Chronicles of the Spring and Autumn Period: Diplomacy and Intrigue
In the ninth year of spring, Mo Bo of Wei sought gold while Lady Jiang traveled to Qi. In the second month, Shu Sun Dechen journeyed to the capital. On the day of Xin Chou, King Xiang was buried, and Jin officials executed their senior ministers, Xian Du and Liang Yi’er. Lady Jiang returned from Qi in the third month, only to witness further executions of Jin’s ministers, Shi Hu and Ji Zhengfu. Concurrently, the Chu attacked Zheng, prompting Duke Sui to convene troops from Jin, Song, Wei, and Xu to aid Zheng.
As summer arrived, the Di tribe invaded Qi. In the autumn month of August, Duke Xiang of Cao passed away. In September, an earthquake shook the land. During winter, Chu sent Shu Jiao as an envoy, and the Qin people returned Xigong and Cheng Feng’s remains while burying Duke Gong of Cao.
Reflecting on these events, in the spring of the ninth year, on the day of Ji You in the first month, King Xiang ordered the execution of Xian Ke. On the day of Yi Chou, Jin officials killed Xian Du and Liang Yi’er, a shocking event that marked a departure from established norms. Mo Bo of Wei’s demand for gold was seen as a breach of etiquette and was not recorded in the king’s decree, highlighting the unsettled state of affairs following Xiang’s death and delayed burial.
In the second month, Zhuang Shu traveled to Zhou for diplomatic purposes, while preparations for King Xiang’s burial proceeded. In the third month, on the day of Jia Xu, Jin officials executed Ji Zhengfu, Shi Hu, and Kuai De. Fan Shan advised King Zhu of Chu that the young Jin ruler was vulnerable, suggesting an opportunity to exploit the situation in the northern territories. Subsequently, Chu assembled forces at Langyuan to attack Zheng, capturing Duke Jian, Duke Long, and Yue Er. Peace between Zheng and Chu was eventually restored.
Duke Sui convened forces from Jin, Zhao Dun, Song Huaou, Wei Kong Da, and Xu to aid Zheng but failed to intercept the Chu forces. The omission in recording these events was perceived as a delay and a punitive measure for lack of propriety. In the summer, Chu invaded Chen and conquered Huqiu, demonstrating their dominance in the region. In the autumn, Chu’s Prince Zhu led an expedition against Chen from the eastern barbarians. Despite initial setbacks, Chen managed to defeat Prince Zhu, capturing him. This victory prompted Chen’s reconciliation with Chu.
During winter, Chu’s Shu Jiao came as an envoy, displaying arrogance during the diplomatic exchanges. Duke Hui Bo of Wei commented, “This will surely bring the demise of the Ao clan. Showing disrespect to their ancestors, the gods will not bless them.” Qin returned the remains of Xigong and Cheng Feng as a gesture of respect. Despite being unrelated to the affairs, this act was documented to ensure the preservation of past alliances and friendships.
These historical accounts from the Spring and Autumn period provide invaluable insights into the political dynamics, diplomatic strategies, and military engagements that shaped ancient China. The intricate alliances, territorial ambitions, and interpersonal rivalries depicted in these chronicles highlight the complexities and challenges faced by rulers and statesmen in maintaining stability and asserting authority during this transformative period in Chinese history.