Hereditary House of Zhao, Thirteenth

The ancestors of the Zhao family shared the same origin as the ancestors of the Qin family. By the time of Zhongyan, he drove the chariot for Emperor Taiwu of the Shang dynasty. His descendant Feilian had two sons; one was named Elai, who served King Zhou of Shang and was killed by the Zhou dynasty. His descendants became the Qin family. Elai's younger brother was named Jisheng, and his descendants became the Zhao family.

Jisheng gave birth to Mengzeng. Mengzeng gained the favor of King Cheng of Zhou, and this was Zhaigaolang. Gaolang gave birth to Hengfu, and Hengfu gave birth to Zaofu. Zaofu gained the favor of King Mu of Zhou. Zaofu selected eight fine horses, along with excellent steeds like Daoli, Hualiu, and Lüer from the Taolin region, and presented them all to King Mu. King Mu had Zaofu drive the chariot as he toured the western regions, met the Queen Mother of the West, and was so delighted that he forgot to return home. At this time, King Yan of Xu rebelled, so King Mu drove the thousand-li horses day and night, attacked King Yan of Xu, and thoroughly defeated him. He then granted the city of Zhao to Zaofu as a reward, and from then on, Zaofu's clan was called the Zhao family.

Six generations after Zaofu came Yanfu, named Gongzhong. During the reign of King Xuan of Zhou, he campaigned against the Western Rong and served as the charioteer. At the Battle of Qianmu, Yanfu helped King Xuan escape danger. Yanfu gave birth to Shudai. In the time of Shudai, King You of Zhou was benighted and lacking in virtue, so Shudai left the Zhou court and went to the state of Jin, serving Marquis Wen of Jin, and began to establish the Zhao family in Jin.

From Shudai onward, the Zhao clan grew increasingly prosperous, and after another five generations came Zhao Su.

Zhao Su, in the sixteenth year of Duke Xian of Jin, when Jin attacked the states of Huo, Wei, and Geng, served as a general in the attack on Huo. The ruler of Huo fled to Qi. A great drought occurred in Jin, and divination indicated: "The spirit of Mount Huotai is causing trouble." So they sent Zhao Su to Qi to summon the ruler of Huo back, restoring him to his throne so that he could preside over the sacrifices to Mount Huotai, and only then did Jin have a good harvest again. Duke Xian of Jin granted the land of Geng to Zhao Su.

Zhao Su gave birth to Gongmeng, and this year was the first year of Duke Min of Lu. Gongmeng gave birth to Zhao Cui, styled Ziyu.

Zhao Cui divined whether to serve Duke Xian of Jin or the various princes, but the results were all inauspicious. He then divined about serving Prince Chong'er, and the result was auspicious, so he went to serve Chong'er. Because of the Li Ji Rebellion, Chong'er fled to the Di tribe, and Zhao Cui followed him. The Di tribe attacked the Xujiu tribe and captured two women. The Di ruler married the younger one to Chong'er and the elder one to Zhao Cui, and she gave birth to Zhao Dun. Initially, when Chong'er was in Jin, Zhao Cui's wife had also given birth to Zhao Tong, Zhao Kuo, and Zhao Yingqi. Zhao Cui accompanied Chong'er in exile for a total of nineteen years before they could return to Jin. Chong'er became Duke Wen of Jin, and Zhao Cui served as the Grandee of Yuan, residing in Yuan and managing state affairs. That Duke Wen was able to return to Jin and become hegemon was largely due to Zhao Cui's strategies; these matters are recorded in the Historical Records of Jin.

After Zhao Cui returned to Jin, his wife in Jin insisted that he bring back his wife from the Di tribe and make her son Zhao Dun the legitimate heir, while her own three sons served Zhao Dun in subordinate positions. In the sixth year of Duke Xiang of Jin, Zhao Cui died, with the posthumous name Chengji. Two years after Zhao Dun succeeded Chengji in governing the state, Duke Xiang of Jin died, and his heir Yigao was still very young. Because the state faced many difficulties, Zhao Dun wished to install Duke Xiang's younger brother Yong as ruler. Yong was in Qin at the time, so Zhao Dun sent an envoy to welcome him. The heir's mother wept day and night, kowtowing to Zhao Dun and saying, "What crime did the late ruler commit, that you would abandon his legitimate son and seek another ruler?" Zhao Dun was greatly troubled by this, fearing that the heir's mother's clan and the high officials would attack and kill him, so he installed the heir, who became Duke Ling of Jin, and sent troops to intercept those who had gone to Qin to welcome Duke Xiang's younger brother. After Duke Ling ascended the throne, Zhao Dun monopolized state power even more.

In the fourteenth year of Duke Ling's reign, he became increasingly arrogant. Zhao Dun admonished him many times, but Duke Ling would not listen. Once, when eating bear paws, the paws were not fully cooked, and Duke Ling killed the cook, ordering the body to be carried out. Zhao Dun saw this. From then on, Duke Ling was afraid and wanted to kill Zhao Dun. Zhao Dun had always been benevolent and loved the people; once he had given food to a starving man under a mulberry tree, and this man later protected and rescued Zhao Dun, allowing him to flee. Before he had crossed the border, Zhao Chuan killed Duke Ling and installed Duke Xiang's younger brother Heitun as ruler, who became Duke Cheng of Jin. Zhao Dun then returned and resumed governing the state. The noblemen criticized Zhao Dun, saying, "As the chief minister, he fled without leaving the state, and after returning, he did not punish the rebel," so the Grand Historian wrote, "Zhao Dun killed his ruler." During the reign of Duke Jing of Jin, Zhao Dun died, with the posthumous name Xuanmeng, and his son Zhao Shuo inherited his rank.

Zhao Shuo, in the third year of Duke Jing of Jin, as the general of the lower army of Jin, led troops to rescue the state of Zheng and fought with King Zhuang of Chu along the Yellow River. Zhao Shuo married Duke Cheng of Jin's elder sister as his wife.

In the third year of Duke Jing of Jin, Grandee Tu'an Gu wanted to exterminate the Zhao family. Earlier, when Zhao Dun was alive, he dreamed that Shudai was leaning on his waist and weeping, extremely sorrowful; after a while, he laughed again, clapped his hands, and even sang. Zhao Dun divined about this, and the crack pattern on the tortoise shell first broke and then became whole again. The Zhao historian Yuan divined and said: "This dream is very inauspicious. It will not come true on you, but on your son, and it is also due to your fault. By the time of your grandson, the Zhao family will decline even more." As for Tu'an Gu, he initially gained the favor of Duke Ling, and by the time of Duke Jing, he served as Minister of Justice. He wished to stir up trouble, so he investigated the rebel who killed Duke Ling, implicating Zhao Dun. He announced to all the generals: "Although Zhao Dun did not know, he was still the leader of the rebels. A subject killed his ruler, yet his descendants serve in the court. How can this punish the crime? I request permission to exterminate them." Han Jue said, "When Duke Ling was killed, Zhao Dun was outside the state. Our former ruler considered him innocent and therefore did not execute him. Now you wish to kill his descendants; this does not accord with the former ruler's intent and is indiscriminate slaughter. Indiscriminate slaughter is rebellion. When a minister undertakes a great affair and the ruler does not know of it, this is to act as if the ruler does not exist." Tu'an Gu did not listen. Han Jue told Zhao Shuo to flee quickly. Zhao Shuo refused, saying, "You must ensure that the Zhao family's sacrifices are not cut off; I, Zhao Shuo, will die without regret." Han Jue promised him and then feigned illness and did not go out. Tu'an Gu, without reporting to the ruler, arbitrarily joined with the generals and attacked the Zhao family at Xiagong, killing Zhao Shuo, Zhao Tong, Zhao Kuo, and Zhao Yingqi, and exterminating their entire clan.

Zhao Shuo's wife was the elder sister of Duke Cheng. She was pregnant with a child conceived after her husband's death and fled to hide in the palace of Duke Jing. Zhao Shuo's retainer was named Gongsun Chujiu. Chujiu said to Zhao Shuo's friend Cheng Ying: "Why do you not die for your master?" Cheng Ying said: "Zhao Shuo's wife carries a posthumous child. If fortune grants a son, I will raise him; if it is a daughter, I will die slowly thereafter." Not long after, Zhao Shuo's wife gave birth to a son. Tu'an Gu heard of this and searched the palace. The lady placed the child in her trousers and prayed: "If the Zhao clan is destined for extinction, then cry; if not, then make no sound." When the search came, the child made no sound at all. After escaping danger, Cheng Ying said to Gongsun Chujiu: "Now the first search found nothing, but they will surely come again. What shall we do?" Gongsun Chujiu said: "Raising the orphan and dying—which is harder?" Cheng Ying said: "Death is easy; raising the orphan is hard." Gongsun Chujiu said: "The former lords of Zhao treated you generously. You take on the hard task; I will do the easy one. Let me die first." So they plotted together, took another family's infant, wrapped it in fine swaddling clothes, and hid it deep in the mountains. Cheng Ying came out and falsely said to the generals: "I, Cheng Ying, am worthless and cannot raise the Zhao orphan. Whoever gives me a thousand pieces of gold, I will tell them where the Zhao orphan is hidden." The generals were pleased and agreed. They sent troops with Cheng Ying to attack Gongsun Chujiu. Chujiu feigned anger and cursed: "Cheng Ying, you petty man! When the disaster at the Lower Palace occurred, you could not die, and you conspired with me to hide the Zhao orphan. Now you betray me. Even if you could not raise him, how could you bear to sell him out?" Holding the infant, he cried out: "Heaven! Heaven! What crime has the Zhao orphan committed? Spare his life, and kill only me, Chujiu!" The generals would not allow it, and they killed Chujiu and the infant. The generals believed the Zhao orphan was truly dead and were greatly pleased. Yet the real Zhao orphan was still alive, and Cheng Ying eventually hid with him in the deep mountains.

After fifteen years, Duke Jing of Jin fell ill. Divination showed that a descendant of Daye who had been wronged was causing the trouble. Duke Jing asked Han Jue, who knew the Zhao orphan still lived, and said: "The descendant of Daye whose sacrifices have been cut off in Jin is likely the Zhao clan, is it not? From Zhongyan onward, the descendants all bore the Ying surname. Zhongyan had a human face but a bird's beak. He came down to assist Emperor Taiwu of the Yin dynasty, and down to the later Zhou kings, they all had illustrious virtue. Down to Kings You and Li of Zhou, who were benighted and unprincipled, Shudai left Zhou and came to Jin, serving the former lord Duke Wen, and on down to Duke Cheng, generation after generation they had merit, and their sacrifices were never cut off. Now only our lord has extinguished the Zhao clan. The people all grieve for them, and so it appears in the tortoise shell and the yarrow stalks. I hope your lordship will consider this." Duke Jing asked: "Does Zhao still have a descendant?" Han Jue told him the truth in detail. So Duke Jing plotted with Han Jue to establish the Zhao orphan and summoned him to be hidden in the palace. When the generals came to the palace to inquire about the duke's illness, Duke Jing relied on Han Jue's many attendants to intimidate the generals and made them see the Zhao orphan. The Zhao orphan was named Zhao Wu. The generals had no choice and said: "The disaster at the Lower Palace was originally Tu'an Gu's doing. He pretended to act on your lordship's orders and commanded us, the ministers. Otherwise, who would have dared to start trouble? If not for your lordship's illness, we ourselves had planned to request the restoration of Zhao's descendants. Now that your lordship has given the order, it is exactly what we ministers desire." So they summoned Zhao Wu and Cheng Ying and had them bow to the generals in turn. The generals then turned around and joined Cheng Ying and Zhao Wu in attacking Tu'an Gu, exterminating his clan. Duke Jing also granted Zhao Wu the same lands and estates as before.

When Zhao Wu came of age with the capping ceremony and became an adult, Cheng Ying took leave of the various high officials and said to Zhao Wu: "At the time of the disaster at the Lower Palace, everyone could have died. I was not unable to die; I wanted to raise the descendant of Zhao. Now Zhao Wu has grown up and restored his former rank. I must go below to report to Zhao Xuanmeng and Gongsun Chujiu." Zhao Wu wept bitterly, knocked his head, and earnestly begged, saying: "I, Zhao Wu, am willing to labor my bones and sinews to repay you until death. How can you bear to abandon me and die?" Cheng Ying said: "It cannot be. They believed I could accomplish this matter, so they died before me. Now if I do not go to report, they will think I did not succeed." Then he killed himself. Zhao Wu wore the mourning of the Qi Cui grade for three years, established a sacrificial estate for him, and offered sacrifices in spring and autumn, continuing generation after generation without end.

Eleven years after Zhao's restoration, Duke Li of Jin killed his three high officials of the Xi clan. Luan Shu, fearing he would be implicated, killed Duke Li and installed Zhou, the great-grandson of Duke Xiang, as ruler. This was Duke Dao of Jin. From then on, the power of the high officials in Jin gradually grew stronger.

Twenty-seven years after Zhao Wu succeeded to the Zhao clan, Duke Ping of Jin came to the throne. In the twelfth year of Duke Ping, Zhao Wu became chief minister. In the thirteenth year, Yanling Jizi of Wu came on a mission to Jin and said: "The government of Jin will ultimately go to the descendants of Zhao Wuzi, Han Xuanzi, and Wei Xianzi." Zhao Wu died and was given the posthumous name Wenzi.

Wenzi had a son named Jingshu. In the time of Jingshu, Duke Jing of Qi sent Yan Ying on a mission to Jin. Yan Ying spoke with Shu Xiang of Jin. Yan Ying said: "The government of Qi will ultimately go to the Tian clan." Shu Xiang also said: "The government of Jin will go to the Six Ministers. The Six Ministers are already very extravagant, yet our ruler cannot worry about this."

Zhao Jingshu died and had a son named Zhao Yang, who was Zhao Jianzi.

When Zhao Jianzi was in power, it was the ninth year of Duke Qing of Jin. Jianzi planned to gather the armies of the allied states to guard the Zhou royal house. The next year, he sent King Jing of Zhou back to Chengzhou, because they were avoiding the rebellion of Prince Chao.

In the twelfth year of Duke Qing of Jin, the Six Ministers, following the law, executed the ducal clans of the Qi and Yangshe families, divided their lands, and established ten districts, with each of the Six Ministers appointing members of their own clans as district magistrates. From then on, the ducal house of Jin became even weaker.

Thirteen years later, the rebellious minister Yang Hu of Lu fled to Jin. Zhao Jianzi accepted a bribe and treated him generously.

Zhao Jianzi fell ill and was unconscious for five days. The high officials were all afraid. The physician Bian Que examined him and came out. Dong Anyu asked about the condition. Bian Que said: "His blood vessels are normal. Why are you surprised? In former times, Duke Mu of Qin was also like this. He woke up after seven days. On the day he woke, he told Gongsun Zhi and Zi Yu: 'I went to the dwelling of the Supreme Thearch and was very happy. The reason I stayed so long was that I happened to be learning something. The Supreme Thearch told me: "Jin will soon have great chaos, and five generations of rulers will know no peace. After that, a hegemon will arise, but he will die before he grows old. The hegemon's son will cause the men and women of your state to be without distinction."' Gongsun Zhi recorded this and stored it away, and the prophecies of Qin came from this. The chaos under Duke Xian, the hegemony of Duke Wen, and how Duke Xiang, after defeating the Qin army at Yao, returned home and gave himself over to licentiousness—these are all things you have heard. Now our lord's illness is the same as Duke Mu of Qin's. Within three days, the illness will surely improve. When he improves, he will surely have something to say."

Two and a half days later, Jianzi awoke. He said to the grandees, “I went to the dwelling of the Supreme Lord and was greatly delighted. I roamed with the various spirits at the Celestial Court, where the Broad Music was performed nine times and the Myriad Dances were presented. They were not like the music of the Three Dynasties; that sound stirred the heart. There was a bear that came to seize me. The Supreme Lord ordered me to shoot it. I shot the bear, and it died. Then there came a brown bear. I shot it again, struck it, and it too died. The Supreme Lord was greatly pleased and bestowed upon me two bamboo chests, each with a matching smaller chest. I saw a child beside the Supreme Lord, and the Supreme Lord entrusted a Di dog to me, saying, ‘When your son grows up, give this dog to him.’ The Supreme Lord told me, ‘The state of Jin will gradually decline, and after seven generations it will perish. The Ying clan will greatly defeat the Zhou people west of Fankui, but they will not be able to occupy that territory. Now I think of the merits of Shun of Yu, and I am about to give his descendant, a woman named Meng Yao, as a wife to your descendant of the seventh generation.’” Dong Anyu, having heard these words, recorded them and stored them away. He reported Bian Que’s words to Jianzi, and Jianzi granted Bian Que forty thousand mu of land.

One day, Jianzi went out, and a person blocked the road. They drove him away, but he would not leave. The attendants grew angry and were about to kill him with their swords. The one blocking the road said, “I have business to see the lord.” The attendants reported this to Jianzi. Jianzi summoned him and said, “Ah, I seem to have seen you before; your face is very familiar.” The one blocking the road said, “Please dismiss those around you; I have words to report.” Jianzi dismissed those nearby. The one blocking the road said, “When the lord was ill, I was beside the Supreme Lord.” Jianzi said, “Yes, that is so. You saw me; what was I doing at that time?” The one blocking the road said, “The Supreme Lord ordered the lord to shoot a bear and a brown bear, and both were killed with arrows.” Jianzi said, “Yes, but what does this mean?” The one blocking the road said, “The state of Jin is about to suffer a great calamity, and the lord will be the first to encounter it. The Supreme Lord ordered the lord to destroy two grandee clans; the bear and the brown bear were their ancestors.” Jianzi said, “The Supreme Lord bestowed upon me two bamboo chests, each with a matching smaller chest. What does this mean again?” The one blocking the road said, “The lord’s son will conquer two states in Di territory, both states of the Zi surname.” Jianzi said, “I saw a child beside the Supreme Lord, and the Supreme Lord entrusted a Di dog to me, saying, ‘When your son grows up, give it to him.’ Who is that child, and why must the Di dog be given to him?” The one blocking the road said, “That child is the lord’s son. The Di dog is the ancestor of the state of Dai. The lord’s son will surely come to possess the land of Dai in the future. As for the lord’s descendant, he will reform the government and change to wearing Hu attire, and will annex two states in Di territory.” Jianzi asked his surname and wanted to employ him as an official. The one blocking the road said, “I am a rustic person; I have only come to convey the will of the Supreme Lord.” And then he vanished. Jianzi recorded these matters and stored them in the treasury.

Another day, Gu Buziqing came to see Jianzi. Jianzi summoned all his sons to have their physiognomy read. Ziqing said, “None of them are capable of being a general.” Jianzi said, “Is the Zhao clan about to perish?” Ziqing said, “I once saw a child on the road; he is probably your son.” Jianzi summoned his son Wuxu. When Wuxu arrived, Ziqing stood up and said, “This is truly a general!” Jianzi said, “This child’s mother was of lowly birth; she was a Di bondmaid. On what grounds is he considered noble?” Ziqing said, “What Heaven bestows, even if lowly, will surely become noble.” From then on, Jianzi summoned all his sons and spoke with them, and found that Wuxu was the most talented. Jianzi then told his sons, “I have hidden a treasure talisman on Mount Chang. Whoever finds it first will be rewarded.” The sons galloped swiftly to Mount Chang and searched everywhere but found nothing. When Wuxu returned, he said, “I have already found the treasure talisman.” Jianzi said, “Present it.” Wuxu said, “Looking down from Mount Chang at the land of Dai, Dai can be seized.” Jianzi then knew that Wuxu was truly worthy, so he deposed the heir apparent Bolu and established Wuxu as heir apparent.

After two years, in the fourteenth year of Duke Ding of Jin, the Fan and Zhonghang clans rebelled. The following spring, Jianzi said to Zhao Wu, the grandee of Handan, “Return to me the five hundred households of commoners that Wei gave me; I want to settle them in Jinyang.” Zhao Wu agreed, but when he returned, his father and elder brothers did not consent, and he broke his promise. Zhao Yang arrested Zhao Wu and imprisoned him in Jinyang. He then told the people of Handan, “I have privately executed Zhao Wu. Whom do you wish to set up?” Thereupon he killed Zhao Wu. Zhao Ji and She Bin led the people of Handan in rebellion. The ruler of Jin sent Ji Qin to besiege Handan. Xun Yin and Fan Jishe were on good terms with Zhao Wu; they refused to help Ji Qin and instead plotted rebellion. Dong Anyu learned of this. In the tenth month, the Fan and Zhonghang clans attacked Zhao Yang. Zhao Yang fled to Jinyang, and the people of Jin besieged Jinyang. The enemies of Fan Jishe and Xun Yin, Wei Xiang and others, plotted to expel Xun Yin and replace him with Liang Yingfu, and to expel Fan Jishe and replace him with Fan Gaoyi. Xun Li said to the Marquis of Jin, “The ruler commands the grandees that the one who first starts a rebellion is to be put to death. Now three grandees have first started a rebellion, yet only Zhao Yang has been expelled; the punishment is not equitable. I request that all be expelled.” In the eleventh month, Xun Li, Han Buning, and Wei Duo, acting on the orders of Duke Ding of Jin, attacked the Fan and Zhonghang clans but did not prevail. The Fan and Zhonghang clans turned and attacked Duke Ding of Jin. Duke Ding counterattacked them, and the Fan and Zhonghang clans were defeated and fled. On the day Dingwei, the two of them fled to Zhaoge. The Han and Wei clans interceded on behalf of the Zhao clan. On the day Xinwei of the twelfth month, Zhao Yang entered the capital of Jiang and swore an oath in the ducal palace. The following year, Zhibo Wenzi said to Zhao Yang, “Although the Fan and Zhonghang clans did indeed rebel, it was Dong Anyu who exposed them. This shows that Dong Anyu also participated in the plotting. The laws of Jin decree that the one who first starts a rebellion is to be put to death. Those two have already been punished, yet Dong Anyu still remains.” Zhao Yang was greatly troubled by this. Dong Anyu said, “If I die, the Zhao clan will be secure, and Jin will be at peace. My death comes late enough.” Thereupon he committed suicide. The Zhao clan reported this to Zhibo, and only then did the Zhao clan become secure.

When Confucius heard that Zhao Jianzi, without requesting permission from the ruler of Jin, had arrested Zhao Wu of Handan and occupied Jinyang, he wrote in the Spring and Autumn Annals: “Zhao Yang rebelled, relying on Jinyang.”

Zhao Jianzi had a retainer named Zhou She, who delighted in offering frank remonstrances. After Zhou She died, Jianzi was often unhappy whenever he held court and conducted affairs. The grandees begged forgiveness. Jianzi said, “The grandees are not at fault. I have heard that a thousand sheepskins are not worth a single piece of fox fur from under the forelegs. When you grandees come to court, I only hear the sounds of compliant assent; I never hear the sound of frank and contentious debate like Zhou She’s. This is why I am worried.” From then on, Jianzi was able to pacify the people of the Zhao clan’s fiefs and win over the people of Jin.

In the eighteenth year of Duke Ding of Jin, Zhao Jianzi besieged the Fan and Zhonghang clans at Zhaoge. Zhonghang Wenzi fled to Handan. The following year, Duke Ling of Wei died. Jianzi and Yang Hu escorted Crown Prince Kuai Kui of Wei back to Wei, but the people of Wei would not receive him, so they stayed in Qi.

In the twenty-first year of Duke Ding of Jin, Jianzi captured Handan. Zhonghang Wenzi fled to Boren. Jianzi besieged Boren again, and Zhonghang Wenzi and Fan Zhaozi then fled to Qi. Zhao ultimately occupied Handan and Boren. The remaining fiefs of the Fan and Zhonghang clans all reverted to the ducal house of Jin. Zhao Jianzi was nominally a grandee of Jin, but in reality he monopolized the power of Jin; his stipend and fiefs were equal to those of a feudal lord.

In the thirtieth year of Duke Ding of Jin, Duke Ding and King Fuchai of Wu contended for supremacy as leader of the covenant at Huangchi. Zhao Jianzi followed Duke Ding of Jin, and in the end, the king of Wu became the leader of the covenant. Duke Ding died in the thirty-seventh year of his reign, and Jianzi abolished the three-year mourning period, observing only one year of mourning and then stopping. That same year, King Goujian of Yue destroyed the state of Wu.

In the eleventh year of Duke Chu of Jin, Zhibo attacked the state of Zheng. Zhao Jianzi was ill, so he sent the heir apparent Wuxu to lead the army and besiege Zheng. Zhibo was drunk; he poured wine on Wuxu and struck him. Wuxu’s various retainers requested permission to kill Zhibo. Wuxu said, “The reason the lord established me as heir apparent was because I can endure humiliation.” Nevertheless, he harbored resentment toward Zhibo. When Zhibo returned, he took the opportunity to speak to Jianzi, urging him to depose Wuxu. Jianzi did not listen. From then on, Wuxu harbored a grudge against Zhibo.

In the seventeenth year of Duke Chu of Jin, Zhao Jianzi died. The heir apparent Wuxu succeeded him; this was Zhao Xiangzi.

In the first year of Zhao Xiangzi, the state of Yue surrounded the state of Wu. Xiangzi reduced the funeral diet standards and sent Chu Long to console the King of Wu.

Zhao Xiangzi’s elder sister had previously been the wife of the King of Dai. After the burial of Jianzi, before the mourning garments were removed, Xiangzi went north up to Mount Xianwu and invited the King of Dai. He ordered the cook to hold a bronze ladle to serve food to the King of Dai and his retinue. While pouring wine, he secretly commanded the attendants each to use the bronze ladle to strike and kill the King of Dai and his accompanying officials. Then he raised troops and pacified the land of Dai. When his elder sister heard of this, she wept and cried out to Heaven, sharpened her hairpin, and stabbed herself to death. The people of Dai pitied her and named the place where she died Mount Moji. Thereupon, he enfeoffed the land of Dai to Zhou, the son of Bó Lǔ, making him Lord Daicheng. Bó Lǔ was Zhao Xiangzi’s elder brother, the original heir apparent. The heir apparent died early, so his son was enfeoffed.

In the fourth year of Zhao Xiangzi’s reign, Zhibó together with Zhao, Han, and Wei completely divided the original territories of the Fan and Zhonghang clans. The Duke of Jin felt angry, informed the states of Qi and Lu, and wanted to attack the four ministers. The four ministers were afraid, so they jointly attacked the Duke of Jin. The Duke of Jin fled to Qi and died on the road. Zhibó then established Jiao, the great-grandson of Duke Zhao, as ruler, who was Duke Yi of Jin. Zhibó became even more arrogant. He demanded land from Han and Wei, and they gave it to him. He demanded land from Zhao, but Zhao did not give it, because Zhibó had insulted Zhao Xiangzi during the siege of Zheng. Zhibó became angry and led Han and Wei to attack Zhao. Zhao Xiangzi was afraid, so he fled to Jinyang to hold out.

Yuan Guo followed (Zhao Xiangzi). Later, when he reached Wangze, (Yuan Guo) saw three men, visible from above the waist, but invisible from below the waist. (They) gave Yuan Guo two bamboo slips, which were sealed in the middle. (They said): “On our behalf, give these two bamboo slips to Zhao Wuxu.” After Yuan Guo arrived (at Jinyang), he told (this matter) to Zhao Xiangzi. Zhao Xiangzi fasted for three days, personally opened the bamboo slips, and inside was red writing: “Zhao Wuxu, I am the angel of the god of Mount Huotai, the Yang Marquis. On the day bingxu of the third month, I will cause you to turn around and destroy the Zhi clan. You must also build a temple for me at Baiyi, and I will grant you the land of Linhu. In later generations, there will be a brave king, with a reddish-black complexion, a dragon’s face and a bird’s beak, thick hair and a bushy beard, broad shoulders and a large chest, with a long lower body and an upright upper body, wearing a left-fronted garment, riding a steed named Jie, who will occupy the Hezong (upper Yellow River region), all the way to Xiuhun and Zhuge, etc., to the south attacking the other branches of Jin, and to the north extinguishing Heigu.” Zhao Xiangzi bowed twice and accepted the commands of the three spirits.

The armies of Zhibó, Han, and Wei besieged Jinyang for over a year. They diverted the waters of the Fen River to flood the city. The city walls that were not submerged were only three ban (six feet) high. The people inside the city hung up their cauldrons to cook and exchanged children to eat. All the ministers had disloyal thoughts, and their treatment of Zhao Xiangzi became more negligent. Only Gao Gong dared not to lose proper conduct. Zhao Xiangzi was afraid, so at night he sent the chancellor Zhang Mengtong to secretly contact Han and Wei. Han and Wei plotted with Zhao, and on the day bingxu of the third month, the three families turned around and destroyed the Zhi clan, dividing the lands of the Zhi clan among them. Then Zhao Xiangzi discussed rewards according to merit, ranking Gao Gong as first. Zhang Mengtong said: “During the crisis of Jinyang, only Gao Gong had no merit.” Zhao Xiangzi said: “When Jinyang was in danger, all the ministers were remiss, but only Gao Gong did not lose the conduct proper to a minister. Therefore, I reward him first.” From then on, Zhao possessed the land of Dai in the north and annexed the territory of the Zhi clan in the south, becoming more powerful than Han and Wei. Thereupon, they made sacrifices to the three spirits at Baiyi and sent Yuan Guo to preside over the sacrifices to Mount Huotai.

Later, (Zhao Xiangzi) married a woman of the Kongtong clan and had five sons. Because Bó Lǔ had not been established as heir, Zhao Xiangzi refused to establish his own son, and insisted on passing the rulership to the son of Bó Lǔ, Lord Daicheng (Zhao Zhou). Lord Daicheng died first, so (Zhao Xiangzi) established Zhao Wan, the son of Lord Daicheng, as heir apparent. Zhao Xiangzi died after a reign of thirty-three years. Zhao Wan succeeded to the throne, becoming Zhao Xianhou.

Zhao Xianhou ascended the throne at a young age, with his seat of government at Zhongmou.

Zhao Xiangzi’s younger brother, Zhao Huanzi, expelled Zhao Xianhou and established himself in Dai. He died after one year. The people of Zhao said that Zhao Huanzi’s accession was not according to Zhao Xiangzi’s intent, so they jointly killed his son and welcomed Zhao Xianhou back to the throne.

In the tenth year of Zhao Xianhou, Duke Wu of Zhongshan had just ascended the throne. In the thirteenth year, (Zhao) built the city of Pingyi. In the fifteenth year, Zhao Xianhou died. His son, Zhao Liehou Zhao Ji, succeeded to the throne.

In the first year of Zhao Liehou, Marquis Wen of Wei attacked Zhongshan and sent his heir apparent, Wei Ji, to guard it. In the sixth year, Wei, Han, and Zhao mutually established each other as feudal lords, and posthumously honored Zhao Xianzi as Zhao Xianhou.

Zhao Liehou loved music. He said to the chancellor Gong Zhonglian: “I have someone I favor. Can I make him noble?” Gong Zhong said: “You can make him wealthy, but making him noble is not permitted.” Zhao Liehou said: “Very well. Then the two singers from Zheng, Qiang and Shi, I will grant them fields, ten thousand mu each.” Gong Zhong said: “Yes,” but did not give them. After a month, Zhao Liehou returned from Dai and asked about the matter of granting fields to the singers. Gong Zhong said: “I am still searching, but I have not yet found a suitable person.” After a while, Zhao Liehou asked again. Gong Zhong ultimately did not give them, and then claimed illness and did not attend court. Fanwujun came from Dai and said to Gong Zhong: “You truly delight in good deeds, but you do not know how to act. Now you have been chancellor of Zhao for four years. Have you ever recommended any worthy men?” Gong Zhong said: “No.” Fanwujun said: “Niu Chu, Xun Xin, and Xu Yue are all worthy.” Gong Zhong then recommended these three men. When court was held, Zhao Liehou asked again: “What about the fields for the singers?” Gong Zhong said: “I am sending someone to select good ones among them.” Niu Chu, when attending upon Zhao Liehou, spoke of benevolence and righteousness, and restrained him with the kingly way. Zhao Liehou was greatly pleased. The next day, Xun Xin attended and spoke of selecting and training worthy talent, appointing officials, and employing capable men. The third day, Xu Yue attended and spoke of conserving resources, practicing frugality, and examining and evaluating merits and virtues. (What they) spoke of was all substantial, and the ruler was pleased. Zhao Liehou sent an envoy to say to the chancellor: “The matter of granting fields to the singers is temporarily stopped.” He appointed Niu Chu as Shi (Teacher), Xun Xin as Zhongwei (Commandant of the Interior), Xu Yue as Neishi (Steward of the Household), and granted the chancellor two sets of garments.

In the ninth year of Zhao Liehou, Zhao Liehou died. His younger brother, Zhao Wugong, succeeded to the throne. In the thirteenth year of Zhao Wugong, he died. Zhao re-established Zhao Zhang, the heir apparent of Zhao Liehou, as ruler, who became Zhao Jinghou. In this year, Marquis Wen of Wei died.

In the first year of Zhao Jinghou, Zhao Chao, the son of Zhao Wugong, revolted but did not succeed, and fled to Wei. Zhao began to establish its capital at Handan.

In the second year of Zhao Jinghou, (Zhao) defeated Qi at Lingqiu. In the third year, (Zhao) rescued Wei at Linqiu and greatly defeated the people of Qi. In the fourth year, Wei defeated Zhao at Tuta. (Zhao) built the city of Gangping to invade Wei. In the fifth year, Qi and Wei, on behalf of Wei, attacked Zhao and captured Gangping of Zhao. In the sixth year, (Zhao) borrowed troops from Chu to attack Wei and captured Jipu. In the eighth year, (Zhao) captured Huangcheng of Wei. In the ninth year, (Zhao) attacked Qi. Qi attacked Yan, and Zhao rescued Yan. In the tenth year, (Zhao) fought with Zhongshan at Fangzi.

In the eleventh year of Zhao Jinghou, Wei, Han, and Zhao together extinguished the state of Jin and divided its territory. (Zhao) attacked Zhongshan and fought again at Zhongren. In the twelfth year, Zhao Jinghou died. His son, Zhao Chenghou Zhao Zhong, succeeded to the throne.

In the first year of Marquis Cheng of Zhao, Prince Zhao Sheng contended with Marquis Cheng for the rulership and instigated a rebellion. In the second year, in the sixth month, it snowed. In the third year, Tai Wuwu became chancellor. Zhao attacked Wei, capturing seventy-three villages and towns. Wei defeated Zhao at Lin. In the fourth year, Zhao engaged Qin at Gao’an and defeated them. In the fifth year, Zhao attacked Qi at Juancheng. Wei defeated Zhao at Huai. Zhao attacked Zheng, defeated it, and gave its territory to Han; Han gave Changzi to Zhao. In the sixth year, Zhongshan built a long wall. Zhao attacked Wei, defeated them at Huize, and besieged King Hui of Wei. In the seventh year, Zhao invaded Qi, reaching the long wall. Zhao and Han attacked the Zhou royal house. In the eighth year, Zhao and Han divided the Zhou royal house into two parts (Eastern Zhou and Western Zhou). In the ninth year, Zhao and Qi fought at the foot of A City. In the tenth year, Zhao attacked Wei and took Zhencheng. In the eleventh year, Qin attacked Wei, and Zhao rescued Wei at Shia. In the twelfth year, Qin attacked Wei’s Shaoliang, and Zhao rescued Wei. In the thirteenth year, Duke Xian of Qin sent Shuchang Guo to attack Wei’s Shaoliang, capturing Wei’s heir apparent and Gongsun Cuo. Wei defeated Zhao at the Hui River and took Pidao. Marquis Cheng of Zhao met with Marquis Zhao of Han at Shangdang. In the fourteenth year, Zhao and Han attacked Qin. In the fifteenth year, Zhao aided Wei in attacking Qi.

In the sixteenth year of Marquis Cheng of Zhao, Zhao, with Han and Wei, partitioned Jin, granting Duanshi to the ruler of Jin.

In the seventeenth year of Marquis Cheng of Zhao, Marquis Cheng of Zhao met with King Hui of Wei at Ge nie. In the nineteenth year, Zhao made a covenant with Qi and Song at Pinglu, and with Yan at A City. In the twentieth year, Wei presented rongchuan timber, which was used to build the Tan Terrace. In the twenty-first year, Wei besieged Zhao’s Handan. In the twenty-second year, King Hui of Wei captured Zhao’s Handan, and Qi also defeated Wei at Guiling. In the twenty-fourth year, Wei returned Zhao’s Handan, and Zhao made a covenant with Wei on the banks of the Zhang River. Qin attacked Zhao’s Lin. In the twenty-fifth year, Marquis Cheng of Zhao died. Prince Zhao Sheng contended with Crown Prince Su of Zhao for the rulership; Zhao Sheng was defeated and fled to take refuge in Han.

In the first year of Marquis Su of Zhao, he took Duanshi from the ruler of Jin and moved him to Tunliu to settle. In the second year, Marquis Su of Zhao met with King Hui of Wei at Yinjin. In the third year, Prince Fan attacked Handan but failed and died. In the fourth year, Marquis Su of Zhao paid court to the Son of Heaven of Zhou. In the sixth year, Zhao attacked Qi and took Gaotang. In the seventh year, Prince Ke attacked Wei’s Shouyuan. In the eleventh year, Duke Xiao of Qin sent Shang Yang to attack Wei, capturing Wei’s general Gongzi Ang. Zhao attacked Wei. In the twelfth year, Duke Xiao of Qin died, and Shang Yang died. In the fifteenth year, construction began on the Shou Mausoleum. King Hui of Wei died.

In the sixteenth year of Marquis Su of Zhao, Marquis Su of Zhao toured Daling, exiting through the Lu Gate. Tai Wuwu reined in his horse and said, “The farming work is urgent; if one day is not cultivated, there will be no food for a hundred days.” Marquis Su of Zhao descended from his chariot and apologized.

In the seventeenth year of Marquis Su of Zhao, Zhao besieged Wei’s Huangcheng but did not capture it. Zhao built a long wall.

In the eighteenth year of Marquis Su of Zhao, Qi and Wei attacked Zhao. Zhao opened the dikes of the Yellow River to flood them, and the armies of Qi and Wei withdrew. In the twenty-second year, Zhang Yi became chancellor of Qin. Zhao Ci fought against Qin and was defeated; Qin killed Zhao Ci at Hexi and captured Zhao’s Lin and Lishi. In the twenty-third year, Han Ju fought against Qi and Wei and died in battle at Sangqiu.

In the twenty-fourth year of Marquis Su of Zhao, Marquis Su of Zhao died. Qin, Chu, Yan, Qi, and Wei each sent elite troops of ten thousand men to attend the funeral. His son, King Wuling of Zhao, succeeded to the throne.

In the first year of King Wuling of Zhao, Yangwenjun Zhao Bao became chancellor. King Xiang of Liang and Crown Prince Si of Wei, King Xuan of Han and Crown Prince Cang of Han came to the Xin Palace for an audience. King Wuling of Zhao was young and could not handle government affairs; he appointed three erudite advisors and three left and right supervisors of faults. When he began to handle government affairs, he first consulted the former king’s trusted minister Fei Yi and increased his rank; for the three elders of the state over eighty years old, he sent gifts every month.

In the third year of King Wuling of Zhao, Zhao built Hao City. In the fourth year, King Wuling of Zhao met with the King of Han at Qushu. In the fifth year, King Wuling of Zhao married a woman from Han as his wife.

In the eighth year of King Wuling of Zhao, Han attacked Qin but failed and withdrew. The five states mutually proclaimed themselves kings; only Zhao did not do so. King Wuling of Zhao said, “Without the substance of a king, how dare I assume this title?” He ordered that within the state, people refer to him as “Lord.”

In the ninth year of King Wuling of Zhao, Zhao, together with Han and Wei, attacked Qin. Qin defeated the allied forces, beheading eighty thousand men. Qi defeated Zhao at Guanze. In the tenth year, Qin captured Zhao’s Zhongdu and Xiyang. Qi broke Yan. Yan’s chancellor Zizhi became ruler, while the former ruler became his subject. In the eleventh year, King Wuling of Zhao recalled Prince Zhi from Han and established him as King of Yan, sending Yue Chi to escort him back. In the thirteenth year, Qin captured Zhao’s Lin, capturing General Zhao Zhuang. The King of Chu and the King of Wei came, passing through Handan. In the fourteenth year, Zhao He attacked Wei.

In the sixteenth year of King Wuling of Zhao, King Hui of Qin died. King Wuling of Zhao toured Daling. One day, King Wuling of Zhao dreamed of a young girl playing a zither and singing a poem: “The beautiful woman shines with radiance, her countenance blooms like the hibiscus flower. Fate, oh fate, how it does not allow me, of the Ying clan, to be favored!” Later, on another day, King Wuling of Zhao was drinking and enjoying music, repeatedly speaking of the dream, imagining her appearance. Wu Guang heard of this and, through his wife, presented his daughter Wa Ying to the king. This was Meng Yao. Meng Yao was greatly favored by King Wuling of Zhao; she was Empress Hui.

In the seventeenth year of King Wuling of Zhao, King Wuling of Zhao emerged from Jiumen and built the Ye Terrace to observe the borders of Qi and Zhongshan.

In the eighteenth year of King Wuling of Zhao, King Wu of Qin lifted a dragon-patterned red tripod with Meng Shuo and broke his kneecap, dying. The King of Zhao sent Dai Chancellor Zhao Gu to welcome Prince Ji from Yan, escorting him back and establishing him as King of Qin; this was King Zhao of Qin.

In the spring of the first month of the nineteenth year, a grand court assembly was held at the Xin Palace. King Wuling summoned Fei Yi to discuss the affairs of the world, concluding after five days. King Wuling went north to raid the territory of Zhongshan, reaching Fangzi, then proceeded to Dai, going north to Wuqiong, west to the Yellow River, and ascending the summit of Huanghua Mountain. He summoned Lou Huan and discussed, saying: “Our former kings, taking advantage of the changes of the times, occupied the southern borderlands, connecting the strategic points of the Zhang and Fu Rivers, building a long wall, and capturing Lin and Guolang, defeating the Linhu at Ren, yet the achievement was not completed. Now Zhongshan lies at our heart; to the north is Yan, to the east is Donghu, to the west are Linhu, Loufan, Qin, and the borders of Han, yet we lack the rescue of a strong army. This will lead to the state’s destruction—what can be done? To establish a renowned reputation, one must bear the burden of deviating from custom. I wish to adopt Hu clothing.” Lou Huan said, “Good.” All the ministers were unwilling.

At that time, Fei Yi was attending at his side. King Wuling said, "The achievements of Jianzi and Xiangzi lay in their pursuit of gains from the Hu and Di peoples. As subjects, when favored, one must possess the virtue of filial piety, fraternal respect, obedience, and understanding of principle; when prominent, one must have the merit of benefiting the people and enhancing the ruler’s accomplishments. These two points are the duty of a subject. Now I wish to continue Xiangzi’s work, to open up the territories of the Hu and Di peoples, but I fear the world will not understand. This can weaken the enemy, require little effort yet yield great results, and avoid exhausting the people’s labor while extending the achievements of antiquity. Those who establish world-shaking achievements will bear the burden of going against convention; those with unique wisdom and strategies will endure the resentment of arrogant commoners. Now I intend to teach the people to wear Hu clothing and practice horseback archery, but the world will surely criticize me. What should I do?" Fei Yi said, "I have heard that one who hesitates in action will not succeed, and one who wavers in conduct will not achieve fame. Since Your Majesty has already resolved to bear the burden of going against convention, you need not consider the world’s criticism. Those who discuss the highest virtue do not conform to the vulgar; those who accomplish great deeds do not consult the multitude. In ancient times, Shun danced among the Miao, and Yu stripped naked in the Land of the Naked—not to indulge desires or delight the heart, but to devote themselves to discussing virtue and seeking achievement. The foolish cannot see clearly even what has already been done; the wise see clearly what has not yet emerged. So what hesitation is there for Your Majesty?" King Wuling said, "I do not doubt the Hu clothing, but I fear the world will laugh at me. What delights the madman saddens the wise; what the fool mocks, the worthy examine carefully. If there are those in the world who follow me, the effectiveness of the Hu clothing will be incalculable. Even if the whole world laughs at me, I will surely seize the Hu territories and Zhongshan." Thereupon, he began to wear the Hu clothing.

He sent Wang Xie to inform Prince Cheng, saying, "I have put on the Hu clothing and will wear it to court. I also hope that my uncle will wear it. At home, one obeys one’s parents; in the state, one obeys the ruler—this is a constant principle throughout the ages. A son does not oppose his father, a subject does not defy his ruler—this is the universal way among brothers. Now I have issued an order to change the clothing, but my uncle has not followed it. I fear the world will discuss this matter. Governing a state has its constant rules, with benefiting the people as the foundation; administering affairs has its constant laws, with orders being carried out as the highest priority. Manifesting virtue begins with the lowly, while implementing orders must first gain trust from the noble. The intention behind wearing Hu clothing is not to indulge desires or delight the heart; affairs achieve success when they have goals, and merit is established when it has a source. Only when affairs succeed and merit is established can things be considered perfect. Now I fear that my uncle is violating the constant laws of governance, so I am offering this advice to assist my uncle’s deliberations. Moreover, I have heard that actions beneficial to the state are not deviant, and relying on noble relatives does not harm one’s reputation. Therefore, I hope to rely on my uncle’s righteous act to accomplish the achievement of the Hu clothing. I have sent Wang Xie to pay respects to my uncle and request that you put on the Hu clothing." Prince Cheng bowed twice and kowtowed, saying, "I have already heard that Your Majesty has worn the Hu clothing. I lack ability and am bedridden with illness, unable to hasten to present myself. Your Majesty has commanded me, and how dare I not respond? Let me offer my foolish loyalty. I say: I have heard that the Central Plains region is where the wise and intelligent dwell, where the myriad things and goods gather, where sages and worthies teach, where benevolence and righteousness are practiced, where the Classic of Poetry, Book of Documents, Book of Rites, and Book of Music are applied, where extraordinary and clever skills are tested, where distant peoples come to observe, and where the barbarians emulate and learn. Now Your Majesty abandons these and imitates the clothing of distant lands, changes the teachings of antiquity, alters the ways of the ancients, goes against the people’s hearts, offends scholars, and turns away from the Central Plains. Therefore, I hope Your Majesty will consider this matter." The messenger reported this. King Wuling said, "I knew from the start that my uncle was ill. I will go personally to request him."

King Wuling then went to Prince Cheng’s home and personally requested him, saying, "Clothing is for convenience in use; rituals are for convenience in action. The sage observes local customs and adapts to what is suitable, establishes rituals based on circumstances, in order to benefit the people and enrich the state. Cutting hair and tattooing the body, crossing arms and wearing the lapel on the left—these are the customs of the Ou-Yue people. Blackening teeth and tattooing the forehead, wearing hats made of salmon skin and sewing with coarse thread—these are the customs of the great Wu state. Therefore, rituals and clothing are not uniform, but convenience is the same. Local customs differ, so usage changes; circumstances vary, so rituals alter. Thus, if a sage truly benefits the state, he does not unify the method of use; if he truly facilitates action, he does not unify rituals. Confucians share the same teacher yet have different customs; the Central Plains share the same rituals yet have different teachings—how much more so for the convenience of mountain and valley regions? Therefore, the changes in choice cannot be unified by the wise; the clothing of distant and near places cannot be made the same by the sage. Remote villages often have strange customs; twisted teachings often produce clever arguments. Doubt not what you do not understand, and deny not what differs from yourself—this is to seek perfection with fairness. Now what my uncle speaks of is worldly custom; what I speak of is what controls worldly custom. Our state has the Yellow River and the Bomo River to the east, shared with Qi and Zhongshan; to the east are the borders of Yan and Eastern Hu; to the west are the borders of Loufan, Qin, and Han. Now we lack the equipment for horseback archery. Therefore, if I have no boats, how will the people living near the water defend the Yellow River and Bomo River? Changing clothing and learning horseback archery is to guard the borders against Yan, the Three Hu, Qin, and Han. Moreover, in the past, the Lord Jian did not block Jinyang and Shangdang, while the Lord Xiang annexed the Rong and took over the Dai region to repel the various Hu—this is understood by both the foolish and the wise. Previously, Zhongshan, relying on the strong army of Qi, invaded and bullied our territory, plundered our people, and surrounded Hao city with water. If not for the protection of the state’s spirits, Hao city could hardly have been held. The former king regarded this as a disgrace, and the enmity has not yet been avenged. Now the equipment for horseback archery can, in the near term, facilitate the terrain of Shangdang, and in the long term, avenge the enmity of Zhongshan. Yet my uncle follows the customs of the Central Plains to go against the intentions of the Lord Jian and Lord Xiang, detests the name of changing clothing, and forgets the shame of the Hao city affair—this is not what I expect." Prince Cheng bowed twice and kowtowed, saying, "I am foolish and did not understand Your Majesty’s profound intentions. I dared to speak from worldly views—this is my crime. Now Your Majesty wishes to continue the intentions of the Lord Jian and Lord Xiang to fulfill the ambitions of the former kings—how dare I not follow your command!" He bowed twice and kowtowed. Thereupon, he bestowed Hu clothing upon him. The next day, he wore the Hu clothing to court. At this time, the order to wear Hu clothing was first issued.

Zhao Wen, Zhao Zao, Zhou Shao, and Zhao Jun all remonstrated to stop King Wuling from donning the barbarian attire, saying that following the old laws was more convenient. King Wuling said: "The former kings each had different customs—what ancient laws are there to imitate? Emperors and kings did not follow one another—what rituals are there to adhere to? Fuxi and Shennong taught and did not kill; the Yellow Emperor, Yao, and Shun killed but were not cruel. By the time of the Three Kings, they made laws according to the times and established rituals according to affairs. Laws and decrees each suited the season; clothing and implements each were convenient for use. Therefore, rituals need not have only one form, and what is convenient for the state need not imitate antiquity. The rise of the sages did not come about by following each other, yet they became kings; the decline of the Xia and Shang dynasties did not come about by altering rituals, yet they perished. If this is so, then going against antiquity is not necessarily blameworthy, and following rituals is not necessarily praiseworthy. Moreover, if it is said that those with strange clothing have depraved minds, then Zou and Lu would have no evil conduct; if it is said that people in remote places with different customs are easily changed, then Wu and Yue would have no outstanding talents. Furthermore, the sage considers what benefits the body to be good clothing, and what is convenient for conduct to be good ritual. The rules of advancing and retreating, the system of clothing, are used to regulate the common people, not to judge the worthy. Therefore, the common people drift with customs, while the worthy advance with changes. Hence the proverb says: 'He who drives a horse with a book cannot fully understand the horse's nature; he who restrains the present with antiquity cannot comprehend the changes of affairs.' The efficacy of following laws is not enough to surpass the world; the learning of imitating antiquity is not enough to restrain the present. You are not as good as I am." So he donned the barbarian attire and recruited men for horse-riding and archery.

In the twentieth year, King Wuling attacked the lands of Zhongshan, reaching Ningjia; westward he attacked the barbarian lands, reaching Yuzhong. The King of Linhu presented horses. After returning, he sent Lou Huan to Qin, Chou Ye to Han, Wang Ben to Chu, Fu Ding to Wei, and Zhao Jue to Qi. The Dai prime minister Zhao Gu administered the barbarian lands and conscripted their troops.

In the twenty-first year, he attacked Zhongshan. Zhao Shao commanded the Right Army, Xu Jun commanded the Left Army, Prince Zhang commanded the Central Army, and King Wuling himself commanded them. Niu Jian led the chariots and cavalry, and Zhao Xi jointly led the troops of the Hu and Dai. The Zhao army joined them at Xing, united the forces at Quyang, and captured Danqiu, Huayang, and the fortress of Chi. King Wuling's army captured Hao, Shiyi, Fenglong, and Dongyuan. Zhongshan offered four cities in surrender, and King Wuling agreed and withdrew the troops. In the twenty-third year, he attacked Zhongshan. In the twenty-fifth year, Queen Hui died. He sent Zhou Shao, wearing barbarian attire, to be the tutor of Prince He. In the twenty-sixth year, he again attacked Zhongshan, expanding territory north to Yan and Dai, and west to Yunzhong and Jiuyuan.

On the day Wushen of the fifth month in the twenty-seventh year, a grand court was held in the Eastern Palace. He abdicated the throne and established Prince He as king. After the new king had performed the temple-visiting ceremony, he came out to attend court. All the great officers became his subjects. Fei Yi became Chancellor and assisted the new king. This was King Huiwen. King Huiwen was the son of Queen Hui, Wu Wa. King Wuling styled himself the Lord Father.

The Lord Father wanted his son to govern the state, while he himself, wearing barbarian attire, led the great officers and scholars to attack the barbarian lands in the northwest. He also planned to strike south directly from Yunzhong and Jiuyuan to attack Qin, so he pretended to be an envoy and entered Qin. King Zhao of Qin did not discover him, but soon noticed that his appearance was very imposing, not like the manner of a subject. He sent men to pursue him, but the Lord Father had already galloped away and escaped through the pass. Upon careful inquiry, it turned out to be the Lord Father. The people of Qin were greatly astonished. The reason the Lord Father entered Qin was to personally observe the terrain and also to see the character of the King of Qin.

In the second year of King Huiwen, the Lord Father inspected the newly acquired lands. He then set out from Dai and met with the King of Loufan on the West River and conscripted his troops.

In the third year, he destroyed Zhongshan, moving its king to Fushi. He built Lingshou. The northern lands had just submitted, and the roads in Dai became greatly open. After returning, he distributed rewards, granted a general amnesty, and held a grand feast for five days. He enfeoffed his eldest son, Zhang, as the Lord of Dai, Lord Anyang. Prince Zhang had always been extravagant and was dissatisfied in his heart that his younger brother had been established as king. The Lord Father also sent Tian Buli to assist Prince Zhang.

Li Dui said to Fei Yi: "Prince Zhang is strong in body and proud in spirit; his partisans are many, and his ambitions are great—I fear he has ulterior motives, does he not? Tian Buli is cruel and fond of killing, and he is arrogant. These two are well matched; they will certainly hatch a rebellion. If they succeed, they will gain their ends by luck. When petty men have desires, they are often rash and short-sighted, seeing only the benefit and not the harm. They promote each other and together enter the gate of disaster. As I see it, things certainly will not last long. You bear great responsibility and hold high power—you are the beginning of chaos and the gathering place of calamity; you will certainly be the first to suffer. The benevolent cherish all things, and the wise guard against troubles before they form. Without benevolence and wisdom, how can one govern the state? Why not claim illness and withdraw, handing state affairs over to Prince Cheng? Do not become the focus of resentment, do not become the stepping-stone of disaster." Fei Yi said: "No. Formerly, the Lord Father entrusted the Great King to me, saying: 'Do not change your principles, do not alter your thoughts; hold firmly to one mind until you die.' I bowed twice, accepted the command, and recorded it. Now, if I fear the calamity of Tian Buli and forget my record, what change could be greater than this? If I accept a severe command but then withdraw and cannot fully carry it out, what betrayal of trust could be greater than this? A minister who changes and betrays trust cannot be tolerated by the law. The proverb says: 'If the dead could come back to life, the living should have no shame.' My words have already been spoken; I wish to preserve my words—how could I preserve my body? Moreover, a loyal minister's integrity appears only when calamity comes; a faithful minister's conduct is revealed only when trouble arrives. You have shown me kindness and treated me with loyalty. Nevertheless, I have spoken first, and I dare not break my word in the end." Li Dui said: "Very well. Do your best! I see that you will live only until this year." He went out weeping. Li Dui went many times to see Prince Cheng to prepare against the incident of Tian Buli.

Another day, Fei Yi said to Xin Qi: "Prince Zhang and Tian Buli are deeply troubling. Their words to me are fair on the surface but evil in reality. Such conduct is neither filial nor loyal. I have heard that when treacherous ministers are at court, it is a disaster for the state; when slanderous ministers are within, they are worms on the ruler. These men are greedy and ambitious; within, they receive the ruler's favor, and without, they act violently. If they falsely use the ruler's orders and act arrogantly, and presume to issue commands on their own authority, it will not be difficult for them to do so. Calamity will soon endanger the state. Now I am worried about this; at night I forget to sleep, and hungry I forget to eat. When thieves come and go, one must be on guard. From now on, if anyone summons the Great King, he must first see me. I will use my body to shield him first. Only if there is no trouble may the Great King enter." Xin Qi said: "Excellent! That I can hear these words!"

In the fourth year (of King Huiwen of Zhao), he received the assembled ministers at court. The Lord of Anyang (Prince Zhang) also came to court. The Lord Father (King Wuling) had the King of Zhao preside over the court, while he himself watched the rituals of the ministers and clans from the side. When he saw his eldest son, Prince Zhang, looking dejected and instead facing north as a subject, subordinating himself to his younger brother, he felt pity for him in his heart. He thus thought of dividing Zhao and letting Prince Zhang be king in Dai, but the plan was not decided and was set aside.

The Lord Father and the King of Zhao traveled to Shaqiu for a pleasure outing and lodged in separate palaces. Prince Zhang then led his partisans and Tian Buli in rebellion, falsely claiming the Lord Father’s order to summon the King of Zhao. Fei Yi entered first and was killed. Gao Xin then fought together with the King of Zhao. Prince Cheng and Li Dui hastened from the capital, mobilized troops from four districts, entered Shaqiu to resist the calamity, killed Prince Zhang and Tian Buli, annihilated their followers and rebels, and stabilized the royal house. Prince Cheng became Chancellor, titled the Lord of Anping, and Li Dui became Minister of Justice. After Prince Zhang’s defeat, he fled to the Lord Father, who opened the gate and took him in. Prince Cheng and Li Dui then surrounded the Lord Father’s palace. After Prince Zhang died, Prince Cheng and Li Dui consulted together, saying: “Because of Prince Zhang’s affair, we have surrounded the Lord Father. If we withdraw the troops immediately, we and our families will be exterminated.” So they continued the siege. They ordered the palace people: “Those who come out later will be exterminated.” All the palace people came out. The Lord Father wished to come out but could not, and had no food. He searched for fledgling birds to eat, and after more than three months starved to death in the Shaqiu palace. Only when the Lord Father was truly dead did they issue the funeral announcement to the feudal lords.

At this time the King of Zhao was young. Prince Cheng and Li Dui monopolized power, fearing they would be killed, so they had surrounded the Lord Father. The Lord Father had initially established his eldest son, Prince Zhang, as Crown Prince. Later he obtained Wu Wa, doted on her, and for this reason did not leave the palace for several years. When she bore him a son, He, he deposed Prince Zhang and established He as King of Zhao. After Wu Wa died, his favor waned, and he again felt pity for the former Crown Prince, wishing to make both of them kings. He hesitated and could not decide, and so the calamity occurred, culminating in both father and son dying, laughed at by all under Heaven—was this not grievous!

In the fifth year (of King Huiwen of Zhao), the territories of Mo and Yi were given to Yan. In the eighth year, the city of Nanxingtang was built. In the ninth year, Zhao Liang served as general and joined with Qi in attacking Han, reaching the foot of Luguan. In the tenth year, Qin styled itself the Western Emperor. In the eleventh year, Dong Shu and the Wei forces attacked Song, obtaining Heyang from Wei. Qin captured Gengyang. In the twelfth year, Zhao Liang served as general and attacked Qi. In the thirteenth year, Han Xu served as general and attacked Qi. The princess died. In the fourteenth year, Chancellor Yue Yi led the armies of Zhao, Qin, Han, Wei, and Yan to attack Qi, capturing Lingqiu. A meeting was held with Qin at Zhongyang. In the fifteenth year, King Zhao of Yan came to Zhao for an audience. Zhao, together with Han, Wei, and Qin, attacked Qi. The King of Qi fled in defeat, while the Yan army advanced deep alone and captured Linzi.

In the sixteenth year, Qin again joined with Zhao in repeatedly attacking Qi, and the people of Qi were greatly distressed. Su Li wrote a letter on behalf of Qi to the King of Zhao, saying:

I have heard that the wise rulers of antiquity, though their virtue did not permeate all under Heaven, their teachings did not reach all the people, and their seasonal sacrifices were not frequent to the spirits, yet sweet dew descended, timely rain arrived, the five grains ripened in abundance, the common people suffered no pestilence, and all praised them. Yet even such wise rulers continued to plan.

Now your virtue and accomplishments have not been repeatedly bestowed upon Qin; your resentment and accumulated anger have not been long directed against Qi. Qin and Zhao are friendly states. Qin, relying on its strength, conscripts soldiers from Han. Does Qin truly love Zhao? Or does it actually hate Qi? When things reach their extreme, a wise ruler should clearly perceive them. Qin does not love Zhao nor hate Qi, but desires to destroy Han and annex the Two Zhou. Therefore it uses Qi to lure all under Heaven. Fearing the matter will not succeed, it sends out troops to intimidate Wei and Zhao. Fearing all under Heaven will be afraid of itself, it sends hostages to show good faith. Fearing all under Heaven will quickly rebel, it conscripts soldiers from Han to overawe them. In name it bestows favor on friendly states; in reality it intends to attack a weakened Han. I believe Qin’s strategy must be this. There are cases where circumstances differ but the calamity is the same: Chu was long attacked, and Zhongshan was destroyed. Now Qi is long attacked, and Han will surely be destroyed. If you defeat Qi, you and the six states will divide its benefits. If Han is destroyed, Qin will swallow it alone. Taking the Two Zhou and obtaining the sacrificial vessels in the west, Qin will possess them exclusively. When calculating the fields and merits, how do the benefits you obtain compare with those of Qin?

The schemes of the persuaders say: “If Han loses Sanchuan, and Wei loses Jindi, the markets and courts will not have changed, but calamity will already be upon them.” Yan will occupy all of northern Qi, and from there to Shaqiu and Julu it will be a convergence of three hundred li. Han’s Shangdang is one hundred li from Handan. Yan and Qin plot against your rivers and mountains; with an interval of three hundred li they will be connected. Qin’s Shangjun is near Tingguan, and to Yuzhong is one thousand five hundred li. If Qin attacks your Shangdang with three commanderies, everything west of Yangchang and south of Gouzhu will no longer belong to you. Crossing Gouzhu, cutting off Changshan and holding it, three hundred li will lead to Yan. The horses of Dai and the dogs of the Hu will not be able to go east; the jade of Kunshan will not come forth. These three treasures will also no longer belong to you. If you long attack Qi and follow the strong Qin in attacking Han, the calamity will certainly reach this point. I hope you will think deeply.

Moreover, the reason Qi is attacked is because it served you. The combined action of all the states under Heaven is to plot against you. The alliance between Yan and Qin has been concluded, and the date for their troops to move is set. The five states will divide your territory in three. Qi turned its back on the alliance of the five states and faced hardship for you, sending troops westward to restrain the strong Qin. Qin abolished its imperial title and begged to submit, returning Jingfen and Xianyu to Zhao. Qi’s service to you should be considered that of a foremost ally, yet now it has instead incurred guilt. I fear that those under Heaven who serve you in the future will not dare to be sure of their fate. I hope you will consider this carefully.

Now if you do not join the states under Heaven in attacking Qi, all under Heaven will surely consider you benevolent. If Qi, embracing its altars, treats you with great respect and service, all under Heaven will surely value your benevolence. If you lead all under Heaven in treating Qin well, and Qin is violent and cruel, you will lead all under Heaven to restrain it. Thus the renown and honor of a generation will be grasped by you. Thereupon Zhao desisted, declined Qin, and did not attack Qi.

The King of Zhao met with the King of Yan. Lian Po served as general and attacked Qi’s Xiyang, capturing it.

In the seventeenth year, Yue Yi led the Zhao army to attack Wei’s Boyang. And Qin, resenting that Zhao did not join it in attacking Qi, attacked Zhao, capturing two of our cities. In the eighteenth year, Qin captured our city of Shicheng. The King of Zhao again went to Dongyang in Wei, breached the Yellow River, and attacked Wei. Heavy rains caused flooding; the Zhang River overflowed. Wei Ran came to Zhao to serve as Chancellor. In the nineteenth year, Qin captured two of our cities. Zhao returned Boyang to Wei. Zhao She served as general and attacked Qi’s Maiqiu, capturing it.

In the twentieth year, Lian Po served as general and attacked Qi. The King of Zhao met with King Zhao of Qin outside the Xihe region.

In the twenty-first year, Zhao diverted the course of the Zhang River to the west of Wuping. In the twenty-second year, a great pestilence occurred. Prince Dan was established as Crown Prince.

In the twenty-third year, Lou Chang served as general and attacked Wei’s Ji city but could not take it. In the twelfth month, Lian Po served as general and attacked Ji city, capturing it. In the twenty-fourth year, Lian Po served as general and attacked Wei’s Fangzi, capturing it, and then built a wall before returning. He also attacked Anyang, capturing it. In the twenty-fifth year, Yan Zhou served as general and attacked Changcheng and Gaotang, capturing them. Joined with Wei in attacking Qin. Qin’s general Bai Qi broke through our Huayang, capturing one general. In the twenty-sixth year, the Dai region previously held by the Eastern Hu was taken.

In the twenty-seventh year, the Zhang River was diverted to the south of Wuping. Zhao Bao was enfeoffed as the Lord of Pingyuan. The Yellow River flooded; heavy rains caused a disaster.

In the twenty-eighth year, Lin Xiangru attacked Qi, reaching Pingyi. The construction of the great wall at the nine gates north of the city was halted. Yan’s general Cheng’an Lord Gongsun Cao murdered his ruler. In the twenty-ninth year, Qin and Han fought each other, and Qin besieged Yanyu. Zhao sent Zhao She as general to attack Qin, decisively defeating the Qin army below the walls of Yanyu, and he was granted the title of Lord of Mafu.

In the thirty-third year, King Huiwen died. Crown Prince Dan ascended the throne; this was King Xiaocheng.

In the first year of King Xiaocheng, the state of Qin attacked our state of Zhao, capturing three cities. The king had just ascended the throne, and the queen dowager held power as Qin pressed its assault. Zhao sought aid from Qi, and Qi said, “We will only send troops if the elder son of the queen dowager, Lord Chang’an, is sent as a hostage.” The queen dowager refused, and the ministers strongly remonstrated. The queen dowager explicitly told her close attendants, “If anyone mentions sending Lord Chang’an as a hostage again, this old woman will spit in his face.” The left master, Chu Long, requested an audience with the queen dowager, who waited for him in a rage. Chu Long entered, slowly shuffled forward with quick small steps, and after sitting down, apologized, saying, “Your old servant’s feet are afflicted, so I cannot walk quickly, and I have not been able to see you for a long time. I privately forgave myself, but I worried that Your Majesty might be unwell, so I wished to request an audience.” The queen dowager said, “This old woman gets around by relying on a hand-drawn carriage.” Chu Long asked, “Have your meals not decreased?” The queen dowager said, “I rely on drinking some congee.” Chu Long said, “Your old servant has recently had no desire to eat, so I force myself to take walks, covering three or four li each day. This has slightly increased my appetite and made my body more comfortable.” The queen dowager said, “This old woman cannot do that.” The queen dowager’s angry expression softened slightly. The left master said, “Your old servant’s lowly son, Shuqi, is the youngest and is worthless, and since I am aging, I privately dote on him. I wish to have him fill a vacancy among the black-clad guards to protect the palace. I risk death to report this to you.” The queen dowager said, “Very well. How old is he?” He replied, “Fifteen years old. Though young, I hope to entrust him to you before I die.” The queen dowager said, “Do men also dote on their youngest sons?” He replied, “More than women do.” The queen dowager laughed and said, “Women are especially doting.” He replied, “Your old servant privately believes that Your Majesty’s love for Yanzhuo, your daughter married to the King of Yan, exceeds that for Lord Chang’an.” The queen dowager said, “You are mistaken. It is not as great as my love for Lord Chang’an.” The left master said, “When parents love their children, they plan far ahead for them. When you sent Yanzhuo off in marriage, you held her heel and wept for her, thinking of her being married far away—it was sorrowful enough. After she left, it was not that you did not miss her, but at sacrifices you blessed her, saying, ‘May she never be sent back.’ Was this not planning for the long term, hoping that her sons and grandsons would succeed as kings?” The queen dowager said, “Yes.” The left master said, “Looking back three generations from now, up to the descendants of the kings of Zhao who were enfeoffed as lords, are any of their heirs still in their positions?” The queen dowager said, “No.” The left master said, “Not only in Zhao—among the other feudal states, are any in their positions?” The queen dowager said, “I have not heard of any.” The left master said, “This is calamity falling on oneself in the near term and on one’s descendants in the distant term. Could it be that it is bad for the sons and grandsons of rulers to be enfeoffed as lords? It is because they are given high status without merit, generous stipends without labor, and yet possess great quantities of precious treasures. Now you grant Lord Chang’an a high status, enfeoff him with fertile lands, and give him many precious treasures, but you do not take advantage of the present to let him render meritorious service to the state. Once your hundred years are past, on what basis will Lord Chang’an stand in Zhao? Your old servant believes that your plans for Lord Chang’an are short-sighted, and so I consider your love for him less than that for Yanzhuo.” The queen dowager said, “Very well. Do with him as you will.” So she prepared a hundred chariots for Lord Chang’an and sent him as a hostage to Qi, after which Qi dispatched its troops.

Ziyi, hearing of this, said, “The ruler’s sons are of his own flesh and blood, yet they still cannot rely on high status without merit or generous stipends without labor to hold onto treasures like gold and jade—how much less can we ordinary people?”

Tian Dan, the Lord of Anping from Qi, led Zhao’s troops to attack Zhongyang of Yan and captured it. He then attacked Zhuren of Han and captured it. In the second year of King Xiaocheng, Queen Huiwen died. Tian Dan served as prime minister.

In the fourth year of King Xiaocheng, the king dreamed of wearing garments with different colors on the left and right sides, riding a flying dragon up to heaven, but before reaching heaven he fell, and saw gold and jade piled up like a mountain. The next day, the king summoned the divination historian Gan to interpret the dream. Gan said, “Dreaming of wearing garments with different colors on left and right is a symbol of incompleteness. Riding a flying dragon up to heaven but falling before reaching it signifies having momentum without substance. Seeing gold and jade piled like a mountain is a symbol of anxiety.”

Three days later, a messenger arrived from Feng Ting, the Grand Administrator of Shangdang in Han, saying, “Han cannot hold Shangdang and is about to merge it into Qin. But the officials and people there all wish to submit to Zhao and are unwilling to belong to Qin. There are seventeen cities and towns, which we respectfully offer to the King of Zhao, requesting Your Majesty to decide how to reward the officials and people.” The king was greatly pleased and summoned Lord Pingyang, Zhao Bao, and told him, “Feng Ting has offered seventeen cities and towns. What about accepting them?” Zhao Bao replied, “The sage regards benefits gained without cause as great calamities.” The king said, “They are grateful for my virtue—how can it be said to be without cause?” Zhao Bao replied, “Qin is gradually devouring Han’s land like a silkworm eating mulberry leaves, cutting through it so that the parts cannot connect. They originally thought they could sit back and wait to receive the Shangdang region. The reason Han does not offer Shangdang to Qin is that they want to transfer the calamity to Zhao. Qin has labored while Zhao enjoys the profit. Even a strong state cannot obtain such gain from a weak state—how could a weak state obtain it from a strong state? How can it be said not to be a benefit without cause? Moreover, Qin transports grain via the Niutian water route, devours Han, fights with double elite troops, and partitions Han’s land. Its decrees have already been implemented, and it cannot be opposed. You must not accept it.” The king said, “Now, sending a million troops to attack, after a year we have not captured a single city. Now they present seventeen cities and towns as a gift to us.”

After Zhao Bao left, the king summoned Lord Pingyuan, Zhao Sheng, and Zhao Yu, and told them. They replied, “Sending a million troops to attack, after a year we did not capture a single city. Now, sitting still, we gain seventeen cities and towns—this is a great benefit and must not be lost.” The king said, “Good.” So he ordered Zhao Sheng to receive the land and instructed Feng Ting, saying, “Your messenger, your servant Zhao Sheng, conveys the order of our ruler: Enfeoff the Grand Administrator with a city of thirty thousand households, and enfeoff the county magistrates with cities of a thousand households, all to be hereditary lords. The officials and people shall each be promoted three ranks. Those officials and people who can live in harmony shall each be granted six jin of gold.” Feng Ting, weeping, refused to see the messenger, saying, “I cannot be in a position of threefold unrighteousness: guarding the land for my ruler but failing to defend it to the death—that is the first unrighteousness; offering the land to Qin without following my ruler’s command—that is the second unrighteousness; selling my ruler’s land and enjoying it myself—that is the third unrighteousness.” Zhao then sent troops to seize Shangdang. Lian Po led the army and stationed it at Changping.

In the seventh year of King Xiaocheng, in the seventh month, Lian Po was dismissed, and Zhao Kuo replaced him in command of the army. The Qin forces surrounded Zhao Kuo, who led his troops in surrender, and over four hundred thousand soldiers were all buried alive. The king regretted not following Zhao Bao’s advice, which led to the calamity at Changping.

The king returned to the capital and refused to submit to Qin. Qin besieged Handan. Fu Bao, Wang Rong, and Su She, the magistrates of Wuyuan, led the people of Yan in rebellion and returned to Yan. Zhao enfeoffed Lingqiu to Lord Chunshen, the prime minister of Chu.

In the eighth year of King Xiaocheng, Lord Pingyuan went to Chu to seek reinforcements. After he returned, Chu came to the rescue, along with Wei’s Prince Wuji, and the Qin army lifted the siege of Handan.

In the tenth year of King Xiaocheng, Yan attacked Changzhuang and captured it in the fifth month. The Zhao generals Le Cheng and Qing She attacked the Xinliang army of Qin and defeated it. The crown prince died. Qin attacked Western Zhou and captured it. Tu Fuqi was sent as an envoy. In the eleventh year of King Xiaocheng, Yuanshi city was constructed, and the Shangyuan county was established. Lord Wuyang, Zheng Anping, died, and his fief was confiscated. In the twelfth year of King Xiaocheng, a fire broke out in the granaries of Handan. In the fourteenth year of King Xiaocheng, Lord Pingyuan, Zhao Sheng, died.

In the fifteenth year of King Xiaocheng, Weiwen was enfeoffed to the Chancellor Lian Po, who was styled the Lord Xinping. The King of Yan ordered his Chancellor Li Fu to establish friendly relations with Zhao, using five hundred gold pieces to toast the King of Zhao. After Li Fu returned to Yan, he reported to the King of Yan, saying: "The able-bodied men of Zhao have all died at Changping; their orphans have not yet grown up. We can attack them." The King of Yan summoned the Lord of Changguo, Yue Jian, to ask his opinion. Yue Jian replied: "Zhao is a state surrounded by enemies on all sides; its people are well-versed in military affairs. Attacking them will not succeed." The King of Yan said: "I attack with many against few, using two to fight one—can it be done?" He replied: "No." The King of Yan said: "Even if I use five to fight one, can it be done?" He replied: "No." The King of Yan was greatly angered. All his ministers thought it could be done. Yan eventually mobilized two armies with two thousand chariots: Li Fu led one army to attack Hao City, and Qing Qin led another to attack Dai. Lian Po, serving as the Zhao general, defeated and killed Li Fu, and captured Qing Qin and Yue Jian.

In the sixteenth year of King Xiaocheng, Lian Po besieged Yan. Zhao enfeoffed Yue Cheng as the Lord Wuxiang. Yue Cheng led his army, following the Chancellor, the Lord Xinping, to assist Wei in attacking Yan. Qin captured thirty-seven cities of Zhao, including Yuci. In the nineteenth year of King Xiaocheng, Zhao and Yan exchanged territory: Zhao gave Longdui, Fenmen, and Linle to Yan, while Yan gave Ge, Wuyang, and Pingshu to Zhao.

In the twentieth year of King Xiaocheng, King Yingzheng of Qin had just ascended the throne. Qin captured Jinyang of Zhao.

In the twenty-first year of King Xiaocheng, King Xiaocheng died. Lian Po led his army to attack Fanyang and captured it. Zhao sent Yue Cheng to replace Lian Po. Lian Po attacked Yue Cheng, who fled; Lian Po then fled to Wei. Zhao Yan, the son of King Xiaocheng, ascended the throne; this was King Daoxiang.

In the first year of King Daoxiang, he made great preparations against Wei. He sought to open the road from Pingyi to Zhongmu, but did not succeed.

In the second year of King Daoxiang, Li Mu led his army to attack Yan and captured Wusui and Fangcheng. Qin summoned the Lord Chunping and detained him. Xie Jun spoke on behalf of the Lord Chunping to the Marquis Wenxin, Lü Buwei, saying: "As for the Lord Chunping, the King of Zhao greatly loves him, while the courtiers are jealous of him. So they plotted together, saying, 'If the Lord Chunping goes to Qin, Qin will surely detain him,' and thus they conspired to send him to Qin. Now if you detain him, this will sever relations with Zhao and fulfill the courtiers' scheme. It would be better for you to send the Lord Chunping back and detain the Marquis Pingdu. The Lord Chunping is trusted in word and deed by the King of Zhao, and the King of Zhao will surely cede more of Zhao's territory to ransom the Marquis Pingdu." The Marquis Wenxin said: "Good." So he sent the Lord Chunping back. The city of Hangu was fortified.

In the third year of King Daoxiang, Pang Nuan led his army to attack Yan and captured the Yan general Ju Xin. In the fourth year of King Daoxiang, Pang Nuan led the elite troops of Zhao, Chu, Wei, and Yan to attack Qin's city of Zui, but could not take it; he then turned to attack Qi and captured Rao'an. In the fifth year of King Daoxiang, Fu Di led his army and encamped at Pingyi; Qing She led the troops east of the Yang River and north of the River to guard the bridge over the Yellow River. In the sixth year of King Daoxiang, Rao was enfeoffed to the Lord Chang'an. Wei gave Ye to Zhao.

In the ninth year of King Daoxiang, Zhao attacked Yan and captured Liyang. Before the army withdrew, Qin attacked Ye and captured it. King Daoxiang died, and his son, King Youmiu, Zhao Qian, ascended the throne.

In the first year of King Youmiu, Zhao Qian, the city of Bairen was fortified. In the second year of King Youmiu, Qin attacked Wucheng. Hu Zhe led his army to rescue it, but was defeated, and Hu Zhe died in battle.

In the third year of King Youmiu, Qin attacked Chili and Yi'an. Li Mu led his army to engage the Qin forces at Fei and repelled them. The King of Zhao enfeoffed Li Mu as the Lord Wuan. In the fourth year of King Youmiu, Qin attacked Fanwu. Li Mu engaged the Qin forces and repelled them.

In the fifth year, a great earthquake occurred in Dai. From Lexu westward, north to Pingyin, most of the walls of towers and houses collapsed, and the ground split open, one hundred and thirty paces wide from east to west. In the sixth year, a great famine occurred. The people spread rumors, saying: "The people of Zhao wail, the people of Qin laugh. If you do not believe it, look at the ground growing hair."

In the seventh year, Qin attacked Zhao. Zhao's great general Li Mu and General Sima Shang led their army to meet the attack. Li Mu was executed, Sima Shang was dismissed, and Zhao Cong and the Qi general Yan Ju replaced them. Zhao Cong's army was crushed, and Yan Ju fled. King Zhao Qian then surrendered.

In the eighth year, in the tenth month, Handan was annexed to Qin.

The Grand Historian says: I heard from Feng Wangsun: "King Zhao Qian, his mother was a singing girl, favored by King Daoxiang. King Daoxiang deposed his legitimate son Jia and established Qian. Qian had always been without virtue and heeded slanderous words, so he executed his good general Li Mu and employed Guo Kai." Is this not absurd! After Qin captured Qian, the officials of Zhao jointly established Jia as king, and he ruled in Dai for six years. Qin advanced its forces, defeated Jia, and thereby extinguished Zhao, making it a commandery.

The lineage of the Zhao clan shares the same ancestor as the Qin people. King Mu of Zhou pacified Xu and thus enfeoffed Zao Fu. Zhao Dai first served in Jin, and Zhao Su was the first to possess a fief. Tu'an Jia falsely claimed the king's mandate to slay the Zhao clan; Han Jue established Zhao Wu. The treasure talisman foretold Dai, and ultimately the position of Bo Lu was assumed. Zhao Jianzi dreamed of a Di dog; King Zhao Wuling sang of a maiden. Although the barbarian attire and cavalry archery were powerful, the foundation was not established in a suitable place. Lian Po and Li Mu were not employed; King Zhao Qian was imprisoned and captured.