Duke Cheng, Year 8

In the eighth year of spring, Duke Jing of Jin sent Han Chuan to Lu to discuss the matter of the Wenyang fields, demanding that Lu return these fields to Qi.

Luan Shu of Jin led an army to invade Cai.

Gongsun Yingqi of Lu went to Ju.

Duke Gong of Song sent Hua Yuan to Lu on a diplomatic mission.

In summer, Duke Gong of Song sent Gongsun Shou to Lu to present betrothal gifts.

Jin executed its own grandees Zhao Tong and Zhao Kuo.

In autumn, in the seventh month, the Son of Heaven sent the Earl of Shao to confer the ducal mandate on Duke Cheng of Lu.

In winter, on the day Guihai of the tenth month, Ji Shuji of Qi passed away.

Duke Jing of Jin sent Shi Xie to Lu on a diplomatic mission.

Shusun Qiaoru of Lu met with Shi Xie of Jin, a man of Qi, and a man of Zhu, and together they attacked the state of Shan.

A man of Wei came to Lu to present a bridal attendant.

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In the eighth year of spring, Duke Jing of Jin sent Han Chuan to Lu to discuss the matter of the Wenyang fields, demanding that Lu return them to Qi. Ji Wenzi hosted a farewell banquet for Han Chuan and privately said to him: “When a great state handles affairs in accordance with righteousness, it becomes the leader of the alliance. The various lords, mindful of its virtue and fearful of its punitive expeditions, have no second thoughts. As for the Wenyang fields, they were originally the old territory of our humble state. Later, when we fought against Qi, Qi returned them to us. Now there is a different order, saying they must be returned to Qi. Trust is used to practice righteousness, and righteousness is used to complete commands. This is what small states look to and rely on for submission. If trust is not made known and righteousness cannot be established, then among the four quarters, which lord would not become disaffected? The Book of Songs says: ‘The woman has no fault, yet the man’s conduct is inconsistent; the man has no standard, wavering in mind and heart.’ Within seven years, one time it is given, another time it is taken back—could there be any greater wavering than this? If a man wavers, he may still lose his spouse; how much more so for a hegemon? A hegemon should act by virtue, but if he wavers, how can he long retain the support of the lords? The Book of Songs also says: ‘Plans that are not far-reaching are therefore admonished with great principles.’ I fear that Jin cannot plan deeply and will thus lose the lords, so I dare to say these words to you in private.”

Luan Shu of Jin invaded Cai, and then invaded Chu, capturing Shen Li. When the Chu army withdrew, the Jin army invaded Shen, capturing its ruler Shen Zi Yi. This was the first time Luan Shu followed the advice of Zhi Zhuangzi, Fan Wenzi, and Han Xianzi. The noble man said: “Following good advice as smoothly as flowing water—how fitting this is! The Book of Songs says: ‘The harmonious and easy gentleman, why can he not nurture talents?’ This is the pursuit of goodness! Nurturing talents, one can achieve merit.” In this military campaign, Duke Cheng of Zheng intended to join forces with the Jin army. Passing through Xu, he attacked the eastern gate of Xu and obtained a great amount of spoils.

Sheng Bo went to Ju to marry a wife.

Hua Yuan of Song came to Lu on a diplomatic mission to betroth Gong Ji. In summer, Duke Gong of Song sent Gongsun Shou to Lu to present betrothal gifts. This was in accordance with ritual propriety.

Zhao Zhuang Ji of Jin, because of Zhao Ying’s flight, slandered Zhao Tong and Zhao Kuo to Duke Jing of Jin, saying: “Zhao Tong and Zhao Kuo are about to rebel.” The Luan and Xi clans testified on her behalf. In the sixth month, Jin punished Zhao Tong and Zhao Kuo. Zhao Wu followed Zhao Zhuang Ji and was raised in Duke Jing of Jin’s palace. Duke Jing of Jin granted Zhao’s lands to Xi Xi. Han Jue spoke to Duke Jing of Jin, saying: “The merits of Zhao Cui and the loyalty of Zhao Dun—yet they have no descendants to inherit. Those who do good may well be afraid. The wise kings of the three dynasties—Xia, Shang, and Zhou—could maintain Heaven’s blessings for several hundred years. Were there no wicked rulers among them? It was only by relying on the achievements of former worthies that they avoided disaster. The Book of Zhou says: ‘Do not dare to bully widowers and widows.’ This is the method to manifest virtue.” Thereupon Duke Jing of Jin established Zhao Wu as Zhao’s heir and returned Zhao’s lands.

In autumn, Zhao Huan Gong came to confer the ducal mandate on Duke Cheng of Lu.

Duke Jing of Jin sent Shen Gong Wuchen to Wu, requesting passage through Ju. Shen Gong Wuchen stood with the Marquis of Jugu by the moat and said: “The city walls are already ruined.” The Marquis of Jugu said: “We dwell in a remote and crude barbarian land—who would plot against us?” Shen Gong Wuchen replied: “Those who are cunning, eager to expand their territory for the benefit of their state—which state lacks such men? This is why there are many great states. Some consider matters thoroughly, while others are negligent and unrestrained. Even a brave man must bolt his doors tightly; how much more so for a state?”

In winter, Ji Shuji of Qi passed away. She had been sent back to Lu from Qi, so the Spring and Autumn Annals recorded this event.

Shi Xie of Jin came to Lu on a diplomatic mission to discuss attacking the state of Tan, because Tan was serving Wu. Duke Cheng of Lu gave him gifts and requested a delay in the campaign. Shi Xie did not agree, saying: “The lord’s command cannot be altered. Losing trust means one cannot establish oneself. According to ritual propriety, no additional gifts should be given; affairs cannot serve two ends at once. If your lord falls behind the other lords, then our lord will be unable to serve your lord. I will return to report my mission.” Ji Sun was alarmed by this and sent Xuan Bo to lead an army to join the Jin forces in attacking Tan.

A man of Wei came to Lu to present a bridal attendant. This was a bridal attendant for Gong Ji and was in accordance with ritual propriety. Whenever a lord married off his daughter, lords of the same surname would send a bridal attendant; those of a different surname need not do so.