“Diplomatic Dilemma: The Tale of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru”

In the 16th year of King Zhao Huiwen of Zhao, Lian Po, a renowned general, led Zhao forces in a campaign against the state of Qi. He achieved a resounding victory, capturing the city of Yangjin, formerly part of the state of Wei but now under Qi control. Historically, this city is identified with Cengshi County in Caozhou, approximately forty-seven miles northwest of the modern location.

Lian Po was subsequently promoted to the position of Prime Minister due to his valor and martial prowess, which resonated among the other feudal lords. Lin Xiangru, on the other hand, was a Zhao native who served as the Chief Steward under the command of Miao Xian, the Chancellor of Zhao.

During the reign of King Zhao Huiwen, Zhao obtained the famous He Shi Bi jade from the state of Chu. When Qin’s King Zhao heard of this acquisition, he sent a proposal to exchange the He Shi Bi for fifteen cities. Concerned about the consequences of either accepting or rejecting Qin’s request, King Zhao Huiwen convened a council with Lian Po, Lin Xiangru, and other senior officials.

Unable to decide on a suitable envoy to convey their decision to Qin, Miao Xian recommended Lin Xiangru, citing his past loyalty and resourcefulness. Initially skeptical, King Zhao asked for reasons, and Miao Xian recounted an incident where Lin Xiangru had dissuaded him from defecting to Yan by offering strategic advice. Impressed by this display of intelligence and bravery, King Zhao agreed to send Lin Xiangru as the envoy to Qin.

Lin Xiangru, carrying the He Shi Bi, arrived at the Qin court and presented it to King Zhao. The Qin monarch was overjoyed and displayed it to his concubines and courtiers, who all cheered enthusiastically. However, sensing Qin’s reluctance to return the cities as promised, Lin Xiangru boldly demanded that the terms of the exchange be fulfilled immediately. He threatened to shatter the He Shi Bi on a pillar if Qin did not uphold their end of the agreement. Fearing the destruction of the prized jade, Qin finally relented and agreed to return the cities to Zhao.

As a gesture of goodwill, King Zhao of Qin hosted a grand banquet for Lin Xiangru, with nine ceremonial guests, following the ancient Zhou rites. This diplomatic success elevated Lin Xiangru’s status in Zhao, and he was subsequently appointed as a senior official. Despite this, Qin did not return the cities to Zhao, nor did Zhao hand over the He Shi Bi to Qin.

In subsequent years, Qin launched military campaigns against Zhao, capturing the city of Shicheng. The following year, they attacked again, resulting in the deaths of twenty thousand Zhao soldiers. Qin then proposed a peace treaty with Zhao, inviting King Zhao to meet at the Mianchi outside the West River. King Zhao hesitated, fearing Qin’s intentions, but Lian Po and Lin Xiangru advised him to accept the invitation to demonstrate Zhao’s strength and resolve.

Accompanied by Lin Xiangru, King Zhao traveled to Mianchi. At the banquet, Qin’s King, inebriated, requested a musical performance from King Zhao. In response, King Zhao played the zither. When Lin Xiangru suggested that King Zhao also enjoyed the music of Qin, he was met with a refusal. Lin Xiangru then offered a sacrificial wine called Zha to entertain Qin’s King.

Qin’s King was enraged and refused the offer. Lin Xiangru insisted and knelt before the King, threatening to spill blood within five steps if he was denied. His boldness startled Qin’s King, who struck the table. Lin Xiangru quickly recorded the incident and suggested that Qin should return fifteen cities to Zhao as a gesture of goodwill.

Despite the banquet, Qin failed to surpass Zhao’s hospitality. As a result, Qin did not dare to act against Zhao. Upon returning home, Lin Xiangru was promoted to a senior official in recognition of his diplomatic skills. In the end, Qin did not return the cities to Zhao, and Zhao did not return the He Shi Bi to Qin.

In the following years, Lian Po led an eastern campaign against Qi, defeating one of their armies. After two years, Lian Po again attacked Qi and captured Ji. Three years later, Lian Po attacked Fangling and Anping in Wei.