“Ancient Chinese Political Intrigues”

In the fifteenth year, during the spring in the first month of the King’s calendar, the ruler of Wu, Yimei, passed away. In the second month, on the day of Guichou, a ceremony was held at the Temple of Wu. During the ritual music, Shugang died. The music stopped, and the ceremony was completed in accordance with the rites. In the summer, Chaowu of Cai fled to Zheng. On the first day of the sixth month, Ding Si, there was a solar eclipse. In the autumn, Xun Wu of Jin led a campaign against Xianyu. In the winter, the Duke went to Jin.

Commentary:

In the spring, preparations were made for a grand ancestral sacrifice to Duke Wu. Zishen observed ominous signs in the sky, predicting calamity. He noted the appearance of red and black vapor, which he interpreted not as a favorable omen for the ritual but as a portent of misfortune, likely related to the impending ceremony.

On the day of the sacrifice, Shugang was overseeing the ceremony when he suddenly died as the music commenced. The music ceased immediately, and the ceremony was completed solemnly, in accordance with proper ritual protocol.

Fei Wujie, harboring ill intentions towards Chaowu who resided in Cai, sought to eliminate him. Fei Wujie manipulated Chaowu by insinuating that the King trusted him, thereby placing him in a subordinate position and causing him disgrace. He advised Chaowu to seek a higher status and promised to assist him in doing so. Fei Wujie also incited other high-ranking officials against Chaowu, suggesting that Chaowu’s position above them was untenable, which prompted them to conspire against him. Eventually, Chaowu fled to Zheng.

The King was furious, saying, “I trusted Chaowu, which is why I placed him in Cai. Without Chaowu, I would not be in this position. Why did you drive him away?” Fei Wujie responded, “How could I not want Chaowu here? But I foresaw his inevitable betrayal. With Chaowu in Cai, Cai would soon revolt. Removing him was the only way to cut off their wings.”

In the sixth month, on the day of Yichou, the Crown Prince of Chu died. In the autumn, on the day of Wuyin, Queen Mu of Chu passed away. Xun Wu of Jin led an army against Xianyu, laying siege to Gu. Some residents of Gu offered to betray their city, but Muzi refused. His advisors questioned his decision, arguing that capturing the city without exerting the army was advantageous. Muzi responded, “Uncle Xiang taught me that proper judgment of likes and dislikes is essential for success. If we accept the betrayal, we encourage further treachery. How can we reward what we abhor? If we fail to reward, we lose credibility. Our actions must align with our capacity. I cannot forsake my principles for the sake of gaining a city.”

Muzi ordered the people of Gu to kill the traitor and fortify their defenses. After three months, the city still refused to surrender. Muzi’s advisors urged him to reconsider, but he remained steadfast. He argued that acquiring a city through betrayal only undermines the ruler’s authority. He preferred to capture Gu honorably, ensuring loyalty and proper conduct among the people.

Eventually, Gu exhausted its resources and surrendered. Muzi accepted the surrender without punishing the residents, and he brought back the Gu leader’s son, Yuandi. In the winter, the Duke of Lu traveled to Jin to participate in the peace negotiations at Pingqiu.

In December, Xun Li of Jin went to Zhou to oversee the burial of Queen Mu, with Jitan serving as his assistant. After the burial, they lifted the mourning period and held a banquet, where a wine vessel from Lu was used. The King inquired, “Why does Jin, unlike other states, lack proper vessels for honoring the royal house?” Wenbo bowed and replied, “The feudal lords receive ritual vessels from the royal house to honor their ancestors and maintain their states. Jin, situated in the mountains, is far from the royal influence, and thus lacks these vessels.”

The King questioned Wenbo’s knowledge of Jin’s history, mentioning that Tang Shu, the King’s uncle, received ritual items for his services. The King lamented that Wenbo seemed to have forgotten his own heritage. After the banquet, the King remarked, “Jitan will have no descendants, for he forgets his ancestors’ legacies.”

Jitan returned home and relayed the King’s words to Uncle Xiang. Uncle Xiang predicted the King’s downfall, explaining that the King enjoyed indulging in sorrowful celebrations, which was against propriety. The King violated several key rites by celebrating during mourning and seeking ritual items at an inappropriate time. Uncle Xiang concluded that such disregard for propriety would ultimately lead to the King’s demise.