“The Rise of Tian Rangju: A General’s Testament”
During the era of Duke Jing of Qi, when Jin launched campaigns against the territories of A and Zhen, and Yan encroached upon the regions near the Yellow River, the Qi army suffered significant defeats. Duke Jing was deeply troubled by these developments. It was then that Yan Ying recommended Tian Rangju, descendant of the Tian family, despite his humble origins, as someone capable of rallying the people with his literary talents and commanding respect with his martial prowess. Duke Jing summoned Tian Rangju and discussed military strategies with him, greatly impressed. He appointed Rangju as a general to fend off the armies of Yan and Jin.
Tian Rangju, however, humbly declined, stating, “I am of lowly birth, plucked from obscurity by Your Grace and elevated above the nobles. Yet, without the support of the soldiers and the trust of the people, my influence is feeble and my authority light. I request Your Grace’s favor as a supervisor of the military affairs, honored by the state, so that I may be effective.” Duke Jing granted his request and sent Zhuang Jia to deliver the decree. Tian Rangju agreed with Jia to meet at noon the next day at the military gate.
Ahead of time, Tian Rangju arrived at the military camp, setting up a sundial to track the hour until Zhuang Jia’s arrival. Zhuang Jia, known for his arrogance, considered himself the commander of his own army and took his time. His relatives and attendants escorted him, delaying their arrival for festivities. When noon came and Zhuang Jia had not arrived, Tian Rangju laid down the sundial, checked the water clock, and entered, commanding the troops and reaffirming the terms of their agreement. Once the terms were set, in the evening Zhuang Jia finally arrived.
Tian Rangju asked him, “Why are you late?” Zhuang Jia apologized, saying, “I was delayed by the company of my esteemed relatives.” Tian Rangju responded sternly, “On the day you receive your command, forget your family. When you oversee military preparations, forget your relatives. When you grasp the baton and drum, forget yourself. Now, with enemy nations encroaching deeply, and unrest within our borders, our soldiers exposed on the front lines, Your Grace restless in your seat, finding no joy in your meals, the lives of the people hanging in the balance under Your Grace’s watch—how can you justify such delays for mere companionship?”
Summoning the military judge, he asked, “What is the punishment for those who arrive late for a military appointment?” The judge replied, “They should be executed.” Zhuang Jia, frightened, sent someone to urgently plead with Duke Jing for help. Before this could happen, Zhuang Jia was executed before the entire army as an example. The soldiers were left in awe.
After some time, Duke Jing sent an emissary with a pardon for Zhuang Jia, rushing into the army camp. Tian Rangju stated firmly, “When one is in command of the military, one cannot refuse orders from one’s superior.” He asked the military judge, “What is the penalty for those who execute the emperor’s orders?” The judge replied, “They should be executed.” The envoy was greatly alarmed. Tian Rangju then said, “The envoy of Your Grace cannot be killed.” Instead, he ordered the execution of Zhuang Jia’s attendants, the driver on the left side of the chariot, and the left rider of the horse, as a display before the entire army. He then sent the envoy back with his report. The soldiers were billeted and cared for, their wells and hearths provided for, their food and drink attended to, their ailments treated with medical care. Tian Rangju personally distributed the military supplies among the soldiers, sharing the provisions equally. Those who were weaker and frail received preferential treatment, only being called to arms after three days. The sick sought to go, vying eagerly to fight for them. When the Jin army heard of this, they withdrew in defeat. When the Yan army heard of this, they crossed the river and dispersed northward.
Consequently, Tian Rangju pursued and reclaimed the lost territories, drawing back the armies to their former borders. Before returning to his homeland, he disbanded the troops, lifted military restrictions, swore oaths, and only then entered the city. Duke Jing and the nobles welcomed him, celebrating his achievements with proper rituals before returning home. Having seen Tian Rangju’s prowess, Duke Jing elevated him to the position of Grand Marshal. The Tian family’s stature grew ever more prestigious within Qi.
Later, however, the nobles Bao, Gao, and Guo conspired against him, slandering him before Duke Jing. Duke Jing dismissed Tian Rangju, who fell ill and died. Tian Qi and Tian Bao’s faction, descendants of Xizi, harbored animosity towards Gao and Guo. Later, Tian Chang killed Duke Jian of Qi, wiping out the clans of Guo and Gao. Until his great-grandson Tian He established himself as King Wei of Qi, employing military campaigns to demonstrate Tian Rangju’s strategies and hosting conferences for the princes.
Historian Sima Qian remarked, “I have read the military strategies attributed to Tian Rangju, expansive and profound. Although the campaigns of three dynasties could not fully elucidate their significance, even the writing itself is somewhat inadequate. As for Tian Rangju, hailing from a modest state and leading armies, how could he find time to incorporate the principles of military strategies associated with grand court manners? Many treatises on military strategies have since emerged, hence the exclusion, save for Tian Rangju’s biography.”
End of Translated Long Text