Battle for Xu: Ancient Chinese Diplomacy and Warfare

In the eleventh year of the Spring and Autumn period, a series of political and military events unfolded, illustrating the intricate dynamics between different states in ancient China. This narrative, based on the “Annals” and the “Commentary,” provides a comprehensive look at the alliances, disputes, and strategies that shaped this historical period.

Spring: Diplomatic Visits and Hierarchical Disputes

The year began with the rulers of Teng and Xue visiting the State of Lu. During the spring, a dispute arose between them over who should be given precedence. The Marquis of Xue claimed seniority based on the earlier establishment of his state, while the Marquis of Teng asserted his precedence due to his status as a legitimate descendant of the Zhou royal family. The Duke of Lu intervened by sending a mediator to the Marquis of Xue, requesting that he yield precedence to the Marquis of Teng, citing the ancient principle that different surnames should be ranked by their allegiance to the Zhou dynasty. The Marquis of Xue agreed, and thus, the Marquis of Teng was given precedence.

Summer: Military Preparations and Conflicts

In the summer, the Duke of Lu met with the Marquis of Zheng at a place called Lai to discuss a joint military campaign against the State of Xu. The Marquis of Zheng prepared for the campaign by arming his troops at the grand palace in May. However, a dispute arose between two of his generals, Gongsun Yan and Ying Kaoshu, over the use of a chariot, leading to tension within the ranks.

In July, the Duke of Lu, along with the Marquis of Qi and the Marquis of Zheng, launched an attack on the State of Xu. During the battle, Ying Kaoshu seized the battle flag of the Marquis of Zheng and led the charge, but was shot down by Zidu. Despite this, another general, Hushu Ying, managed to rally the troops, leading to a successful siege of Xu. The Marquis of Xu fled to the State of Wei. The ruler of Qi then offered the conquered territory to the Duke of Lu, but he declined, stating that it was only proper for the State of Zheng to take control as they had led the charge.

Autumn: Reorganization and Governance

In the aftermath of the battle, the Marquis of Zheng appointed one of his officials, Baili, to govern the eastern part of Xu. He expressed that the misfortune of the Xu state was due to the disfavor of the gods and not the fault of the people, thus seeking to rule with compassion and order. Gongsun Huo was tasked with overseeing the western part of Xu, emphasizing the importance of governance and maintaining stability without exploiting the local resources for personal gain.

The Duke of Lu’s diplomatic and strategic handling of the post-war situation demonstrated a commitment to ethical governance, even in the face of military conquest. By refusing to take control of Xu and allowing the Marquis of Zheng to administer it, he reinforced the values of loyalty and justice.

Winter: Political Intrigue and Assassination

The winter months brought a tragic turn of events. The Duke of Lu fell ill and passed away in November. This led to political instability and a power struggle within the state. Yu Fu, a high-ranking official, plotted to assassinate the Duke to secure a position of power but hesitated due to the Duke’s youth. However, fearing repercussions, Yu Fu falsely accused the Duke of conspiring against Prince Huan, leading to his assassination.

This act of betrayal and the subsequent execution of Yu Fu’s followers marked a dark chapter in the state’s history. The Duke’s assassination underscored the fragility of political alliances and the ruthless nature of power struggles during this period.

Conclusion: Reflection on Governance and Warfare

The events of the eleventh year of the Spring and Autumn period, as detailed in the “Annals” and “Commentary,” provide a profound understanding of the political and military dynamics of ancient China. The narrative illustrates the complex interplay of diplomacy, military strategy, and governance that characterized this era.

Through diplomatic negotiations, military campaigns, and the ethical dilemmas faced by rulers, this period offers valuable lessons on leadership and statecraft. The actions of the Duke of Lu, the Marquis of Zheng, and other key figures reflect the importance of maintaining moral integrity, even in times of conflict.

This detailed account of the events highlights the enduring significance of these historical narratives and their impact on the development of Chinese civilization. By understanding the intricacies of ancient Chinese diplomacy and warfare, we gain a deeper appreciation of the cultural and historical context that shaped this pivotal period in history.