Chronicles of States and Alliances
In the nineteenth year of King Wen’s reign in the spring, during the third month, the people of Song captured Teng Ziyin of Qi. In the summer, in the sixth month, the Duke of Song, the people of Cao, and the people of Zhu formed an alliance at the southern borders of Cao. The lord of Zeng convened a meeting of allies at Zhu. On Jiyou day, the people of Zhu captured Kuizi and utilized him. In the autumn, the people of Song besieged Cao, while the people of Wei attacked Xing. In winter, the people of Chen, Cai, Chu, and Zheng formed an alliance at Qi after Liang had fallen.
In the spring of the nineteenth year, settling in the fortified city. The people of Song captured Duke Xuangong of Teng. In the summer, the Duke of Song sent the Duke of Zhuwen to utilize the lord of Zeng at the Sui’s next shrine, intending to attach to the eastern Yi tribes. Sima Ziyu said, “In ancient times, different kinds of livestock were not mixed together, and minor affairs did not involve major sacrifices, so how could they dare to use people? Sacrificial rites are for humans. The people are masters of the spirits. Using people, who will they appease? Duke Huan of Qi preserved three kingdoms and entrusted them to the vassals, yet the virtuous men still criticized him for his lack of virtue. Now, by convening this assembly and treating the rulers of two states cruelly, and further using the spirits of licentiousness and folly, they seek hegemony. Isn’t this difficult to achieve? Death would be preferable!” In autumn, the people of Wei attacked Xing to retaliate for the Tupo battle. Consequently, Wei suffered a severe drought. When they performed divination at the mountains and rivers, the omens were unfavorable. Ning Zhuangzi said, “In the past, Zhou suffered famine, but after conquering Yin, the years were prosperous. Now Xing is behaving improperly, and the states have no lord. Perhaps heaven intends to let Wei punish Xing?” They followed his advice, and the army set out, after which it rained.
The people of Song besieged Cao due to their refusal to submit. Sima Ziyu advised the Duke of Song, saying, “King Wen heard that when virtue was exalted and disorderly conduct prevailed, he attacked them. After three decads of the army’s failure to submit, he withdrew to restore education and then resumed the attack. They surrendered after constructing fortifications.” The Book of Songs states, “Punishment extends to the minor wife and reaches to brothers, to govern the family and the state.” Today, if your virtue is lacking in some way and you attack others, what should be done? Why not first examine your own virtue? Only act after you’ve rectified any shortcomings.” Duke Chen of Mu requested to improve relations with the vassals to ensure they would not forget Duke Huan of Qi’s benevolence. In winter, they formed an alliance at Qi, renewing the friendship established by Duke Huan. Liang fell, but its ruler is not recorded, which was their own doing.
Originally, Duke of Liang was fond of fortifying cities without actually living in them. When the people became exhausted and unable to bear it, he would say, “Some bandits are about to arrive.” Then he would dig moats around the palace, claiming, “The Qin are planning to attack us.” The people, frightened, fled, and Qin consequently seized Liang.