Solar Eclipse and Political Intrigue
In the fifteenth year of Duke X’s reign, significant political and celestial events unfolded. The spring brought a diplomatic visit from Song, with Xiang Xu arriving to renew alliances. This visit culminated in an oath-taking ceremony at Liu in February. Meanwhile, Liu Xia welcomed the queen consort from Qi, marking another crucial alliance.
In the summer, the Marquis of Qi launched an offensive against our northern borders, besieging Cheng. Duke X mobilized forces to rescue Cheng, reaching Yu. Ji Sun Su and Shu Sun Bao led troops to fortify the city walls of Cheng. The summer also witnessed a solar eclipse on the 8th day of the 8th month, a potent omen in the ancient world. In the autumn, the people of Zhu attacked our southern borders. The winter brought the death of the Marquis of Jin, Zhou, on the 10th day of the 11th month, further destabilizing the region.
Detailed Account
In the spring, Xiang Xu from Song visited to reaffirm alliances. He met with Meng Xianzi and commented on the grandeur of his residence, to which Meng Xianzi replied that his brother had built it during his time in Jin, and it would be laborious to dismantle it now. This diplomatic visit underscored the complex web of relationships and the importance of maintaining appearances and alliances.
Meanwhile, the Chu state underwent significant administrative changes. Prince Wu was appointed as the prime minister, Prince Ba Rong as the right minister, Wei Zifeng as the grand marshal, and various other princes took up key military and administrative roles. This restructuring aimed to stabilize and strengthen Chu. Scholars of the time praised Chu for its ability to appoint capable officials, noting that effective governance reduces civil unrest and promotes harmony, as reflected in the ancient poetry that speaks of placing competent individuals in positions of power.
In a bid to quell internal strife, the remnants of the Wei and Si clans’ rebellion were hunted down in Song. The Zheng state, to ensure peace, bribed Song officials with forty horse-drawn carriages and enlisted military leaders Shi Fa and Shi Hui for assistance. Gongsun Hei of Zheng was sent as a hostage to Song, and City Minister Zihan negotiated the terms, eventually securing the release of notable officials.
In the summer, the Marquis of Qi besieged Cheng, influenced by shifting allegiances with Jin. This prompted the fortification of Cheng’s city walls by Ji Sun Su and Shu Sun Bao. The solar eclipse in August added to the sense of impending change and uncertainty. The people of Zhu attacked the southern borders in autumn, prompting a call for assistance from Jin. However, Jin was unable to respond due to the Marquis of Jin’s illness, which ultimately led to his death in the winter.
The passing of the Marquis of Jin resulted in a pause in political and military activities. Gongsun Xia of Zheng attended the funeral in Jin, accompanied by Zijiao, who oversaw the ceremonies. During this period, a Song official presented a jade to Zihan, who refused it, stating that he valued his integrity more than material wealth. This story of incorruptibility became a moral exemplar in the region.
In December, the Zheng state witnessed internal turmoil as they forcibly took the wife of Dugu and returned her to the Fan clan. This act of retribution highlighted the ongoing factional conflicts within the state.
This translation provides a comprehensive narrative of the political maneuvers, celestial events, and ethical considerations that marked the fifteenth year of Duke X’s reign. The interactions between states, the administrative restructuring, and the moral tales of integrity all reflect the intricate and multifaceted nature of governance and diplomacy in ancient China.