“Campaigns, Deaths, and Diplomacy in Year 23”

In the twenty-third year of the reign, the State of Qi launched an attack on the State of Song, besieging the city of Hun. This action was taken because the Song state had not adhered to the alliance terms with Qi. In the summer of the fifth month, on the day of Gengyin, the Duke of Song, Duke Zifu, passed away, a consequence of his injuries sustained from a previous conflict.

In the autumn of the same year, the State of Chu, under the leadership of Cheng, waged war against the State of Chen. The objective was to address Chen’s previous betrayal of Song. Chu’s forces captured the cities of Jiao and Yi, and after securing these territories, they returned to their own lands. For his achievements, Cheng was appointed as the chief minister by the State of Chu.

In the ninth month, the Duke of Jin, Duke Hui, passed away. His successor, Duke Huai, did not respond to the commands of the deceased Duke, and he was not granted mercy. Huai’s son, Hou Tu, and others loyal to the late Duke Hui, such as Mao and Yan, who were in Qin, were not summoned back. In winter, Duke Huai captured Hou Tu and declared that he would be spared if he returned. Hou Tu responded, stating that adherence to principles taught by his father, loyalty, was paramount. He argued that summoning him back from Qin, where he had been loyal, would be unjust, as it would imply disloyalty to the principles of service.

Eventually, Duke Huai executed Hou Tu. The elder statesman Bo Yan, who had claimed illness and did not appear, criticized this decision, stating that such harsh actions without clarity of virtue would only spread fear and unrest among the people.

In the eleventh month, the Duke of Qi, who had died earlier, was succeeded by Duke Cheng of Qi. His passing was recorded in the historical records, marking the end of his alliance with other states. This was done in accordance with the rites for fallen states and their rulers.

During the same period, the son of Duke Zhong of Jin, known as Chong’er, faced numerous challenges. The people of Pu City, who were under attack by Jin forces, wanted to fight back. Chong’er, however, chose not to engage in battle, believing that preserving the life and legacy of his father was more important. He and his followers, including Hou Yan, Zhao Shuai, and others, fled to the Di state.

In Di, the Di people captured two daughters, Shun Kui and Ji Kui. They were given to Duke Chong’er, who married Ji Kui, resulting in the birth of his sons. Ji Kui was to wait twenty-five years before marrying again, should Chong’er not return. Chong’er spent twelve years in Di before moving on.

Passing through Wei, Chong’er was not treated with respect by Duke Wen of Wei. Leaving the region of Wu Lu, he sought food from local villagers. When they offered him food, he expressed his gratitude and accepted it, even though his followers were unhappy about this.

Upon reaching Qi, Duke Huan of Qi married Chong’er to his daughter, providing him with twenty horses. Despite his followers’ objections, Chong’er continued to pursue his objectives.

Chong’er arrived in Cao, where he was examined by the local leaders. They found him worthy of a high position and offered him hospitality, although they also demanded a deeper investigation. The Duke of Cao suggested that if Chong’er were to serve as a prime minister, he might eventually return to his state. Chong’er and his followers accepted the hospitality and support from Cao.

When Chong’er reached Song, the Duke of Song honored him with twenty horses. In Zheng, Duke Wen of Zheng also failed to show proper respect. Uncle Zhan advised that such disregard for someone of Chong’er’s status might provoke divine displeasure. Despite this, Duke Wen did not change his attitude.

Arriving in Chu, Duke Cheng of Chu hosted Chong’er, acknowledging that if he were to return to Jin, the state would benefit from the alliance and support of Chu. Duke Cheng stated that if Chong’er could return to Jin, both states would work together to manage the central region, promising three months of accommodation and support if Chong’er succeeded.

Chong’er was eventually sent to Qin, where he was provided with five women, including Huai Ying. Although he initially felt slighted by Qin’s low status, he eventually accepted the offer and complied with Qin’s terms.

Chong’er, feeling that his situation was not as favorable as it could have been, requested that Zhao Shuai join him. He continued to receive recognition and support from the various states he had visited. His perseverance in diplomacy and negotiation demonstrated the intricate and often challenging nature of ancient statecraft and alliances.