Ten Faults

Ten kinds of faults: First, practicing petty loyalty is detrimental to great loyalty. Second, coveting petty gains undermines great benefits. Third, behaving perversely and willfully obstinate, lacking propriety toward the feudal lords, is the ultimate way to bring about one’s own destruction. Fourth, not devoting effort to governing affairs but delighting in music is a course that leads to personal distress. Fifth, being greedy and stubborn, fond of private gain, is the root of destroying the state and losing one’s life. Sixth, indulging in women and song and dance, neglecting state affairs, is the calamity of national ruin. Seventh, leaving the court to travel far away, while ignoring remonstrating officers, is a path that endangers oneself. Eighth, having faults yet not heeding the counsel of loyal ministers, but acting alone, is the beginning of ruining one’s noble reputation and being ridiculed. Ninth, failing to assess one’s own strength internally while relying on feudal lords externally, is the misfortune that weakens the state. Tenth, being a small state without propriety and not employing remonstrating ministers, is the condition that cuts off the continuation of one’s lineage.

What is meant by petty loyalty? In former times, King Gong of Chu and Duke Li of Jin fought a battle at Yanling. The Chu army was defeated, and King Gong of Chu’s eye was wounded. During the fierce fighting, Sima Zifan was thirsty and wanted to drink water. The young attendant Guyang took a goblet, filled it with wine, and presented it to him. Zifan said, “Hmph! Step back, this is wine.” Guyang said, “It is not wine.” Zifan took it and drank. Zifan’s nature was such that he was fond of drinking wine; finding it very sweet, he could not stop drinking and became drunk. After the battle ended, King Gong of Chu wanted to fight again and sent someone to summon Sima Zifan. Sima Zifan excused himself by claiming a heart ailment. King Gong of Chu drove his chariot personally to go to him, entered his tent, smelled the wine, and returned, saying, “In today’s battle, I myself was wounded. The one I relied upon was the Sima, and the Sima is drunk like this—this is to ruin Chu’s altars of state and not care for my army. I will not fight again.” So he led the army away and had Sima Zifan beheaded and displayed as a warning. Therefore, the young attendant Guyang offering wine was not because he hated Zifan; in his heart he was loyal and loved Zifan, yet precisely thereby he caused his death. Thus it is said: Practicing petty loyalty is detrimental to great loyalty.

What is meant by coveting petty gains? In former times, Duke Xian of Jin wanted to borrow a road from Yu to attack Guo. Xun Xi said, “My lord, if you use the jade bi from Chuiji and the fine horses from Qu to bribe the Duke of Yu and request to borrow the road from him, he will certainly lend it to us.” Duke Xian of Jin said, “The jade bi from Chuiji is a treasure of my deceased lord; the fine horses from Qu are my fine steeds. If he accepts my gifts but does not lend me the road, what then?” Xun Xi said, “If he does not lend us the road, he certainly dares not accept our gifts. If he accepts our gifts and lends us the road, then this jade bi is like taking it from the inner treasury and placing it in the outer treasury, and the fine horses are like taking them from the inner stable and placing them in the outer stable. My lord need not worry.” Duke Xian of Jin said, “Very well.” So he sent Xun Xi to bribe the Duke of Yu with the jade bi from Chuiji and the fine horses from Qu, requesting to borrow the road. The Duke of Yu, coveting the profit of the jade bi and fine horses, wanted to agree. Gong Zhiqi remonstrated, saying, “You must not agree. The relationship between Yu and Guo is like that of the carriage and the supporting board. The supporting board depends on the carriage, and the carriage also depends on the supporting board; the situation of Yu and Guo is exactly this. If you lend them the road, then Guo will perish in the morning, and Yu will follow in the evening. You must not agree; I hope you will not consent.” The Duke of Yu did not listen, and so lent the road to Jin. Xun Xi attacked Guo and conquered it. After returning, three years passed, and he again raised troops to attack Yu, and again conquered it. Xun Xi led the horses and held the jade bi to report to Duke Xian of Jin. Duke Xian of Jin happily said, “The jade bi is still the same as before. Although that is so, the horses’ teeth have grown longer.” So what was the reason for the Duke of Yu’s army being crushed and his territory being cut? It was because he coveted petty gains without considering their harm. Therefore it is said: Coveting petty gains undermines great benefits.

What is meant by behaving perversely? In former times, King Ling of Chu convened the alliance at Shen. The Crown Prince of Song arrived late, so he had him seized and imprisoned. He also treated the ruler of Xu with disdain and arrested Qing Feng of Qi. The Royal Archer remonstrated, saying, “Assembling the feudal lords cannot lack propriety; this is the key to survival or ruin. In former times, King Jie of Xia convened the alliance at Yourong, and the Youmin clan rebelled against him. King Zhou of Shang reviewed the troops at Liqiu, and the Rong and Di barbarians rebelled against him. Both were because of lack of propriety. My lord, you should carefully consider this.” King Ling of Chu did not listen, but acted according to his own will. Before a full year had passed, King Ling of Chu traveled south for pleasure. The multitude of ministers followed him and seized him. King Ling of Chu starved to death by the side of Ganxi. Therefore it is said: Behaving perversely and willfully obstinate, lacking propriety toward the feudal lords, is the ultimate way to bring about one’s own destruction.

What is meant by fondness for music? In former times, Duke Ling of Wei was about to travel to the state of Jin. When he reached the bank of the Pu River, he unharnessed the chariot and let the horses rest, setting up quarters to spend the night. In the middle of the night, he heard the sound of someone playing a new tune, and he was very pleased. He sent someone to ask those around him, but all reported that they had not heard it. So he summoned Shi Juan and told him, saying: "Someone is playing a new tune. I sent someone to ask those around me, and all reported that they had not heard it. It seems like a spirit or ghost. You listen to it for me and record it." Shi Juan said: "Very well." Thereupon he sat quietly, played his zither, and recorded it. The next day, Shi Juan reported: "I have obtained it, but I am not yet proficient. Allow me to stay another night to practice it." Duke Ling of Wei said: "Very well." So he stayed another night. The next day, having mastered it, he departed and went to Jin. Duke Ping of Jin feasted him on a terrace at Shiyi. When the wine was flowing freely, Duke Ling of Wei rose. Duke Ping of Jin said: "There is a new tune. I hope I may request to have it performed." Duke Ping of Jin said: "Good." So he summoned Shi Juan and had him sit beside Shi Kuang. Shi Juan took a zither and began to play. Before the piece was finished, Shi Kuang pressed the zither and stopped him, saying: "This is the music of a doomed state. It cannot be played to the end." Duke Ping of Jin said: "Where does this music come from?" Shi Kuang said: "This was composed by Shi Yan. It is decadent music made for King Zhou of Shang. When King Wu of Zhou attacked and overthrew Shang, Shi Yan fled eastward, and when he reached the Pu River, he threw himself into the water and died. Thus, whoever hears this music must have been by the Pu River. The ruler who first hears this music will see his state weakened. It cannot be played to the end." Duke Ping of Jin said: "What I am fond of is music. Let him finish playing it anyway." Shi Juan played the piece to its end. Duke Ping of Jin asked Shi Kuang, saying: "What is this music called?" Shi Kuang said: "It is called Qing Shang." Duke Ping of Jin said: "Is Qing Shang the most sorrowful of all?" Shi Kuang said: "It is not as good as Qing Zhi." Duke Ping of Jin said: "Can Qing Zhi be heard?" Shi Kuang said: "No. In ancient times, those who could hear Qing Zhi were all virtuous and righteous rulers. Now your virtue is shallow, and you are not worthy to hear it." Duke Ping of Jin said: "What I am fond of is music. I hope to try to hear it." Shi Kuang, unable to refuse, took a zither and played it. The first time he played, sixteen black cranes came flying from the south and gathered on the high terrace at the corridor gate. The second time he played, they formed ranks. The third time he played, they stretched their necks and sang, spread their wings and danced, and their voices matched the notes of the gong and shang scales, resounding up to the heavens. Duke Ping of Jin was greatly delighted, and all those present rejoiced. Duke Ping of Jin raised his cup and rose to toast Shi Kuang. Returning to his seat, he asked: "Is there no music more sorrowful than Qing Zhi?" Shi Kuang said: "It is not as good as Qing Jiao." Duke Ping of Jin said: "Can Qing Jiao be heard?" Shi Kuang said: "No. In ancient times, the Yellow Emperor assembled the spirits on Mount Tai. He drove a chariot of ivory pulled by six dragons. Bi Fang stood by the axle. Chi You cleared the way in front. The Wind Earl swept the road; the Rain Master sprinkled water to lay the dust. Tigers and wolves went before, ghosts and spirits followed behind. The Teng serpent lay prostrate on the ground, and the phoenix covered them from above. The great assembly of spirits was grand, and he composed Qing Jiao. Now your virtue is shallow, and you are not worthy to hear it. If you hear it, I fear there will be disaster." Duke Ping of Jin said: "I am old. What I am fond of is only music. I hope to hear it to the end." Shi Kuang, unable to refuse, then played it. The first time he played, black clouds rose from the northwest. The second time he played, a great wind arose, and heavy rain followed, tearing the curtains, breaking the ritual vessels, and destroying the tiles of the corridor. Those in attendance scattered and fled. Duke Ping of Jin was terrified and crouched among the corridor rooms. The state of Jin suffered a great drought; the land was bare for a thousand li, and it lasted for three years. Duke Ping of Jin’s body then became afflicted with paralysis. Thus it is said: Not devoting effort to governing affairs, but indulging in music without end—that is a way to bring oneself to ruin.

What is meant by greed and obstinacy? In former times, Zhibo Yao led the three houses of Zhao, Han, and Wei to attack the Fan and Zhonghang clans, and destroyed them. After returning, he rested his troops for several years, and then sent an envoy to ask for territory from Han. Han Kangzi wished to refuse, but Duan Gui remonstrated, saying: “You cannot refuse. Zhibo’s character is greedy for profit and arrogantly obstinate. If he comes seeking territory and is refused, he will surely turn his army against Han. It is better that you give it to him. If you give it to him, he will become accustomed to it and seek territory from other states. If any other state does not comply, then Zhibo will certainly send troops against that state. In this way, Han can avoid disaster and await the turn of events.” Kangzi said: “Good.” He then sent an envoy to present Zhibo with a district of ten thousand households. Zhibo was greatly pleased, and again sent an envoy to ask for territory from Wei. Wei Xuanzi wished to refuse, but Zhao Jia remonstrated, saying: “He asked for territory from Han, and Han gave it. Now he asks for territory from Wei, and if Wei does not give it, then this is Wei internally relying on its own strength and externally provoking Zhibo’s anger. If you do not give it, he will surely turn his army against Wei. It is better to give it to him.” Xuanzi said: “Good.” He then sent an envoy to present Zhibo with a district of ten households. Zhibo then sent an envoy to Zhao to demand the lands of Cai and Gaolang. Zhao Xiangzi refused to give them. Zhibo then secretly allied with Han and Wei to prepare to attack Zhao. Xiangzi summoned Zhang Mengtan and told him: “Zhibo’s character is outwardly cordial but inwardly distant. He sent envoys three times to Han and Wei, and I was not included. He will surely move against me with his army. Now where should I dwell to be safe?” Zhang Mengtan said: “Dong Yuzi was a capable minister of Jianzhu. He governed Jinyang, and Yin Duo followed his methods. His teachings still remain. You should settle in Jinyang.” Xiangzi said: “Good.” He then summoned Yansheng, ordered him to lead chariots and cavalry ahead to Jinyang, and Xiangzi followed later. When Xiangzi arrived, he inspected the city walls and the treasuries of the various offices. The walls were not repaired, the granaries had no stored grain, the treasuries had no accumulated funds, the armories had no armor or weapons, and the city had no defensive equipment. Xiangzi was afraid and summoned Zhang Mengtan, saying: “I have inspected the city walls and the treasuries of the various offices, and none are complete. With what shall I resist the enemy?” Zhang Mengtan said: “I have heard that when a sage governs, he stores wealth among the people, not in treasuries; he devotes himself to clarifying instruction, not to repairing city walls. You should issue an order, letting the people keep three years’ worth of grain for themselves and deliver the surplus to the granaries; keep three years’ worth of expenses and deliver the surplus to the treasuries; and spare the surplus labor to repair the city wall fortifications.” Xiangzi issued the order that very night. The next day, the granaries could not hold all the grain, the treasuries had no room for the funds, and the armories could not contain all the armor and weapons. After five days, the city wall was already repaired and the defenses were complete. Xiangzi summoned Zhang Mengtan and asked him: “My city wall is repaired, my defenses are complete, funds and grain are sufficient, and armor and weapons are in surplus. But I have no arrows—what shall I do?” Zhang Mengtan said: “I have heard that when Dongzi governed Jinyang, the walls of the ducal palace were built with reeds, wormwood, thornbush, and other materials, among which were arrowwood stalks a full zhang in height. You can take them out and use them.” They took them out and tested them; their hardness was such that even the finest bamboo could not surpass it. Xiangzi said: “My arrows are sufficient, but I have no metal—what shall I do?” Zhang Mengtan said: “I have heard that when Dongzi governed Jinyang, the halls of the ducal palace and the government offices all used smelted copper for pillars and foundations. You can take them out and use them.” They took them out and used them, and there was metal in surplus. The orders were set, and the defenses were complete. The armies of the three states arrived as expected. When they arrived, they attacked the city of Jinyang and engaged in battle. For three months they could not conquer it. They then dispersed their troops and besieged Jinyang, damming up the river to flood the city. The siege lasted three years. The people within the city lived in nests and hung cauldrons to cook; provisions and grain were nearly exhausted, and the officers and soldiers were weak and ill. Xiangzi said to Zhang Mengtan: “Provisions are depleted, resources are exhausted, and the officers and soldiers are weak and ill—I fear I can no longer hold out! I wish to surrender the city and submit. To which state should I surrender?” Zhang Mengtan said: “I have heard that if one cannot save what is perishing or secure what is endangered, then wisdom is of no value. Abandon this plan. Allow me to try to leave the city secretly and see the lords of Han and Wei.” Zhang Mengtan saw the lords of Han and Wei and said: “I have heard that when the lips are gone, the teeth feel cold. Now Zhibo leads you two lords to attack Zhao. Zhao is about to be destroyed. If Zhao is destroyed, then you two lords will be next.” The two lords said: “We know this is so. Nevertheless, Zhibo’s character is inwardly violent and lacking in trustworthiness. If our plan is detected by him, then disaster will surely come. What can be done about this?” Zhang Mengtan said: “The plan will come from the mouths of you two lords and enter my ears; no one else will know.” The two lords then made an agreement with Zhang Mengtan for the three armies to turn against Zhibo, and they set a date. At night, they sent Zhang Mengtan back into Jinyang to report the news of the two lords’ rebellion. Xiangzi welcomed Zhang Mengtan and bowed twice, both fearful and joyful. The two lords, according to the agreement, saw Zhang Mengtan off, and then, after having an audience with Zhibo, they came out and met Zhiguo outside the chariot gate. Zhiguo was startled by their expressions and went in to see Zhibo, saying: “The expressions of the two lords have changed.” Zhibo said: “How so?” Zhiguo said: “Their behavior is haughty and their spirits are high—this is not their usual manner. You should strike first.” Zhibo said: “I have made a very careful covenant with the two lords that after breaking Zhao, we will divide its territory into three parts. The reason I am close to them is that they will certainly not deceive me. The army has been encamped at Jinyang for three years, and now, morning or evening, we will take it and enjoy the benefits. How could they have other thoughts? This is certainly not the case. Put aside your worries and do not speak of it.” The next morning, the two lords again had an audience and came out, and again met Zhiguo outside the chariot gate. Zhiguo went in to see Zhibo and said: “Did you tell the two lords about my words?” Zhibo said: “How do you know?” Zhiguo said: “Today, when the two lords came out after their audience, their expressions changed when they saw me, and they stared at me. This surely means there is a change in the situation. You should kill them.” Zhibo said: “Put this aside and say no more.” Zhiguo said: “It cannot be. You must kill them. If you cannot kill them, then win them over.” Zhibo said: “What do you mean by winning them over?” Zhiguo said: “Wei Xuanzi’s counselor is called Zhao Jia, and Han Kangzi’s counselor is called Duan Gui. These men are capable of altering their lords’ plans. You should make an agreement with the two lords that after breaking Zhao, you will enfeoff each of these two men with a district of ten thousand households. In this way, the minds of the two lords will have no cause for change.” Zhibo said: “After breaking Zhao, I will divide its territory into three parts, and then enfeoff these two men each with a district of ten thousand households—then what I gain will be too little. This will not do.” Zhiguo saw that his advice was not followed, came out, and changed his clan name to Fu. On the night of the appointed day, the Zhao clan killed the officials guarding the dikes and breached the dikes to flood Zhibo’s army with water. Zhibo’s army became disordered while trying to save themselves from the flood, and Han and Wei attacked from both flanks. Xiangzi led his soldiers in a frontal assault, greatly defeating Zhibo’s army and capturing Zhibo. Zhibo died, his army was destroyed, and his state was divided among the three houses, becoming a laughingstock for all under heaven. Therefore it is said: Greed, obstinacy, and love of profit are the root of losing one’s state and destroying one’s person.

What is meant by indulging in female musicians and dancers? In former times, the Rong king sent You Yu on a mission to Qin. Duke Mu of Qin asked him, “I have heard about the principles of governing a state but have never seen them in practice. I wish to hear what the wise rulers of antiquity generally relied on to gain or lose their states.” You Yu replied, “I have heard that in general, one gains a state through frugality and loses it through extravagance.” Duke Mu said, “I do not begrudge humbling myself to ask you for instruction, yet you answer me with frugality—why is that?” You Yu replied, “I have heard that in ancient times, when Yao possessed the empire, he ate from earthenware vessels and drank from earthenware cups. His territory extended south to Jiaozhi, north to Youdu, and east and west to where the sun and moon rise and set—none failed to submit. Yao ceded the empire, and Shun accepted it. He made eating vessels by cutting down trees from the mountains, trimming and sawing them smooth, and painting them with black lacquer and ink, then sending them into the palace for use as utensils. The feudal lords considered this too extravagant, and thirteen states did not submit. Shun ceded the empire to Yu. Yu made sacrificial vessels, painted black on the outside and red on the inside, used fine silk as cushions, mats with patterned borders, and cups and ladles with decorations, while wine vessels and meat stands were carved and adorned. This was even more extravagant, and thirty-three states did not submit. When the Xia dynasty fell, the Yin dynasty received the empire. They made great carriages, erected nine-streamer banners, carved their eating vessels, engraved their cups, built white walls and red steps, and had cushions with carved patterns. This was still more extravagant, and fifty-three states did not submit. The gentlemen all knew of ornate refinement, yet those willing to submit grew fewer and fewer. Therefore I say: frugality is the true way.” After You Yu left, Duke Mu summoned Neishi Liao and told him, “I have heard that when a neighboring state has a sage, it is a worry for the enemy state. Now You Yu is a sage, and I am deeply troubled by him. What should I do?” Neishi Liao said, “I have heard that the Rong king dwells in a remote and crude place, far from the road, and has never heard the music of the Central Plains. You might send him female musicians and dancers to disturb his governance, then request an audience for You Yu to alienate him from the Rong king. Once there is estrangement between ruler and minister, you can then scheme against him.” Duke Mu said, “Good.” Thereupon he sent Neishi Liao to present sixteen female musicians and dancers to the Rong king, and took the opportunity to request an extended audience date for You Yu. The Rong king agreed. When he saw the female musicians and dancers, he was greatly pleased. He set out wine and feasts, listened to music every day, and did not move his residence for an entire year, while half his cattle and horses died. When You Yu returned, he admonished the Rong king, but the Rong king would not listen. You Yu then left the Rong king and went to Qin. Duke Mu of Qin welcomed him and appointed him Senior Minister, then questioned him about Qin’s military strength and terrain. Having obtained this intelligence, he raised an army to attack the Rong king, annexed twelve states, and opened up a thousand li of territory. Thus it is said: Indulging in female musicians and dancers, neglecting the affairs of state, is the calamity that brings a state to ruin.

What is meant by leaving the court to travel far away? In former times, Duke Jing of Qi traveled to the sea and found it delightful. He issued an order to his high officials, saying, “Whoever speaks of returning shall be put to death.” Yan Zhuoju said, “You, my lord, find delight in traveling on the sea, but what if among your subjects someone plots against the state? Even if you are happy now, will you be able to enjoy it later?” Duke Jing of Qi said, “I issued an order that ‘whoever speaks of returning shall be put to death,’ and now you violate my command.” He took up a halberd to strike him. Yan Zhuoju said, “In former times, Jie of Xia killed Guan Longfeng, and Zhou of Shang killed Prince Bigan. Now if you kill me, you can make it three. I speak for the sake of the state, not for myself.” He stretched out his neck and said, “Strike, my lord.” Duke Jing of Qi then put down the halberd and urged his chariot to return. By the third day, he heard that there were those in the state plotting to prevent his return. That Duke Jing of Qi was able to preserve the state of Qi was due to the strength of Yan Zhuoju. Thus it is said: Leaving the court to travel far away is a way to bring harm upon oneself.

What is meant by having faults and not following the remonstrations of loyal ministers? In former times, Duke Huan of Qi convened many alliances of the feudal lords, corrected the world in one stroke, and became the foremost of the Five Hegemons, with Guan Zhong assisting him. Guan Zhong grew old and could no longer handle affairs, so he rested at home. Duke Huan went to ask him, “Zhongfu, you are resting at home due to illness. If, unfortunately, you should not recover, to whom shall I entrust the governance?” Guan Zhong said, “I am old and not worth consulting. Nevertheless, I have heard that no one knows a subject better than the ruler, and no one knows a son better than the father. You, my lord, should try to decide according to your own judgment.” Duke Huan said, “What about Bao Shuya?” Guan Zhong said, “He will not do. Bao Shuya’s character is stubborn and aggressive. Stubbornness leads to harshly offending the people; aggressiveness means he cannot win the people’s hearts; ferocity means his subordinates will not serve him. He has nothing he fears in his heart—he is not the material for a hegemon’s assistant.” Duke Huan said, “Then what about Shu Diao?” Guan Zhong said, “He will not do. It is human nature to cherish one’s own body. You, my lord, are jealous and fond of women, so Shu Diao castrated himself to manage the inner palace. If he does not cherish his own body, how can he cherish his lord?” Duke Huan said, “Then what about Prince Kaifang of Wei?” Guan Zhong said, “He will not do. The distance between Qi and Wei is no more than ten days’ journey. Kaifang, in serving you and to please you, did not return home to see his parents for fifteen years—this is not human feeling. If he is not close to his parents, how can he be close to his lord?” Duke Huan said, “Then what about Yi Ya?” Guan Zhong said, “He will not do. Yi Ya oversees your lordship’s kitchen. The only thing you have never eaten is human flesh. Yi Ya steamed the head of his own son and presented it to you—this you know. It is human nature to cherish one’s own son. Now he steamed his son to make your meal. If he does not cherish his own son, how can he cherish his lord?” Duke Huan said, “Then who is suitable?” Guan Zhong said, “Xi Peng is suitable. His character is firm in mind and incorruptible in outward conduct, with few desires and much trustworthiness. Firmness of mind makes him sufficient to be a model; incorruptible outward conduct enables him to bear great responsibility; few desires allow him to lead the multitude; much trustworthiness enables him to draw close to neighboring states. He is the material for a hegemon’s assistant. You, my lord, should employ him.” Duke Huan said, “Good.” After a little more than a year, Guan Zhong died. Duke Huan ultimately did not employ Xi Peng but employed Shu Diao. Shu Diao governed for three years. Duke Huan went to enjoy himself at Tangfu in the south. Shu Diao led Yi Ya, Prince Kaifang of Wei, and the high officials in rebellion. Duke Huan, suffering from thirst and hunger, died in the guardhouse of the southern palace. He lay dead for three months without burial, and maggots crawled out through the door. Initially, Duke Huan’s army swept across the world, and he became the foremost of the Five Hegemons. Yet in the end, he was killed by his own ministers, his reputation ruined, and he became a laughingstock to all under heaven. Why? Because he did not follow Guan Zhong’s remonstration. Thus it is said: Having faults and not following the remonstrations of loyal ministers, persisting in one’s own course, is the beginning of ruining one’s reputation and being laughed at by others.

What is meant by "internally not measuring one's own strength"? In former times, when Qin attacked Yiyang, Han was hard-pressed. Gongzhong Peng said to the ruler of Han: "The allied states cannot be relied upon. It would be better to sue for peace with Qin through Zhang Yi! So bribe Qin with a large city, and to the south join with Chu in attacking Qin. In this way, the calamity of relying on Qin will be removed and shifted onto Chu." The ruler of Han said: "Good." So he instructed Gongzhong Peng to set out, preparing to negotiate peace with Qin to the west. When the king of Chu heard of this, he was greatly alarmed. He summoned Chen Zhen and told him: "Han Peng is going west to make peace with Qin. What is to be done now?" Chen Zhen said: "If Qin obtains one city from Han, mobilizes its crack troops, and Han and Qin unite to point south at Chu, this is what the king of Qin prays for in his ancestral temple. It will certainly become a disaster for Chu. Your Majesty should quickly send a trustworthy envoy, with many carriages and lavish gifts, to fawn on Han, saying: 'Though my state is small, my soldiers have all been mobilized. I hope your state will make its intentions clear to Qin. Therefore I hope your state will allow an envoy to enter our borders to see the state of Chu's troop deployment.'" Han sent an envoy to Chu, and the king of Chu then deployed chariots and lined them up along the road, saying to the Han envoy: "Report to the ruler of Han that our army is now about to enter his borders." The envoy returned and reported to the ruler of Han, who was greatly delighted and stopped Gongzhong Peng. Gongzhong Peng said: "It cannot be done. What harms us with real action is Qin; what aids us with empty words is Chu. To trust Chu's empty promises and despise Qin's real harm is to endanger the state's foundation." The ruler of Han did not listen. Gongzhong Peng went home in anger and did not attend court for ten days. Yiyang became even more critical. The ruler of Han sent envoys to Chu to urge on the troops; envoys came one after another, but Chu's army never arrived. Yiyang was indeed captured, and Han was ridiculed by the other feudal lords. Therefore it is said: Internally not measuring one's own strength, and externally relying on the feudal lords, this is the calamity that weakens the state.

What is meant by "the state is small but lacks ritual propriety"? In former times, when Jin's heir apparent, Chong'er, was in exile, he passed through the state of Cao. The ruler of Cao stripped off his upper garments and exposed his body to look at Chong'er (referring to his fused ribs). Li Fuji and Shu Zhan were in attendance before the ruler of Cao. Shu Zhan said to the ruler of Cao: "I observe that the Jin heir apparent is no ordinary man. You treated him without ritual propriety. If one day he returns to Jin and raises troops, he will likely become a disaster for Cao. It would be better for you to kill him." The ruler of Cao did not follow this advice.

Li Fuji returned home feeling dejected. His wife asked him: "You have come back from outside with a look of displeasure on your face. Why is that?" Fuji said: "I have heard that good fortune does not come to me, but misfortune will involve me. Today our lord summoned the Jin heir apparent and treated him without ritual propriety. I was present at the time, which is why I am unhappy." His wife said: "I observe that the Jin heir apparent is one who can become the ruler of a state of ten thousand chariots; the attendants by his side are ones who can become the ministers of a state of ten thousand chariots. Now he is in distress and exile, passing through Cao, and Cao has treated him without ritual propriety. If he returns to Jin, he will certainly punish those who were without ritual propriety, and Cao will be the first. Why do you not first show yourself to be different from the ruler of Cao?" Fuji said: "Good." So he filled a pot with gold, and also filled it with food, placing a jade disk on top, and sent someone to deliver it secretly to the heir apparent by night. The heir apparent received the envoy, bowed twice, accepted the food, but returned the jade disk.

The heir apparent went from Cao to Chu, and from Chu to Qin. After entering Qin for three years, Duke Mu of Qin assembled his ministers and deliberated, saying: "In former times, Duke Xian of Jin and I had dealings, and none of the feudal lords were unaware of it. Duke Xian unfortunately passed away, and has left his ministers for ten years now. The son who succeeded him (Duke Hui of Jin) is unworthy. I fear that this will cause Jin's ancestral temple to go unswept and its altars of state to receive no sacrifices. If this continues without being set right, then it would not be the way of dealing with others. I wish to assist Chong'er and let him return to Jin. What do you think?" All the ministers said: "Good." Duke Mu of Qin then raised troops, mobilizing five hundred war chariots, two thousand cavalry, and fifty thousand infantry, to assist Chong'er in entering Jin and establishing him as its ruler.

Three years after Chong'er ascended the throne, he raised troops to attack Cao. He then sent someone to tell the ruler of Cao: "Hang Shu Zhan up and hand him over. I will kill him and expose his corpse." He also sent someone to tell Li Fuji: "The great army is approaching the city walls. I know you will not go against my intentions. Please make a mark at the entrance to your lane. I will give orders based on this, commanding the troops not to trespass." When the people of Cao heard this, those who led their relatives to protect Li Fuji's lane numbered over seven hundred families. This is the effect of ritual propriety.

Thus Cao was a small state, yet sandwiched between Jin and Chu. The danger of its ruler was like a pile of eggs, yet he treated others with discourtesy. This is the reason why Cao's lineage was cut off and its state extinguished. Therefore it is said: The state is small but lacks ritual propriety, and does not adopt the counsels of remonstrating ministers—this is the trend toward the extinction of the lineage and the destruction of the state.