秦三 THE STRATAGEMS OF QIN III (A)
薛公為魏謂魏冉
Duke Xue Addresses Wei Ran on Behalf of Wei
薛公為魏謂魏冉曰：「文聞秦王欲以呂禮收齊，以濟天下，君必輕矣。齊、秦相聚以臨三晉，禮必并相之，是君收齊以重呂禮也。齊免於天下之兵，其讎君必深。君不如勸秦王令弊邑卒攻齊之事。齊破，文請以所得封君。齊破晉強，秦王畏晉之強也，必重君以取晉。齊予晉弊邑，而不能支秦，晉必重君以事秦。是君破齊以為功，操晉以為重也。破齊定封，而秦、晉皆重君；若齊不破，呂禮復用，子必大窮矣。」
Duke Xue[1] spoke to Wei Ran[2] on behalf of Wei, saying: "I have heard that the King of Qin[3] wishes to use Lü Li[4] to win over Qi and thereby bestride All-Under-Heaven; Your Lordship's influence will certainly be diminished. If Qi and Qin come together to move against the Three Jin, Li will certainly be made Chancellor[5] to lead the operation. Thus, if Your Lordship acquires Qi's support, you will be increasing Lü Li's influence. Qi will have evaded the troops of All-Under-Heaven and its hostility towards your Lordship is profound. There would be nothing better for you than to push the King of Qin have our humble state's[6] troops attack Qi's interests. Once Qi has been broken, I will request that the land gained be bestowed upon Your Lordship[7]. If Qi is broken and the Jins grow stronger, the king of Qin will live in fear of the Jins' strength, which will certainly increase your influence, given your ability to win them over. Qi has pushed our humble state towards the Jins and cannot hold Qin off. Jin will certainly add its weight to you as you pursue your affairs in Qin. This being so, you will have the destruction of Qi to add to your achievements, and you can use[8] the Jins to increase your influence. If you break Qi and secure a domain, then your influence in both Qin and the Jins will increase. If Qi is not broken, Lü Li will once again find employment[9] and you will certainly be completely ruined."
[1] Tian Wen, who spent most of his career working for Qi, with the exception of a few years spent serving Wei in protest at his poor treatment by the King of Qi.
[2] Wei Ran (Marquess Rang) was the half-brother of Queen Xuan and the uncle of King Zhaoxiang. Having backed Zhaoxiang in the struggle for succession that occurred following the death of King Wu, he subsequently became Chancellor.
[3] 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.
[4] Lü Li was born in Qi but later worked for Qin. At the time of this story he was the Chancellor of Qi.
[5] I.e. Lü Li will simultaneously be Chancellor of Qi and Qin.
[6] I.e. Xue.
[7] At the time Wei Ran had his eye on the domain of Tao, on the border of Qi, as a potential domain of his own.
[8] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[9] In Qin.
秦客卿造謂穰侯
Zao, A Visiting Official in Qin, Speaks to Marquis Rang
秦客卿造謂穰侯曰：「秦封君以陶，藉君天下數年矣。攻齊之事成，陶為萬乘，長小國，率以朝天子，天下必聽，五伯之事也；攻齊不成，陶為鄰恤，而莫之據也。故攻齊之於陶也，存亡之機也。
Zao[1], a visiting official in Qin, spoke to Marquis Rang[2], saying: "Qin has given Your Lordship the domain of Tao[3], ensuring your domination over All-Under-Heaven these past few years. If you attack Qi and bring the affair to a successful conclusion, Tao will become a state of ten thousand chariots; you will be a leader among the smaller states[4] and attend the Court of the Son of Heaven[5]. All-Under-Heaven will certainly pay attention to you, and you will pursue your affairs like one of the Five Hegemons[6]. If your attack on Qi fails, Tao will be troubled by its neighbours, and there will be no way to retain possession of it. Therefore, Tao's attack on Qi will be the moment that its life hangs in the balance.
「君欲成之，何不使人謂燕相國曰：『聖人不能為時，時至而弗失。舜雖賢，不遇堯也，不得為天子；湯、武雖賢，不當桀、紂不王。故以舜、湯、武之賢，不遭時不得帝王。令攻齊，此君之大時也已。因天下之力，伐讎國之齊，報惠王之恥，成昭王之功，除萬世之害，此燕之長利，而君之大名也。書云，樹德莫如滋，除害莫如盡。吳不亡越，越故亡吳；齊不亡燕，燕故亡齊。齊亡於燕，吳亡於越，此除疾不盡也。以非此時也，成君之功，除君之害，秦卒有他事而從齊，齊、趙合，其讎君必深矣。挾君之讎以誅於燕，後雖悔之，不可得也已。君悉燕兵而疾僣之，天下之從君也，若報父子之仇。誠能亡齊，封君於河南，為萬乘，達途於中國，南與陶為鄰，世世無患。願君之專志於攻齊，而無他慮也。』」
If Your Lordship wishes to succeed, why not send someone to the Chancellor of Yan[7] to say, 'Even the wisest person cannot create opportunities, but he will not miss them when they arrive[8]. Shun[9] was wise, but if he had never encountered Yao[10] he could never have obtained the position of Son of Heaven. Tang[11] and Wu[12] were wise, but had they not lived in the age of Jie[13] and Zhou[14], they could not have become kings. Therefore, even if one employs the wisdom of Shun, Tang and Wu, one will not be able to create the circumstances that will allow one to become an Emperor or a King. Now[15] this attack on Qi is Your Lordship's big opportunity. Taking advantage of the strength of All-Under-Heaven, attacking the enemy state of Qi, avenging the shame of King Hui[16], completing the victory of King Zhao[17], and wiping out the injuries of ten thousand generations - this will be a great benefit to Yan and will augment Your Lordship's own reputation. The Book of Documents[18] says that 'in cultivating honour there is nothing better than abundance; in eliminating harm there is nothing better than complete eradication'. If Wu had not destroyed Yue, then Yue would have destroyed Wu. If Qi is not to destroy Yan, then Yan must destroy Qi. When Qi is destroyed by Yan, as when Yue was destroyed by Wu, the reason will be that they failed to completely eradicate what plagued them. If you do not[19] take advantage of this opportunity, completing your victory and eliminating all sources of harm, then Qin will immediately pursue other interests and fall in behind Qi. Qi and Qin[20] will form an alliance, and their enmity towards Your Lordship will certainly run deep. They hold such hatred for Your Lordship that they will have you executed by Yan. You may well have regrets then, but you will be unable to do anything about it. If you mobilise Yan's troops and attack[21] with all your strength, then All-Under-Heaven will follow you like sons avenging themselves upon their father's enemies. If you are truly able to destroy Qi, then you will be granted domains south of the Yellow River; you will travel among the central states like a commander of ten thousand chariots. Your southern lands will share a border with Tao, and for generations hence your state will have no worries. I hope that Your Lordship will make a firm resolve to attack Qi, and think of nothing[22] else.'"
[1] The identity of this person is unknown. Zao is his first name.
[2] Wei Ran (Marquess Rang) was the half-brother of Queen Xuan and the uncle of King Zhaoxiang. Having backed Zhaoxiang in the struggle for succession that occurred following the death of King Wu, he subsequently became Chancellor.
[3] Tao is now Dingtao in Shandong.
[4] Like Xue or Shang, Tao would have functioned as a state-within-a-state, granting Marquess Rang and his descendants the status of semi-independent princes. Occasionally these could break away and achieve full independence, as in the case of Han, Wei and Zhao.
[5] According to Bao the 率 here is superfluous.
[6] The Five Hegemons were rulers of various states that achieved brief periods of preeminence during the Spring and Autumn period.
[7] At the time this was Gongsun Cao, who killed King Huiwen of Yan.
[8] The commentaries suggest that the 而 is superfluous.
[9] Shun was a semi-legendary founding father of the Chinese nation.
[10] Yao was Shun's predecessor.
[11] Tang founded the Shang Dynasty by defeating Jie, the last Xia Dynasty sovereign.
[12] Wu founded the Zhou Dynasty by defeating Zhou, the last Shang Dynasty sovereign.
[13] Jie was the last ruler of the Xia Dynasty.
[14] Zhou was the last ruler of the Shang Dynasty.
[15] Reading 今 for 令, per the commentaries.
[16] King Hui of Yan (278 - 272 BC) was a largely unsuccessful king, and would later be murdered by one of his generals.
[17] ] King Zhao of Yan (311 - 279 BC) took power following an internal power struggle that resulted when the previous ruler, King Kuai, attempted to pass the throne to his Chancellor, and provoked an invasion by Qi.
[18] The commentaries suggest 詩 for 書, which would imply that the quote is from the Book of Poetry rather than Book of Documents. However, I can find no close parallel from the former, while there is a similar phrase in the latter: 樹德務滋，除惡務本, which would be read as "in cultivating honour seek to make it flourish flourishes, in eliminating evil seek to dig out the roots".
[19] Reading 非以 for 以非, per the commentaries.
[20] Reading 秦 for 趙, per the commentaries.
[21] Reading 攻 for 僣, per the commentaries.
[22] Reading 毋 for 無, per the commentaries.
魏謂魏冉
Someone from Wei Speaks to Wei Ran
魏謂魏冉曰：「公聞東方之語乎？」曰：「弗聞也。」曰：「辛、張陽、毋澤說魏王、薛公、公叔也，曰：『臣戰，載主契國以與王約，必無患矣。若有敗之者，臣請挈領。然而臣有患也。夫楚王之以其臣請挈領然而臣有患也。夫楚王之以其國依冉也，而事臣之主，此臣之甚患也。』今公東而因言於楚，是令張儀之言為禹，而務敗公之事也。公不如反公國，德楚而觀薛公之為公也。觀三國之所求於秦而不能得者，請以號三國以自信也。觀張儀與澤之所不能得於薛公者也，而公請之以自重也。」
Someone from Wei[1] spoke to Wei Ran[2], saying, "Has Your Lordship heard what they are saying in the East?"
Wei Ran replied, "I have not."
He said, "Xin[3], Zhang Yang[4] and Wu Ze[5] have gone to exercise their persuasions on the King of Wei[6], Duke Xue[7] and Gongshu Ye[8], saying, 'If we go to war[9], we will bring the spirit tablets of our state in our chariots[10] and come to make a treaty with Your Majesty, so you will certainly have nothing to worry about. If anyone betrays the accord, your servants beg permission to cut his throat. Nevertheless, we have one worry.[11] If the King of Chu[12] were to render his state dependent upon Ran and take issue with our sovereigns[13], this would be a profound worry to us[14].' Now if you go east and take the opportunity to speak to Chu, then you will be proving Zhang's[15] statements as reliable as those of Yu[16], and helping him to defeat your interests. It would be better to return to your state, pay tribute to Chu and see how Duke Xue behaves towards you. Watch and wait to see what help is requested of Qin by the three states[17] and what they cannot obtain, then demonstrate your good faith to the three states by requesting it on their behalf. Observe what Zhang[18] and Ze are unable to obtain from Duke Xue[19], and then request it on their behalf to strengthen your own position."
[1] The commentaries disagree whether 魏 should read 魏為 or 文. In the latter case, it would presumably be a reference to Tian Wen, Lord Mengchang.
[2] Wei Ran (Marquess Rang) was the half-brother of Queen Xuan and the uncle of King Zhaoxiang of Qin. Having backed Zhaoxiang in the struggle for succession that occurred following the death of King Wu, he subsequently became Chancellor.
[3] The commentaries suggest that this may have been someone from Han. These names are somewhat confusing, and they may not even be divided up correctly. It could possibly be referring to two individuals called Xin Zhang and Yang Wuze.
[4] The commentaries suggest that this is actually a reference to Zhang Yi. If so, this must be when he was serving as Chancellor of Wei.
[5] Wu Ze may have been someone from Qi.
[6] The early fourth century history of Wei is confusing, making it unclear which King is being referenced here. If King Ai existed it was probably him. If not, it would have been King Xiang.
[7] Tian Ying was a member of the Qi royal family, and the father of Lord Mengchang.
[8] Gongshu Ye is not otherwise well-known.
[9] Against Chu.
[10] These were wooden tablets engraved with the names of former leaders to which offerings were made during ancestral sacrifices. Presumably they are being brought as a token of sincerity, as their loss would have been a a significant symbolic blow.
[11] According to the commentaries the characters 夫楚王之以其臣請挈領然而臣有患也 are superfluous.
[12] King Huai of Chu (328 - 299 BC) was known for having been the object of various poetic complaints by Qu Yuan. He was captured by Qin in 299 BC and his son King Qingxiang took the throne. He made one attempt to escape, but was recaptured and died in 296 BC.
[13] I.e. Chu intends to attack Han, Wei and Qi.
[14] Reading 之所 for 之, per the commentaries.
[15] The commentaries suggest that the 儀 here may be superfluous.
[16] The semi-legendary ancient sovereign, Yu the Great. He was not more celebrated for making accurate predictions than for any other achievement. The general idea behind the sentence seems to be that Zhang has predicted that the King of Chu will turn to Wei Ran for support, so if Wei Ran makes overtures to King Huai, Zhang will have been proved correct and thus his other claims are more likely to be believed.
[17] Han, Wei and Qi.
[18] The commentaries suggest that the 儀 here may be superfluous.
[19] According to the commentaries, the 也 here is superfluous.
謂魏冉曰和不成
Discussing the Failure of WEI Ran's Peace Talks
謂魏冉曰：「和不成，兵必出。白起者，且復將。戰勝，必窮公；不勝，必事趙從公。公又輕，公不若毋多，則疾到。」
Someone said to Wei Ran[1], "If your peace talks[2] do not succeed, the troops will certainly march out. Moreover, Bai Qi[3] will return to serve as their general. If he fights and wins your career will be ruined, if he does not win you will certainly be sent to serve as a hanger-on in Zhao. Either way your position will be weakened, so it would be best to do nothing more than put all your effort into gaining a domain[5]."
[1] Wei Ran (Marquess Rang) was the half-brother of Queen Xuan and the uncle of King Zhaoxiang of Qin. Having backed Zhaoxiang in the struggle for succession that occurred following the death of King Wu, he subsequently became Chancellor.
[2] With Zhao.
[3] Bai Qi was one of Qin's greatest generals.
[4] King Wuling. The implication is that Wei Ran, given his connections with Zhao, would be sent to negotiate a settlement with Zhao, and would lose some of his influence as a result of being far from the capital.
[5] Reading 封 for 到, per the commentaries. The implication is that Wei Ran's career is at risk, so he should secure himself a fiefdom while he still can. This was a preoccupation for him throughout his time in Qin.
謂穰侯
Speaking to Marquis Rang
謂穰侯曰：「為君慮封，若於除宋罪，重齊怒；須殘伐亂宋，德強齊，定身封。此亦百世之時也已！」
Someone spoke to Marquis Rang[1], saying: "I have been considering various ways to obtain a domain for Your Lordship. If you forgive Song's transgressions[2], that will redouble Qi's indignation. You should repress disorderly Song[3]; you will be honoured by mighty Qi and secure a personal domain for yourself. This is is a once-in-a-hundred-generations opportunity[4]."
[1] Wei Ran (Marquess Rang) was the half-brother of Queen Xuan and the uncle of King Zhaoxiang of Qin. Having backed Zhaoxiang in the struggle for succession that occurred following the death of King Wu, he subsequently became Chancellor.
[2] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise wording of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[3] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise wording of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[4] Reading 一時 for 時也, per the commentaries.
謂魏冉曰楚破秦
Speaking to Wei Ran About Chu's Destruction of Qin
謂魏冉曰：「楚破秦，不能與齊縣衡矣。秦三世積節於韓、魏，而齊之德新加與。齊、秦交爭，韓、魏東聽，則秦伐矣。齊有東國之地，方千里。楚苞九夷，又方千里，南有符離之塞，北有甘魚之口。權縣宋、衛，宋、衛乃當阿、甄耳。利有千里者二，富擅越隸，秦烏能與齊縣衡韓、魏，支分方城膏腴之地以薄鄭？兵休復起，足以傷秦，不必待齊。」
Someone spoke to Wei Ran[1], saying, "If Chu breaks Qin, Qin[2] will not be able to outweigh Qi. For three generations Qin has been accumulating issues[3] with Han and Wei, while Qi pays tribute to them, reinforcing their position[4]. If Qi and Qin come to blows, then Han and Wei will listen to instructions from the East[5], and then Qin will be under attack. Qi has lands in the eastern states totaling a thousand square li. Chu has incorporated the territory of nine Yi tribes[6], which is a thousand li more. To the south they have the Fuli Pass[7] and to the north they have the Ganyu Gate[8]. If we assess the weight of Wey and Song, they are equal only to E[9] and Zhen[10]. Qi having gained a thousand li times two, and enriched by its acquisition of the captives from Yue[12], how could Qin outweigh Qi with Han and Wei?[13] What if the fecund lands of Fangcheng[14] are broken up in a push through to Zheng[15]? Then with their troops at rest and the armies demobilised they will be able to injure Qin without having to wait for Qi."[16]
[1] Wei Ran (Marquess Rang) was the half-brother of Queen Xuan and the uncle of King Zhaoxiang of Qin. Having backed Zhaoxiang in the struggle for succession that occurred following the death of King Wu, he subsequently became Chancellor.
[2] Reading 秦不 for 不, per the commentaries.
[3] I.e. disputes.
[4] Reading 焉 for 與, per the commentaries.
[5] I.e. Qi. The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence.
[6] These were non-Huaxia peoples living in Southeast China.
[7] Fuli is still called Fuli and is in modern Yongqiao, Anhui.
[8] The commentaries suggest that this refers to a place in Qianjiang, Hubei. However, this was to the south of Chu.
[9] E was in northeast Qi, but the precise location is unknown.
[10] Zhen was in southern Qi, but the precise location is unknown.
[11] I.e. if Qi were to conquer Chu.
[12] This seems to refer to people that had been conquered by Yue during the Spring and Autumns era.
[13] Reading 權縣韓、魏 for 齊縣衡韓、魏, per the commentaries. The Wei may also be superfluous.
[14] This referred to the lands on the northern border of Chu.
[15] Zheng was in modern Huazhou, Shaanxi. This was on the border between Han and Qin.
[16] These last sentences are not clear and interpretations differ. I have tried to retain the ambiguity of the original.
五國罷成皋
The Five States Grind to a Halt at Chenggao
五國罷成睪，秦王欲為成陽君求相韓、魏，韓、魏弗聽。秦太后為魏冉謂秦王曰：「成陽君以王之故，窮而居於齊，今王見其達而收之，亦能翕其心乎？」王曰：「未也。」太后曰：「窮而不收，達而報之，恐不為王用；且收成陽君，失韓、魏之道也〔六〕。」
The Five States'[1] advance ground to a halt at Chenggao[2]. The King of Qin[3] wanted to ask for the position of Chancellor of Han and Wei for Lord Chengyang[4], but Han and Wei paid him no attention. The Queen Dowager of Qin[5] spoke to the King of Qin on Wei Ran's[6] behalf, saying, "On Your Majesty's account Lord Chengyang was ruined and went to live in Qi. Now you have observed his brilliance and are willing to receive him. Can you really win his heart like this?"
The King said, "No."
The Queen Dowager said, "Since you refused to receive him when he was poor, he will repay this in kind when he is successful, so I am afraid he will be of no use to you. If you receive Lord Chengyang, you will lose access to Han and Wei."
[1] Chu, Han, Wei, Yan and Zhao.
[2] Reading 成皋 for 成睪, per the commentaries. Chenggao was in modern Xingyang, Henan. This refers to an episode during which Li Dui of Zhao made an alliance of five states for the purpose of attacking Qin. The attack failed, and Li Dui left his allies waiting at Chenggao and went to seek an agreement with Qin.
[3] King Zhaoxiang of Qin (325–251 BC) began life as a relatively minor prince, and served as a child hostage in Zhao before being sneaked out by Queen Dowager 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 Dowager 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.
[4] Lord Changyang had previously been a pro-Qin politician from Han.
[5] Queen Dowager Xuan, the mother of King Zhaoxiang. With her family and the aid of King Wuling of Zhao she managed to ensure that her son took the throne following the unexpected death of his older brother, King Wu. With her brother, Marquis Rang, she ruled while Zhaoxiang was still underage, but he eventually succeeded in forcing both out after he attained maturity.
[6] Wei Ran (Marquess Rang) was the half-brother of Queen Xuan and the uncle of King Zhaoxiang of Qin. Having backed Zhaoxiang in the struggle for succession that occurred following the death of King Wu, he subsequently became Chancellor.
范子因王稽入秦
Master Fan Takes Advantage of Wang Ji's Arrival in QIn
范子因王稽入秦，獻書昭王曰：「臣聞明主蒞正，有功者不得不賞，有能者不得不官；勞大者其祿厚，功多者其爵尊，能治眾者其官大。故不能者不敢當其職焉，能者亦不得蔽隱。使以臣之言為可，則行而益利其道；若將弗行，則久留臣無為也。語曰：『人主賞所愛，而罰所惡。明主則不然，賞必加於有功，刑必斷於有罪。』今臣之胸不足以當椹質，要不足以待斧鉞，豈敢以疑事嘗試於王乎？雖以臣為賤而輕辱臣，獨不重任臣者後無反覆於王前耶！
Master Fan[1] took advantage of Wang Ji's[2] arrival in Qin to offer a memorial to King Zhao[3] saying, "Your servant has heard that when an enlightened ruler governs correctly[4], then the accomplished cannot go unrewarded and the skilled cannot go unemployed; merit produces its own recompense, and achievements their own rank. Those who are capable of governing the masses fill the high offices. Therefore, those who are not capable do not dare to take up such duties, and the skilled have no way to hide their talents. If you think that my words can be implemented, then apply them and profit therefrom in your craft; if they cannot be applied, then leave me to wait my days out in silence[5]. It is said that 'A mediocre sovereign[6] rewards what he likes and punishes what he dislikes. An enlightened sovereign does not do this. He rewards those whose achievements must be multiplied and punishes those whose infractions must be made to cease.' Now my chest is not as tough as an executioner's block, nor is my waist able to stand up to the blows of an axe[7], so how do I dare to bring suspicion upon myself by throwing out such words before Your Majesty? Even if you take me to be worthless and treat me with contempt, that would simply imply that my backer[8] does not make his employment recommendations with due seriousness, and should not appear before you again[9].
「臣聞周有砥厄，宋有結綠，梁有懸黎，楚有和璞。此四寶者，工之所失也，而為天下名器。然則聖王之所棄者，獨不足以厚國家乎？
Your servant has heard that Zhou had the Di'e Jade, Song had the Jielu Jade, Liang had the Xuanli Jade and Chu the Heshibi Jade[10]. These four treasures were once unpolished, but became gems known throughout All-Under-Heaven. This being so, may something that a wise ruler discards not be capable of enriching his state?
「臣聞善厚家者，取之於國；善厚國者，取之於諸侯。天下有明主，則諸侯不得擅厚矣。是何故也？為其凋榮也。良醫知病人之死生，聖主明於成敗之事，利則行之，害則舍之，疑則少嘗之，雖堯、舜、禹、湯復生，弗能改已！語之至者，臣不敢載之於書；其淺者又不足聽也。意者，臣愚而不闔於王心耶！已其言臣者，將賤而不足聽耶！非若是也，則臣之志，願少賜游觀之間，望見足下而入之。」
Your servant has heard that when seeking people with the skills to make your household prosper, you should take them from your own state, but when you are seeking people with the skills to make your state prosper, you should take them from among the feudal lords. When there is an enlightened sovereign in All-Under-Heaven, then the feudal Lords cannot retain a monopoly on their own resources[11]. Why is this[12]? Because their glory is diminished[13]. As a good doctor can understand a patient's chances of dying or living, so a wise sovereign can understand an affair's chances of success or failure; if he can profit then he pursues it, if harm will ensue then he abandons it, and if the outcome is uncertain he tests the water a little. Even Yao[14], Shun[15], Yu[16] and Tang[17], were they to return to life, could not improve upon this. As to the full implications of these words, your servant does not dare to express it in writing, while the superficial aspects are not enough to compel attention. What is your opinion? Am I stupid and not in accord with Your Majesty's thoughts[18]? Or maybe he who has spoken for me will be taken to be contemptible and not worth listening to[19]? If this is not the case, then I have one desire, that you will grant me the small favour of a moment of your unoccupied time, as I wish see Your Majesty and to enter your court."
書上，秦王說之，因謝王稽說，使人持車召之。
The memorial was delivered, and the King of Qin was delighted. As a result he sent his thanks to Wang Ji[20], and sent someone in a carriage to summon Fan Ju.
[1] Fan Ju escaped from Wei and fled to Qin after being accused of treason. He successfully disposed of Wei Ran, Queen Xuan and Bai Qi on his way to the top, becoming Chancellor.
[2] Wang Ji helped Fan Ju escape from Wei and sneak into Qin, despite a ban on "wandering persuaders" entering the country that had been put in place by Wei Ran. After Fan Ju obtained an official position, he obtained another for Wang Ji by way of gratitude. Wang Ji was later found guilty of abusing his authority and executed, with Fan Ju also being forced to resign. The story is an exciting one and is told in detail in the Records of the Grand Historian.
[3] King Zhaoxiang of Qin (325–251 BC) began life as a relatively minor prince, and served as a child hostage in Zhao before being sneaked out by Queen Dowager 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 Dowager 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.
[4] 正 may be intended to read 政, but this does not substantially alter the sense.
[5] Reading 謂 for 為, per the commentaries.
[6] Reading 庸主 for 人主, per the commentaries.
[7] A 斧 (fu) was any kind of axe, a 鉞 (yue) was a heavy battle axe, something like this. At the time of the story, individuals found guilty of particularly serious crimes (such as treason) would be cut in half horizontally.
[8] I.e. Wang Ji.
[9] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise wording of this sentence, but the general sense is clear. The implication is that the King will lose Wang Ji's service if he offends Fan Ju.
[10] These were all celebrated pieces of jade that formed part of the royal treasuries of the states named. The Di'e was probably ring-shaped, Jielü means "knotted green", and the Xuanli supposedly glowed in the dark. The Heshibi Jade has been mentioned before, in a veiled allusion by Chen Zhen to the accusation that Zhang Yi stole it.
[11] Implying their human resources - the more enlightened ruler will headhunt their employees.
[12] According to the commentaries, the 故 here is superfluous.
[13] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise wording of this sentence, this translation is an approximation.
[14] Yao was a semi-legendary ancient Chinese leader.
[15] Shun succeeded Yao.
[16] Yu succeeded Shun.
[17] Tang was the founder of the Shang Dynasty.
[18] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise wording of this sentence, this translation is an approximation.
[19] Reading 亡 for 已, per the commentaries.
[20] According to the commentaries, the 說 here is superfluous.
范睢至秦
Fan Ju Arrives in Qin
范睢至秦，王庭迎，謂范睢曰：「寡人宜以身受令久矣。今者義渠之事急，寡人日自請太后。今義渠之事已，寡人乃得以身受命。躬竊閔然不敏，敬執賓主之禮。」范睢辭讓。
Fan Ju[1] arrived in Qin, where the King[2] welcomed him to his court, and spoke to him, saying, "We should have received your instruction in person a long time ago, but recently the Yiqu affair has been pressing and we have had to have audiences with the Queen Dowager[3] every day[4]. Now that the Yiqu business is settled, I can finally receive your instruction face to face[5]. I privately worry that I am not a quick thinker, but I will bring with me all the courtesy due of a host to a guest[6]." Fan Ju thanked him withdrew.
是日見范睢，見者無不變色易容者。秦王屏左右，宮中虛無人，秦王跪而請曰：「先生何以幸教寡人？」范睢曰：「唯唯。」有間，秦王復請，范睢曰：「唯唯。」若是者三。
This being so, among those who saw Fan Ju that day there was no one who did not regard him as a different man. The King of Qin put up folding screens to keep out his entourage, so that the palace was empty and there were no other people in the vicinity. He kneeled and made his request: "With what teachings do you intend to grace us, Professor?"
Fan Ju said, "Well..." and the moment dragged out. The King repeated his request, and Fan Ju said, "Well..." This happened a third time.
秦王跽曰：「先生不幸教寡人乎？」
The King of Qin, still kneeling, said: "You do not intend to favour us with your teachings?"
范睢謝曰：「非敢然也。臣聞始時呂尚之遇文王也，身為漁父而釣於渭陽之濱耳。若是者，交疏也。已一說而立為太師，載與俱歸者，其言深也。故文王果收功於呂尚，卒擅天下而身立為帝王。即使文王疏呂望而弗與深言，是周無天子之德，而文、武無與成其王也。今臣，羇旅之臣也，交疏於王，而所願陳者，皆匡君之之事，處人骨肉之間，願以陳臣之陋忠，而未知王心也，所以王三問而不對者是也。臣非有所畏而不敢言也，知今日言之於前，而明日伏誅於後，然臣弗敢畏也。大王信行臣之言，死不足以為臣患，亡不足以為臣憂，漆身而為厲，被髮而為狂，不足以為臣恥。五帝之聖而死，三王之仁而死，五伯之賢而死，烏獲之力而死，奔、育之勇焉而死。死者，人之所必不免也。處必然之勢，可以少有補於秦，此臣之所大願也，臣何患乎？伍子胥橐載而出昭關，夜行而晝伏，至於蔆水，無以餌其口，坐行蒲服，乞食於吳巿，卒興吳國，闔廬為霸。使臣得進謀如伍子胥，加之以幽囚，終身不復見，是臣說之行也，臣何憂乎？箕子、接輿，漆身而為厲，被髮而為狂，無益於殷、楚。使臣得同行於箕子、接輿，漆身可以補所賢之主，是臣之大榮也，臣又何恥乎？臣之所恐者，獨恐臣死之後，天下見臣盡忠而身蹶也，是以杜口裹足，莫肯即秦耳。足下上畏太后之嚴，下惑姦臣之態；居深宮之中，不離保傅之手；終身闇惑，無與照姦；大者宗廟滅覆，小者身以孤危。此臣之所恐耳！若夫窮辱之事，死亡之患，臣弗敢畏也。臣死而秦治，賢於生也。」
Fan Ju said, "I would not dare to refrain. Your servant has heard that when Lü Shang[7] first encountered King Wu[8], he was simply a fisherman paying out his line on the north bank of the Wei River[9]. If this was the case, it was a casual encounter. King Wu stopped and they discussed things for a moment, and as a result King Wu made Lü Shang his preceptor. For them to have returned in the same carriage[10], the words spoken must have been profound. As a result, King Wen[11] was able to profit from Lü Shang's achievements; his troops conquered All-Under-Heaven and he was established as Emperor. If King Wen had neglected Lü Shang[12], and they had not exchanged such profound words, then the House of Zhou[13] would not have received the honour of becoming Sons of Heaven, nor would Wen and Wu have taken the throne. Now I have paused on my travels to serve you, having casually encountered Your Majesty. All I wish for is to offer my comments and thereby bring order to Your Lordship's affairs[14], including those concerning your own flesh and blood. I would like to offer comments born of unpolished loyalty, but I do not yet know what is on Your Majesty's mind, which is why when you asked me three times I did not reply. Nothing has ever frightened me so much that I did not dare to speak up. I know that what I say to your face today may be used to make me kneel for execution tomorrow. Even so, I would not be so presumptuous as to be afraid: if Your Majesty trusts me and makes use of my advice, then even death would not be sufficient to worry me, nor exile enough to grieve me. Even if I had to cover myself in lacquer and be treated as a leper[15] or to let my hair grow wild and be treated as a lunatic[16], that would not be sufficient to cause me shame. The Five Emperors[17] were wise[18], but they still died; the Three Sovereigns[19] were benevolent, but they still died; the Five Hegemons[20] were intelligent, but they still died; Wu Huo[21] was strong, but he still died; Ben and Yu[22] were heroes, but they still died[23]. Death is the one human certainty that cannot be avoided[24]. Standing under the compulsion of this force of nature, if there is any small thing I can do to assist Qin, that is my greatest wish. Why would I worry? Wu Zixu[25] hid in a sack to get through the Zhao Pass[26], traveling at night and hiding during the day to reach Lingshui[27]. With nothing to eat, he fell to the ground and went begging for food, eating in the markets of Wu, then led the restoration of the state of Wu and made King Helü[28] a hegemon. If I could obtain the opportunity to put forth my strategies like Wu Zixu, then even if I am imprisoned and never seen again to the end of my days[29] - even under such circumstances - as long as my arguments are followed, why would I grieve? Jizi[30] and Jieyu[31] covered themselves in lacquer and were treated as lepers. They let their hair grow wild and were treated as lunatics, to no benefit of Yin[32] or Chu. If your servant could become a Jizi or a Jieyu, and could thereby[33] assist a sovereign recognised for his wisdom, this would be my greatest glory. Why would I be ashamed? What I fear is only that after my death, All-Under-Heaven will see the full extent of my loyalty, and how it led to my downfall. If this is so, then people will close their mouths and hobble their feet, and none will be willing to come to[34] Qin. Your Majesty fears the Queen Dowager's severity above and is confused by the machinations of malevolent ministers below; waiting in the depths of the palace, unable to escape the hands of your attendants, you will end your days in darkness and confusion, with no one to shed light upon their treachery. Taking the wider perspective, an ancient lineage will be wiped out; taking the narrower perspective, you personally will be alone and in danger[35]. This is what your servant fears. Thus, I would not presume to concern myself with poverty and humiliation or worry about death and exile. Though I may die, Qin will be well-governed. Better to be recognised for wisdom than survival."
秦王跽曰：「先生是何言也！夫秦國僻遠，寡人愚不肖，先生乃幸至此，此天以寡人慁先生，而存先王之廟也。寡人得受命於先生，此天所以幸先王而不棄其孤也。先生奈何而言若此！事無大小，上及太后，下至大臣，願先生悉以教寡人，無疑寡人也。」范睢再拜，秦王亦再拜。
The King of Qin bowed and said: "Such words! Qin is an out-of-the-way place, and we are stupid and unworthy, yet a learned man such as yourself favours us by coming all this way. In such a way does Heaven allow us to distress[36] you with our poor hospitality so that the court of the former Kings may survive. We will receive your instruction, since Heaven has decided to bless the former Kings[37] in this way, and not abandon their orphaned descendent. However you intend to handle affairs, simply say so. Whether the matter is big or small, reaching as far as the Queen Dowager above or the servants of the state below, I hope that you will teach us all you know, without any reservations." Fan Ju bowed again, as did the King of Qin.
范睢曰：「大王之國，北有甘泉、谷口，南帶涇、渭，右隴、蜀，左關、阪；戰車千乘，奮擊百萬。以秦卒之勇，車騎之多，以當諸侯，譬若馳韓盧而逐蹇兔也，霸王之業可致。今反閉而不敢窺兵於山東者，是穰侯為國謀不忠，而大王之計有所失也。」
Fan Ju said: "Your Majesty's kingdom has Ganquan[38] and Gukou[39] to the North. In the South you are protected by the Jing[40] and Wei Rivers[41]. On your right[42] you have Mount Long[43] and the land of Shu. On your left, the Pass[44] with its steep slopes[45]. You have thousands of war chariots and a million elite fighters[46]. If Qin mobilised the courage of its troops and the overwhelming numbers of its cavalry, they would be equal to those of the feudal lords. It would be comparable to[47] using a Hanlu mastiff[48] to chase down a lame rabbit[49], and thus you could complete the work of a hegemon. If you now shut yourself away within the Pass[50] and do not dare let your soldiers steal a glance east of the Mountains[51], it is because the plans made by Marquess Rang[52] for the state are not loyal, and so Your Majesty's strategies have failed."
王曰：「願聞所失計。」
The King said, "I wish to hear what caused the failure of these strategies."
睢曰：「大王越韓、魏而攻強齊，非計也。少出師，則不足以傷齊；多之則害於秦。臣意王之計欲少出師，而悉韓、魏之兵則不義矣。今見與國之不可親，越人之國而攻，可乎？疏於計矣！昔者，齊人伐楚，戰勝，破軍殺將，再辟千里，膚寸之地無得者，豈齊不欲地哉，形弗能有也。諸侯見齊之罷露，君臣之不親，舉兵而伐之，主辱軍破，為天下笑。所以然者，以其伐楚而肥韓、魏也。此所謂藉賊兵而齎盜食者也。王不如遠交而近攻，得寸則王之寸，得尺則王之尺也。今舍此而遠攻，不亦繆乎？且昔者，中山之地，方五百里，趙獨擅之，功成、名立、利附，則天下莫能害。今韓、魏，中國之處，而天下之樞也。王若欲霸，必親中國而以為天下樞，以威楚、趙。趙彊則楚附，楚彊則趙附。楚、趙附則齊必懼，懼必卑辭重幣以事秦，齊附而韓、魏可虛也。」
Ju said: "If Your Majesty were to cross Han and Wei and then attack mighty Qi, that would be no strategy. If you send out too few troops, they will not be sufficient to harm Qi; if you increase the numbers, this will harm Qin. Your servant has an idea that your plan[53] is to dispatch small numbers of your own troops while Han and Wei dispatch all of theirs at once. This is unreasonable. Everyone will then be able to see that there is no real affection between our states, so how could we traverse their states to make an attack? Such haphazard strategising! In the past, when Qi attacked Chu, it fought and won - destroying chariots and killing a general, then opening up a thousand li of land - but not a cun of ground did it take[54]. It was not that Qi did not want the land, but the circumstances meant that it was unable to keep it. The feudal Lords saw that Qi was spent and exposed, and that its ruler[55] and his servants were estranged, so they mobilised their troops and attacked. The sovereign was humiliated and its army destroyed, and All-Under-Heaven laughed. Because it used such a method, Qi's attack on Chu served only to fatten up Han and Wei, this can be called 'lending weapons to thieves and feeding robbers'. Your Majesty would do better to form relationships with faraway states and attack those nearby[56]. Then when you gain a cun it is yours to keep, and when you gain a chi, that is yours too. Now that this approach has been abandoned in favour of attacking those far away, has it not created entanglements? In the past, the land of Zhongshan was five hundred square li[57], and Zhao alone was able to take complete control of it, attacking successfully, making a name for itself, and adding to its gains[58]. No one in All-Under-Heaven could harm it. Now Han and Wei are, among the central states[59], the key to All-Under-Heaven. If Your Majesty desires hegemony, you must grow close to the central states, and use them thus to unlock All-Under-Heaven, thereby intimidating Chu and Zhao. If Zhao is stronger, you will have Chu's support. If Chu is stronger, you will have Zhao's support. If you have the support of Zhao or Chu, Qi will panic. If it panics, it will send humble words and heavy bags of cash to serve Qin's interests. If you have Qi's assistance, Han and Wei will be nothing."
王曰：「寡人欲親魏，魏多變之國也，寡人不能親。請問親魏奈何？」范睢曰：「卑辭重幣以事之。不可，削地而賂之。不可，舉兵而伐之。」於是舉兵而攻邢丘，邢丘拔而魏請附。
The King said, "We wanted to maintain a close relationship with Wei, but Wei is a changeable state, and it has become impossible. We beg to ask, how would you handle the relationship with Wei?"
Fan Ju said, "With humble words and heavy bags of cash to serve its interests. Failing that, cede some of your land and bribe it. Failing that, raise your troops and attack it." On account of this, troops were raised and sent to attack Xingqiu[60]. Xingqiu was seized and Wei begged to offer Qin its support.
曰：「秦、韓之地形，相錯如繡。秦之有韓，若木之有蠹，人之病心腹。天下有變，為秦害者莫大於韓。王不如收韓。」王曰：「寡人欲收韓，不聽，為之奈何？」
Fan Ju said, "The terrain of Qin and Han is woven together like embroidery; Han is to Qin as termites are to wood or as disease is to a person's heart and stomach. Of all the changes happening in All-Under-Heaven, none are so damaging to Qin as those in Han. The best thing Your Majesty can do is gain Han's adherence[61]."
The King said, "We wish to gain Han's adherence, but they do not listen[62]. How should we deal with this?"
范睢曰：「舉兵而攻滎陽，則成睪之路不通；北斬太行之道則上黨之兵不下；一舉而攻榮陽，則其國斷而為三。魏、韓見必亡，焉得不聽？韓聽而霸事可成也。」王曰：「善。」
Fan Ju said, "Raise troops and attack Xingyang[63], then block the Chenggao Road[64], cutting off the way to Taihang[65] in the North. Then the troops in Shangdang[66] will not be able to return. With a single stroke, your can attack Xingyang and thus break up Han's state and split it into three. Thus Han[67] will see that its own demise is certain; how then could it refuse to listen to you? When Han obeys you, then the status of hegemon can be achieved."
The King said, "Good."
范睢曰：「臣居山東，聞齊之內有田單，不聞其王。聞秦之有太后、穰侯、涇陽、華陽，不聞其有王。夫擅國之謂王，能專利害之謂王，制殺生之威之謂王。今太后擅行不顧，穰侯出使不報，涇陽、華陽擊斷無諱，四貴備而國不危者，未之有也。為此四者，下乃所謂無王已。然則權焉得不傾，而令焉得從王出乎？臣聞：『善為國者，內固其威，而外重其權。』穰侯使者操王之重，決裂諸侯，剖符於天下，征敵伐國，莫敢不聽。戰勝攻取，則利歸於陶；國弊，御於諸侯；戰敗，則怨結於百姓，而禍歸社稷。詩曰：『木實繁者披其枝，披其枝者傷其心。大其都者危其國，尊其臣者卑其主。』淖齒管齊之權，縮閔王之筋，縣之廟梁，宿昔而死。李兌用趙，減食主父，百日而餓死。今秦，太后、穰侯用事，高陵、涇陽佐之，卒無秦王，此亦淖齒、李兌之類已。臣今見王獨立於廟朝矣，且臣將恐後世之有秦國者，非王之子孫也。」
Fan Ju said, "When I was residing east of the mountains, I heard that Qi had[68] Tian Dan[69], but I did not hear about its King. I heard that Qin had the Queen Dowager, Marquis Rang, Jingyang[70] and Huayang[71], but I did not hear about its King. Whoever exercises complete control over a state can be called King; whoever can monopolise the distribution of profits and harm can be called King; whoever has the power of life and death can be called King. Now the Queen Dowager exercises complete and arbitrary control. Marquis Rang sends out envoys and makes no reports. Jingyang and Huayang inflict punishments unabashed.[72] For four nobles to have such complete control and the state not be in danger is something that has never yet happened. Thus these four have ensured that those beneath them say that there is no king. This being so, how can you expect to exercise authority without contradiction, or see that the decrees you dispatch are obeyed? Your servant has heard that 'One skilled in government consolidates his power at home and reinforces his influence abroad'[73]. Marquis Rang's envoys have assumed Your Majesty's prestige, deciding to break with the feudal lords or make treaties with All-Under-Heaven, invading enemies and attacking states, so that no one dares to ignore him. When he fights and wins and takes land, the profit is shipped back to Tao[74], leaving the state depleted and subject to the feudal lords. When he fights and loses, then resentment grows among the hundred clans and misfortune falls upon your spirits of earth and grain[75]. The Book of Poetry says, 'If a tree grows too fruitful, its branches will break; if its branches break, its trunk will be damaged. If the capital is allowed to grow too big, then the state is in danger. If private secretaries are given too much respect, the sovereign is humbled.'[76] Nao Chi[77] governed Qi and took power. He bound King Min by his joints[78] and hung him from a temple beam overnight until he died. Zhao was at Li Dui's[79] disposal, and he starved the King's father[80] for a hundred days until he died of hunger. Now in Qin, the Queen Dowager and Marquis Rang direct affairs, and Gaoling, Huayang and Jingyang[81] assist them. In the end, there will be no King in Qin. They are of the same type as Nao Chi and Li Dui[82]. I now see Your Majesty standing alone in your ancestral court, and I fear that whoever possesses the state of Qin in future generations, its kings will not be your sons and grandsons."
秦王懼，於是乃廢太后，逐穰侯，出高陵，走涇陽於關外。
The King of Qin was afraid, and as a result of this sent the Queen Dowager away, expelled Marquis Rang, and sent[82] Gaoling, Jingyang and Huayang[83] beyond the Pass[84].
昭王謂范睢曰：「昔者，齊公得管仲，時以為仲父。今吾得子，亦以為父。」
King Zhao spoke to Fan Ju, saying, "In the past, the Duke of Qi[85] recruited Guan Zhong[86], who at the time became known as Uncle Zhong; now I have obtained your services, you too will be known as 'Uncle'."[87]
[1] Fan Ju escaped from Wei and fled to Qin after being accused of treason. He successfully disposed of Wei Ran, Queen Xuan and Bai Qi on his way to the top, becoming Chancellor.
[2] King Zhaoxiang of Qin (325–251 BC) began life as a relatively minor prince, and served as a child hostage in Zhao before being sneaked out by Queen Dowager 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 Dowager 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.
[3] Mi Yue or Queen Xuan, Zhaoxiang's mother. She had effectively served as regent during his younger years, and remained powerful even after he came of age. At the time this story is taking place he had begun to grow more independent and her power was waning.
[4] During the power-struggle that followed the death of King Wu, Queen Xuan had relied upon the external support of Zhao and Yiqu to ensure Zhaoxiang's succession. Accounts of the period are somewhat unclear, but in 272 or 271 the Lord of Yiqu was invited to Qin and assassinated, and an invasion force dispatched to annex his state. The murder was attributed to Xuan, but it seems more probable that it was part of Zhaoxiang's efforts to remove his mother's supporters so that he could assume genuine power rather than merely serving as a cipher for her interests. For more detail, see here.
[5] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise wording of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[6] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise wording of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[7] Better known as Jiang Ziya, a real general whose political and military expertise was transformed into semi-mystical folk hero status over the years. He helped establish the Zhou Dynasty and was rewarded with land in Qi.
[8] King Wu was a founder of the Zhou Dynasty and one of Jiang Ziya's employers.
[9] The Wei River, flowing through Gansu and Shaanxi.
[10] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise wording of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[11] Reading 尚 for 望, per the commentaries.
[12] King Wen was King Wu's father. He began the rebellion that later won Wu the throne, and was posthumously granted royal honours.
[13] To which Wu and Wen belonged.
[14] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise wording of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[15] This refers to the story of Yu Rang, which features among the Zhao stratagems. He painted himself with lacquer to create sores that would make him appear to be a leper, the better to disguise himself and assassinate his sovereign's killer.
[16] More than one person did this. The oldest version refers to Jizi, who escaped execution by Zhou of Shang by feigning madness.
[17] The individuals who made up the list of Five Emperors varied over time, but all were semi-mythical ancestral rulers.
[18] Some commentaries suggest reading 聖焉 for 聖 here and in the subsequent phrases..
[19] The individuals who made up the list of the Three Sovereigns varied over time, but all were semi-mythical ancestral rulers.
[20] The Five Hegemons were rulers who attained preeminence at various points during the Spring and Autumn period.
[21] Wu Huo was a famous strongman in Qin during the reign of King Wu.
[22] Meng Ben and Xia Yu were famous fighters in Qin, also under King Wu.
[23] Some of the commentaries suggest that the 焉 here is superfluous.
[24] Some of the commentaries suggest that the 也 here is superfluous.
[25] Wu Zixu was a minister in Wu in the early fifth century BC. Early in his life he was faced with the choice of dying with his father, who had been wrongly accused of treason, or staying alive to attempt to avenge him, a dilemma which became something of a Confucian equivalent of the trolley problem. After various escapades he was obliged to commit suicide on a false charge, and was held up as a model of loyalty.
[26] The Zhao pass was in modern Hanshan County, Anhui.
[27] Lingshui is now Lishui in Jiangsu.
[28] King Helü ruled Wu in the sixth century, and rose to the status of Hegemon with the assistance of Wu Zixu and Sun Tzu, among others.
[29] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise wording of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[30] Jizi was a relative of King Zhou, the last sovereign of the Shang Dynasty, whom he criticised and was imprisoned as a result, but feigned madness to avoid execution. He was released and appointed to an official position by King Wu of the Zhou Dynasty. He was supposedly awarded lands in Korea, and became a Korean folk hero as a result.
[31] Jieyu was a hermit in the Spring and Autumn period. It is difficult to tell how fictional the accounts of him are, but Zhuangzi described him joking at Confucius' expense. Eventually King Zhao of Chu persuaded him to accept an official position.
[32] Yin was an alternative name for the Shang Dynasty.
[33] The commentaries suggest that the 漆身 here is superfluous.
[34] Reading 鄉 for 即, per the commentaries.
[35] At the time the court of Qin was dominated by members of the Queen Dowager's family (芈 Mi, the royal house of Chu), explaining the fear that they would supplant the Ying (嬴) clan, Zhaoxiang's paternal line.
[36] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise wording of this sentence. I have followed modern translations.
[37] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise wording of this sentence. I have followed modern translations.
[38] Ganquan is still called Ganquan, and is in northern Shaanxi.
[39] Gukou is now Chunhua in Shaanxi.
[40] The Wei River flowed West-to-East through Qin, into the Yellow River.
[41] The Jing River joins the Wei near Xi'an.
[42] The King is sitting facing South, according to tradition, so West is on the right from his point of view, and East is left.
[43] Mount Long is part of the Liupan Range in Gansu.
[44] The Hangu Pass was the principle gateway to Qin.
[45] Mount Xiao, on the border of Henan and Shanxi.
[46] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise wording of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[47] According to the commentaries the 馳 here is superfluous.
[48] This seems to have referred to a breed of large, black hunting dogs from Han.
[49] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise wording of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[50] Reading 閉關 for 閉, per the commentaries.
[51] Mount Hua, marking the border between Qin and the rest of China.
[52] Wei Ran (Marquis Rang) was the half-brother of Queen Xuan and the uncle of King Zhaoxiang of Qin. Having backed Zhaoxiang in the struggle for succession that occurred following the death of King Wu, he subsequently became Chancellor.
[53] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise wording of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[54] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise wording of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[55] 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.
[56This was the strategy Qin eventually used to unify China. It was previously described in Zhang Yi's introductory speech and subsequently adopted, explaining why Fan Ju goes on to describe the strategy as having been abandoned.
[57] Some of the commentaries suggest that this should read 山中 rather than 山中, in which case it would mean "the land within the mountains".
[58] Reading 焉 for 則, per the commentaries.
[59] The flat lands on the banks of the Yellow River that were the traditional Huaxia heartlands.
[60] Xingqiu is now Beipingjing Village, in Wen County, Henan.
[61] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise wording of this sentence. I have followed modern translations.
[62] Reading 韓不聽 for 不聽, per the commentaries.
[63] Xingyang is now a suburb of Zhengzhou in Henan. The commentaries disagree on whether or not this should read 宜陽, which would refer to Yiyang, in modern Henan.
[64] The Chenggao Road was a key strategic choke point on the bank of the Yellow River, now known as Sishui or Tiger Cage Pass.
[65] The Taihang Mountains.
[66] Shangdang Commandery was a key strategic location, regularly fought over by Zhao, Wei, Han and Qin.
[67] According to the commentaries, the 魏 is superfluous.
[68] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise wording of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[69] The commentaries disagree on whether this should read 田單 (Tian Dan) or 田文 (Tian Wen). Tian Dan was a member of the Qi royal house, who served Qi and Zhao. Lord Mengchang, also known as Tian Wen, was Qi's greatest general at the time. He served most of his career in Qi, but left to work in Wei for some years in response to King Min's poor human resources policy.
[70] Lord Jingyang was Zhaoxiang's younger brother. In 300 BC he was sent as a hostage to Qi, partly as a result of Fan Ju's activities as described here.
[71] Lord Huayang was Queen Xuan's half-brother, also known as Mi Rong.
[72] Some versions read 無諱，高陵進退不請 for 無諱. This says: "Gaoling promotes and demotes without begging permission." Lord Gaoling was another of King Huiwen's sons.
[73] This is presented as a quotation, but I can find no source.
[74] Tao, Marquis Rang's domain, is now Dingtao in Shandong.
[75] The spirits of earth and grain enjoyed a symbiotic relationship with the state, with each protecting the other in the hope of ensuring their own survival. There is still an altar of earth and grain in Beijing today.
[76] The version of the Book of Poetry we have now contains nothing resembling this quote. The same lines feature in Sima Qian's version of the story, as well as in one of the subsequent Qin stratagems. The phrasing does not sound archaic enough to be from the Book of Poetry, so the origin is a bit of a mystery.
[77] Nao Chi was a general who led a coalition to defeat Qi, whose king subsequently made him Chancellor. King Min's poor decision-making subsequently led to a string of defeats for Qi, and Nao Chi killed him.
[78] The text is garbled here, but the story is a well-known one. It is possible that Nao Chi's goal was to evade responsbility for regicide on a technicality by restraining King Min such that he would die slowly of positional asphyxia.
[79] Li Dui was Chancellor of Zhao. He would later kill the former King of the state and one of his sons in an internal power struggle.
[80] King Wuling of Zhao abdicated and left the kingdom to Prince He, a younger son, who become King Huiwen. Prince Zhang, an elder son rebelled but was defeated and pursued by an army led by Li Dui. He took refuge with Wuling, and Li Dui besieged their stronghold. Wuling eventually killed Zhang, but Li Dui refused to lift the siege, and Wuling starved.
[81] Reading 華陽，涇陽 for 涇陽, per the commentaries.
[81] Reading 也 for 已, per the commentaries.
[82] According to the commentaries, the 走 here is superfluous.
[83] Reading 涇陽，華陽 for 涇陽, per the commentaries.
[84] I.e. beyond Hangu and out of Qin.
[85] Duke Huan, a Spring and Autumn era hegemon.
[86] Guan Zhong was a political reformer; he is generally given credit for Duke Huan's rise to hegemon status.
[87] The actual word used is "father", but for reasons relating to the context of the original Guanzi account of Guan Zhong's rise to power, it is conventionally translated as "uncle". It is interesting that in this last passage the King switches from referring to himself as 寡人 (guaren) - a pronoun reserved for the sovereign that I usually translate as "we" - and uses the informal 吾 (wu) instead. For more on these pronouns, see here.