaggeration.

[10] The commentaries disagree on this sentence, but the general sense is clear. 

[11] I.e. Yan Sui. 

[12] The commentaries disagree on this sentence, but the general sense is clear. 

[13] The commentaries disagree on this sentence, but the general sense is clear. 

[14] Reading 屠者 for 者, per the commentaries.

[15] Reading 幸以 for 徒幸而 here, per the commentaries. 

[16] Reading 在前 for 在, per the commentaries. 

[17] According to the commentaries, the 鮮 here is superfluous. 

[18] Bao suggests 義 for 雖 here, in which case the sentence would read "while I could not in good conscience accept it". 

[19] Puyang was the capital of Wey. It is still called Puyang, and is in Henan.

[20] Reading 不幸而死 for 不幸, per the commentaries.

[21] The commentaries disagree on this sentence, but the general sense is clear. 

[22] Though the text itself goes on to suggest that this was Marquis Ai of Han, the commentaries and other texts argue that it was in fact Marquis Lie (399 - 387 BCE). Both were involved in similar assassination plots and even the primary sources frequently confuse the two.

[23] The commentaries disagree on this sentence, but the general sense is clear. 

[24] It is not clear where this was. 

[25] I.e. Marquis Lie. 

[26] The commentaries suggest 衛侍 for 衛 here. 

[27] The commentaries suggest 刺殺 for 刺 here. 

[28] This seems to have been a known strategy for evading assassination. Wu Qi, about to be shot by his enemies at the funeral of King Dao of Chu, flung himself upon the corpse, knowing that any stray arrows hitting the body would render his attackers culpable of lèse-majesté.

[29] Reading 列 for 哀 here, following the commentaries. 

[30] The commentaries suggest 所擊 for 所 here. 

[31] The commentaries do not agree on this sentence, but the general sense is clear. The idea behind it is that he's making himself unrecognisable so that the Han family will not be able to take revenge upon his family.

[32] The commentaries do not agree on this sentence, but the general sense is clear.

[33] The commentaries do not agree on this sentence, but the general sense is clear.

[34] Reading 姊嫈 for 姊 here, per the commentaries. Nie Ying is known principally via this story. 

[35] Meng Ben was a celebrated fighter in Qin. 

[36] Xia Yu was a celebrated fighter in Wey. 

[37] The commentaries suggest that 而 here is superfluous.

[38] Cheng Jing was another famous figher of the age.

[39] I.e. he made sure that he would be unrecognisable in death to protect his sister from reprisals. 

[40] The commentaries do not agree on this sentence, but the general sense is clear.

[41] The commentaries suggest 葅酢 for 菹醢 here. 

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