“Revolutionary Beginnings: Chen Sheng and Wu Guang”
Chen Sheng, courtesy name She, hailed from Yangcheng, while Wu Guang, known as Shu, was from Yangxia. In his youth, Chen Sheng often worked as a hired laborer in the fields. One day, as he stood amidst the furrows, lost in thought, he lamented, “If only I could attain wealth and honor without being forgotten!” His fellow laborer chuckled and replied, “Yet as a hired hand, what wealth and honor could you attain?” Chen Sheng sighed deeply, exclaiming, “Alas, how could sparrows understand the ambitions of swans!”
In the autumn of the first year of Qin Ershi’s reign, in the seventh month, Chen Sheng and Wu Guang were appointed as local militia leaders to guard the left border at Yuyang with nine hundred men. During their march to Qi Daze Township, they were caught in a torrential rainstorm that rendered the roads impassable, causing them to miss their deadline. According to military law, missing the deadline warranted execution, which prompted Chen Sheng and Wu Guang to confer urgently.
They deliberated, “If we run, we face certain death; if we rise, we may die, but could also change the fate of the state.” Chen Sheng declared, “The people have long suffered under Qin. I’ve heard that Ershi, the second son, is unfit to rule, and that the rightful heir is Lord Fusu. Fusu was prevented from ascending due to his constant remonstrations, and now he leads troops abroad. If news spreads of our innocence, Ershi will have him killed. The common people hold Fusu in high regard but are unaware of his fate. Xiang Yan, a Chu general, has won many victories and is loved by his soldiers. They may see us as their standard bearers.”
Wu Guang agreed, and they proceeded to divine their prospects. The diviner sensed their resolve and said, “Your efforts will bear fruit, achieving glory. Yet, is it wise to rely on divination?” Chen Sheng and Wu Guang rejoiced at this augury, thinking, “This is teaching us to prioritize the strength of the masses.” They inscribed “Chen Sheng King” on a piece of red silk and placed it inside a fish caught in a net. Upon cooking and eating the fish, they found the silk and were astonished.
They also orchestrated a fire near Guang’s ancestral temple, causing foxes to cry out, “The great Chu rises, King Chen Sheng!” This caused a great fright among their soldiers. The next day, many soldiers pointed towards Chen Sheng and Wu Guang. As they had a longstanding bond with the people, many of the soldiers were persuaded. When a lieutenant got drunk, Guang often spoke of his desire to revolt, angering the lieutenant. He ordered Guang to be humiliated, provoking his men. The lieutenant drew his sword, and Guang seized it and killed him. Chen assisted and killed two other lieutenants. They summoned their followers, saying, “You encountered rain, and everyone missed the deadline. They should behead them. Using his younger brother as an example, he said, ” let Pass renown among steal cattle Shall turn against thee