趙一 THE STRATAGEMS OF ZHAO I (A)
知伯從韓魏兵以攻趙
Zhi Bo Leads the Troops of Han and Wei in an Attack on Zhao
知伯從韓、魏兵以攻趙，圍晉陽而水之，城下不沉者三板。郤疵謂知伯曰：「韓、魏之君必反矣。」知伯曰「何以知之？」郗疵曰：「以其人事知之。夫從韓、魏之兵而攻趙，趙亡，難必及韓、魏矣。今約勝趙而三分其地。今城不沒者三板，臼灶生蛙，人馬相食，城降有日，而韓、魏之君無两志而有憂色，是非反如何也？」
Zhi Bo[1] led the troops of Han and Wei in an attack on Zhao[2], surrounding Jinyang[3] and flooding it until the water in the town[4] was nearly three ban deep[5]. Xi Ci[6] spoke to Zhi Bo, saying, "The lords of Han[7] and Wei[8] will definitely turn against you."
Zhi Bo said, "How do you know that?"
Xi Ci said, "I know it from the way they conduct their affairs. With your attack on Zhao you have made the armies of Han and Wei[9] your followers, but when Zhao has been extinguished it will be the turn of Han or Wei to suffer. Your current agreement is that you will secure victory over Zhao and divide its lands three ways[10], and Zhao's capital is now flooded nearly three ban deep, frogs live in its mortars and stoves, and its people are eating their horses, but the day that it was inundated the Lords of Han and Wei did not look like men happy to have got their way[11], but rather appeared vexed. Is this the behaviour of someone who is not about to revolt?"
明日，知伯以告韓、魏之君曰：「郤疵言君之且反也。」韓、魏之君曰：「夫勝趙而三分其地，城今且將拔矣。夫三家雖愚，不棄美利於前，背信盟之約，而為危難不可成之事，其勢可見也。是疵為趙計矣，使君疑二主之心，而解於攻趙也。今君聽讒臣之言，而離二主之交，為君惜之。」趨而出。郤疵謂知伯曰：「君又何以疵言告韓、魏之君為？」知伯曰：「子安知之？」對曰：「韓、魏之君視疵端而趨疾。」郤疵知其言之不聽，請使於齊，知伯遣之。韓、魏之君果反矣。
The next day, Zhi Bo reported this to the lords of Han and Wei, saying, "Xi Ci says you are about to turn on me."
The Lords of Han and Wei said, "We will secure victory over Zhao and divide its lands three ways; we have already seized its capital. However foolish our two[12] houses may be[13], we would not throw away a fine profit sitting right in front of us and betray our alliance to pursue a affair in which danger is everywhere and success is impossible. It is plain to see the way things are tending. The fact is that Ci is scheming on Zhao's behalf, trying to create suspicions of us in Your Lordship's mind. If you intend to cause a rift in our relations after listening to the speeches of backbiting servants, you have our pity." Then they hurried away.
Xi Ci spoke to Zhi Bo, saying, "Why did you report what I said to the lords of Han and Wei?"
Zhi Bo said, "How did you know?"
Xi Ci replied, "The Lords of Han and Wei just gave me a dirty look and hurried away." Xi Ci knew that his words would not be listened to, so he asked to be dispatched as an envoy to Qi, and Zhi Bo sent him on his way. The Lords of Han and Wei then turned against Zhi Bo.
[1] Zhi Bo was the last Chancellor of Jin, and worked with the Han, Wei and Zhao clans to defeat the Jin leadership, before they turned upon him and wiped out his family.
[2] This refers to the Han, Wei and Zhao families, rather than the states, which did not yet exist at this point.
[3] Jinyang was the capital of Jin, and later of Zhao. It is now Taiyuan in Shanxi.
[4] Reading 之 for 下 here, per the commentaries.
[5] This sentence seems garbled and the commentaries provide no assistance. A ban could be up to 10 metres, so it is clearly unrealistic here.
[6] Xi Ci was one of Zhi Bo's advisors. Later in the text his name is given as 郗疵, which is also transliterated as Xi Ci.
[7] Han Kangzi, the leader of the Han family during the fall of Jin.
[8] Wei Huanzi, the leader of the Wei family during the fall of Jin.
[9] Reading 君 for 兵 per the commentaries.
[10] Yao suggests that the characters 勝趙 here may be superfluous.
[11] Reading 喜 for 两, per the commentaries.
[12] Reading 二 for 三 here, per the commentaries.
[13] The commentaries disagree on the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
知伯帥趙韓魏而伐范中行氏
Zhi Bo Leads Zhao, Han and Wei in an Attack on the Fan and Zhonghang Families
知伯帥趙、韓、魏而伐范中行氏，滅之。休數年，使人請地於韓。韓康子欲勿與，段婔諫曰：「不可。夫知伯之為人也，好利而鷙復，來請地不與，必加兵於韓矣。君其與之。與之彼狃，又將請地於他國，他國不聽，必鄉之以兵；然則韓可以免於患難，而待事之變。」康子曰：「善。」使使者致萬家之邑一於知伯。知伯說，又使人請地於魏，魏宣子欲勿與。趙葭諫曰：「彼請地於韓，韓與之。請地於魏，魏弗與，則是魏內自強，而外怒知伯也。然則其錯兵於魏必矣！不如與之。」宣子曰：「諾。」因使人致萬家之邑一於知伯。知伯說，又使人之趙，請蔡、皋狼之地；趙襄子弗與。知伯因陰結韓、魏，將以伐趙。
Zhi Bo[1] led Zhao, Han and Wei[2] in an attack on the Fan and Zhonghang families[3], wiping them out. After several years' respite, he sent someone to request land from Han. Han Kangzi[4] wanted to refuse, but Duan Gui[5] remonstrated with him, saying, "You should not. In his dealings with others, Zhi Bo is hawk-like in its avidity for gain[6]. If he comes to ask for land and you do not give it to him, he will certainly extort it from us using military means. If you give it to him, then the gift[7] will make him self-satisfied, and he will request more land from other states. If they do not listen to him, he will certainly use his troops to make provinces of them[8]. If this happens, then Han can avoid trouble while waiting for things to change."
Kangzi said, "Very well." He sent envoys to deliver a city of ten thousand families to Zhi Bo. Zhi Bo was delighted, and sent more envoys to ask for land from Wei.
Wei Huanzi[9] wanted to refuse, but Zhao Jia[10] remonstrated with him, saying, "He asked for land from Han, and Han gave it to him. If he asks for land from Wei and Wei does not give it to him, then you will be implying that Wei is is strong enough at home to be able to anger Zhi Bo abroad. If this is so, it is certain that he will send his elite troops against Wei. Better give him the land."
Huanzi said, "I will do so." He thus sent one of his people to deliver a town of ten thousand families to Zhi Bo. Zhi Bo was delighted, and sent another envoy to Zhao to ask for land in Cai[11] and Gaolang[12]. Zhao Xiangzi[13] refused. Zhi Bo seized this opportunity[14] to make a secret agreement with Han and Wei and attack Zhao.
趙襄子召張孟談而告之曰：「夫知伯之為人，陽親而陰疏，三使韓、魏，而寡人弗與焉，其移兵寡人必矣。今吾安居而可？」張孟談曰：「夫董閼安于，簡主之才臣也，世治晉陽，而尹澤循之，其餘政教猶存，君其定居晉陽。」君曰：「諾。」乃使延陵王將車騎先之晉陽，君因從之。至，行城郭，案府庫，視倉廩，召張孟談曰：「吾城郭之完，府庫足用，倉廩實矣，無矢奈何？」張孟談曰：「臣聞董子之治晉陽也，公宮之垣，皆以狄蒿苫楚廧之，其高至丈餘，君發而用之。」於是發而試之，其堅則箘簬之勁不能過也。君曰：「足矣，吾銅少若何？」張孟談曰：「臣聞董子之治晉陽也，公宮之室，皆以鍊銅為柱質，請發而用之，則有餘銅矣。」君曰：「善。」號令以定，備守以具。
Zhao Xiangzi[15] summoned Zhang Mengtan[16] and reported this to him, saying, "In his dealings with others, Zhi Bo is warm on the surface but but cold beneath. Three times he has sent envoys to Han, Wei and ourselves, and we have refused his demands. Thus it is certain that he will mobilise his troops against us. Now where would be a good place to await his attack?"
Zhang Mengtan said, "Dong Anyu[17] was a talented servant to Lord Jian[18] and maintained his rule from Jinyang[19] all his life, with Yin Feng[20] following in his footsteps[21]. The remnants of their political teachings still survive. Your Lordship should take up their position in Jinyang."
Lord Xiangzi said, "I will do so." Accordingly he sent Lord Yanling[22] ahead to serve as general and lead his cavalry to Jinyang. Lord Xiangzi then followed on. When he arrived he toured the city walls and the government offices and armouries, and inspected the granaries. He summoned Zhang Mengtan, saying, "My city walls are completely secure, the government offices and armouries are functioning adequately, and the granaries are full, but what should we do if we run out of arrows?"
Zhang Mengtan said, "Your servant has heard that when Master Dong governed Jinyang, a fence of reeds and rushes[23] over a zhang in height was built around every official building. You can cut them down and make use of them." This having been done, the arrows were tested. They were so tough that bamboo arrows could not surpass their stopping power.
Lord Xiangzi said, "They will suffice. What if I run low on copper?"
Zhang Mengtan said, "Your servant has heard that when Master Dong governed Jinyang, every official building used refined copper for the bases of its pillars. Please cut them down and make use of them, and you will have more than enough copper.
Lord Xiangzi said, "Very well." An order was written out to have this done, and materials for defending the city were prepared.
三國之兵乘晉陽城，遂戰。三月不能拔，因舒軍而圍之，決晉水而灌之。圍晉陽三年，城中巢居而處，懸釜而炊，財食將盡，士卒病羸。襄子謂張孟談曰：「糧食匱，城力盡，士大夫病，吾不能守矣。欲以城下，何如？」張孟談曰：「臣聞之，亡不能存，危不能安，則無為貴知士也。君釋此計，勿復言也。臣請見韓、魏之君。」襄子曰：「諾。」
The troops of the three states approached the walls of Jinyang, and thus battle commenced. After three months they had still not seized the city. Consequently, they spread out their forces to encircle the city and block the Jin River[24], thus flooding it. For three years Jinyang was besieged. Those living in the city found perches for themselves on the rooftops and roosted there, hanging pots over campfires to cook with. They exhausted their food supplies, and both officers and troops were growing sick and weak.
Lord Xiangzi spoke to Zhang Mengtan, saying, "We are low on food, and our resources are exhausted[25], our officials and counsellors are sick. I cannot hold out, and would rather surrender the town. What do you think?"
Zhang Mengtan said, "Your servant has heard that 'if he cannot save what is doomed or secure what is in danger, then there is no reason to value the perspicacity of an official.'[26] Abandon such a plan, and do not speak of it again. Your servant requests permission to seek an audience with the Lords of Han and Wei."
Xiangzi said, "Very well."
張孟談於是陰見韓、魏之君曰：「臣聞脣亡則齒寒，今知伯帥二國之君伐趙，趙將亡矣，亡則二君為之次矣。」二君曰：「我知其然。夫知伯為人也，麤中而少親，我謀未遂而知，則其禍必至，為之奈何？」張孟談曰：「謀出二君之口，入臣之耳，人莫之知也。」二君即與張孟談陰約三軍，與之期曰，夜，遣入晉陽。張孟談以報襄子，襄子再拜之。
Having said as much, Zhang Mengtan sought a secret audience with the Lords of Han and Wei, to whom he said, "Your servant has heard that when the lips are gone then the teeth grow cold. Now Zhi Bo has led the lords of two states to attack Zhao, and Zhao clan seems doomed. If Zhao is extinguished, then Your Lordships will be next."
The two lords said, "We are aware that this is so. In his dealings with others, Zhi Bo is hard-hearted and has few intimates. If he becomes aware of our schemes before they are carried out, then they will certainly end in disaster. How should we handle this? Zhang Mengtan said, "Your schemes will go straight from your mouths to my ears; no one else will know." The two lords immediately made a secret agreement with Zhang Mengtan to unite their three armies, and settled the day and the night[28] upon which they would enter Jinyang. Zhang Mengtan reported this to Xiangzi, and Xiangzi bowed repeatedly in thanks.
張孟談因朝知伯而出，遇知過轅門之外。知過入見知伯曰：「二主殆將有變。」君曰：「何如？」對曰：「臣遇張孟談於轅門之外，其志矜，其行高。」知伯曰：「不然。吾與二主約謹矣，破趙三分其地，寡人所親之，必不欺也。子釋之，勿出於口。」知過出見二主，入說知伯曰：「二主色動而意變，必背君，不如令殺之。」知伯曰：「兵箸晉陽三年矣，旦暮當拔之而饗其利，乃有他心？不可，子慎勿復言。」知過曰：「不殺則遂親之。」知伯曰：「親之奈何？」知過曰：「魏宣子之謀臣曰趙葭，康子之謀臣曰段婔，是皆能移其君之計。君其與二君約，破趙則封二子者各萬家之縣一，如是則二主之心可不變，而君得其所欲矣。」知伯曰：「破趙而三分其地，又封二子者各萬家之縣一，則吾所得者少，不可。」知過見君之不用也，言之不聽，出，更其姓為輔氏，遂去不見。
Zhang Mengtan then went to pay his respects in Zhi Bo's court. As he was leaving, he ran into Zhi Guo[28] outside the carriage gate.
Zhi Guo headed in for his audience with Zhi Bo, saying, "Both of the other lords are about to betray you."
Lord Zhi Bo said, "Why?"
Zhi Guo replied, "Your servant encountered Zhang Mengtan outside the carriage gate. His attitude was contemptuous and his steps light."
Zhi Bo said, "It cannot be. I was circumspect in making my agreement with the two lords. We will break Zhao and divide its land three ways. I saw to it personally; they would not deceive me. Forget about this and do not let such words pass your lips again."
Zhi Guo left to seek an audience with the two Lords, and came back to persuade Zhi Bo, saying, "The two Lords look at me differently. Their intentions have changed; they will certainly betray you. It would be better to kill them now."
Zhi Bo said, "Our troops have been stationed before Jinyang for three years, but any day now we will seize it[29] and feast on the spoils. Are they going to have a change of heart now? Impossible. Be circumspect and do not say such things again."
Zhi Guo said, "If you do not kill them, then you should hold them close."
Zhi Bo said, "How should I get closer to them?"
Zhi Guo said, "Wei Huanzi's strategic advisor is called Zhao Jia and Kangzi's is called Duan Gui. As things stand, both of them are capable of influencing their lords' plans. Make an agreement with the two lords stating that when Zhao is broken you will reward these two with a domain of ten thousand families each. If you do so, they will be able to prevent their lords from changing their minds, and thus you will obtain what you desire."
Zhi Bo said, "When we break Zhao we will divide its land in three; if we also have to reward those two with domains of ten thousand families, then my part will be too small. This is unacceptable." Zhi Guo saw that his lord did not intend to employ his strategies or listen to his speeches, so he fled. He changed his name to Fu[30] and left without speaking to Zhi Bo again.
張孟談聞之，入見襄子曰：「臣遇知過於轅門之外，其視有疑臣之心，入見知伯，出更其姓。今暮不擊，必後之矣。」襄子曰：「諾。」使張孟談見韓、魏之君曰：「夜期殺守堤之吏，而決水灌知伯軍。」知伯軍救水而亂，韓、魏翼而擊之，襄子將卒犯其前，大敗知伯軍而禽知伯。
Zhang Mengtan heard about this, and sought an audience with Xiangzi, where he said, "I ran into Zhi Guo outside the carriage gate. He looked at me suspiciously, went in for an audience with Zhi Bo, then left and changed his name. If you do not attack today at sunset you will regret it."
Xiangzi said, "I will do so." He sent Zhang Mengtan to seek an audience with the Lords of Han and Wei, and that night[31] they killed the guards on the river levees and diverted the water to inundate Zhi Bo's army. Zhi Bo tried to save his army[32] from the water, but it fell into disorder. Han and Wei outflanked them on both sides and struck, while Xiangzi led his troops in a frontal attack. They inflicted a great defeat on Zhi Bo's army and captured Zhi Bo.
知伯身死、國亡、地分，為天下笑，此貪欲無厭也。夫不聽知過，亦所以亡也。知氏盡滅，唯輔氏存焉。
If Zhi Bo was killed, his state extinguished, his lands divided, and All-Under-Heaven laughed about it, it was because he was greedy and would not be satisfied. He did not listen to Zhi Guo, and drove him away. The Zhi family was exterminated, but the Fu family still survives.
[1] Zhi Bo was the last Chancellor of Jin, and worked with the Han, Wei and Zhao clans to defeat the Jin leadership, before they turned upon him and wiped out his family.
[2] This refers to the Han, Wei and Zhao families, rather than the states, which did not yet exist at this point.
[3] These were two powerful clans in Jin.
[4] Han Kangzi was the head of the Han family at the time.
[5] Duan Gui was one of Han Kangzi's advisors, and had a long-running feud with Zhi Bo.
[6] The commentaries suggest 愎 for 復 here.
[7] The commentaries suggest that the repeated 與之 here may be superfluous.
[8] This sentence is not entirely clear, it may simply mean that Zhi Bo will raid them.
[9] Reading 桓 for 宣 here, per the commentaries. Wei Huanzi was the leader of the Wei clan at the time.
[10] Zhao Jia was also known as Ren Zhang, and was an advisor to Wei Huanzi.
[11] The commentaries suggest 藺 (Lin) for 蔡, but it is not entirely clear where either place was.
[12] Gaolang seems to have been in modern Lishi, Shaanxi.
[13] Zhao Xiangzi was the head of the Zhao clan at the time.
[14] The commentaries suggest that the 因 here may be superfluous.
[15] The commentaries suggest that the 趙 here may be superfluous.
[16] Zhang Mengtan was one of Zhao Xiangzi's advisors.
[17] Reading 董安于 for 董閼安于, as this is how Dongyan Anyu is referred to later in the chapter. He was a member of the Zhao family in the sixth century BC.
[18] The commentaries suggest reading 子 for 主 here. Zhao Jianzi was Zhao Xiangzi's father.
[19] Jinyang is now Taiyuan in Shanzi.
[20] The commentaries suggest reading 君 for 尹 here. Yin Feng was an advisor to the Zhao family.
[21] Yao suggests reading 修 for 循 here.
[22] Reading 延陵君 for 延陵王 per the commentaries. This person is not otherwise well-known. It is possible that his full name was Yanling Sheng and 君 itself is an error for 生.
[23] The commentaries disagree on precisely which plants are intended here.
[24] The Jin River is in Shanxi.
[25] Reading 財 for 城, per the commentaries.
[26] This quote comes from the Guiguzi.
[27] Reading 日 for 曰, per the commentaries.
[28] This may be intended to read 知果 for 知過, and indeed the two may have been a single person. Both were politicians from the Jin clan.
[29] The commentaries suggest that the 之 here may be superfluous.
[30] Fu (輔) means "helper". The Fu family still holds annual sacrifices to its ancestors (including Zhi Guo) in Yancheng, Jiangsu.
[31] Reading 君。日夜期 for 君曰：「夜, per the commentaries.
[32] The commentaries suggest that the 軍 here may be superfluous.
張孟談既固趙宗
Zhang Mengtan Consolidates the Zhao Clan's Position
張孟談既固趙宗，廣封疆，發五百，乃稱簡之塗以告襄子曰：「昔者，前國地君之御有之曰：『五百之所以致天下者，約兩主勢能制臣，無令臣能制主。故貴為列侯者，不令在相位，自將軍以上，不為近大夫。』今臣之名顯而身尊，權重而眾服，臣願捐功名去權勢以離眾。」襄子恨然曰：「何哉？吾聞輔主者名顯，功大者身尊，任國者權重，信忠在己而眾服焉。此先聖之所以集國家，安社稷乎！子何為然？」張孟談對曰：「君之所言，成功之美也。臣之所謂，持國之道也。臣觀成事，聞往古，天下之美同，臣主之權均之能美，未之有也。前事之不忘，後事之師。君若弗圖，則臣力不足。」愴然有決色。襄子去之。臥三日，使人謂之曰：「晉陽之政，臣下不使者何如？」對曰：「死僇。」張孟談曰：「左司馬見使於國家，安社稷，不避其死，以成其忠，君其行之。」君曰：「子從事。」乃許之。張孟談便厚以便名，納地釋事以去權尊，而耕於負親之丘。故曰，賢人之行，明主之政也。
Zhang Mengtan[1] consolidated the Zhao clan's position and expanded its domains[2], following the methods of the Five Hegemons[3]. Discoursing on Jian's[3] methods of government, he told Xiangzi[4], "In the past, under the rule of the former lord of these lands, there were those who said to him, 'All-Under-Heaven flocked to the Five Hegemons because they followed two precepts[5]: that the sovereign should possess the power to control his subordinates and the power to prevent them from being able to control him. Therefore those with the rank of Marquis or above could never be given the position of Chancellor, and those who had held a position of General or above were not permitted to serve as privy counsellors.' Now my name is famous and my person is respected, my power is awe-inspiring and my supplicants are numerous. I wish to decline any celebration of my successes[6], put away my privileges and powers, and leave my supplicants behind."
Xiangzi was unsatisfied and said, "Why? I have heard that those who assist the sovereign should be famous names, and those who achieve great things should have personal respect. Those who are responsible for the state should have power and influence, and those who have shown themselves loyal and trustworthy should have crowds of people begging their indulgence. Such were the methods of the ancient sages for uniting the nation and keeping the altars of earth and grain safe[7]. Why are you acting thus?"
Zhang Mengtan replied, "Your Lordship is speaking of the admiration that is paid to the meritorious; I am speaking of the methods by which a state may be maintained. I have seen how things work, and heard how they were in the past, and what All-Under-Heaven admires has not changed - I have never yet heard of equality between sovereigns and their servants[8] producing admirable outcomes. Historical events should not be forgotten, and should serve as a model for the affairs of those who follow. If Your Lordship does act according to these models, then your servant's efforts will never be sufficient." He seemed sad but resolute. Xiangzi sent him away without granting his request.
After sleeping on it for three days, Zhang Mengtan sent someone to speak to Xiangzi, saying, "If, in the administration in Jinyang, your subordinates do not carry out their orders. What should be done[9]?"
The reply came, "Kill them."
Zhang Mengtan said, "Cavalry Commander Zuo[10] is ready to receive his country's commands and ensure the safety of the altars of earth and grain. He does not shrink from death and is entirely loyal. You should send him to take care of this."
His lord said, "Then you may go ahead and pursue your own affairs." Thus Xiangzi gave his accord. This increased Zhang Mengtan's lustre and bolstered his reputation, as he handed back his domains, gave up his affairs, abandoned his power and honour, and went to plough his parents' fields in the hills.
Thus people said, "This sagely conduct is a reflection of our enlightened sovereign's government."
耕三年，韓、魏、齊、燕負親以謀趙，襄子往見張孟談而告之曰：「昔者知氏之地，趙氏分則多十城，復來，而今諸侯孰謀我，為之奈何？」張孟談曰：「君其負劍而御臣以之國，舍臣於廟，授吏大夫，臣試計之。」君曰：「諾。」張孟談乃行，其妻之楚，長子之韓，次子之魏，少子之齊。四國疑而謀敗。
After three years of farm work, Han, Wei, Qi and Chu[11] betrayed their alliance with Zhao and plotted against it[12]. Xiangzi went for an audience with Zhang Mengtan and reported this to him, saying, "In the past, the Zhi[13] family's land was divided up by the Zhao family which got over ten fortresses out of it. They are coming against us again[14] and now the sovereign lords are also plotting against me[15]. How should we handle this?"
Zhang Mengtan said, "I will take up my sword for you and ride back to serve the state. Give me an official residence and the right to appoint officials, and I will try to come up with a strategy for you."
Lord Xiangzi said, "I will do so." Zhang Mengtan did as he said. He sent his wife to Chu, his eldest son to Han, his next son to Wei, and his youngest son to Qi. The suspicions that emerged among the four states led to the failure of their strategy[16].
[1] Zhang Mengtan was an advisor to the Zhao family during the collapse of the state of Jin.
[2] The commentaries disagree on the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[3] Reading 霸 for 百 per the commentaries. The Five Hegemons were leaders during the Spring and Autumn period who almost succeeded in uniting the Empire at various points.
[3] Zhao Jianzi was Zhao Xiangzi's father.
[4] Zhao Xiangzi was the head of the Zhao clan at the time.
[5] According to the commentaries, the 兩 here is superfluous.
[6] Reading 損 for 捐, per the commentaries.
[7] Liu suggests 也 for 乎 here.
[8] The commentaries suggest that 之 may be intended to read 而 here.
[9] The commentaries suggest that this may be intended to read 如何.
[10] This person is not otherwise well-known. The entire passage is somewhat confusing, and it is not even entirely clear who is speaking at different points. The idea seems to be that Zhang Mengtan is proposing his own replacement.
[11] Reading 楚 for 燕 here, per the commentaries.
[12] The commentaries disagree regarding the reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[13] The Zhi clan was another family that participated in the break-up of Jin, along with Zhao, Han and Wei. It was later wiped out in a power-struggle with the other families.
[14] The commentaries disagree regarding the reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear. The "they" refers to the Han and Wei clans, which originally fought on the side of the Zhi clan against Zhao.
[15] The commentaries suggest that the 孰 here may be superfluous.
[16] The implication is that the states all believed that if Zhang Mengtan was willing to trust his family with the other states, then Zhao must have made an alliance with one or more of them.
晉畢陽之孫豫讓
Yu Rang, The Grandson of Bi Yang of Jin
晉畢陽之孫豫讓，始事范中行氏而不說，去而就知伯，知伯寵之。及三晉分知氏，趙襄子最怨知伯，而將其頭以為飲器。豫讓遁逃山中，曰：「嗟乎！士為知己者死，女為悅己者容。吾其報知氏之讎矣。」乃變姓名，為刑人，入宮塗廁，欲以刺襄子。襄子如廁，心動，執問塗者，則豫讓也。刃其扞，曰：「欲為知伯報讎！」左右欲殺之。趙襄子曰：「彼義士也，吾謹避之耳。且知伯已死，無後，而其臣至為報讎，此天下之賢人也。」卒釋之。豫讓又漆身為厲，滅鬚去眉，自刑以變其容，為乞人而往乞，其妻不識，曰：「狀貌不似吾夫，其音何類吾夫之甚也。」又吞炭為啞，變其音。其友謂之曰：「子之道甚難而無功，謂子有志則然矣，謂子智則否。以子之才，而善事襄子，襄子必近幸子；子之得近而行所欲，此甚易而功必成。」豫讓乃笑而應之曰：「是為先知報後知，為故君賊新君，大亂君臣之義者無此矣。凡吾所謂為此者，以明君臣之義，非從易也。且夫委質而事人，而求弒之，是懷二心以事君也。吾所為難，亦將以愧天下後世人臣懷二心者。」
Yu Rang[1], the grandson of Bi Yang[2] of Jin, originally served the Fan and Zhonghang families[3], but they were not happy with him, so he left and approached Zhi Bo[4], becoming one of his favourites. After the three Jin divided up the lands of the Zhi family, Zhao Xiangzi[5], who bore the greatest grudge against Zhi Bo, made a drinking cup out of his skull. Yu Rang fled and hid in the mountains, saying, "Ah... An official will die for one who appreciates him, just as a woman will beautify herself for one who delights in her. I will avenge Zhi Bo." Consequently he changed both his family name and his given name, and mutilated himself in the manner of a convict[6] order to find employment in the palace re-plastering the latrines, with the aim of stabbing Xiangzi. When Xiangzi went to the latrine he sensed something was wrong. He had the "plasterer" interrogated, and he was revealed to be Yu Rang.
Yu Rang drew his knife[7] and threatened him, saying, "I will avenge myself on Zhi Bo's enemies!"
Xiangzi's attendants wished to kill him, but Xangzi said, "He is a respectable man with a just cause; I was merely cautious enough to avoid the consequences. If Zhi Bo - though he is dead and without posterity - has a servant ready to wreak revenge on his enemies, he must have been a sage within All-Under-Heaven." He ordered Yu Rang released. Yu Rang then painted his skin with lacquer so he looked like a leper, and shaved off his beard and eyebrows to give himself the appearance of a convict.
When he joined ranks of the beggars and went asking for alms[8], his own wife did not know him. She said, "His body and face are nothing like my husband, so how can his voice be so similar?" Therefore he also swallowed charcoal to make his voice hoarse, thus changing the way he spoke.
One of his friends spoke to him, saying, "The path you have chosen is extremely arduous and success is impossible. If you would be called resolute, then continue; if you would be called wise, then do not. With your talents, if you were to work on Xiangzi's behalf, then Xiangzi would certainly promote and favour you. If you advance thus, then you will be able to achieve what you desire. This would be easy and success certain."
Yu Rang laughed at this and responded, saying, "True, but that would be taking revenge for an old friend on a new one, and assassinating a new lord for an old one. I would be undermining the dutiful ideals that should link a lord and his servant, and I will not err in this way[9]. If I am doing this, it is because I wish to shine a light on these ideals, not because I wish to achieve an easy success. If I give myself over to serve this man while seeking to assassinate him, I would be two-faced in serving both my lords. If what I am doing is difficult, it is worth it to shame anyone within All-Under-Heaven who may consider such two-faced service in future."
居頃之，襄子當出，豫讓伏所當過橋下。襄子至橋而馬驚。襄子曰：「此必豫讓也。」使人問之，果豫讓。於是趙襄子面數豫讓曰：「子不嘗事范中行氏乎？知伯滅范中行氏，而子不為報讎，反委質事知伯。知伯已死，子獨何為報讎之深也？」豫讓曰：「臣事范中行氏，范中行氏以眾人遇臣，臣故眾人報之；知伯以國士遇臣，臣故國士報之。」襄子乃喟然歎泣曰：「嗟乎，豫子！豫子之為知伯，名既成矣，寡人舍子，亦以足矣。子自為計，寡人不舍子。」使兵環之。豫讓曰：「臣聞明主不掩人之義，忠臣不愛死以成名。君前已寬舍臣，天下莫不稱君之賢。今日之事，臣故伏誅，然願請君之衣而擊之，雖死不恨。非所望也，敢布腹心。」於是襄子義之，乃使使者持衣與豫讓。豫讓拔劍三躍，呼天擊之曰：「而可以報知伯矣。」遂伏劍而死。死之日，趙國之士聞之，皆為涕泣。
After a while, Xiangzi left on a tour of inspection. Yu Rang hid under a bridge that he would have to cross[10]. Xiangzi arrived at the bridge and his horses grew skittish. Xiangzi said, "This must be Yu Rang." Xiangzi sent someone to enquire, and he produced Yu Rang.
In the circumstances, Zhao Xiangzi decided to have it out with Yu Rang face to face, saying, "Did you not once serve the Fan and Zhonghang families? Zhi Bo wiped them out, and you did not avenge yourself upon him on their account. You turned your back on them and gave yourself over to serve him. Why are you filled with this deep desire for vengeance only now that Zhi Bo is dead?"
Yu Rang said, "Your servant served the Fan and Zhonghang families, and they treated me like a commoner, therefore I avenged them to the same degree as any other commoner did. Zhi Bo treated me like a national hero, therefore I am avenging him in the manner that a national hero would."
Xiangzi sighed deeply and wept, saying, "Ah, Master Yu... By doing this for Zhi Bo you have secured your fame[11] and by releasing you I have done my part[12]. But given your plans I cannot release you again." He had his troops surround Yu Rang.
Yu Rang said, "Your servant has heard that an enlightened sovereign does not repress his people's moral impulses, and a loyal servant will not hesitate to surrender his life if he may make his name thereby. Your Lordship has already forgiven and released me once[13]; in All-Under-Heaven there are none who do not speak of your virtues. I thereforef deserve to be executed for this day's work. Nevertheless, I wish to ask for Your Lordship's coat, so that I may stab it[14]. Then I can die without rancour. It may be too much to hope for, but at least I dared to express what was in my heart." This being so, Xiangzi responded reasonably to this, sending someone to carry his coat over to Yu Rang.
Yu Rang seized his sword and stabbed it three times, sighing to heaven as he struck[15] and saying, "Ah well, this can serve as vengeance for Zhi Bo." Then he cut his own throat and died. On the day he died the officials of Zhao heard about it and all wept for him.
[1] Yu Rang is known mainly for this story.
[2] Bi Yang is also known mainly via this story.
[3] The Fan and Zhonghang families held important places in the state of Jin, prior to its collapse.
[4] Zhi Bo was the head of the Zhi family, another important clan in the state of Jin. It worked with the Han, Wei and Zhao clans to bring down the Jin state, but they eventually turned on it.
[5] Zhao Xiangzi was the head of the Zhao clan at the time.
[6] He probably cut his nose off.
[7] The commentaries disagree on the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[8] The commentaries disagree on the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[9] The commentaries disagree on the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[10] The commentaries disagree on the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[11] The commentaries disagree on the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[12] Reading 已 for 以, per the commentaries.
[13] The commentaries disagree on the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
[14] Allowing him to claim a symbolic victory.
[15] The commentaries disagree on the precise reading of this sentence, but the general sense is clear.
魏文侯借道於趙攻中山
Marquis Wen of Wei Pretends to TRavel to to Zhao In Order To Attack Zhongshan
魏文侯借道於趙攻中山。趙侯將不許。趙利曰：「過矣。魏攻中山而不能取，則魏必罷，罷則趙重。魏拔中山，必不能越趙而有中山矣。是用兵者，魏也；而得地者，趙也。君不如許之，許之大勸，彼將知矣利之也，必輟。君不如借之道，而示之不得已。」
Marquis Wen of Wei[1] sought to borrow the road through Zhao in order to attack Zhongshan, but the Marquis of Zhao[2] would not permit it. Zhao Li[3] said, "This is a mistake. If Wei attacks Zhongshan and cannot take it, then Wei will lose its momentum. If Wei loses momentum, then Zhao's influence will grow. Even if Wei razes Zhongshan, it will not be able to move its people across Zhao to take possession of it. It will be Wei that deploys the troops, and Zhao that gets the land. However, while Your Lordship would do better to give them permission, if you actively push for it, they will realise that Zhao has some vested interest and will certainly abandon their plan[4]. Better allow them to borrow your road, but act as though they have given you not choice in the matter."
[1] Marquis Wen of Wei (424–396 BC) succeeded Wei Huanzi following the partition of Jin. He was interested in scholarship, and employed Li Kui, Ximen Bao and Wu Qi, who reformed the state of Wei, thus strengthening it.
[2] Marquis Lie of Zhao (403 BCE - 400 BCE) was also a great employer of scholars. He joined with Wei to repress an attack by Zhongshan, and moved the captial to Handan.
[3] This person is not otherwise well-known.
[4] The commentaries disagree regarding the precise reading of this sentence, and modern translations disagree. This interpretation follows modern Chinese versions.