韓一 THE STRATAGEMS OF HAN I (A)
三晉已破智氏
The Three Jin Attack the Zhi Clan
三晉已破智氏,將分其地。段規謂韓王曰:「分地必取成皋。」韓王曰:「成皋,石溜之地也,寡人無所用之。」段規曰:「不然,臣聞一里之厚,而動千里之權者,地利也。萬人之眾,而破三軍者,不意也。王用臣言,則韓必取鄭矣。」王曰:「善。」果取成皋。至韓之取鄭也,果從成皋始。
The three Jin[1] had attacked the House of Zhi[2] and were planning to divide up its land. Duan Gui[3] spoke to the King of Han[4], saying, "When they share out the land, you must take Chenggao[5]."
The King of Han said, "Chenggao is rocky and arid land. We have no use for it."
Duan Gui said, "Not so. Your servant has heard that one li of favourable terrain can grant power over a thousand li, such are its benefits. A batallion ten thousand strong can wipe out three armies if it arrives unexpectedly. If Your Majesty employs my suggestion, then Han will certainly take Zheng."
The King said, "Very well." As a result, he aquired Chenggao, and Han eventually took Zheng as a result of having first taken Chenggao.
[1] The Han, Wei and Zhao clans.
[2] The Zhi clan led the partition of the state of Jin, but its co-conspirators immediately turned against it and wiped it out.
[3] Reading 規 for 貴, as in other versions. Duan Gui was a client of Han Kangzi. He was known for providing prudent advice that helped the Han clan win more than one victory.
[4] Han Kangzi (precise dates unknown) was the leader of the Han clan during the partition of Jin. While Han was later recognised as an independent kingdom, Kangzi was never accorded a royal title during his lifetime.
[5] Chenggao was an important strategic location in modern Xingyang County, Henan. It was on the other side of Zhou from most of Han's land, but provided a base from which Han would be able to attack Zheng.
大成午從趙來
Dacheng Wu arrives from Zhao
大成午從趙來,謂申不害於韓曰:「子以韓重我於趙,請以趙重子於韓,是子有兩韓,而我有兩趙也。」
Dacheng Wu[1] came from Zhao to speak to Shen Buhai[2] in Han, to whom he said, "If you use the state of Han bolster my influence in Zhao, then I beg your leave to use the state of Zhao to bolster your influence in Han. This done, it will be as though you had two Hans and I had two Zhaos."
[1] Dacheng Wu was a Zhao politician and served as Chancellor for a time.
[2] Shen Buhai was a legalist author and politician in Han, serving as Chancellor and reforming its political system.
魏之圍邯鄲
Wei Encircles Handan
魏之圍邯鄲也。申不害始合於韓王,然未知王之所欲也,恐言而未必中於王也。王問申子曰:「吾誰與而可?」對曰:「此安危之要,國家之大事也。臣請深惟而苦思之。」乃微謂趙卓、韓𠵯曰:「子皆國之辯士也,夫為人臣者,言可必用,盡忠而已矣。」二人各進議於王以事。申子微視王之所說以言於王,王大說之。
Wei encircled Handan and Shen Buhai[1] began considering which side he should advise the King of Han[2] to join. However, he did not yet know the King's own preference, and he was afraid to speak until he was certain of what was on the King's mind. The King questioned Master Shen, saying, "Which side should I approach?"
He replied, "Dealing with the demands of safety and danger is the fundamental business of the state. Your servant begs leave to ponder deeply and painstakingly on this."
Consequently he spoke to Zhao Zhuo[3] and Han Yun[4], saying, "You are the state's greatest rhetoricians, but among public servants he will be judged most loyal who can ensure that his words are implemented." The two of them transmitted their comments on the matter to the King[5] and Master Shen watched in secret to see which pleased him more, before recommending it also. The King was delighted.
[1] Shen Buhai was a legalist author and politician in Han, serving as Chancellor and reforming its political system. This happened in 353 BC.
[2] This refers to Marquis Xi of Han (362 – 333 BC), also known as Marquis Zhao. The royal title accorded to him here was a posthumous courtesy.
[3] Zhao Zhuo was also known as Zhao Shao (赵绍), presumably he was serving in Zhao at the time.
[4] Han Yun was also known as Han Chao (韓晁), he was presumably a member of the Han royal house.
[5] The commentaries disagree on the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
申子請仕其從兄官
Master shen Begs to Appoint his Cousin to An official Position
申子請仕其從兄官,昭侯不許也。申子有怨色。昭侯曰:「非所謂學於子者也。聽子之謁,而廢子之道乎?又亡其行子之術,而廢子之謁乎?子嘗教寡人循功勞,視次第。今有所求,此我將奚聽乎?」申子乃辟舍請罪,曰:「君真其人也!」
Master Shen[1] begged to appoint his cousin to an official position, but Marquis Zhao[2] refused permission. Master Shen appeared annoyed and Marquis Zhao said, "This can hardly be said to reflect what I previously learnt from you[3]. Should I listen to your request and abandon your methods or practice your techniques and reject your request[4]? You always taught me to pay attention to people's contributions and only then assign them an official rank, and now you are making such a request? How could I listen to it?"
Master Shen immediately left his apartments and went to beg forgiveness, saying, "His lordship is truly one of us!"
[1] Shen Buhai was a legalist author and politician in Han, serving as Chancellor and reforming its political system.
[2] This refers to Marquis Xi of Han (362 – 333 BC), also known as Marquis Zhao.
[3] Yao suggests that the 謂 here is superfluous.
[4] Reading 請 for 謁, per the commentaries.
蘇秦為楚合從說韓王
Su Qin, Working on Zhao's Behalf, Persuades The King of Han to Join the Vertical Alliance
蘇秦為楚合從說韓王曰:「韓北有鞏、洛、成皋之固,西有宜陽、常阪之塞,東有宛、穰、洧水,南有陘山,地方千里,帶甲數十萬。天下之強弓勁弩,皆自韓出。谿子、少府,時力、距來,皆射六百步之外。韓卒超足而射,百發不暇止,遠者達胸,近者掩心。韓卒之劍戟,皆出於冥山、棠谿、墨陽、合伯膊。鄧師、宛馮、龍淵、大阿,皆陸斷馬牛,水擊鵠鴈,當敵即斬堅。甲、盾、鞮、鍪、鐵幕、革抉、口犮芮,無不畢具。
Su Qin[1], working on Zhao's[2] behalf, persuaded the King of Han[3] to join the Vertical Alliance, saying, "To the North of Han you have Gong[4], Luo[5] and Chenggao[6]. To the West, Yiyang[7] and the mountains of Shang[8] guard your borders. To the East you have Wan[10], Rang[11] and the Xiao River[12]. To the South you have Mount Xing[13]. You have lands of a thousand square li, guarded by hundreds of thousands of men at arms. All of the strongest bows and crossbows in All-Under-Heaven are products of Han. The crossbows of Master Xi and Shao Fu[14], the Shili and the Julai[15], these all shoot over six hundred paces. Han's artillery units cock their bows[16] and fire a hundred arrows without stopping to rest[17], striking distant targets in the chest and close ones right through the heart. Your soldiers' swords and halberds[18] are all from Mount Ming[19], Tangxi[20], Moyang[21] and Hebo[22]. Master Deng's swords[23], and those of Wanfeng[24], Longshen[25] and Da'e[26], could cut a horse or a cow in half on land and strike down a crane or a wild goose on the water - they can certainly cut through the enemy's resolve. Armour and shields, boots and helmets, greaves and vambraces, bracers[27] and bucklers: you lack for nothing[28].
以韓卒之勇,被堅甲,蹠勁弩,帶利劍,一人當百,不足言也。夫以韓之勁,與大王之賢,乃欲西面事秦,稱東藩,築帝宮,受冠帶,祠春秋,交臂而服焉。夫羞社稷而為天下笑,無過此者矣。是故願大王之熟計之也。大王事秦,秦必求宜陽、成皋。今茲效之,明年又益求割地。與之,即無地以給之;不與,則棄前功而後更受其禍。且夫大王之地有盡,而秦之求無已。夫以有盡之地,而逆無已之求,此所謂市怨而買禍者也,不戰而地已削矣。臣聞鄙語曰:『寧為雞口,無為牛後。』今大王西面交臂而臣事秦,何以異於牛後乎?夫以大王之賢,挾強韓之兵,而有牛後之名,臣竊為大王羞之。」
Given the courage of Han's troops in their sturdy armour and your archers standing firm protected by sharp swords, one of your partisans is equal to a hundred. This is indisputable. For all Han's power and Your Majesty's wisdom, you wish to turn West and serve as Qin's agent, calling yourselves their Eastern border guards, building imperial palaces for them, wearing their livery and making spring and autumn sacrifices on their altars - thus you fold your hands in submission. You are disgracing your spirits of earth and grain and All-Under-Heaven is laughing; there could be no greater error. This being so, I hope that Your Majesty will consider this matter intensively. Since you are serving as Qin's agent, Qin will certainly demand Yiyang and Chenggao from you. If you hand them over now, then next year Qin will be back demanding more land. If you hand it over you will eventually end up with no land left to give. If you do not hand it over you will be sacrificing your former achievements and inviting future misfortunes. There is a limit to Your Majesty's land, while Qin's demands have no limits. If you rely upon your finite land, you will never be free of their infinite demands. This is called trading resentment for misery, and if you do not fight then your lands will be wiped out. Your servant has heard a common saying: that it is better to be a chicken's mouth than a cow's behind[29]. Now you are turning West and folding your hands, accepting a servile position as Qin's agent. How is this different from being a cow's behind? For all Your Majesty's wisdom and the strength of Han's armies, such is your reputation. Thus your servant is bold enough to feel shame on your behalf.
韓王忿然作色,攘臂按劍,仰天太息曰:「寡人雖死,必不能事秦。今主君以楚王之教詔之,敬奉社稷以從。」
The King's anger showed on his face and he grabbed his sword, gazing up to heaven and bellowing, "Though it may kill us, we cannot serve Qin. Now that Your Lordship has informed us of the King of Zhao's[30] decrees, we will place our altars of earth and grain at your disposal."
[1] Su Qin worked for almost all of the states during a long and successful career as the principal proponent of the anti-Qin alliance.
[2] Reading 趙 for 楚, per the commentaries.
[3] King Xuanhui of Han (323 BC - 312 BC) was the first ruler of Han to adopt the title of King.
[4] Gong is now Gongyi County, in Henan.
[5] Luo was the ancestral capital of Zhou. It is now Luoyang in Henan.
[6] Chenggao was an important strategic location in modern Xingyang County, Henan. It was on the other side of Zhou from most of Han's land, but provided a base from which Han would be able to attack Zheng.
[7] Yiyang is now in Yiyang County. At the time it was a fortress belonging to Han on the Qin border and another important strategic point.
[8] Reading 商 for 常, per the commentaries. This refers to modern Shangluo, in Shaanxi.
[9] This presumably refers to Wanqiu, which was the capital of the state of Chen, and then later of Chu. It was in modern Zhoukou, Henan, however, it is possible that there is an error in this sentence, since Wan also referred to Nanyang, which is mentioned subsequently, but which was not to the East of Han.
[10] Rang was the area surrounding modern Nanyang, Henan. However, this was to the Southwest of Han, not to the East.
[12] The Xiao River was in modern Henan.
[13] Xingshan was an ancestral burial ground for the Zheng royal house, later a part of Han territory after the annexation of Zheng. It is near Xinzheng in Henan.
[14] These seem to be the names of craftsmen whose ateliers produced particularly good bows.
[15] These appear to be trademarks. Shili means "strong at the right moment" and Julai implies a bird of prey diving onto a victim.
[16] Following the interpretation given by the commentaries. Warring states era crossbows were usually cocked by pinning them down with one foot and pulling the string back by hand.
[17] Most ancient Chinese bows and crossbows had a heavy draw by modern standards, which would tire an archer after a time.
[18] This refers to a combination spear and dagger-axe, like this.
[19] Mount Ming was in modern Xinyang, Henan.
[20] Tangxi was in modern Xiping County, Henan.
[21] This may have been another trademark rather than a place.
[22] According to the commentaries, either the 伯 or the 膊 is superfluous. Hebo was also in Xiping County.
[23] The Deng clan lived in the vicinity of Nanyang, and Master Deng may have been one of them.
[24] These may have been made by smiths from Luo in the town of Fengchi, which is was in modern Xingyang in Henan.
[25] This may be trademark aimed at cashing in on the fame of the Longyuan Sword made by Ou Yezi. It could also refer to swords made in Longyuan, which was in modern Runan County, Henan.
[26] This may be a similar reference, harking back to the Tai'e (泰阿) Sword, also made by Ou Yezi.
[27] These were different from European-style wrist-guards. In Chinese archery the bow string was drawn back using the right thumb. The wealthy used thumb rings made of ivory or precious stones to provide protection and enable them to release the string with precision. Poorer archers would wrap their hands in leather.
[28] From "bracers" this interpretation is the commenters' best guess.
[29] The idea behind this is that a chicken's mouth, while small, has a much more enjoyable job than a cow's behind, even though the latter is much bigger. It seems to be a variation on the Yan family motto, which stated that they would rather lead chickens than follow cows (寧為雞尸, 不為牛從).
[30] ] King Wuling of Zhao (325 – 299 BC) oversaw Zhao's transition to light cavalry tactics, a move that won them several significant victories and was rapidly followed by the other states. He later abdicated in favour of his son, King Huiwen, but continued to take an active part in politics. Eventually, his younger son, Zhao Zhang, rebelled and then took refuge with Wuling following a defeat by Huiwen and his Chancellor, Li Dui. Li Dui then proceeded to besiege both of them. Wuling killed Zhang in an attempt to lift the siege. It did not work and he was starved to death.
張儀為秦連橫說韓王
Seeking to form a Horizontal Alliance on Qin's Bhealf, Zhang Yi Exercises his Persuasions upon the King of Han
張儀為秦連橫說韓王曰:「韓地險惡,山居,五穀所生,非麥而豆;民之所食,大抵豆飯藿羹;一歲不收,民不饜糟糠;地方不滿九百里,無二歲之所食。料大王之卒,悉之不過三十萬,而廝徒負養在其中矣,為除守徼亭鄣塞,見卒不過二十萬而已矣。秦帶甲百餘萬,車千乘,騎萬匹,虎摯之士,跿𥴠科頭,貫頤奮戟者,至不可勝計也。秦馬之良,戎兵之眾,探前趹後,蹄間三尋者,不可稱數也。山東之卒,被甲冒冑以會戰,秦人捐甲徒裎以趨敵,左挈人頭,右挾生虜。夫秦卒之與山東之卒也,猶孟賁之與怯夫也;以重力相壓,猶烏獲之與嬰兒也。夫戰孟賁、烏獲之士,以攻不服之弱國,無以異於墮千鈞之重,集於鳥卵之上,必無幸矣。諸侯不料兵之弱,食之寡,而聽從人之甘言好辭,比周以相飾也,皆言曰:『聽吾計則可以強霸天下。』夫不顧社稷之長利,而聽須臾之說,詿誤人主者,無過於此者矣。大王不事秦,秦下甲據宜陽,斷絕韓之上地;東取成皋、宜陽,則鴻臺之宮,桑林之菀,非王之有已。夫塞成皋,絕上地,則王之國分矣。先事秦則安矣,不事秦則危矣。夫造禍而求福,計淺而怨深,逆秦而順楚,雖欲無亡,不可得也。故為大王計,莫如事秦。秦之所欲,莫如弱楚,而能弱楚者莫如韓。非以韓能強於楚也,其地勢然也。今王西面而事秦以攻楚,為敝邑,秦王必喜。夫攻楚而私其地,轉禍而說秦,計無便於此者也。是故秦王使使臣獻書大王御史,須以決事。」
Seeking to form a horizontal alliance[1] on Qin's behalf, Zhang Yi[2] exercised his persuasions upon the King of Han[3], saying, "Han's lands are a source of risk. Being situated in the mountains, beans are the only staple crop that you can grow besides wheat. Your citizens live on vegetable congee[4], and if a single year passes with no harvest they have no choice but to survive on dregs and chaff. Your land would not fill a square of nine hundred li and cannot provide you with two years' worth of food stockpiles. When I assess Your Majesty's batallions I see that you have no more than three hundred thousand personnel in total - and that includes camp followers. If we exempt those assigned to guard the walls, forts and passes on your borders, we see that you have no more than two hundred thousand[5]. Qin is protected by over a million men-at-arms, with thousands of chariots and tens of thousands of horses. Our officers as ferocious as tigers, charging forward bare-headed, gripping their halberds tight[6]. Once mobilised, there is no strategy sufficient to them. Qin has fine horses to match our vast armies - when they gather themselves to jump, they can cover three xun, and we have more of them than you could count[7]. The troops east of the mountains[8] swaddle themselves in plate and padding before joining battle, but a Qin soldier will advance even without armour, throwing himself unprotected upon his opponents, an enemy head in his left hand and a live captive in his right. Thus, when Qin troops come up against soldiers from east of the mountains, it is as if Meng Ben[9] were fighting a journeyman, and when they apply all their strength to crush[10] their opponents, it is as if Wu Huo[11] were fighting a neophyte. When men to equal Meng Ben and Wu Hao take the field and attack a weak state that refuses to submit, it is like dropping a weight of a thousand-jun on an egg: even with the best luck in the world it has no hope of survival. The sovereign lords do not critcially assess their troops' weakness and their lack of food stocks, but listen instead to the sweet speeches and flattering addresses of the partisans of the Vertical Alliance. These people fuel one anothers' careers, all saying, 'Listen to my strategy and you will be able to become a mighty hegemon within All-Under-Heaven,' but they care nothing for the long-term interests of your altars of earth and grain. There can be no greater mistake for a lord of men than listening to their short-sighted persuasions. If Your Majesty refuses to serve as Qin's agent, we will dispatch our men-at-arms to occupy Yiyang[12], cutting Han off from its lands in the north[13]. We will take Chenggao[14] and Yiyang in the east[15], and then the Hong Tower Palace[16] and the Mulberry Forest Park[17] will no longer be yours to possess. If the pass at Chenggao is blocked and you are cut off from your lands beyond, then your state will be broken up. If, before this happens, you agree to serve as Qin's agent, you will have peace. If not, danger[18]. Currently you are piling up liabilities and expecting to profit, adopting short term strategies that will generate far-reaching resentments. If your desire in rejecting Qin and following Zhao[19] is to avoid destruction, you will have rendered such an outcome unobtainable. Therefore, when considering Your Majesty's strategy, nothing would be better than for you to serve Qin. Qin wants nothing more than to weaken Chu and there is no-one better placed than Han to achieve this. Though Han cannot compete with Chu in terms of strength, you have the advantage of favourable terrain. If Your Majesty would only turn west and serve as Qin's agent in an attack Chu, the King of Qin[20] will certainly be overjoyed by your work on our humble state's behalf. If you attack Chu and make its land your own, then you will have transferred your burden of misfortune onto someone else and delighted Qin. There is no more advantageous strategy than this. This being so, the King of Qin sent your servant as an envoy to present this memorial to Your Majesty's Inspecting Censor, and await your decision on this matter.
韓曰:「客幸而教之,請比郡縣,筑帝宮,祠春秋,稱東藩,效宜陽。」
Han replied, "We are fortunate to receive your instruction on this. We beg you to regard Han as if it were one of your own provinces. We will build you an imperial palace and make spring and autumn sacrifices on your altars, calling ourselves your vassals in the east and offering up Yiyang."
[1] The Horizontal Alliance was a shifting coalition of states allied with Qin in the aim of sharing its conquests and/or being conquered last.
[2] Zhang Yi was a politician and general in Qin, and the principal proponent of Qin's Horizontal Alliance, the aim of which was to prevent the other states from unifying against Qin.
[3] Probably King Xiang of Han (311 - 296 BC). His reign saw the loss of Yiyang to Qin and battles with Chu, and well as internal political division.
[4] This refers to soup made of beans, rice and giant hyssop.
[5] The commentaries suggest that the 矣 here may be superfluous.
[6] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[7] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[8] That is, east of Mount Hua on Qin's eastern border.
[9] Meng Ben was a celebrated strongman in Qin.
[10] Reading 壓 for 蚜, as in other versions.
[11] Wu Huo was another Qin strongman.
[12] Yiyang is still called Yiyang, and is in Henan. At the time it was a key strategic base that Qin wished to use to pursue its expansion.
[13] At the time Han was roughly L-shaped, being situated to the west and south of Zhou. Qin's eventual capture of Yiyang cut off the top part of the L.
[14] Chenggao was another strategic location, in modern Xingyang County, Henan.
[15] Qin's east, Han's west.
[16] It is not clear where this was.
[17] It is not clear where this was, or even if the name has been trasncribed correctly.
[18] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[19] Reading 趙 for 楚, per the commentaries.
[20] King Huiwen of Qin (338–311 BC) began his reign by killing Shang Yang, but maintained his legal and military reforms, using his strengthened state to acquire large tracts of additional land.
宣王謂摎留
King Xuan Speaks to Jiu Liu
宣王謂摎留曰:「吾欲兩用公仲、公叔,其可乎?」對曰:「不可。晉用六卿而國分,簡公用田成、監止而簡公弒,魏兩用犀首、張儀而西河之外亡。今王兩用之,其多力者內樹其黨,其寡力者籍外權。群臣或內樹其黨以擅其主,或外為交以裂其地,則王之國必危矣。」
King Xuan[1] spoke to Jiu Liu[2], saying, "I wish to employ both Gongzhong[3] and Gongshu[4]. Is this possible?"
He replied, "No. Jin employed six ministers and the state was divided up between them[5]. Duke Jian[6] employed Tian Cheng[7] and Kan Zhi[8], and Duke Jian was killed. Wei employed both[9] Xi Shou[10] and Zhang Yi[11], and lost its lands west of the Yellow River[12]. If Your Majesty now makes two appointments, the stronger of the pair will establish his own faction within the state and the weaker will seek out arrangements abroad to bolster his power. If your assembled private secretaries establish factions within the state, they will use them to overwhelm you[13], and if they form relations abroad they will use them to break up your lands. Thus Your Majesty's state will certainly be in danger."[14]
[1] Yao suggests 韓宣王 for 宣王 here. King Xuanhui of Han (323-312 BCE) was the first Han ruler to adopt the title of King. The commentaries suggest that this may be intended to read 韓王 rather than 宣王, however. Nevertheless, this does seem to have taken place during the latter part of King Xuanhui's reign.
[2] The Han Feizi version gives 樛留 for 摎留.This person is known principally via this story.
[3] Han Gongzhong was also known as Gongzhong Chi, Gongzhong Peng and Han Chi. He served as Chancellor and supported Han Jise in his struggle for power. He had ties with Qin.
[4] Han Gongshu replaced Han Gongzhong as Chancellor under King Xiang, supported Prince Jiu in the power struggle with Prince Jise. He had ties with Qi and Wei.
[5] This refers to the complex bureaucratic system of the Jin state, which created and distributed key offices of state to satisfy the strongest vassals of the ruling family.
[6] Duke Jian of Qi (484–481 BCE). With his Chancellor, Kan Zhi, he tried to counter the power of the Tian clan, which responded by staging a pre-emptive coup d'Etat. Duke Jian fled, but was killed, and the Tians placed his younger brother, Duke Ping, on the throne to serve as a cipher for his own family's rule.
[7] Tian Cheng was also known as Tian Heng. With Kan Zhi, he served as one of the two principal ministers in the government of Duke Jian of Qi.
[8] This may be intended to read 闞 for 監; both are transliterated Kan. Kan Zhi was favoured by Duke Jian of Qi, and they plotted to destroy the power of the Tian clan in Qi, but the Tians preempted this and killed both.
[9] The commentaries suggest that the 兩 here may be superfluous.
[10] Xi Shou was also known as Gongsun Yan, and worked as a politician in Qin, Wei and Han. He was an opponent of both Qin and Zhang Yi.
[11] Zhang Yi was a politician and general in Qin, and the principal proponent of Qin's Horizontal Alliance, the aim of which was to prevent the other states from unifying against Qin.
[12] Wei struggled to formulate a coherent response to Qin's attacks, and lost large tranches of land on its western border.
[13] The Han Feizi version gives 以驕主 for 以擅其主 here.
[14] Jiu Liu was proven right, as Han Gongshu and Han Gongzhong immediately proceeded to do precisely this.
張儀謂齊王
Zhang Yi is Told to Talk to the King of Qi
張儀謂齊王曰:「王不如資韓朋,與之逐張儀於魏。魏因相犀首,因以齊、魏廢韓朋,而相公叔以伐秦。公仲聞之,必不入於齊。據公於魏,是公無患。」
Someone[1] said to Zhang Yi[2], "Tell the King of Qi[3] that he had better supply Han Peng[4] with the necessary resources and work with him to have you expelled from Wei - this would cause Wei to appoint Xi Shou[5] as its Chancellor, and Qi could take advantage of this to work with Wei to get Han to expel Han Peng and appoint Gongshu[6] for an attack on Qin. When Gongzhong[7] hears about this, he will refuse to go to pay his respects in Qi, and instead draw closer to Your Lordship in Wei. This being done, you will have no more worries from that direction."
[1] The opening sentence is extremely confusing - it must be garbled, but the correct reading is unclear. This version follows the commentaries and other modern translations.
[2] Zhang Yi was a politician and general in Qin, and the principal proponent of Qin's Horizontal Alliance, the aim of which was to prevent the other states from unifying against Qin.
[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. His own generals eventually turned upon him and one of them, Nao Chi, killed him.
[4] Han Gongzhong, also known as Gongzhong Chi, Gongzhong Peng and Han Chi. He served as Chancellor and supported Han Jise in his struggle for power. He had ties with Qin.
[5] Xi Shou was also known as Gongsun Yan, and worked as a politician in Qin, Wei and Han. He was an opponent of Zhang Yi. Qi was pushing for his appointment as Chancellor of Wei at the time.
[6] Han Gongshu replaced Han Gongzhong as Chancellor under King Xiang, supported Prince Jiu in the power struggle with Prince Jise. He had ties with Qi and Wei.
[7] That is, Han Peng.
楚昭獻相韓
Zhao Xian of Chu is Appointed Chancellor of Han
楚昭獻相韓。秦且攻韓,韓廢昭獻。昭獻令人謂公叔曰:「不如貴昭獻以固楚,秦必曰楚、韓合矣。」
Zhao Xian[1] of Chu was appointed Chancellor of Han, but Qin threatened to attack so Han expelled him. Zhao Xian sent one of his people to speak to Gongshu[2], saying, "You would do better to honour Zhao Xian[3] and thereby consolidate your relations with Chu. Then Qin will certainly say to itself that you have an alliance."[4]
[1] Zhao Xian was also known as Zhao Yu, and also served as Prime Minister of Chu for a time.
[2] Han Gongshu replaced Han Gongzhong as Chancellor under King Xiang, supported Prince Jiu in the power struggle with Prince Jise. He had ties with Qi and Wei.
[3] Yao suggests that the 昭 here is superfluous.
[4] And therefore that any attack will be met with retalliation from both Han and Chu.
秦攻陘
Qin Attacks Xing
秦攻陘,韓使人馳南陽之地。秦已馳,又攻陘,韓因割南陽之地。秦受地,又攻陘。陳軫謂秦王曰:「國形不便故馳,交不親故割。今割矣而交不親,馳矣而兵不止,臣恐山東之無以馳割事王者矣。且王求百金於三川而不可得,求千金於韓,一旦而具。今王攻韓,是絕上交而固私府也,竊為王弗取也。」
Qin attacked Xing[1] and Han[2] ordered its partisans to hurry and occupy Nanyang[3], but Qin overran Nanyang and then resumed its attack on Xing. Han consequently had to offer to formally cede the lands around Nanyang; Qin accepted the land but continued to press its attack on Xing. Chen Zhen[4] spoke to the King of Qin[5], saying, "If a state occupies an unfavourable position it will be overrun and if it has no close allies it will have to cede land to acquire some. Now Han has ceded land to you but you have still not granted it an alliance[6]; your troops overran its land and did not stop. Your servant is afraid that the states east of the mountains[7] will henceforth see no use in surrendering their land[8] and begging to serve you. You demanded a hundred gold pieces in Sanchuan[9] and did not get it, but when you demanded a thousand gold pieces from Han it was made over to you the same day, and now you are attacking Han nonetheless. Thus it will abandon its attempts to form a relationship with you and seal its treasury[10]. If I may be so bold, Your Majesty's conduct is unacceptable[11]."
[1] Mount Xing was an ancestral burial ground for the Zheng royal house, later a part of Han territory after the annexation of Zheng. It is near Xinzheng in Henan.
[2] Yao suggests that the 韓 here may be superfluous.
[3] Nanyang is still called Nanyang, and is in Henan.
[4] Chen Zhen came from Qi and was the source of several famous persuasions. He competed with Zhang Yi for position at the Qin court, before leaving to bolster the vertical alliance.
[5] King Huiwen of Qin (338–311 BC) began his reign by killing Shang Yang, but maintained his legal and military reforms, using his strengthened state to acquire large tracts of additional land.
[6] Normally when a state lost a battle and was forced to cede land to the victor, this implied the formation of an alliance between the winner and the loser, led by the former.
[7] This refers to Mount Hua, which marked the border between Qin and the other states.
[8] The commentaries suggest 割地 for 馳割 here.
[9] Sanchuan (or Three Rivers) Commandery, part of modern Henan. It is not clear which episode this refers to, or from whom Qin was demanding money. The implication seems to be that Qin tried to extort money from an opponent, failed to obtain it, and nevertheless did not follow up on its threats.
[10] Following the interpretation given by the commentaries.
[11] The commentaries suggest 不 for 弗 here.