“Political Intrigue and Shifting Alliances”
In the thirteenth year of the reign, in the spring, Shugu Gong led his army to besiege Fei but was unsuccessful and defeated. This failure angered Pingzi, who commanded that the captured people of Fei be held as prisoners. However, Yequ Fu advised otherwise, stating that treating the captured with kindness by clothing the cold and feeding the hungry would win their loyalty and cause the people of Fei to betray the Nan clan. Pingzi heeded this advice, and the people of Fei turned against the Nan clan.
In the summer of the fourth month, the Chu prince Bi returned from Jin to Chu and killed his ruler Qian at Qianxi. Chu prince Qiji then killed prince Bi. In the autumn, the Duke convened a meeting at Pingqiu with various lords: Liuzi, the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi, and the Viscount of Little Zhu. In August, on the day Jiaxu, they formed an alliance at Pingqiu, but the Duke did not join the alliance. The Jin people captured Jisun Yiru and took him back. The Duke returned from the meeting. The Marquis of Cai, Lu, returned to Cai, and the Marquis of Chen, Wu, returned to Chen. In the winter of the tenth month, the funeral of Duke Ling of Cai was held. The Duke visited Jin but returned upon reaching the river. The state of Wu destroyed the state of Zhou Lai.
Detailed Translation:
In the thirteenth year of the reign, the political and military landscape of the various states was turbulent. Shugu Gong’s attempt to besiege Fei in the spring resulted in failure, a defeat that highlighted the challenges of military campaigns in this period. This defeat angered Pingzi, who initially wanted to imprison the captured people of Fei. However, the wise counsel of Yequ Fu, who suggested treating the captives with kindness, led to a strategic shift. By providing for the basic needs of the captives, Pingzi was able to win their loyalty, causing them to turn against their original rulers, the Nan clan.
The summer brought more dramatic events. In the fourth month, the Chu prince Bi returned from exile in Jin to Chu and assassinated his ruler, Qian, at Qianxi. This act of betrayal was soon met with another when Chu prince Qiji killed prince Bi. These events underscored the ruthless nature of political power struggles within the Chu state.
Autumn saw a significant diplomatic event with a grand meeting at Pingqiu. The Duke hosted various lords, including Liuzi, the Marquis of Jin, and other nobles from Song, Wei, Zheng, Cao, Ju, Zhu, Teng, Xue, Qi, and Little Zhu. This gathering aimed at forming alliances and discussing mutual interests. On the day Jiaxu in August, an alliance was forged at Pingqiu, though the Duke notably abstained from joining. This abstention led to his capture by the Jin people, who took Jisun Yiru back with them. The Duke’s return from the meeting was a key moment, signaling the fragile nature of such alliances and the constant power negotiations between states.
The end of the year saw the funerals of significant figures and further shifts in power. In the winter of the tenth month, Duke Ling of Cai was buried, marking the end of his reign and a period of mourning. The Duke’s visit to Jin, which was cut short upon reaching the river, reflected the complex and often dangerous nature of interstate relations. Meanwhile, the state of Wu capitalized on the political instability by destroying the state of Zhou Lai, further altering the regional power dynamics.
These events in the thirteenth year highlight the intricate and often perilous nature of political and military affairs in ancient China. The actions of leaders, both on the battlefield and in diplomatic circles, had far-reaching consequences for the stability and power structures of their states. The strategies employed, whether through direct confrontation or strategic kindness, reveal the multifaceted approaches to governance and control.
Throughout this period, the balance of power was constantly shifting. The alliances formed and broken, the betrayals and assassinations, and the military campaigns all contributed to a dynamic and volatile political landscape. The leaders’ ability to navigate these complexities determined the fate of their states and their own positions within the broader tapestry of Chinese history.
This translation aims to provide a comprehensive view of the political intrigue and shifting alliances that characterized this period. The intricate relationships between states, the strategic decisions made by leaders, and the constant threat of betrayal and conflict paint a vivid picture of ancient Chinese political life. Understanding these historical events allows us to appreciate the depth and complexity of China’s past and the enduring legacy of its political and military strategies.