The Battle at Huangchi
In the thirteenth year of the reign of Duke X, significant events transpired that would shape the political landscape of the region. The spring saw the forces of Zheng, led by Han Da, capture the Song forces at Yan. This strategic victory was followed by the death of the ruler of Xu, Nan Cheng, in the summer. The same season witnessed Duke X, along with the Marquis of Jin and the King of Wu, convene at Huangchi for a significant assembly. The state of Chu, under Prince Shen, launched an offensive against Chen, while the Yue state invaded Wu.
In autumn, Duke X returned from the meeting. The Jin general, Wei Manduo, led an incursion into Wei, and the burial of Duke Yuan of Xu took place amidst turmoil. The ninth month was marked by a plague of locusts. The winter brought ominous signs with the appearance of a comet in the eastern sky in the eleventh month, and the assassination of Xia Qufu of Chen by bandits in the twelfth month.
Detailed Account
In the spring, the forces of Song, under the command of Xiang Tui, attempted to rescue their comrades. The Zheng general Zisheng issued a proclamation, promising rewards for the capture of Huan Tui. Fleeing home, Tui’s forces were ultimately defeated at Yan, with Zheng taking control of six settlements, leaving them desolate.
The summer was a season of diplomatic maneuvering and conflict. Duke X convened with Duke Dan of the Plain, Duke Ding of Jin, and Fu Chai of Wu at Huangchi in June. Concurrently, the state of Yue launched a dual-pronged invasion of Wu, striking from the southern frontiers and reaching the suburbs of the Wu capital. The Wu crown prince, You, along with other nobles, observed the Yue forces. When Mi Yong saw the banner of his adversary, Gu Mie, he insisted on attacking despite Prince You’s counsel to wait. Supported by Wangzi Di and a contingent of 5,000 troops, Mi Yong’s forces engaged Yue, capturing key leaders. However, a subsequent battle saw Wu suffer a devastating defeat, with Prince You and other nobles captured. The Yue forces then entered Wu, leading to widespread panic and the self-inflicted deaths of seven Wu nobles.
In autumn, the Wu and Jin states contested for precedence at the alliance ceremony, with Wu claiming superiority based on their ancestral ties to the Zhou dynasty. Jin, however, asserted their hegemony within the Ji family. The standoff was temporarily resolved when Zhao Yang of Jin demanded immediate action to conclude the ceremony. Despite initial resistance from Wu, the ceremony proceeded with Jin taking the lead, a decision influenced by pragmatic considerations over traditional protocol.
A notable diplomatic incident occurred when the Wu envoy intended to present Duke X to the Jin Marquis. Zifu Jingbo of Lu argued against this, citing the historical precedence of Lu’s superior tribute to Wu over Jin. His logic was that changing this hierarchy would force Lu to alter its tribute system. Wu relented but later sought to imprison Jingbo, who cleverly negotiated his release by emphasizing the upcoming sacrificial duties of Lu, which Wu would disrupt by detaining him.
In a poignant exchange, Wu noble Shen Shuyi requested provisions from Gongsun You of Shan. His poetic plea highlighted the mutual dependency and respect among the nobility, although practical considerations limited the extent of aid provided.
The season concluded with the withdrawal of Wu’s forces from Song, influenced by the strategist Dazai Pi’s counsel that while Wu could conquer Song, they would struggle to maintain control over it.
Winter saw a brief respite as Wu and Yue declared a truce. However, the appearance of a comet and continued locust plagues underscored the ongoing instability and the ominous portents that would challenge the rulers in the year to come.
This translation captures the complexity of the diplomatic, military, and celestial events of Duke X’s thirteenth year, providing a comprehensive understanding of the interplay between various states and the natural phenomena that influenced their actions.