趙四 THE STRATAGEMS OF ZHAO IV (A)
為齊獻書趙王
Offering a Memorial from Qi to the King of Zhao
為齊獻書趙王，使臣與復丑曰：「臣一見，而能令王坐而天下致名寶。而臣竊怪王之不試見臣，而窮臣也。群臣必多以臣為不能者，故王重見臣也。以臣為不能者非他，欲用王之兵，成其私者也。非然，則交有所偏者也；非然，則知不足者也；非然，則欲以天下之重恐王，而取行於王者也。臣以齊循事王，王能亡燕，能亡韓、魏，能攻秦，能孤秦。臣以為齊致尊名於王，天下孰敢不致尊名於王？臣以齊致地於王，天下孰敢不致地於王？臣以齊為王求名於燕及韓、魏，孰敢辭之？臣之能也，其前可見已。齊先重王，故天下盡重王；無齊，天下必盡輕王也。秦之彊，以無齊之故重王，燕、魏自以無齊故重王。今王無齊獨安得無重天下？故勸王無齊者，非知不足也，則不忠者也。非然，則欲用王之兵成其私者也；非然，則欲輕王以天下之重，取行於王者也；非然，則位尊而能卑者也。願王之熟慮無齊之利害也。」
Someone offered a memorial from Qi to the King of Zhao[1]. The envoy handed it to Fu Chou[2], saying, "After one audience with your servant, the King will be able to sit in peace and watch as treasure and praise arrive from throughout All-Under-Heaven[3]. Thus I venture to say that I find it strange that the King will not even hazard an audience with me, but rather pushes me aside. There must be many among his private secretaries working to make me appear incompetent; this is why it is hard for me to obtain an audience with His Majesty. If I am being made to appear incompetent, there can be no other reason than because certain people wish to use the King's troops to achieve their private ends[4]. If this is not the case[5], then they must have been corrupted by foreign influences. If that is not the case, it is must be because they lack the requisite intelligence. If that is not the case, it is because they wish to use All-Under-Heaven to intimidate the King, and thus make sure that he follows their advice. If I can make sure that Qi follows the King and serves his interests[6], then he will be able to wipe out Yan. He will be able to destroy Han and Wei, then isolate and attack Qin. If I ensure that Qi offers formal honours to the King[7], then who in All-Under-Heaven will dare refuse to do likewise? If I ensure that Qi offers the King land, then who in All-Under-Heaven will dare refuse to do likewise? If Qi asks Yan, Han and Wei to offer the King titles, then who will dare to refuse? This is all within my capacity, as you can see. Once Qi has come to respect the King's influence, then every other state in All-Under-Heaven[8] will do likewise. Without Qi's support, All-Under-Heaven will treat him with contempt. Qin is strong, but if it does not have Qi's[9] support it will have to treat the King with respect. If Yan, Han[10] and Wei believe they do not have Qi's backing, then they will have to treat the King with respect. If the King does not now obtain Qi's backing, how will he, standing alone, win the respect of All-Under-Heaven? Therefore if anyone is advising the King that he does not need Qi, then if they are not seriously lacking in intelligence[11] then they must be disloyal. If this is not the case, then they must wish to use the King's troops to achieve their private ends. If this is not the case, then they must wish to diminish the King's influence within All-Under-Heaven and thus win him over, ensuring that he follows their advice. If that is not the case, then you have appointed men of low skill to positions of great honour. I hope the King will thoroughly consider whose interests are served by his rejection of Qi."
[1] King Huiwen of Zhao (298 – 266 BC) was a younger son of King Wuling of Zhao, who abdicated in Huiwen's favour. Wuling's elder son, Zhao Zhang, rebelled, but was defeated and pursued by Huiwen's Chancellor, Li Dui. Zhao Zhang fled to his father's residence, where Li Dui besieged them. Wuling killed Zhang in an attempt to convince Li Dui to let him out, but Li Dui starved him to death. King Huiwen had a successful reign, defeating Qin more than once.
[2] The commentaries suggest that the characters 使臣與復丑 (referring to Fu Chou) are superfluous. If so, this is the actual text of the memorial.
[3] Reading 實 for 寶, per the commentaries.
[4] The commentaries suggest that 成其私 here may be superfluous. This does not significantly change the sense.
[5] The commentaries suggest that 非然 here may be superfluous, in which case this should read, "certain people wish to use the King's troops to achieve their private ends, and they have been corrupted by foreign influences."
[6] Zeng suggests 脩 for 循 here.
[7] The commentaries suggest that the 為 here may be superfluous.
[8] The commentaries suggest that the second 重王 here is superfluous.
[9] The commentaries suggest that the 之 here is superfluous.
[10] Reading 燕、韓、魏 for 燕、魏, per the commentaries.
[11] The commentaries suggest that the 也 here is superfluous.
齊欲攻宋
Qi Wants to Attack Song
齊欲攻宋，秦令起賈禁之。齊乃捄趙以伐宋。秦王怒，屬怨於趙。李兌約五國以伐秦，無功，留天下之兵於成皋，而陰構於秦。又欲與秦攻魏，以解其怨而取封焉。
Qi wanted to attack Song, but Qin ordered Qi Jia[1] to prevent it. Qi then coopted Zhao to join its attack on Song. The King of Qin[2] was angry, and focused his resentment on Zhao. Li Dui[3] formed a five-state alliance[4] and attacked Qin. The attack did not succeed, so he had the armies of All-Under-Heaven wait at Chenggao[5] and formed a secret alliance with Qin. He hoped to join Qin in an attack on Wei in order to appease Qin's anger and acquire a domain for himself.
魏王不說。之齊，謂齊王曰：「臣為足下謂魏王曰：『三晉皆有秦患。今之攻秦也，為趙也。五國伐趙，趙必亡矣。秦逐李兌，李兌必死。今之伐秦也，以救李子之死也。今趙留天下之甲於成皋，而陰鬻之於秦，已講，則令秦攻魏以成其私封，王之事趙也何得矣？且王嘗濟於漳，而身朝於邯鄲，抱陰、成，負蒿、葛、薜，以為趙蔽，而趙無為王行也。今又以何陽、姑密封其子，而乃令秦攻王，以便取陰。人比然而後如賢不，如王若用所以事趙之半收齊，天下有敢謀王者乎？王之事齊也，無入朝之辱，無割地之費。齊為王之故，虛國於燕、趙之前，用兵於二千里之外，故攻城野戰，未嘗不為王先被矢石也。得二都，割河東，盡效之於王。自是之後，秦攻魏，齊甲未嘗不歲至於王之境也。請問王之所以報齊者可乎？韓呡處於趙，去齊三千里，王以此疑齊，曰有秦陰。今王又挾故薛公以為相，善韓徐以為上交，尊虞商以為大客，王固可以反疑齊乎？』於魏王聽此言也甚詘，其欲事王也甚循。其怨於趙。臣願王之曰聞魏而無庸見惡也，臣請為王推其怨於趙，願王之陰重趙，而無使秦之見王之重趙也。秦見之且亦重趙。齊、秦交重趙，臣必見燕與韓、魏亦且重趙也，皆且無敢與趙治。五國事趙，趙從親以合於秦，必為王高矣。臣故欲王之偏劫天下，而皆私甘之也。王使臣以韓、魏與燕劫趙，使丹也甘之；以趙劫韓、魏，使臣也甘之；以三晉劫秦，使順也甘之；以天下劫楚，使呡也甘之。則天下皆偪秦以事王，而不敢相私也。交定，然後王擇焉。」
The King of Wei[6] was not happy. Zhiqi[7] spoke to the King of Qi[8], saying, "Your servant can speak to the King of Wei on your behalf. I will say, 'The Three Jin have all suffered miseries thanks to Qin, but if they have now launched an attack on Qin, it is on account of Zhao. If five states[9] were to attack Zhao, Zhao would be doomed. If Qin[10] has Li Dui exiled, then he is dead. By attacking Qin now, you will be saving Li Dui. Zhao has left the forces of All-Under-Heaven waiting at Chenggao and secretly sold itself to Qin; they have already negotiated an accord. After this, Zhao will have Qin attack Wei to secure a private domain for Li Dui. What has serving Zhao's interests got you? You once crossed the Ji River[11] and the Zhang[12] and went in person to pay your respects in Handan[13], bringing with you the titles to the cities of Yin[14], Cheng[15], Fuhao[16], Ge[17] and Nie[18], offering them up to serve as a buffer[19] for Zhao[20], but Zhao has done nothing for you. You even gave the domains of Heyang[21] and Gumi[22] to Li Dui's sons[23], and in return he is going to push Qin to attack you just to facilitate his acquisition of Yin[24]. By comparing people's acts one may judge their quality[25]. If you devoted yourself to furthering Qi's interests to half the extent to which you have pursued Zhao's[26], then is there anyone in All-Under-Heaven who would dare plot against you? If you did so, you would never suffer the humiliation of having to go to foreign courts to pay your respects, or the expense of having to offer up your land. In pursuit of Your Majesty's plans, Qi's state has been emptied of troops and and they are now deployed two thousand li away on the borders of Zhao and Yan. Whether besieging cites or in pitched battles, Qi has been your unfailing vanguard against the slings and arrows of your enemies. It gained two cities[27] and secured the surrender of the lands east of the Yellow River, with everything being transferred to Your Majesty[28]. From that point on, Qi's men-at-arms have arrived every year without fail to take up position on your borders every time Qin has attacked Wei. Allow me to ask, what have you done that could considered due recompense for this? When Han Wen[29] took up residence in Chu[30], three thousand li from Qi, you took that as a reason to suspect Qi, and alleged that it had secretly gone over to Qin's side[31]. Now on top of this you are supporting the Duke of Xue[32], having made him your Chancellor, while ingratiating yourself with Han Xu[33], establishing a privileged relationship with him, and honouring Yu Shang[34] among your highest ranking guest officials[35]. And yet you regard Qi as suspicious[36]?' When[37] the King of Wei hears this speech he will give way; he will wish to give himself over to serve Your Majesty, transferring his resentment onto Zhao[38]. Your servant hopes that you will listen carefully to Wei[39] rather than looking askance at them. I beg permission to act on your behalf and turn Wei's resentment against Zhao. I would like you to keep the importance that you accord Zhao a secret; do not allow Qin to perceive your position. If Qin sees what you are doing, then it too will treat Zhao with more respect. If Qi and Qin both privilege their diplomacy with Zhao, then we will certainly also see Yan, Han and Wei treating Zhao with more defence. None of them will dare attempt to contain Zhao. The five states[40] will all serve Zhao's interests and Zhao will lead its followers into an alliance with Qin. Zhao will then outrank you. Therefore your servant hopes you will incite violence among the states of All-Under-Heaven, and then secretly sweeten them up on your own account. Send your servant to incite violence between Han, Wei, Yan and Zhao, and then send Dan[41] to mollify them. Have Zhao raid Han and Wei, then send me to mollify them. Have the Three Jin raid Qin, and then send Shun[42] to mollify them. Have All-Under-Heaven raid Chu, and then send Wen[43] to mollify them. The states of All-Under-Heaven will be at odds with Qin[44], serving you. They will not dare communicate secretly with Qin. When all your diplomatic relations are secure, then[45] you may choose which of them to privilege."
[1] This person is not otherwise well-known.
[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] Li Dui served as Prime Minister under King Huiwen of Zhao.
[4] Han, Qi, Wei, Yan and Zhao.
[5] Chenggao was in modern Xingyang, Henan.
[6] King Zhao of Wei (296 BC to 277 BC) found himself subject to an unending series of successful attacks by Qin, losing more and more territory until he finally accepted an alliance with Qin to attack Song. This did not last long, and he soon changed sides to join an alliance with Qi.
[7] This sentence is garbled. It may be referring to a person called Zhiqi, it may just be referring to a person called Qi, it may be something else entirely. There is also a suggestion that this may have been Su Qin. The style is certainly somewhat reminiscent of the stratagems attributed to him.
[8] 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.
[9] Han, Qi, Qin, Wei and Yan.
[10] The commentaries disagree on whether this should read Qin or Qi. The implication seems to be that Qin would wish to get Li Dui expelled from Zhao as revenge for his previous attack, and also because he was a competent politician, but if Zhao were to turn on Qin openly, Qin would lose all its influence within the Zhao political apparatus. Conversely, Qi would wish to get rid of Li Dui for having betrayed the alliance and because he was a competent politician, but if it needed Zhao's assistance for an attack on Qin it would have to tolerate his presence in the short term.
[11] The Ji River flows through modern Shandong.
[12] The Zhang River flows through modern Hebei.
[13] Handan was the capital of Zhao. It is still called Handan and is in Hebei.
[14] It is not clear where this was.
[15] This seems to have been somewhere in modern Hebei or Shandong.
[16] It is not clear where this was.
[17] It is not clear where this was.
[18] Nie was somewhere in modern Hebei.
[19] The commentaries suggest that the 以 here may be superfluous.
[20] Reading 孽 for 薜, per the commentaries.
[21] Heyang was in modern Mengzhou County, Henan.
[22] Gumi seems to have been an alternative name for Gumie (姑蔑), in modern Jinhua, Zhejiang.
[23] Reading 河 for 何, per the commentaries.
[24] This may refer to Taoyi (陶邑). Taoyi is now known as Dingtao District, Shandong.
[25] Reading 知 for 知 here, per the commentaries.
[26] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[27] It is not clear which cities are being referenced here.
[28] This sentence is not clear, and modern translations disagree regarding the correct interpretation. This is a best guess version.
[29] A politician from the Han royal house. He spent time as Chancellor of both Han and Qi.
[30] Reading 楚 for 趙 here, per the commentaries.
[31] It is not entirely clear why this should have been the case.
[32] 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.
[33] Han Xu was also known as Han Xuwei. A member of the Han royal house, he helped to depose Li Dui in Zhao, eventually replacing him as Chancellor.
[34] Yu Shang is not otherwise well-known.
[35] Liu suggests 一 for 大 here.
[36] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[37] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[38] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[39] The commentaries disagree on whether this should read 亟 or 重 for 曰. It may mean "carefully" or "again".
[40] The commentaries suggest that this may be intended to read 三, in which case it only refers to the last three states.
[41] Dan is not otherwise well-known.
[42] Shun is not otherwise well-known.
[43] Presumably Han Wen.
[44] The commentaries suggest that this sentence should be read in the passive voice ("will be harassed by Qin") rather than the active one ("will harass Qin"), but modern translations do not follow this recommendation.
[45] Reading 而 for 然, per the commentaries.
齊將攻宋而秦楚禁之
Qi Plans to Attack Song but Qin and Chu Prevent It
齊將攻宋，而秦、楚禁之。齊因欲與趙，趙不聽。齊乃令公孫衍說李兌以攻宋而定封焉。李兌乃謂齊王曰：「臣之所以堅三晉以攻秦者，非以為齊得利秦之毀也，欲以使攻宋也。而宋置太子以為王，下親其上而守堅，臣是以欲足下之速歸休士民也。今太子走，諸善太子者，皆有死心。若復攻之，其國必有亂，而太子在外，此亦舉宋之時也。
Qi was about to attack Song, but Qin and Chu were working to prevent it[1]. Qi then requested a joint operation with Zhao, but Zhao would not listen. Qi ordered Gongsun Yan[2] to persuade Li Dui[3] to attack Song and thereby secure himself a domain, while Su Qin[4] spoke to the King of Qi[5], saying, "Your servant's aim in consolidating the alliance between the Three Jin for an attack on Qin was not that Qi should profit from Qin's destruction but out of a desire to facilitate an attack on Song. Song was preparing to establish its Crown Prince as king[6], and his subordinates were close to their leader and ready to mount a resolute defence. Your servant thus hoped that you would withdraw and rest your officers and citizens. Now the Crown Prince has fled and his supporters have lost heart; if you renew your attack his state will fall into chaos, and, with the Crown Prince abroad, now is the moment to unify Song with Qi.
「臣為足下使公孫衍說奉陽君曰：『君之身老矣，封不可不早定也。為君慮封，莫若於宋，他國莫可。夫秦人貪，韓、魏危，燕、楚辟，中山之地薄，莫如於陰。失今之時，不可復得已。宋之罪重，齊之怒深，殘亂宋，得大齊，定身封，此百代之一時也。』以奉陽君甚食之，唯得大封，齊無大異。臣願足下之大發攻宋之舉，而無庸致兵，姑待已耕，以觀奉陽君之應足下也。縣陰以甘之，循有燕以臨之，而臣待忠之封，事必大成。臣又願足下有地效於襄安君以資臣也。足下果殘宋，此兩地之時也，足下何愛焉？若足下不得志於宋，與國何敢望也。足下以此資臣也，臣循燕觀趙，則足下擊潰而決天下矣」。
"I have sent Gongsun Yan to exercise his persuasions on Lord Fengyang[7] for you, saying, 'Your Lordship is growing old, and you have no choice but to make haste to secure yourself a domain[8]. I have considered this on your behalf, and nowhere would be better than Song. No other state is suitable. Han and Wei are in danger from the greed of Qin's partisans. Yan and Chu are far away[9]. The land of Zhongshan is barren. None can match Yin[10]. If you miss this opportunity, then you will never get another. Song has committed serious offences, and Qi is extremely angry. By repressing the disorders in Song you will gain mighty Qi's backing[11] and secure a domain for yourself. This is a once-in-a-hundred-generations opportunity.' We will intensify Lord Fengyang's greed[12] such that as long as sees a possibility of expanding his domains[13] he will have no significant difference of opinion with Qi. Your servant hopes that you will launch a grand offensive to unify Song with Qi, rather than waiting until Lord Fengyang indicates his intentions by dispatching troops[14]. You can hold out the domain of Yin as a sweetener and he will bring Yan with him to your side[15]. Your servant needs only this loyal vassal to ensure the total success of this enterprise[16], though I hope you will also offer land to Lord Xiang'an[16], whom I would regard as another valuable resource. If you can put down Song as a result, then you will have the opportunity to gain two domains, so why be parsimonious? If you do not get what you want from Song, then how would any of them dare expect anything from you? If you supply your servant with these resources, then I will ensure Yan's compliance and keep watch on Zhao, and you will be able to lance this boil and decide the future of All-Under-Heaven."
[1] Yao suggests 陰禁 for 禁 here, in which case Qin and Chu are working in secret to prevent the attack.
[2] Gongsun Yan was from Wei and worked in Qin, Wei and Han. He was an opponent of Zhang Yi and a partisan of the anti-Qin alliance.
[3] Li Dui served as Prime Minister under King Huiwen of Zhao.
[4] The text here has Li Dui, which makes no sense in context. Modern Chinese translations guess that it may be intended to refer to Su Qin, while the commentaries suggest Su Dai as a candidate, based on the fact that he is known to have worked with Li Dui to bring together the anti-Qin alliance described here.
[5] 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.
[6] King Yan of Song (318-286 BC) was the last King of Song prior to its annexation by Qi. He initially enjoyed great success against his larger neighbours, but was finally forced to flee to Wei and died there.
[7] Lord Fengyang was Li Dui, which obviously makes no sense in context. The commentaries are equally confused, and have devoted much energy to trying to resolve the problem.
[8] The commentaries suggest 不可不可早 for 不可不早 here.
[9] The commentaries suggest 僻 for 辟 here.
[10] Modern versions read 陶 (Tao) for 陰. Tao was in northern Song, modern Heze in Shandong.
[11] The commentaries suggest 德 for 得 here, in which case it will read "pay tribute to great Qi".
[12] Reading 已奉陽君甚貪 for 以奉陽君甚食, per the commentaries.
[13] Some of the commentaries suggest 雖 for 唯 here.
[14] The commentaries say that 姑待以耕 here is superfluous.
[15] This sentence is unclear, and this is a best-guess interpretation.
[16] This sentence is unclear, and this is a best-guess interpretation.
[17] Lord Xiang'an may have been a brother of King Zhao of Yan.
[17] I.e. Song.
五國伐秦無功
Five States Attack Qin Unsuccessfully
五國伐秦無功，罷於成皋。趙欲搆於秦，楚與魏、韓將應之，秦弗欲。蘇代謂齊王曰：「臣以為足下見奉陽君矣。臣謂奉陽君曰：『天下散而事秦，秦必據宋。魏冉必妒君之有陰也。秦王貪，魏冉妒，則陰不可得已矣。君無搆，齊必攻宋。齊攻宋，則楚必攻宋，魏必攻宋，燕、趙助之。五國據宋，不至一二月，陰必得矣。得陰而搆，秦雖有變，則君無患矣。若不得已而必搆，則願五國復堅約。願得趙，足下雄飛，與韓氏大吏東免，齊王必無召呡也。使臣守約，若與有倍約者，以四國攻之。無倍約者，而秦侵約，五國復堅而賓之。今韓、魏與齊相疑也，若復不堅約而講，臣恐與國之大亂也。齊、秦非復合也，必有踦重者矣。後合與踦重者，皆非趙之利也。且天下散而事秦，是秦制天下也。秦制天下，將何以天下為？臣願君之蚤計也。
The Five States attacked Qin unsuccessfully, grinding to a halt at Chenggao[1]. Zhao wished to enter into peace talks with Qin. Chu, Wei and Han were responsive to this idea, but Qi[2] remained unwilling. Su Dai[3] spoke to the King of Qi[4], saying, "Your servant already[5] sought an audience with Lord Fengyang[5] on your behalf. I spoke to him, saying, 'All-Under-Heaven is divided and this serves Qin's interests[6]. Qin will occupy Song and Wei Ran[7] will definitely gaze avidly in the direction of any lands you acquire in Yin[8]. The King of Qin[9] is greedy and Wei Ran is covetous, so you will never keep Yin. If you do not sue for peace then Qi will certainly attack Song. If Qi attacks Song, then Chu and Wei will join it in the assault, and if you and Yan help them then there will be five states working to overrun Song. Its conquest will not take more than a month or two. You will certainly be able to acquire Yin. If you take Yin and then negotiate with Qin, then even if Qin reneges on any accord you make, you will not have to worry about losing it[10]. If you are forced to negotiate with Qin before taking possession of Yin, then I still hope that the Five States will first make sure that they have a solid agreement between them[11]. The Five States want[12] Zhao's support and hope that Your Lordship will lead them, and, together with the Han family's highest-ranking officials, direct your efforts eastwards to ensure that the King of Qi does not summon Wen[13] to his side[14]. Send me to enforce the agreement; if any state[15] betrays it, then the other four will attack them. If none of them betray it, then when Qin invades any of the parties to the agreement, the Five States will back one another up to repell it[16]. Now Han and Wei are suspicious of Qi and vice versa, and if the alliance is not strengthened[17], then one or more of them will open independent negotiations with Qin, and your servant is afraid that the states will fall into complete chaos. If Qi and Qin do not renew their former agreement, then one of them will make followers of your former allies, and whether it is Qi or Qin, in neither case will it benefit Zhao. When the states of All-Under-Heaven are divided among themselves this serves Qin's interests - thus you will give Qin control over All-Under-Heaven. If Qin controls All-Under-Heaven, then what can the other states do? Your servant hope that you will make plans immediately.
「『天下爭秦有六舉，皆不利趙矣。天下爭秦，秦王受負海內之國，合負親之交，以據中國，而求利於三晉，是秦之一舉也。秦行是計，不利於趙，而君終不得陰，一矣。天下爭秦，秦王內韓珉於齊，內成陽君於韓，相魏懷於魏，復合衍交兩王，王賁、韓他之曹，皆起而行事，是秦之一舉也。秦行是計也，不利於趙，而君又不得陰，二矣。天下爭秦，秦王受齊受趙，三疆三親，以據魏而求安邑，是秦之一舉也。抱安邑而信秦，秦得安邑之饒，魏為上交，韓必入朝秦，過趙已安邑矣，是秦之一舉也。秦行是計，不利於趙，而君必不得陰，三矣。天下爭秦，秦堅燕、趙之交，以伐齊收楚，與韓呡而攻魏，是秦之一舉也。秦行是計，而燕、趙應之。燕、趙伐齊，兵始用，秦因收楚而攻魏，不至一二月，魏必破矣。秦舉安邑而塞女戟，韓之太原絕，下軹道、南陽、高，伐魏，絕韓，包二周，即趙自消爍矣。國燥於秦，兵分於齊，非趙之利也。而君終身不得陰，四矣。天下爭秦，秦堅三晉之交攻齊，國破曹屈，而兵東分於齊，秦桉兵攻魏，取安邑，是秦之一舉也。秦行是計也，君桉救魏，是以攻齊之已弊，救與秦爭戰也；君不救也，韓、魏焉免西合？國在謀之中，而君有終身不得陰，五矣。天下爭秦，秦按為義，存亡繼絕，固危扶弱，定無罪之君，必起中山與勝焉。秦起中山與勝，而趙、宋同命，何暇言陰？六矣。故曰君必無講，則陰必得矣。』
'If the states of All-Under-Heaven compete for Qin's favour[18] there are six possible outcomes, and none of them will be of any benefit to Zhao. If the states of All-Under-Heaven compete for Qin's favour and the King of Qin[19] accepts the support of those on the coast[20] or forms diplomatic relations with any of those[21] that previously turned their backs on its overtures[22], then it will be able to occupy the central states and demand favours from the Three Jin. Qin can do this at a stroke. If Qin puts this strategy into effect it will not benefit Zhao, and Your Lordship will never take possession of Yin. This is the first possibility. If the states of All-Under-Heaven compete for Qin's favour and the King of Qin sends Han Wen[23] to Qi and Lord Chengyang[24] to Han, while having Wei Huai[25] made Chancellor of Wei, they will make agreements with Yan[26] and revive Qin's relations with their respective Kings. Wang Ben[27] and Han Ta[28] will be sent to Chu[29], given elevated positions, and put to work. Qin can do this at a stroke. If Qin puts this strategy into effect it will not benefit Zhao and Your Lordship will never take possession of Yin[30]. This is the second possibility. If the states of All-Under-Heaven compete for Qin's favour and the King of Qin accepts the support of Qi and Zhao, then the three strongest states[31] will also be the three closest states; they will take advantage of this to invade Wei and demand Anyi[32]. Qin can do this at a stroke. If Qin follows this strategy and Qi and Zhao respond favourably, then Wei will not wait to be attacked. It will hand Anyi to Qin as a guage of its trust[33]. Sated on Anyi, Qin[34] will privilege its relations with Wei, and then Han too will certainly go to pay respects in Qin. To overrun Zhao, therefore, Qin has only to gain Anyi. Qin can do this at a stroke[35]. If Qin puts this strategy into effect it will not benefit Zhao and Your Lordship will never take possession of Yin. This is the second possibility. If the states of All-Under-Heaven compete for Qin's favour and Qin strengthens its relations with Yan and Zhao, it will use Yan and Zhao to attack Qi, while acquiring the backing of Chu and Han Wen for an attack on Wei[36]. Qin can do this at a stroke. If Qin puts this strategy into effect, then Yan and Zhao will respond to its lead and attack Qi. As soon as their troops are mobilised, Qin will take advantage of their absence to gain Chu's backing and attack Wei. It will not take more than a month or two to definitively break Wei. Qin will incorporate Anyi within its own territory and blockade Nüji[37]. It will cut Han off from its territories in Taihang[38], and take the Carriage Road[39] and Nanyang[40] in order to[41] attack Wei and cut Han in two, engulfing the two Zhou. From there, Qin can extinguish Zhao[42]. If your state is laid waste by Qin[43] while your troops are dispersed in Qi[44], then it will not benefit Zhao and Your Lordship will never take possession of Yin. This is the fourth possibility. If the states of All-Under-Heaven compete for Qin's favour and Qin strengthens its relations with the Three Jin in order to attack Qi, their states will end up broken and their treasuries[45] crippled, while their troops are still dispersed in Qi in the East[46]. Qin, will use its fresh troops[47] to attack Wei, taking Anyi. Qin can do this at a stroke. If Qin puts this strategy into effect you will have to aid Wei[48], and - this being the case - you will have to use troops exhausted by your attack on Qi to help those states that are fighting Qin[49]. If you do not help them, then what can Han and Wei do but turn west to seek an alliance[50]? Your state will then be the principal target of Qin's schemes, and Your Lordship will never take possession of Yin[51]. This is the fifth possibility. If the states of All-Under-Heaven compete for Qin's favour[52], Qin may just possibly decide to do what is right, resurrecting doomed states and reviving those whose existence has been cut short, strengthening those in danger and supporting the weak, while ensuring the safety of lords who have committed no infractions. In this case it will certainly resurrect Zhongshan and Teng[53]. If Qin resurrects Zhongshan and Teng, then Zhao and Song will meet the same fate as Zhongshang and Teng did. When, then, will you have the leisure to discuss Yin? This is the sixth possibility. Therefore I say that Your Lordship should definitely not sue for peace with Qin. Then you will certainly obtain Yin.'
「奉陽君曰：『善。』乃絕和於秦，而收齊、魏以成取陰。」
"Lord Fengyang said, 'Very well.' Accordingly, he broke off his peace talks with Qin, and is seeking the support of Qi and Wei to thereby acquire Yin."
[1] Chenggao was in modern Xingyang County, Henan.
[2] Reading 齊 for 秦, per the commentaries.
[3] Su Dai was a brother of Su Qin.
[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] Li Dui served as Prime Minister under King Huiwen of Zhao.
[5] Reading 已 for 以 here, per the commentaries.
[6] The commentaries suggest that 事 here may be intended to read 爭, in which case it would read "All-Under-Heaven is disunited, and fighting Qin".
[7] Wei Ran (Marquess Rang) was the half-brother of Queen Xuan of Qin 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.
[8] This seems to refer to Taoyi, which is now Heze in Shandong. Taoyi was previously Wei Ran's domain.
[9] 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 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.
[10] The commentaries suggest that the 則 here may be superfluous.
[11] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[12] The commentaries suggest 五國願 for 願 here.
[13] A politician from the Han royal house. He spent time as Chancellor of both Han and Qi. He was pro-Qin, so the implication seems to be that Qi's invitation would be a preliminary to the formation of a Qi-Qin alliance.
[14] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, and this is a best-guess interpretation.
[15] Reading 與國 for 與 here, per the commentaries.
[16] The commentaries suggest 儐 for 賓 here.
[17] The commentaries suggest that the 堅 here may be superfluous.
[18] The commentaries suggest 事秦 as an alternative for 爭秦 here.
[19] 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.
[20] I.e. Qi.
[21] It is not clear exactly who is intended here, possibly any of the five states currently allied against Qin.
[22] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[23] Reading 呡 for 珉 here, per the commentaries.
[24] Lord Chengyang was a politician from Han who later defected to Qi and finally to East Zhou. He seems to have been relatively pro-Qin in his positions.
[25] Wei Huai was another pro-Qin politician.
[26] Gongsun Yan was from Wei and worked in Qin, Wei and Han. He was an opponent of Zhang Yi and a partisan of the anti-Qin alliance.
[27] Wang Ben was the Qin general who would eventually lead the conquest of Wei.
[28] Han Ta seems to have been a politician in Qin.
[29] Reading 楚 for 曹 here, per the commentaries.
[30] The commentaries suggest that the 又 here may be superfluous.
[31] The commentaries suggest 強 for 疆 here.
[32] Anyi is now Yuncheng in Shanxi.
[33] The commentaries suggest 倍 for 信 here, in which case the sentence should read "It will hand Anyi to Qin and then betray it."
[34] Yao and Liu suggest that the 秦 here is superfluous.
[35] Yao and Bao suggest that the 是秦之一舉也 here is superfluous.
[36] The commentaries and modern translations disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence. It is possible that Chu will be joining the coallition to attack Qi, but this seems to be contradicted by the subsequent sentence.
[37] According to the commentaries this was in the vicinity of the Taihang Mountains.
[38] The Taihang Mountains are in Shanxi and Hebei.
[39] This may actually have been the name of a settlement (Zhidao) rather than a road.
[40] Nanyang is still called Nanyang, and is in Henan.
[41] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[42] The commentaries suggest that 爍 is superfluous.
[43] Yao suggests 爍 for 燥 here.
[44] The commentaries suggest 孤 for 分 here.
[45] Reading 財 for 曹, per the commentaries.
[46] Following the interpretation given by the commentaries.
[47] Reading 桉 for 桉, per the commentaries.
[48] Reading 桉 for 桉, per the commentaries.
[49] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[50] With Qin.
[51] Reading 又 for 有, per the commentaries.
[52] Yao suggests 事 for 爭 here, in which case the states are serving Qin.
[53] Reading 滕 for 勝 here, following modern Chinese translations.
樓緩將使伏事辭行
Lou Huan, Having Ulterior Motives, Takes His Leave Before Setting out on Official Business
樓緩將使，伏事，辭行，謂趙王曰：「臣雖盡力竭知，死不復見於王矣。」王曰：「是何言也？固且為書而厚寄卿。」樓子曰：「王不聞公子牟夷之於宋乎？非肉不食。文張善宋，惡公子牟夷，寅然。今臣之於王非宋之於公子牟夷也，而惡臣者過文張。故臣死不復見於王矣。」王曰：「子勉行矣，寡人與子有誓言矣。」樓子遂行。
Lou Huan[1] was about to set out on official business. He had ulterior motives[2], so when he went to take his leave he spoke to the King of Zhao[3], saying, "Though I will devote all my strength and intelligence to this enterprise, I will be killed and will not be able to return for another audience with Your Majesty."
The King said, "What kind of talk is this? When I wrote your letters of accreditation I had such high hopes for you."
Master Lou said, "Has Your Majesty never heard about Prince Muyi[4] in Song? If there was no meat, he would not eat. Nevertheless, when Wen Zhang[5] was in good standing in Song, he hated Prince Muyi, so Song followed his lead[6]. Now my relations with Your Majesty are nowhere near as close as those between the King of Song[7] and Prince Muyi, and there is more than one person who hates me. That is why I will be killed and will not be able to return for another audience with Your Majesty."
The King said, "Go and do your best. I pledge my good faith to you." Thus Lou Huan departed.
後以中牟反，入梁。候者來言，而王弗聽，曰：「吾已與樓子有言矣。」
Afterwards, when Zhongmu[8] rebelled and joined Liang[9], the King of Zhao's agents reported it to him, but he paid no attention, saying, "I swore an oath to Lou Huan[10]."
[1] Lou Huan was a politician in Zhao and Qin, and the principal proponent of the Zhao-Qin alliance. The point of this story is not clear. The commentaries suggest that King Xiaocheng wished to placate Qin following the Battle of Changping, and decided to send Lou Huan - who came from Qin - of offer Qin land in exchange for peace, despite the opposition of other counselors. The loss of Zhongmu to Liang may have been premeditated in some way.
[2] He was probably working on Qin's behalf.
[3] It is not clear which king of Zhao is indicated here.
[4] This person is not otherwise well-known. His preference for meat reflects his aristocratic origins.
[5] This person is not otherwise well-known.
[6] Reading 宋然之 for 寅然 here, per the commentaries.
[7] It is not clear which duke of Song is indicated here.
[8] Zhongmu was in modern Hebi, in Henan.
[9] At Lou Huan's instigation.
[10] I.e. even if Lou Huan betrays him, he still has to keep his word.
虞卿請趙王
Yu Qing Speaks to the King of Zhao
虞卿請趙王曰：「人之情，寧朝人乎？寧朝於人也？」趙王曰：「人亦寧朝人耳，何故寧朝於人？」虞卿曰：「夫魏為從主，而違者范座也。今王能以百里之地，若萬戶之都，請殺范座於魏。范座死，則從事可移於趙。」趙王曰：「善。」乃使人以百里之地，請殺范座於魏。魏王許諾，使司徒執范座，而未殺也。
Yu Qing[1] spoke to[2] the king of Zhao[3], saying, "Human nature being what it is, would people prefer have others coming pay respects in their own courts, or would they prefer to go and pay respects in the courts of others?"
The King of Zhao said, "They would prefer to have others come and pay respects in their own courts, why would anyone prefer to pay respects in the courts of others?"
Yu Qing said, "If Wei is leading the anti-Qin alliance, it is on account of[4] Fan Cuo[5]. Now Your Majesty can offer a hundred li of land or a city of ten thousand households and request that Wei kill Fan Cuo. When Fan Cuo is dead, then responsibility for the anti-Qin alliance will shift to Zhao."
The King of Zhao said, "Very well." Accordingly, an envoy was sent to offer up a hundred li of land and request that Wei kill Fan Cuo. The King of Wei acceded to the request, and ordered his Home Secretary[6] to detain Fan Cuo, but to refrain from killing him for the moment.
范座獻書魏王曰：「臣聞趙王以百里之地，請殺座之身。夫殺無罪范座，座薄故也；而得百里之地，大利也。臣竊為大王美之。臣竊為大王美之。雖然，而有一焉，百里之地不可得，而死者不可復生也，則主必為天下笑矣！臣竊以為與其以死人市，不若以生人市使也。」
Fan Cuo offered a memorial to the King of Wei[7], saying, "Your servant has heard that the King of Zhao has provided you with a hundred li of land and requested that I be killed. Killing me even though I have committed no offense[8] will be a minor affair for you, and you will receive a hundred li of land as a result - a large profit. I thus take the liberty of congratulating Your Majesty. Nevertheless, there is one thing to bear in mind: if you do not get the hundred li then you will not be able to bring me back to life, and Your Majesty[9] will certainly be the laughing stock of All-Under-Heaven. Your servant humbly suggests that using a dead man as a bargaining counter is less efficacious than using a live one[10]."
又遺其後相信陵君書曰：「夫趙、魏，敵戰之國也。趙王以咫尺之書來，而魏王輕為之殺無罪之座，座雖不肖，故魏之免相望也。嘗以魏之故，得罪於趙。夫國內無用臣，外雖得地，勢不能守。然今能守魏者，莫如君矣。王聽趙殺座之後，強秦襲趙之欲，倍趙之割，則君將何以止之？此君之累也。」信陵君曰：「善。」遽言之王而出之。
He also sent a memorial to Lord Xinling[11], his successor as Chancellor, saying, "Zhao and Wei are in conflict with one another, but when the king of Zhao sends a one-chi letter, the King of Wei thinks nothing of killing me, blameless as I am. While I am an unworthy individual, if I have been obliged to vacate my official apartments[12] as Chancellor of Wei[13] it is because I offended Zhao by scheming on Wei's behalf. If your state dismisses its servants whenever someone abroad offers it land[14], it will never the capacity to defend the land it acquires. Now there is no one better equiped to defend Wei than Your Lordship. As soon as the King of Qin[15] hears that Zhao has killed me, mighty Qin will repeat Zhao's demands[16], offering twice the amount of land Zhao did, and what will you do to stop it? This will be your problem to deal with."
Lord Xinling said, "Very well." He immediately spoke to the King and had Fan Cuo released.
[1] Yu Qing was a writer and politician in Zhao, eventually rising to become Chancellor.
[2] Reading 謂 for 請, per the commentaries.
[3] King Huiwen of Zhao (298 – 266 BC) was a younger son of King Wuling of Zhao, who abdicated in Huiwen's favour. Wuling's elder son, Zhao Zhang, rebelled, but was defeated and pursued by Huiwen's Chancellor, Li Dui. Zhao Zhang fled to his father's residence, where Li Dui besieged them. Wuling killed Zhang in an attempt to convince Li Dui to let him out, but Li Dui starved him to death. King Huiwen had a successful reign, defeating Qin more than once.
[3] Yao suggests 乎 for 也 here.
[4] Fan Cuo was Chancellor of Wei.
[5] Reading 痤 for 座 here and throughout, per the commentaries.
[6] Zeng and Liu suggest 空 for 徒 here.
[7] King Zhao of Wei (296 BC to 277 BC) found himself subject to an unending series of successful attacks by Qin, losing more and more territory until he finally accepted an alliance with Qin to attack Song. This did not last long, and he soon changed sides to join an alliance with Qi.
[8] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[9] Reading 王 for 主 here, per the commentaries.
[10] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[11] Lord Xinling was also known as Wei Wuji, and was a politician and writer in Wei. He was a son of King Zhao of Wei, During the Battle of Handan, Lord Pingyuan begged his assistance. Xinling was unable to persuade the King of Wei to help, and Jin Bi, the Wei general, was ordered to wait rather than relieving Zhao. Xinling convinced the Queen to steal the royal seal and took it to demand control of the troops. Jin Bi had heard of the theft, however, and refused. Xinling killed him and led the troops to relieve the siege. He later won another significant victory against Qi, but was forced out of his internal political role as a result of Qin's machinations, and later drank himself to death.
[12] A euphemism for death.
[13] Reading 室 for 望, per the commentaries.
[14] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[15] 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 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.
[16] Liu suggests 俗 for 欲 here.
燕封宋人榮為高陽君
Yan Grants Rong Feng of Song a Domain, Making him Lord Gaoyang
燕封宋人榮蚡為高陽君，使將而攻趙。趙王因割濟東三城令盧、高唐、平原陵地城邑市五十七，命以與齊，而以求安平君而將之。馬服君謂平原君曰：「國奚無人甚哉！君致安平君而將之，乃割濟東三令城市邑五十七以與齊，此夫子與敵國戰，覆軍殺將之所取、割地於敵國者也。今君以此與齊，而求安平君而將之，國奚無人甚也！且君奚不將奢也？奢嘗抵罪居燕，燕以奢為上谷守，燕之通谷要塞，奢習知之。百日之內，天下之兵未聚，奢已舉燕矣。然則君奚求安平君而為將乎？」平原君曰：「將軍釋之矣，僕已言之僕主矣。僕主幸以聽僕也。將軍無言已。」馬服君曰：「君過矣！君之所以求安平君者，以齊之於燕也，茹肝涉血之仇耶。其於奢不然。使安平君知，又不肯與燕人戰。此兩言者，安平君必處一焉。雖然，兩者有一也。使安平君知，則奚以趙之強為？趙強則齊不復霸矣。今得強趙之兵，以杜燕將，曠日持久數歲，令士大夫餘子之力，盡於溝壘，車甲羽毛裂敝，府庫倉廩虛，兩國交以習之，乃引其兵而歸。夫盡兩國之兵，無明此者矣。」夏，軍也縣釜而炊。得三城也，城大無能過百雉者。果如馬服之言也。
Yan granted Rong Fen[1] of Song a domain, making him Lord Gaoyang, before appointing him as its general for an attack on Zhao. The King of Zhao[2] therefore ceded three fortified cities east of the Ji River[2] - Helu[3], Gaotang[4] and Pingyuanling[5] - to Qi, along with fifty-seven other towns[6], ordering that they be handed over with a request that Qi dispatch Lord Anping[7], whom Zhao would then appoint as its own general. Lord Mafu[8] spoke to Lord Pingyuan[9], saying, "Is the state so lacking in personnel? To obtain Lord Anping as your general you will cede three forts east of the River Ji and fifty-seven other towns to Qi[10]. The cities you are giving them[11] did battle with our adversaries. Lands they gained by turning back enemy troops and killing their general, you now intend to give to those same enemies[12]. That our state should be so lacking in personnel[13] now that Your Lordship would give the to Qi in this manner just because you want Lord Anping for your General! Why not make me as your General? I once - having been accused of crimes abroad - took up residence in Yan, and they made me commander of the garrison at Shanggu[14]. I know all of Yan's valleys, roads and narrow passes. Within a hundred days, and before All-Under-Heaven can assemble an army, I will already have unified the state of Yan with our own. Despite this, you are asking for Lord Anping in order to make him a General?"
Lord Pingyuan said, "Let it alone. I have already spoken about this to my sovereign; I was fortunate that he listened to me[15]. Do not speak of it any more."
Lord Mafu said, "Your Lordship is making a mistake. The reason that he is requesting Lord Anping is because he believes that Qi eating its heart out with such a hatred for Yan that it would wade through blood to sate it. This does not seem realistic to me[16]. If we assume Lord Anping to be stupid, then he will be no match for Rong Fen. If we assume he is intelligent, then he will not want to fight Yan's partisans. Lord Anping must certainly adopt one of these two courses. In fact, the two are one and the same[17]. Let us assume that Lord Anping is intelligent. Why would he do anything to strengthen Zhao? If Zhao grows stronger, Qi will never regain its hegemony. If Qi now gets the use of mighty Zhao's troops to halt Yan's new general, Lord Anping will drag the conflict out until days turn into years. With the strength of our officers, counsellors and attendants at his disposal, he will exhaust it in digging ditches and building ramparts. He will leave our chariots, armour and arrows broken, and our armouries and granaries empty. Once the two states are locked in combat[18] he will withdraw his troops and return home. Thus he will exhaust the troops of both combattants; nothing could be clearer than this." This was, in fact, the case[19]. Lord Anping took three towns[20], but none of them could have been more than a hundred zhi in size, just as Mafu had said.
[1] Reading 蚡 for 分, per the commentaries. Rong Fen is known principally via this story.
[2] The channel of the Ji River is currently occupied by the Yellow River, following a 19th century course change.
[3] According to the commentaries, this was near Mount Tai, in modern Shandong.
[4] Gaotang is still called Gaotang, and is in Shandong.
[5] Pingyuanling (or Pingyuan, as the commentaries suggest) was in modern Qingzhou, in Shandong.
[6] The commentaries suggest that this may be intended to read 令合、高唐、平原.
[7] Lord Anping was also known as Tian Dan, and was a celebrated Qi strategist.
[8] Lord Mafu, also known as Zhao She, was a successful General in Zhao, and father of Zhao Kuo (who inherited the title) who led Zhao's troops during its defeat at Changping.
[9] Lord Pingyuan was also known as Zhao Sheng, and was a successful Zhao general, having helped to lift the siege of Handan and push back Qin's forces.
[10] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[11] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[12] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[13] Reading 哉 for 也 here, per the commentaries.
[14] Shanggu Commandery covered parts of Hebei and Beijing, and served to defend Yan against barbarian invasions.
[15] Bao suggests 已 for 以 here.
[16] The commentaries suggest 奢也 for 奢 here.
[17] Commentaries and modern translations disagree on what this means and whether it should be included at all.
[18] Zeng and Liu suggest 交敝 for 交 here.
[19] Reading 是 for 夏 , per the commentaries. The following six characters are nonsense, and the commentaries believe them to be erroneous.
[20] The commentaries suggest that the 也 here is superfluous.
[18] A zhi was a square measurement used for city walls, around three metres high and ten metres long.