“Diplomatic Maneuvers and Natural Phenomena in Ancient China”

In the spring of the sixteenth year, Duke Qi of Lu campaigned against Xu. The Duke of Chu lured the barbarian tribes and killed their leaders. In the summer, the Duke returned from Jin. In the autumn, on the day Ji Hai in August, Duke Yi of Jin passed away. In September, there was a grand sacrifice for rain. Jisun Yiru of Lu visited Jin. In the winter, in October, the burial of Duke Zhao of Jin took place.

In the spring of the sixteenth year, in the first month of the royal calendar, the Duke was in Jin, where he was halted by the people of Jin. Not documenting this was a matter of taboo. Duke Qi of Lu campaigned against Xu. Upon hearing of the turmoil among the barbarian tribes, Duke Zhu of Chu, without hostages, sent Ran Dan to entice and kill Jia, the leader of the barbarian tribes, and subsequently took control of the tribes. Later, he restored Jia’s son to his position, as was customary. In the second month, on the day Bing Shen, the Qi army reached Pu Sui. The people of Xu agreed to the terms. The Lord of Xu, along with representatives from Tan and Ju, met with the Duke of Lu at Pu Sui and made an alliance, offering the Ding of Jiafu as a gift. Shusun Zhaizi said, “It is lamentable that the lords of states do not act as lords! The Duke of Qi acts without propriety, mobilizing troops to attack distant regions. He meets with them, achieves his goals, and returns, and yet no one dares to criticize him. Indeed, he is not acting as a lord! The Book of Songs says, ‘When the ancestral Zhou was overthrown, no place was left untouched. The upright ministers were driven away, and none knew of my hardships.’ Is this not a fitting description?”

In the second month, Han Qi of Jin was sent on a mission to Zheng, where he was received with hospitality by the Duke of Zheng. Zichan cautioned, “If there is a position at court, all must share in the responsibility.” Kong Zhanghou arrived later and was seated in the guest hall. When the ruling minister came to attend to him, he moved to the county hall. The guests followed him and laughed. After the ceremonies, Fuzi admonished, “The people of a great state must be treated with utmost caution. How can we allow them to mock us? We observe all formalities, yet they still look down on us. If a country lacks propriety, how can it seek honor? Kong Zhang lost his position; it is a disgrace for our lord.” Zichan was angry and said, “Inconsistent commands, unreliable orders, similar penalties for different crimes, confusion in legal matters, disrespect during court meetings, ignoring of orders, offending a great state, causing unrest among the people without accomplishment, and not realizing the shame of it. Kong Zhang is the descendant of the Lord of Zhou, the heir to the ruling minister, the envoy to other states, respected by the people of his country, and known to the lords of other states. He stands at court and is honored at home, receives rewards from the state, contributes to the military, performs mourning ceremonies as required, accepts offerings, and has a memorial in the temple. He has held his position for generations, faithfully carrying out his duties. Now, he has forgotten his roots. How can such a disgrace occur? Those who avoid evil still face punishment. Zining has his own principles.”

Xuanzi had a jade ring and was interested in doing business with Zheng. Xuanzi approached the Duke of Zheng, but Zichan refused, saying, “This is not an official state affair, and our lord is not aware of it.” Zidashu and Ziyu said to Zichan, “Hanzi is not likely to make requests, and the state of Jin cannot be trusted. Jin and Hanzi are not to be underestimated. If there are rumors of trouble, spirits will support it, and regret will be too late. Why should our lord care so much about a single jade ring and incur the displeasure of a great state? Shouldn’t we seek it and give it away?” Zichan said, “I have no intention of betraying Jin. I will serve him to the end. That is why I refuse to give it, out of loyalty and trust. I have heard that a gentleman does not shy away from difficulties posed by bribery, nor does he avoid embarrassment caused by unearned fame. For a person from a great state to ask for a jade ring, and we cannot afford to give it to him, is a serious offense. Hanzi, having received a command, wants to buy jade. His greed is shameful, and how can we use it? If I give away one jade, I will commit two crimes. I will lose my position, and Hanzi will satisfy his greed. If so, I will not do it.”

In the summer of April, the six ministers of Zheng hosted Xuanzi at the suburban temple. Xuanzi said, “Gentlemen, please offer your poems, and let me know the aspirations of Zheng.” Zichan composed “There Are Wild Vines in the Field.” Xuanzi said, “Well done, young man! I have hope.” Zichan then composed “The Luxurious Fur Coat of Zheng.” Xuanzi said, “Zichan is incapable.” Zidashu composed “Lifting the Skirts.” Xuanzi said, “Zichan is here. Would I overburden you by working you hard to assist others?” Zidashu bowed. Xuanzi said, “Well done! Your words are true! Without such actions, how can you succeed?” Ziyu composed “Wind and Rain,” and Ziqi composed “The Lady Who Rides in the Same Carriage.” Ziliu composed “The Mourning Dove.” Xuanzi was delighted and said, “Zheng has great prospects! The six ministers have presented their poems according to the lord’s orders, and their poems do not deviate from the aspirations of Zheng. They are truly close friends. The six ministers have been the masters for generations and need not fear.” Xuanzi presented all the horses, and Zichan composed “I Will.”