The Wisdom of Chu Li Zi: A Qin Strategist

Chu Li Zi, also known as Ji, was the brother of King Hui of Qin, born to different mothers, with Chu Li Zi’s mother being a Korean woman. Known for his wit and intelligence, he was regarded as the “brain box” of Qin, often praised for his cleverness and wisdom.

In the eighth year of King Hui’s reign, Chu Li Zi was granted the title of Right Geng and led a campaign against Quwo. The entire population of Quwo was taken, and the city became part of Qin territory. By the twenty-fifth year, Chu Li Zi was appointed to lead an attack on Zhao, capturing General Zhuang Bao and seizing the city of Lin. The following year, he assisted Wei Zhang in attacking Chu, defeating General Qu Gai and taking the Hanzhong region, earning him the title of Yan Jun.

After King Hui’s death, his son Wu Wang ascended the throne, expelling Zhang Yi and Wei Zhang, while appointing Chu Li Zi and Gan Mao as left and right chancellors. When Gan Mao led an attack on Han, capturing Yiyang, Chu Li Zi was dispatched to the Zhou court with a hundred chariots, treated with great honor by the Zhou king. The King of Chu, however, was displeased, accusing Zhou of excessively favoring the Qin envoy.

The Zhou official You Teng then argued before the King of Chu, warning that treating the Qin envoy with honor could lead to disaster, as Qin was a “tiger and wolf” state. He compared the situation to the past when the state of Chu welcomed a delegation from the Qi kingdom under the pretext of attacking Cai but was instead attacked by Qi itself. The King of Chu was persuaded and ordered his troops to guard against the Qin delegation.

With the death of Wu Wang, Zhao Wang ascended the throne, further elevating Chu Li Zi’s status. In Zhao Wang’s first year, Chu Li Zi led a campaign against Pu, a territory vital to the state of Wei. The ruler of Pu, fearing capture, sought help from Hu Yan, who negotiated with Chu Li Zi to spare Pu in exchange for promises of future allegiance and rewards, thereby avoiding the capture and instead attacking Pishi.

In the seventh year of Zhao Wang’s reign, Chu Li Zi passed away and was buried east of the Zhangtai in Weinan. Before his death, he prophesied that in a hundred years, there would be a palace of an emperor near his tomb, and indeed, during the Han Dynasty, the Chang’an palaces of Weiyang and Changle were built near his resting place.

Chu Li Zi’s career was marked by his clever strategies and diplomatic skills, which earned him great respect and authority in the Qin court. His strategies often involved complex negotiations and subtle manipulation, as seen in his dealings with the states of Zhao, Wei, and Han. His legacy lived on as a symbol of wisdom and strategic acumen in Qin, with a popular saying in Qin going, “For strength, there is Ren Bi; for wisdom, there is Chu Li.”

Gan Mao, another prominent figure of the time, was known for his scholarly background and his significant contributions to Qin’s military campaigns. He played a crucial role in the conquest of Yiyang and the management of Qin’s relations with other states. His diplomatic and military skills complemented those of Chu Li Zi, and together, they helped to consolidate Qin’s power and expand its territory.

The narrative of Chu Li Zi and Gan Mao reflects the turbulent political landscape of the Warring States period, where alliances and strategies were in constant flux. The rulers of Qin, keen to expand their influence and territory, relied heavily on the talents of such capable advisors and generals. The period was characterized by strategic marriages, diplomatic maneuvering, and military conquests, all aimed at consolidating power and weakening rivals.

The accounts of Chu Li Zi’s wit and Gan Mao’s strategic prowess offer a glimpse into the complexities of statecraft and the importance of capable leadership in ancient China. Their stories highlight the intricate balance of power, loyalty, and cunning that defined the politics of the time. These historical figures are remembered not only for their contributions to Qin’s dominance but also for their embodiment of the qualities valued by their society: intelligence, loyalty, and the ability to navigate the treacherous waters of political intrigue.

In summary, Chu Li Zi and Gan Mao were key figures in Qin’s rise during the Warring States period, known for their intelligence and strategic abilities. Their legacy is a testament to the importance of capable leadership and the intricate dynamics of power and politics in ancient China. Their stories continue to be a source of inspiration and reflection on the qualities needed to navigate complex political landscapes.