Intrigues and Turbulence: Political Chronicles of Ancient China
In the tenth year of spring, during the first month of King Wang’s reign, the duke visited Qi. The Di tribe destroyed Wen, and the ruler of Wen fled to Wei. In Jin, Li Ke assassinated his lord Zhu and the minister Xun Xi. In the summer, Duke of Qi and the Lord of Xu attacked the Northern Rong. Jin killed their minister Li Ke. In autumn, during the seventh month, there were heavy rains and snow in winter.
In the tenth year of spring, Wen was destroyed by the Di tribe due to the lack of trust in Su Zi. Su Zi betrayed the king and fled to the Di tribe, but was unable to find refuge there. The Di people attacked Wen, and the king did not come to their aid, leading to the destruction of Wen. Su Zi then fled to Wei. In the summer month of April, Zhou Gong Ji Fu and Wang Zidang met at Qi Xi Peng to enthrone the Lord of Jin. The Lord of Jin killed Li Ke for reasons that remain unclear. When about to kill Li Ke, the duke sent a message, saying, “It is unexpected that you would commit such a heinous crime against two lords and a minister. Isn’t it difficult to justify being a lord?” Li Ke replied, “If I don’t bear the blame, how can the lord be justified? I have received my orders.” He then committed suicide by sword. This event caused Zheng to send a formal apology to Qin, but the apology was rejected. The Lord of Jin changed the burial place of the heir of Gong.
In autumn, Hu Tu went to the Lower Country and met with the heir. The heir asked Hu Tu to meet with the emperor, saying, “If I do not show respect, I will ask the emperor. Jin will return to Qin, and Qin will worship me.” Hu Tu replied, “I have heard that the gods do not accept those who are not their kind, and the people do not worship those who are not their clan. Will you worship your people? In the end, it is the people’s fault. You have lost your punishment and lack of worship. Will you restore it?” The Lord said, “I will restore it. I will ask again. Seven days later, I will see you with a witch.” Hu Tu agreed and did not appear. When he went to the deadline, he said, “The emperor has promised me to punish the guilty. I am weak in Han.” When he went to Qin, he said to the Lord of Qin, “Lü Ying, Xi Chu, and Ji Rui are not with me. If I ask again, I will send the Lord of Jin and the Lord of Qin to accept the heavy ears. It will not be successful.” In winter, the Lord of Qin sent Leng to ask questions and summoned three sons. Xi Rui said, “The coin is heavy and the words are sweet, luring me.” He then killed Pi Zheng, Qi Ju, and seven lords: Left Run Gonghua, Right Run Jiahua, Shu Jian, Zhuan Zhuan, Lei Hu, Special Palace, and Shan Qi, all allies of Li and Pi. Pi Bao fled to Qin and said to the Lord of Qin, “The Lord of Jin betrayed the great lord and feared minor grievances, and the people did not agree. If he attacks, he will succeed.” The Lord said, “Lost the crowd, how can you kill? Violating disaster, who can resist the lord?”