“Strategic Alliances and Conflicts in Ancient China”
Year 2: Strategic Moves and Key Events
Spring: In the first month of the 2nd year, King Jian was buried. Zheng’s forces invaded Song. In the summer, on the day of Gengyin in the fifth month, Lady Jiang passed away. In the sixth month on the day of Gengchen, Duke Lun of Zheng died. The armies of Jin, Song, and Wei, led by Ningzhi, invaded Zheng.
Autumn: In the seventh month, Zhongsun Mie convened a meeting with Jin’s Xun Ying, Song’s Hua Yuan, Wei’s Sun Linfu, representatives from Cao, Zhu, Teng, Xue, and minor Zhu at Qi. On the day of Jichou, Duke Qi Jiang was buried. Shusun Bao visited Song. In the winter, Zhongsun Mie held another meeting with Jin’s Xun Ying, Qi’s Cui Zhu, Song’s Hua Yuan, Wei’s Sun Linfu, Cao, Zhu, Teng, Xue, and minor Zhu representatives at Qi, and they eventually fortified the city of Hulao. The state of Chu executed its high official, Gongzi Shen.
Spring Details: Zheng’s army invaded Song, a command from Chu. Duke Qing of Qi attacked Lai. The people of Lai sent Zheng Yuzi to offer a tribute of 100 horses and cattle to Shu Sha Wei, after which the Qi army withdrew. This event reflected Duke Qing of Qi’s effective strategies. In the summer, Lady Jiang of Qi passed away. Initially, Mu Jiang chose beautiful coffins and decorated them with offerings for her funeral. Ji Wenzi arranged the burial, which was seen as improper because it did not adhere to established rituals. The correct ritual dictated that a woman’s funeral should be modest and respectful, and Ji Wenzi’s actions were viewed as a violation of these norms.
Autumn Details: Duke Qing of Qi sent several women from the Jiang family to accompany Lady Jiang’s funeral. Lai Zi, who failed to attend the meeting, was pressured by Yan Ruo to yield. Zheng’s Duke Cheng was ill, and Zisi requested a ceasefire with Jin. The Duke responded that the Chu army was focused on Zheng, and abandoning Zheng would weaken his position. Thus, the Duke remained firm, relying on the support of his close allies.
Winter Details: In the seventh month of the 2nd year, Duke Lun of Zheng died. Zihan, who then assumed power, was assisted by Zisi in governance, with Ziguo serving as military commander. Jin’s army invaded Zheng, and many high officials wished to align with Jin. Zisi objected, stating, “The official mandate has not changed.” A strategy meeting was held at Qi, where Meng Xianzi suggested fortifying Hulao to pressure Zheng. Zhi Wenzi agreed, noting that if Qi’s forces did not come, it would be seen as a failure of Qi’s diplomacy.
In winter, another meeting was held at Qi with the participation of Qi’s Cui Wenzi, and representatives from Teng, Xue, and minor Zhu. They successfully fortified Hulao, resulting in Zheng’s submission. Chu’s Gongzi Shen, who had received bribes from smaller states, was executed for his corruption and treachery. The record notes, “Chu executed its high official Gongzi Shen.”
Summary: The second year of this period was marked by significant strategic alliances and conflicts among the states of ancient China. The death of key figures, including Duke Lun of Zheng and Lady Jiang of Qi, influenced political dynamics. The invasions and fortifications undertaken by various states, including Zheng, Qi, and Chu, reveal the complex nature of alliances and rivalries. These actions, alongside the execution of Gongzi Shen, illustrate the intricate web of political and military maneuvers that characterized the era.