The House of Wei, Fourteenth
The ancestors of the state of Wei were the descendants of Bi Gonggao. Bi Gonggao shared the same surname as the Zhou royal house. When King Wu of Zhou attacked and overthrew the Shang tyrant Zhou, Bi Gonggao was enfeoffed at Bi, and thus took Bi as his surname. Later, his fief was cut off, and he became a commoner, some living in the central plains, others in remote regions. His descendant named Bi Wan served Duke Xian of Jin.
In the sixteenth year of Duke Xian of Jin, Zhao Su served as charioteer, and Bi Wan as the right-hand guard, together they attacked and destroyed the states of Huo, Geng, and Wei. Duke Xian of Jin granted Geng to Zhao Su and Wei to Bi Wan, appointing them as grand masters. Bu Yan said: "The descendants of Bi Wan will surely prosper. 'Wan' is the number of fullness; 'Wei' is a name of grandeur. To begin a reward with such a name is for Heaven to open his path. The Son of Heaven rules over the myriad people, the feudal lords rule over the ten thousand people. Now giving him such a great name, and matching it with the number of fullness, he will surely possess a multitude of people." At first, Bi Wan divined about his prospects of serving in Jin, obtaining the hexagram of Tun transforming into Bi. Xin Liao interpreted the divination, saying: "Auspicious. Tun symbolizes firmness, Bi symbolizes entering, what could be more auspicious than this? His descendants will surely flourish and multiply."
Eleven years after Bi Wan received his fief, Duke Xian of Jin died. His four sons contended for the rulership, succeeding one another, and Jin fell into chaos. But Bi Wan's clan grew even stronger, changing their surname to Wei according to the name of their fief. Wei Wuzi was born. Wei Wuzi served Duke Wen of Jin's son, Prince Chong'er, as a member of the Wei clan. In the twenty-first year of Duke Xian of Jin, Wei Wuzi followed Chong'er into exile. Nineteen years later, they returned, and Chong'er ascended the throne as Duke Wen of Jin, ordering Wei Wuzi to inherit the original fief of the Wei clan, ranking as a grand master, governing in Wei. Wei Wuzi fathered Wei Daozi.
Wei Daozi moved his seat of governance to Huo. He fathered Wei Jiang.
Wei Jiang served Duke Dao of Jin. In the third year of Duke Dao of Jin, he met with the feudal lords in alliance. Duke Dao's younger brother, Yang Gan, disrupted the ranks, and Wei Jiang executed Yang Gan's servant as punishment. Duke Dao of Jin was angered and said: "Assembling the feudal lords was for honor, yet now I have disgraced my younger brother!" He was about to execute Wei Jiang. Someone advised Duke Dao of Jin, and Duke Dao desisted. Eventually, he employed Wei Jiang to manage state affairs, sending him to pacify the Rong and Di peoples, who all submitted and became attached. In the eleventh year of Duke Dao of Jin, Duke Dao said: "Since I employed Wei Jiang, in eight years, I have assembled the feudal lords nine times, and the Rong and Di have been harmonious—this is your achievement." He granted him music and dance, which Wei Jiang thrice declined before accepting. He moved his seat of governance to Anyi. Wei Jiang died, posthumously titled Zhaozi. He fathered Wei Ying. Wei Ying fathered Wei Xianzi.
Wei Xianzi served Duke Zhao of Jin. After Duke Zhao of Jin died, the six ministers grew powerful, and the ducal house declined.
In the twelfth year of Duke Qing of Jin, Han Xuanzi retired, and Wei Xianzi took charge of state affairs. The Jin clans Qi and Yangshe bore enmity toward each other, and the six ministers destroyed them, seizing all their fiefs to establish ten counties, with each of the six ministers sending their own sons to serve as grand masters of these counties. Wei Xianzi, together with Zhao Jianzi, Zhonghang Wenzi, and Fan Xianzi, served as senior ministers of Jin.
Fourteen years later, Confucius served as acting prime minister of Lu. Another four years passed, and Zhao Jianzi, due to the turmoil at Jinyang, joined with the Han and Wei clans to attack the Fan and Zhonghang clans. Wei Xianzi fathered Wei Chi. Wei Chi joined with Zhao Yang to attack the Fan and Zhonghang clans.
Wei Chi's grandson was named Wei Huanzi, who together with Han Kangzi and Zhao Xiangzi attacked and destroyed Zhibo, dividing his lands.
Wei Huanzi's grandson was named Wenhou, Wei Du. The first year of Wei Wenhou was the first year of Duke Ling of Qin. Wei Wenhou lived at the same time as Han Wuzi, Zhao Huanzi, and King Wei of Zhou.
In the sixth year of Wei Wenhou, a city was built at Shaoliang. In the thirteenth year, he sent Crown Prince Ji to besiege Fan and Pang, relocating their people. In the sixteenth year, he attacked Qin, building cities at Linjin and Yuanli.
In the seventeenth year, he attacked Zhongshan, sending Crown Prince Ji to garrison it, with Zhao Cangtang serving as his tutor. Crown Prince Ji encountered Wenhou's teacher, Tian Zifang, at Zhaoge, and yielded his chariot to make way, descending to pay respects. Tian Zifang did not return the courtesy. Crown Prince Ji then asked: "Is it the rich and noble who are arrogant toward others, or the poor and lowly?" Tian Zifang said: "Only the poor and lowly are arrogant toward others, that's all. If a feudal lord is arrogant toward others, he will lose his state; if a grand master is arrogant toward others, he will lose his fief. As for the poor and lowly, if their actions are not accepted, or their advice not heeded, they leave and go to Chu or Yue, like taking off a straw sandal—how can they be compared to the rich and noble?" Crown Prince Ji left displeased. He attacked westward to Qin, reaching Zheng before withdrawing, building cities at Luoyin and Heyang.
In the twenty-second year, Wei, Zhao, and Han were formally recognized as feudal lords.
In the twenty-fourth year, Qin attacked Wei, reaching Yanghu.
In the twenty-fifth year, Crown Prince Ji fathered a son, named Wei Luan.
Wei Wenhou studied the classics and arts from Zixia, treated Duan Ganshu with the courtesy of a guest, and whenever he passed his lane, he never failed to bow from his carriage. Qin once intended to attack Wei, but someone said: "The ruler of Wei honors worthy men, his people praise his virtue, and those above and below are harmonious and united—he cannot be plotted against." Thus Wei Wenhou gained renown among the feudal lords.
He appointed Ximen Bao to guard Ye, and consequently the He'nei region was well governed.
Wei Wenhou said to Li Ke: "Sir once taught me, saying: 'When a family is poor, one thinks of a good wife; when a state is in chaos, one thinks of a good minister.' Now, in appointing a prime minister, it will be either Wei Chengzi or Zhai Huang—what do these two men think?" Li Ke replied: "I have heard that those in low station do not meddle in the affairs of those in high station, and those distant in relationship do not meddle in the affairs of those near. I am outside the palace gates and dare not accept this charge." Wei Wenhou said: "Sir, do not decline when faced with a matter." Li Ke said: "This is because the ruler has not examined them. Look at whom he is close to in ordinary times, whom he associates with when wealthy, whom he recommends when prominent, what he refrains from doing in times of difficulty, and what he does not take when poor and lowly—these five points are sufficient to decide the choice. Why wait for Li Ke to speak?" Wei Wenhou said: "Sir, return to your residence; my prime minister is already decided." Li Ke walked quickly out and passed by Zhai Huang's house. Zhai Huang said: "Today I heard that the ruler summoned you to divine the choice of prime minister. Who, after all, became prime minister?" Li Ke said: "Wei Chengzi became prime minister." Zhai Huang, enraged, changed color and said: "With my achievements that I have heard and seen, in what way am I inferior to Wei Chengzi? The commandery of Xihe was recommended by me. The ruler considered Ye an internal worry, and I recommended Ximen Bao. The ruler planned to attack Zhongshan, and I recommended Yue Yang. After Zhongshan was conquered, there was no suitable person to guard it, and I recommended you, sir. The ruler's son had no tutor, and I recommended Quhou Fu. In what way am I inferior to Wei Chengzi!" Li Ke said: "Did you originally recommend me to your ruler for the sake of forming a faction to seek high office? The ruler asked me about appointing a prime minister, 'not Wei Chengzi then Zhai Huang—what do these two men think?' I replied: 'This is because the ruler has not examined them. Look at whom he is close to in ordinary times, whom he associates with when wealthy, whom he recommends when prominent, what he refrains from doing in times of difficulty, and what he does not take when poor and lowly—these five points are sufficient to decide the choice. Why wait for Li Ke to speak?' Therefore, I knew Wei Chengzi would become prime minister. Moreover, how can you compare with Wei Chengzi? Wei Chengzi takes a salary of a thousand zhong, using nine-tenths for external affairs and keeping one-tenth at home, thus he obtained from the east Bu Zixia, Tian Zifang, and Duan Ganshu. These three men, the ruler treats as teachers. The five men you recommended, the ruler treats as ministers. How can you compare with Wei Chengzi?" Zhai Huang, hesitant, stepped back twice, bowed twice, and said: "I am a vulgar man, and my answer was wrong. I am willing to be your disciple for life."
In the twenty-sixth year, Mount Guo collapsed, blocking the Yellow River.
In the thirty-second year, he attacked Zheng. A city was built at Suanzao. He defeated Qin at Zhu. In the thirty-fifth year, Qi attacked Wei, taking Xiangling. In the thirty-sixth year, Qin invaded Wei's Yinyin.
In the thirty-eighth year, [Wei] attacked Qin and was defeated by Qin forces at Wuxia, capturing the Qin general Shi. In this year, Marquis Wen of Wei died, and the heir, Ji, ascended the throne; this was Marquis Wu of Wei.
In the first year of Marquis Wu of Wei, Zhao Jinghou had just ascended the throne. Prince Shuo raised a rebellion but failed, fleeing to Wei. Together with Wei forces, he attacked Handan, but the Wei army was defeated and withdrew.
In the second year, walled cities were built at Anyi and Wangyuan.
In the seventh year, [Wei] attacked Qi, reaching Sangqiu. In the ninth year, the Di people defeated Wei forces at Huishui. [Wei] sent Wu Qi to attack Qi, reaching Lingqiu. King Wei of Qi had just ascended the throne.
In the eleventh year, [Wei] together with Han and Zhao divided the lands of Jin among the three houses, extinguishing the descendants of the Jin ruling house.
In the thirteenth year, Duke Xian of Qin established a county at Liyang. In the fifteenth year, [Wei] defeated Zhao at Beilin.
In the sixteenth year, [Wei] attacked Chu, seizing Luyang. Marquis Wu of Wei died, and the heir, Wei Lian, ascended the throne; this was King Hui of Wei.
In the first year of King Hui of Wei, initially, when Marquis Wu of Wei died, the heir Wei Lian and Gongzhong Huan contended for the position of heir. Gongsun Qi entered [Wei] from Song, then from Zhao entered Han, and said to Marquis Yi of Han: “You have heard, I suppose, of the struggle between Wei Lian and Gongzhong Huan for the heirship? Now Wei Lian has the support of Wang Cuo and controls Shangdang, effectively holding half the state. Seize this opportunity to eliminate them; defeating Wei is certain—do not miss the chance.” Marquis Yi of Han was pleased, and together with Marquis Cheng of Zhao, they allied their forces to attack Wei. They joined battle at Zhuoze; the Wei army was heavily defeated, and the Wei ruler was surrounded. Marquis Cheng of Zhao said to Marquis Yi of Han: “Remove the Wei ruler, install Gongzhong Huan as ruler, cede territory, and then withdraw—this will benefit us.” Marquis Yi of Han said: “No. If we kill the Wei ruler, people will surely call us cruel; if we cede territory and withdraw, people will surely call us greedy. It would be better to divide Wei into two parts. If Wei is divided into two, it will be no stronger than Song or Wei, and thus we will forever have no trouble from Wei.” Marquis Cheng of Zhao did not listen. Marquis Yi of Han was displeased and led his small force away by night. The reason King Hui of Wei was not killed and his state was not divided was that the plans of Han and Zhao were not aligned. If either one’s plan had been followed, Wei would certainly have been divided. Hence it is said: “When a ruler dies without a legitimate heir, his state can be broken.”
In the second year, Wei defeated Han at Maling and defeated Zhao at Huai. In the third year, Qi defeated Wei at Guan. In the fifth year, [Wei] met with Han at Zhaiyang. A walled city was built at Wudu. [Wei] was defeated by Qin. In the sixth year, [Wei] seized Yitai from Song. In the ninth year, [Wei] defeated Han at Huishui. [Wei] fought with Qin at Shaoliang; Qin forces captured the Wei general Gongsun Cuo and seized Pang. Duke Xian of Qin died, and his son, Duke Xiao of Qin, ascended the throne.
In the tenth year, [Wei] seized Pilao from Zhao. A comet appeared. In the twelfth year, a star fell during daylight, making a sound.
In the fourteenth year, [Wei] met with Zhao at Hao. In the fifteenth year, the rulers of Lu, Wei, Song, and Zheng came to court. In the sixteenth year, [Wei] met with Duke Xiao of Qin at Duping. [Wei] invaded Song’s Huangchi, but Song retook it.
In the seventeenth year, [Wei] fought with Qin at Yuanli; Qin seized Wei’s Shaoliang. [Wei] besieged Zhao’s Handan. In the eighteenth year, [Wei] captured Handan. Zhao sought aid from Qi; Qi sent Tian Ji and Sun Bin to rescue Zhao, defeating Wei forces at Guiling.
In the nineteenth year, the allied lords besieged Wei’s Xiangling. [Wei] built a long wall and fortified a stronghold at Guyang.
In the twentieth year, [Wei] returned Handan to Zhao and formed an alliance with Zhao at the Zhang River. In the twenty-first year, [Wei] met with Qin at Tong. Zhao Chenghou died. In the twenty-eighth year, King Wei of Qi died. The ruler of Zhongshan served as Wei’s chancellor.
In the thirtieth year, Wei attacked Zhao; Zhao reported an emergency to Qi. King Xuan of Qi adopted Sun Bin’s strategy, rescuing Zhao by attacking Wei. Wei then mobilized in great force, appointing Pang Juan as general and making the heir, Shen, the supreme general. When they passed through Waihuang, a man of Waihuang named Xu said to the heir: “I have a strategy that will win a hundred battles.” The heir said: “May I hear it?” Xu said: “I wish to present it to you.” He then said: “If you personally lead the army to attack Qi, even if you win a great victory and swallow up Ju, your wealth will be no more than that of possessing Wei, and your nobility will be no more than that of being a ruler. If you do not defeat Qi, then for ten thousand generations your descendants will have no more Wei. This is my strategy for winning a hundred battles.” The heir said: “Good. I will certainly follow your advice and withdraw.” Xu said: “Although you wish to withdraw, I fear it cannot be done. Those who urge you to fight and attack seek to gain advantage from it—there are many. Though you wish to withdraw, I fear it is not possible.” The heir then intended to withdraw, but his charioteer said: “For a general to march out and then turn back is the same as being defeated.” The heir indeed fought with the men of Qi and was defeated at Maling. Qi captured Wei’s heir Shen and killed General Pang Juan; the Wei army was thus heavily defeated.
In the thirty-first year, Qin, Zhao, and Qi together attacked Wei. The Qin general Shang Yang deceived Wei’s general, Prince Ang, and attacked and seized his army, defeating the Wei forces. Qin employed Shang Yang, and its eastern lands reached the Yellow River. Meanwhile, Qi and Zhao repeatedly defeated Wei. Anyi was near Qin, so Wei moved its capital to Daliang. [Wei] established Prince He as heir.
In the thirty-third year, Duke Xiao of Qin died. Shang Yang fled from Qin back to Wei; Wei resented him and would not accept him. In the thirty-fifth year, the King of Wei met with King Xuan of Qi south of Ping’e.
King Hui of Wei had repeatedly suffered military defeats, so he used humble rites and generous gifts to attract worthy men. Zou Yan, Chunyu Kun, and Meng Ke all came to Daliang. King Hui of Liang said: “I lack ability; three times the army has been defeated abroad, the heir was captured, the supreme general was killed, and the state has thus been emptied, bringing shame to the ancestral temples and altars of my predecessors. I am deeply ashamed of this. You, venerable sir, have come from a thousand li, condescending to my court—what plan can benefit my state?” Meng Ke said: “A ruler should not speak of benefit in this way. If the ruler seeks benefit, then the high officials will seek benefit; if the high officials seek benefit, then the common people will seek benefit; when superiors and inferiors contend for benefit, the state is endangered. For a ruler, it is enough to practice benevolence and righteousness—why speak of benefit!”
In the thirty-sixth year, the King of Wei again met with the King of Qi at Zhen. In this year, King Hui of Wei died, and his son, King Xiang of Wei, succeeded.
In the first year of King Xiang of Wei, [Wei] met with the lords at Xuzhou, mutually recognizing each other as kings. [Wei] posthumously honored his father, King Hui, as king.
In the fifth year, Qin forces defeated Wei’s 45,000 troops under Long Jia at Diaoyin and besieged Wei’s Jiao and Quwo. Wei ceded the lands west of the Yellow River to Qin.
In the sixth year, [Wei] met with the King of Qin at Ying. Qin seized Wei’s Fenyin, Pishi, and Jiao. Wei attacked Chu, defeating Chu forces at Xingshan. In the seventh year, Wei ceded all of Shangjun to Qin. Qin subdued Wei’s Puyang. In the eighth year, Qin returned Wei’s Jiao and Quwo.
In the twelfth year, Chu defeated Wei at Xiangling. The chief ministers of the lords met with Qin’s chancellor Zhang Yi at Niesang. In the thirteenth year, Zhang Yi became chancellor of Wei. In Wei, a woman turned into a man. Qin seized Wei’s Quwo and Pingzhou.
In the sixteenth year, King Xiang of Wei died, and his son, King Ai of Wei, succeeded. Zhang Yi returned to Qin.
In the first year of King Ai of Wei, five states allied to attack Qin but did not succeed and withdrew.
In the second year, Qi defeated Wei at Guanjin. In the fifth year, Qin sent Chuli Zi to seize Wei’s Quwo and drove off Xishou at Anmen. In the sixth year, Qin came to Wei to establish Prince Zheng as heir. The King of Wei met with the King of Qin at Linjin. In the seventh year, [Wei] attacked Qi. [Wei] joined Qin in attacking Yan.
In the eighth year, [Wei] attacked the state of Wei and captured two cities. Ru'er had an audience with the ruler of Wei and said, "If I can make Wei withdraw its troops and dismiss Chengling Jun, would that be acceptable?" The ruler of Wei said, "If you, sir, can truly accomplish this, I am willing to serve you for generations in the same manner as I serve Wei." Ru'er then had an audience with Chengling Jun and said, "Formerly, when Wei attacked Zhao, it cut off the Yangchang Slope, captured Yanyu, and agreed to destroy Zhao, dividing it into two. The reason Zhao did not perish was because Wei was the leader of the Vertical Alliance. Now Wei is on the verge of destruction and will soon turn west to submit to Qin as a vassal. Rather than letting Qin pardon Wei, it would be better for Wei to pardon Wei. Wei's gratitude for Wei's kindness will be endless." Chengling Jun said, "Good." Ru'er had an audience with the King of Wei and said, "I have business to attend to regarding Wei. Wei was originally a branch of the Zhou royal house. Although it is called a small state, it possesses many treasures. Now, pressured by danger, Wei does not produce its treasures. Their thinking is that whether to attack or pardon Wei is not decided by the Great King, so even if they brought out their treasures, they would certainly not present them to the Great King. I privately suspect that the one who first proposes pardoning Wei must be someone who has accepted bribes from Wei." After Ru'er left, Chengling Jun entered and presented the same words to the King of Wei as Ru'er had spoken. The king believed his words, withdrew the army, dismissed Chengling Jun, and never saw him again for the rest of his life.
In the ninth year, the King of Wei met with the King of Qin at Linjin. Zhang Yi and Wei Zhang both returned to Wei. The Wei chancellor Tian Xu died. Chu feared Zhang Yi, Xishou, and Xue Gong. The Chu chancellor Zhao Yu said to Su Dai, "Tian Xu is dead. I fear that one of Zhang Yi, Xishou, or Xue Gong will become chancellor of Wei." Su Dai said, "Then whom would you prefer to see as chancellor to benefit you?" Zhao Yu said, "I wish the Crown Prince would make himself chancellor." Su Dai said, "Allow me to go north on your behalf. I will surely make the Crown Prince chancellor." Zhao Yu said, "How will you do it?" Su Dai replied, "You may temporarily act as King of Liang, and let me try to persuade you." Zhao Yu said, "What will you say?" Su Dai said, "I came from Chu. Zhao Yu was very worried, saying, 'Tian Xu is dead. I fear that one of Zhang Yi, Xishou, or Xue Gong will become chancellor of Wei.' I said, 'The King of Liang is a wise ruler. He will certainly not make Zhang Yi chancellor. If Zhang Yi becomes chancellor, he will surely favor Qin and harm Wei. If Xishou becomes chancellor, he will surely favor Han and harm Wei. If Xue Gong becomes chancellor, he will surely favor Qi and harm Wei. The King of Liang is a wise ruler; he will certainly not do this.' The King of Liang said, 'Then whom should I make chancellor?' I said, 'It would be better to let the Crown Prince make himself chancellor. If the Crown Prince makes himself chancellor, then these three men will all think that the Crown Prince is only temporarily chancellor, and they will all strive to serve Wei with their own states, hoping to obtain the chancellor's seal. With the strength of Wei, and with three states of ten thousand chariots assisting it, Wei will surely be stable. Therefore, it is better to let the Crown Prince make himself chancellor.'" Su Dai then went north to have an audience with the King of Liang and told him these words. The Crown Prince indeed became chancellor of Wei.
In the tenth year, Zhang Yi died. In the eleventh year, the King of Wei met with King Wu of Qin at Ying. In the twelfth year, the Crown Prince went to Qin to pay court. Qin came to attack Wei's Pishi, but failed to capture it and withdrew. In the fourteenth year, Qin sent back the queen of King Wu of Qin. In the sixteenth year, Qin captured Wei's Pufan, Yangjin, and Fengling. In the seventeenth year, the King of Wei met with the King of Qin at Linjin. Qin returned Wei's Pufan. In the eighteenth year, [Wei] joined Qin in attacking Chu. In the twenty-first year, [Wei] joined Qi and Han in defeating the Qin army at Hangu Pass.
In the twenty-third year, Qin again returned Wei's territory north of the Yellow River and Fengling as a peace settlement. King Ai of Wei died, and his son, King Zhao of Wei, succeeded him.
In the first year of King Zhao of Wei, Qin captured Wei's Xiangcheng. In the second year, [Wei] fought with Qin and was not victorious. In the third year, [Wei] assisted Han in attacking Qin. The Qin general Bai Qi defeated the Wei army at Yique, killing 240,000 men. In the sixth year, [Wei] ceded 400 li of territory east of the Yellow River to Qin. Mang Mao gained favor through deceit. In the seventh year, Qin captured sixty-one cities, large and small, from Wei. In the eighth year, King Zhao of Qin proclaimed himself Western Emperor, and King Min of Qi proclaimed himself Eastern Emperor. After a little more than a month, both discarded the imperial title and reverted to being kings. In the ninth year, Qin captured Wei's Xinyuan and Quyang.
In the tenth year, Qi destroyed the state of Song. The King of Song died in Wei's Wen. In the twelfth year, [Wei] joined Qin, Zhao, Han, and Yan in attacking Qi. They defeated the Qi army west of the Ji River. King Min of Qi fled. Only the Yan army entered Linzi. The King of Wei met with the King of Qin at Western Zhou.
In the thirteenth year, Qin captured Wei's Ancheng. The army reached Daliang and then departed. In the eighteenth year, Qin captured Ying, and the King of Chu moved his capital to Chen.
In the nineteenth year, King Zhao of Wei died, and his son, King Anxi of Wei, succeeded him.
In the first year of King Anxi of Wei, Qin captured two cities from Wei. In the second year, [Qin] again captured two cities from Wei. The army camped below the walls of Daliang. Han came to rescue. Wei ceded Wen to Qin to seek peace. In the third year, Qin captured four cities from Wei, killing 40,000 men. In the fourth year, Qin defeated Wei, together with Han and Zhao, killing 150,000 men, and drove away the Wei general Mang Mao. The Wei general Duan Ganzi requested that Nanyang be ceded to Qin to seek peace. Su Dai said to the King of Wei, "The one who desires the seal is Duan Ganzi; the one who desires territory is Qin. Now the Great King lets the one who desires territory control the seal, and lets the one who desires the seal control the territory. Wei's territory will not be fully ceded until it is all gone. Moreover, using territory to serve Qin is like carrying firewood to put out a fire; the fire will not go out until the firewood is exhausted." The King of Wei said, "The reasoning is correct. Nevertheless, the matter has already been set in motion and cannot be changed." Su Dai replied, "Has the Great King never seen how chess players value the 'xiao' piece? If it is advantageous, they take the opponent's piece; if not, they stop. Now the Great King says, 'The matter has already been set in motion and cannot be changed.' Why is the Great King's use of strategy inferior to the use of the 'xiao' piece in chess?"
In the ninth year, Qin captured Wei's Huai. In the tenth year, the Crown Prince of Qin died while a hostage in Wei. In the eleventh year, Qin captured Wei's Qiqiu.
King Zhao of Qin said to his attendants, "Compared to the past, are the present states of Han and Wei stronger or weaker?" The attendants replied, "They are not as strong as before." The King of Qin said, "Compared to Mengchang Jun and Mang Mao, are the present Ru'er and Wei Qi more worthy?" The attendants replied, "They are not as worthy." The King of Qin said, "With the worthiness of Mengchang Jun and Mang Mao, leading the combined forces of strong Han and Wei to attack Qin, they still could not do anything to me. Now, with the unworthy Ru'er and Wei Qi leading the weak forces of Han and Wei to attack Qin, it is quite obvious that they will not be able to do anything to me." All the attendants said, "Very true." Zhong Qi leaned on his zither and replied, "The Great King's assessment of the world is wrong. In the past, when the six ministers of Jin held power, the Zhi clan was the strongest. It destroyed the Fan and Zhonghang clans, and then led the armies of Han and Wei to besiege Zhao Xiangzi at Jinyang. They breached the Jin River to flood Jinyang, and the city wall was only three ban (about six feet) from being submerged. Zhi Bo inspected the floodwaters, with Wei Huanzi driving his chariot and Han Kangzi serving as his attendant. Zhi Bo said, 'I did not know before that water could destroy another's state. Now I know.' The Fen River could flood Wei's Anyi, and the Jiang River could flood Han's Pingyang. Wei Huanzi nudged Han Kangzi with his elbow, and Han Kangzi stepped on Wei Huanzi's foot. With their elbows and feet signaling each other on the chariot, thus the land of the Zhi clan was divided, its lord was killed and its state destroyed, becoming a laughingstock for all under Heaven. Now, although the Qin army is strong, it is no stronger than the Zhi clan. Although Han and Wei are weak, they are still stronger than they were at the foot of Jinyang. This is exactly the time for them to use their elbows and feet. I hope the Great King will not underestimate them!" Thereupon the King of Qin became fearful.
Qi and Chu allied to attack Wei. Wei sent envoys to Qin for help, their carriages and canopies forming an unbroken line, yet Qin’s relief forces never arrived. There was a man of Wei named Tang Ju, over ninety years old, who said to the King of Wei: “Your old servant requests permission to go west and persuade the King of Qin, so that Qin’s troops will set out immediately after I depart.” The King of Wei bowed twice, then prepared a carriage and sent him off. Tang Ju arrived in Qin and entered the palace to see the King of Qin. The King of Qin said: “You, venerable sir, have come here from afar, utterly exhausted—how arduous! Wei has sent for help many times, and I already know the critical situation of Wei.” Tang Ju replied: “Since Your Majesty knows Wei is in peril yet does not send relief, I privately think your ministers in charge of planning are incompetent. Wei is a great state with ten thousand war chariots. The reason it serves Qin to the west, calling itself an eastern vassal, accepting Qin’s cap-and-girdle system, and presenting offerings in spring and autumn, is that Qin’s strength is sufficient to be its ally. Now the armies of Qi and Chu have already converged outside Wei’s capital, yet Qin’s relief forces have not been dispatched. This is also because you rely on Wei not yet being at its utmost crisis. If it reaches that point, it will cede territory and join the Vertical Alliance—what then would Your Majesty rescue? If you wait until it is in dire straits to save it, you will lose an eastern vassal like Wei, while strengthening two enemies, Qi and Chu—what benefit would Your Majesty gain?” Then King Zhao of Qin immediately sent troops to rescue Wei. Wei was again stabilized.
Zhao sent a man to say to the King of Wei: “Kill Fan Cuo for me, and I will offer seventy li of territory.” The King of Wei said: “Agreed.” He sent officials to arrest Fan Cuo, surrounding his residence but not yet killing him. Fan Cuo then climbed onto the roof, straddled the ridge, and said to the envoy: “It is better to trade a living Fan Cuo than a dead one. If I die and Zhao does not give the territory to Your Majesty, what will Your Majesty do? So it is better to first confirm the land cession, then kill me.” The King of Wei said: “Good.” Fan Cuo then wrote a letter to Lord Xinling, saying: “Fan Cuo was formerly the dismissed prime minister of Wei. Zhao used territory as a condition to have me killed, and the King of Wei complied. If mighty Qin imitates Zhao’s method, then what will you do?” Lord Xinling spoke to the King of Wei, and Fan Cuo was released.
Because of Qin’s rescue, the King of Wei wanted to befriend Qin and attack Han to recover his former territories. Wuji said to the King of Wei:
“Qin shares the same customs as the Rong and Di, with a tiger-wolf heart, greedy and violent, fond of profit and without trust, understanding nothing of ritual, righteousness, virtue, or conduct. If there is advantage to be gained, it disregards even relatives and brothers, like beasts—this is known to all under Heaven. It has never performed acts of kindness or accumulated virtue. Thus the Empress Dowager was Qin’s mother, yet she died of worry; the Marquis of Rang was Qin’s maternal uncle, with no greater merit, yet he was expelled; two younger brothers were without fault, yet their fiefs were repeatedly taken. If it treats relatives like this, how much more so enemy states? Now Your Majesty joins Qin to attack Han, thereby drawing closer to Qin’s calamity—I am deeply puzzled by this. If Your Majesty does not understand this, you are unwise; if none of your ministers inform you of this, they are disloyal.
Now Han serves a young ruler with a woman, with great disorder within, and must resist the allied forces of mighty Qin and Wei without—does Your Majesty think it can avoid destruction? If Han is destroyed, Qin will occupy the former territory of Zheng, neighboring Wei’s capital Daliang—does Your Majesty think this safe? Your Majesty wants to recover former lands, yet relies on a close relationship with mighty Qin—does Your Majesty think this advantageous?
Qin is not a state that stirs up trouble for no reason. After Han is destroyed, it will certainly provoke another incident, and when it does, it will choose what is easy and profitable. Choosing what is easy and profitable, it will certainly not attack Chu or Zhao. Why is this? To cross mountains and rivers, go through Han’s Shangdang to attack powerful Zhao, this would repeat the disaster of the Battle of Yanyu—Qin will certainly not do this. If it takes the road through Henei, backs against Ye and Zhaoge, crosses the Zhang and Fu rivers, and fights a decisive battle with Zhao’s army outside Handan, this would repeat the catastrophe of Zhibo—Qin dares not do this either. To attack Chu, it would take the She Valley road, march three thousand li, and attack the Ming’e Pass—the road is long and the attack difficult—Qin will not do this either. If it takes the road through Hewai, backs against Daliang, passes right through Shangcai and Shaoling, and fights a decisive battle with Chu’s army outside Chen—Qin dares not do this either. Thus I say Qin will certainly not attack Chu or Zhao, nor will it attack Wei or Qi.
After Han is destroyed, on the day Qin’s troops set out, there will be no state other than Wei to attack. Qin already holds Huai, Mao, and Xingqiu, and has built a city at Guijin to pressure Henei—Gong and Ji in Henei will certainly be in danger. Qin possesses Zheng, obtains Yuanyong, and can open the Yongze marsh to flood Daliang—Daliang will certainly fall. When Your Majesty’s envoys slandered Anling before Qin, Qin has long wanted to destroy Anling. Qin’s Yeyang and Kunyang neighbor Wuyang; if it heeds the slander, then destroys Anling, circles north of Wuyang, presses east toward Xu, the southern region will certainly be endangered—can the state avoid harm?
It may be acceptable to hate Han and not cherish Anling, but it is wrong not to worry about Qin and not cherish the southern region. In the past, Qin was in the Jin lands west of the Yellow River, a thousand li from Daliang, separated by the Yellow River and Mount Hua, and by Zhou and Han. From the battle at Linxiang to today, Qin has attacked Wei seven times, entered the royal parks five times, seized all border cities, destroyed the Wentai, burned Chuihuang, cut down forests, hunted all deer, and then besieged the capital. Qin’s army also drove straight north of Daliang, east to the outskirts of Tao and Wei, and north to Pingjian. The lands taken by Qin—north and south of the mountains, outside the Yellow River and within—include dozens of large districts and hundreds of famous cities. When Qin was originally in the Jin lands west of the Yellow River, a thousand li from Daliang, the calamity was already this severe. How much more so when Qin has no Han to separate it, occupies Zheng’s territory, lacks the barrier of the Yellow River and Mount Hua, and the separation of Zhou and Han, and is only a hundred li from Daliang—the calamity will certainly begin from this point.
In the past, the Vertical Alliance did not succeed because Chu and Wei distrusted each other and Han could not join. Now Han has been under Qin’s attack for three years; Qin uses peace overtures to shake Han. Han knows it will be destroyed but does not submit, instead sending a hostage to Zhao, asking to lead the vanguard of all under Heaven and fight to the death. Chu and Zhao will certainly muster their armies; they all understand Qin’s desires are boundless—it will not stop until it has destroyed all states and subjugated the whole world. Therefore I am willing to serve Your Majesty with the strategy of the Vertical Alliance. Your Majesty should quickly accept the alliance of Chu and Zhao, use the hostage of Han to preserve Han, and thereby demand the former lands—Han will certainly offer them.
Preserving Han, stabilizing Wei, and benefiting all under Heaven—this is also Your Majesty’s opportunity. Open the road through Han’s Shangdang to Gong and Ning, making it pass through Ancheng, and levy taxes on entry and exit—this will make Shangdang a major hostage for Wei. With these taxes, the state will become wealthy. Han will certainly be grateful to Wei, love Wei, respect Wei, and fear Wei—Han will surely not dare betray Wei, and thus Han will become a district of Wei. If Wei obtains Han as its own district, Wei, Daliang, and the Hewai region will certainly be safe. Now if you do not preserve Han, the Eastern Zhou, Western Zhou, and Anling will certainly be in danger; Chu and Zhao will be greatly defeated; Wei and Qi will be terrified; and the day will not be far off when all the feudal lords rush westward to Qin and enter court as subjects.”
In the twentieth year, Qin’s army besieged Handan. Lord Xinling, Wuji, forged the King of Wei’s order to seize General Jin Bi’s army to rescue Zhao, and Zhao was preserved. Wuji then remained in Zhao. In the twenty-sixth year, King Zhao of Qin died.
In the thirtieth year, Wuji returned to the state of Wei and led the armies of five states to attack Qin. They defeated the Qin army at He-wai and drove away Meng Ao. The crown prince of Wei, Zeng, was a hostage in Qin. The King of Qin was enraged and wanted to imprison Crown Prince Zeng of Wei. Someone spoke for Zeng to the King of Qin, saying: "Gongsun Xi originally said to the Wei prime minister, 'Please have Wei attack Qin quickly. The King of Qin will become angry and will surely imprison Zeng. The King of Wei will also become angry and attack Qin, and Qin will certainly suffer damage.' Now if Your Majesty imprisons Zeng, this would be the fulfillment of Gongsun Xi's plan. Therefore it is better to treat Zeng generously and form an alliance with Wei, thereby causing Qi and Han to become suspicious of Wei." The King of Qin thus did not imprison Zeng.
In the thirty-first year, King Zheng of Qin ascended the throne.
In the thirty-fourth year, King Anxi of Wei died. Crown Prince Zeng succeeded him; this was King Jingmin. Lord Xinling, Wuji, died.
In the first year of King Jingmin, Qin captured twenty cities from Wei and established them as the eastern commandery of Qin. In the second year, Qin captured Zhaoge from Wei. Wei moved its capital to Yewang. In the third year, Qin captured the city of Ji from Wei. In the fifth year, Qin captured the cities of Yuan, Puyang, and Yan from Wei. In the fifteenth year, King Jingmin died, and his son, Wang Jia, succeeded him.
In the first year of Wang Jia, Crown Prince Dan of Yan sent Jing Ke to assassinate the King of Qin. The King of Qin discovered this plot.
In the third year, the Qin army released floodwaters to submerge Daliang, captured Wang Jia, and then extinguished Wei, establishing it as commanderies and counties.
The Grand Historian says: I once went to the ruins of Daliang in those days. People among the ruins said: "When the Qin army broke through Daliang, they diverted the waters of the Yellow River channel to flood Daliang. After three months, the city walls were breached. The King of Wei requested surrender, and then Wei was extinguished." Commentators all say that Wei, because it did not employ Lord Xinling, thus its state weakened and it perished. I do not think this is so. Heaven was just then allowing the King of Qin to pacify the world; his undertaking was not yet complete. Even if Wei had obtained a worthy minister like Yi Yin, what benefit would it have brought?
The descendants of the Duke of Bi, taking the state as their clan name. The great name first received its reward; the full number was naturally correct. Later generations flourished and multiplied; records set down loyal and upright men. Yang Gan was executed; the Zhi clan fled in haste. Lord Wen of Wei first received enfeoffment; Lord Wu of Wei was indeed strong. Daliang was moved eastward; Chang'an was investigated northward. Mang Mao was already without merit; Wei Yang was also sent on a mission. King Jia's state weakened; he was captured by King Zheng of Qin.