“Strategic Diplomacy: Navigating Power Dynamics in Ancient China”
In the state of Chu during the reign of King Huai, intricate political maneuvers unfolded amidst the turbulent backdrop of warring states. Facing pressure from the Qin state, King Huai’s court deliberated over their strategic options. “We must cede territory to Qin,” advised some ministers, “and offer the Crown Prince as a hostage to Qi. If Qi and Qin join forces, Chu’s survival will be imperiled.” This dire situation prompted discussions about installing Prince Huai’s son as the new ruler.
Zhao Ju opposed this plan, arguing, “Both the King and the Crown Prince are trapped among the states. To disobey the King’s orders and install his illegitimate son is inappropriate.” Nonetheless, Chu deceived Qi into believing they were in agreement, and King Min of Qi suggested, “Instead of keeping the Crown Prince, why not retain him to seek the territory north of the Huai River from Chu?” The minister responded, “No, establishing a king in Ying would mean we would be holding a hostage without just cause in the eyes of the world.”
Others argued, “That’s not the case. If a king is established in Ying, they could make a deal with the new king, saying, ‘Give me the eastern lands, and I’ll kill the Crown Prince. Otherwise, we’ll jointly establish him with three states.’ If this were to happen, the eastern lands would surely be attainable.” Qi’s king ultimately followed the advice of his ministers and returned the Crown Prince to Chu. Upon his return, the Crown Prince ascended to the throne and became King Xiang of Chu. He reported to Qin, “Thanks to the spirits of our ancestors, the kingdom now has a king.”
During King Xiang’s first year, Qin was unable to reclaim the land from King Huai, so Chu installed a king to appease Qin’s demands. King Zhao of Qin was furious and launched an attack through Wu Gorge, defeating the Chu army, capturing fifty thousand heads, and seizing fifteen cities, including Xi County. The second year, King Huai fled from Chu and sought refuge in Zhao. The son of Zhao’s main minister ruled as King Hui, performing royal duties in his father’s stead, but fearing Chu’s king, he dared not return to Chu. King Huai sought refuge in Wei, but Qin pursued him there. Qin and Chu’s envoys persuaded King Huai to return to Qin. King Huai subsequently fell ill and died in Qin during King Xiang’s third year.
Upon King Huai’s death, Qin returned his remains to Chu. The people of Chu mourned him deeply, and this incident caused the vassal states to no longer respect Qin. Relations between Qin and Chu were severed. In the sixth year, Qin’s Bai Qi launched a campaign against Han at Yique, scoring a great victory by beheading two hundred and forty thousand soldiers. Qin sent a letter to the King of Chu, saying, “Chu has betrayed Qin. Qin is ready to lead the vassal states in attacking Chu. I hope the king can order the soldiers to enjoy the battle.”
King Xiang of Chu was troubled by this development and sought to reconcile with Qin. In the seventh year, Chu sent a princess to Qin, and peace was restored between Qin and Chu. In the eleventh year, both Qin and Qi declared themselves emperors, but a month later, they reverted to being kings. In the fourteenth year, King Xiang of Chu and King Zhao of Qin had a friendly meeting in Wan and formed a marital alliance. In the fifteenth year, the Chu king, along with Qin, the three Jins, and Yan, jointly attacked Qi and seized the lands north of the Huai River. In the sixteenth year, King Xiang of Chu had another friendly meeting with King Zhao of Qin in Yan. That autumn, he also met with the Qin king in Rang.
In the eighteenth year, there was a skilled archer among the people of Chu who could shoot birds with a weak bow. When King Xiang heard this, he summoned the archer and asked him, “Why do you like to shoot small birds? Birds like sparrows and pheasants are not worth mentioning to a great king like you. In the past, the Three Sovereigns used archery to cultivate virtue, and the Five Hegemons used it for war among the states. Therefore, Qin, Wei, Yan, and Zhao are like sparrows and pheasants, while Qi, Lu, Han, and Wei are like teal ducks.”