“Ancient Chinese Diplomacy and Warfare”
In the first year of the reign of Duke Zhuang, during the spring month of January, the people of Qi came to the aid of Xing. In the summer, on the 28th day of June, our Duke Zhuang was laid to rest. Come autumn, in August, our duke and the Duke of Qi swore an alliance at Luogu. Winter saw the return of our nobleman, Jizi, and a visit from Zhongsun Qiu of Qi.
The text does not record the new ruler’s ascension due to the chaos at the time. The Di people attacked Xing, prompting Guan Zhong to advise the Duke of Qi: “The barbarians are like wolves; they are insatiable. The neighboring states are close kin; we cannot abandon them. To indulge in peace is akin to consuming poison.” Thus, the people of Qi came to Xing’s rescue.
In June, Duke Zhuang was buried, delayed by the preceding turmoil. By August, our duke allied with the Duke of Qi at Luogu to reinstate Ji You, which the Duke of Qi approved. He sent for Ji You, and our duke awaited him at Lang. “Jizi has returned,” indicates approval of his return.
In winter, Zhongsun Qiu came to assess our difficulties, which is praised in the records as “Zhongsun,” signifying approval. Upon his return, Zhongsun remarked, “As long as Qingfu remains, Lu’s troubles will persist.” When asked how to resolve this, he advised, “The troubles will end themselves; the duke should wait.”
The duke then asked if Lu could be conquered. Zhongsun replied, “No, they still adhere to Zhou’s rituals. As long as they maintain these traditions, they cannot be overthrown. It is better to assist in stabilizing their troubles and forming alliances through shared rituals, which can lead to increased strength and influence.”
During this time, the Marquis of Jin established two armies. The duke commanded the upper army, and Crown Prince Shensheng led the lower army. Zhaosu drove the chariots, and Bi Wan was the right-hand officer. They conquered Geng, Huo, and Wei, and upon their return, the crown prince fortified Quwo. Zhaosu was granted Geng, and Bi Wan received Wei as their fiefs, both becoming high officials.
Shi Wei observed, “The crown prince will not succeed. By dividing the cities and granting fiefs to high officials, it sets a precedent that ensures his downfall. He should escape before blame falls upon him. He can still retain his good name, much like Wu Taibo. If the heavens favor him, he may still have a future.”
Boyi, a diviner, predicted, “Bi Wan’s descendants will prosper. ‘Wan’ means full, ‘Wei’ signifies greatness. This initial reward marks a divine favor. Just as the emperor is called the leader of the people, a feudal lord is seen as a leader of ten thousand. These names foreshadow great achievements.”
Bi Wan, upon seeking an official position in Jin, encountered the hexagram Tun changing to Bi. Xin Liao interpreted this as a great fortune. “Tun indicates prosperity entering Bi, signifying great fortune. This hexagram foretells stability and success. ‘Zhen’ symbolizes land; chariots and horses will follow. The elder brother and mother will support it. The people will rally, creating an unshakeable and powerful entity, akin to a ruler’s fortune. This suggests the descendants of Bi Wan will revive their beginnings and reach great heights.”
Analysis and Contextual Explanation:
This passage provides a snapshot of ancient Chinese political and military maneuvers, demonstrating the intricate dynamics between different states during the Spring and Autumn period. Here are some key points and cultural nuances to consider:
Rescue of Xing: The decision by Qi to rescue Xing reflects the principle of “jointly assisting those in need,” an important concept in Chinese diplomacy. It emphasizes the importance of solidarity among neighboring states to resist external threats.
Burial of Duke Zhuang: The delayed burial due to preceding chaos highlights the significance of proper rituals and ceremonies in Chinese culture. The proper burial of a ruler was crucial for maintaining social order and continuity.
Alliance Formation: The alliance between Lu and Qi at Luogu demonstrates the importance of political alliances in ancient China. These alliances were often solidified through rituals and personal ties between rulers, reflecting the deep intertwining of politics and cultural practices.
Role of Divination: Divination played a crucial role in decision-making. The predictions about Bi Wan’s descendants reflect the belief in fate and destiny, which were often seen as guiding forces in political and personal decisions.
Internal Struggles and Succession: The discussions around the succession of the crown prince and the advice given to him illustrate the complexities of succession and the political intrigue within the courts. The emphasis on maintaining a good name and escaping blame shows the importance placed on reputation and moral integrity.
Cultural Traditions and Rituals: The reference to adhering to Zhou’s rituals as a stabilizing force underscores the centrality of cultural traditions in maintaining social and political order. It reflects the conservative nature of ancient Chinese society, where change was often viewed with suspicion.
Through this lens, we can appreciate the richness of ancient Chinese political thought and the cultural values that underpinned their society. These narratives provide not only historical insights but also a deeper understanding of the philosophies that shaped Chinese civilization.