“Strategies of Statecraft in Ancient China”

In the ancient Chinese text, Confucius deliberated with his disciples on matters of governance and strategy:

“Shall we seek to acquire political power through alliances, or should we depend solely on our own governance skills?” Zi Gong asked. Confucius replied, “A leader who embodies benevolence, humility, frugality, and deference naturally attracts support. Our approach to seeking power differs significantly from others.”

Zi Gong further inquired, “Is it preferable to be wealthy without arrogance or poor without flattery?” Confucius responded, “Both circumstances are acceptable. However, it is better to be poor but devoted to the Way, and wealthy while adhering to propriety.”

When Tian Chang sought to incite rebellion against the state of Qi, fearing the influence of prominent figures like Gao, Guo, Bao, and Yan, he mobilized his forces to attack Lu. Confucius, upon learning of this, addressed his disciples: “Lu is the burial ground of our ancestors, our homeland. With the state in peril, why do none of you step forward?” Zi Lu volunteered, but Confucius restrained him. Zi Zhang and Zi Shi sought permission, but Confucius denied their request. It was only when Zi Gong proposed to go that Confucius granted permission.

Zi Gong journeyed to Qi and advised Tian Chang, “Your decision to attack Lu was ill-advised. Lu is difficult to conquer, with weak defenses and a small territory. Its ruler is foolish and lacks benevolence, while its ministers are deceitful and ineffectual. Its soldiers and people detest military matters. Engaging in battle with them would be futile. It would be wiser for you to attack Wu instead. Wu has formidable defenses, vast territory, strong armies equipped with modern armor, well-fed elite soldiers, and sophisticated weaponry. Moreover, they are defended by skilled statesmen. Wu is a much easier target for conquest.”

Tian Chang, angered by this advice, retorted, “What you find challenging, others find easy. What you find easy, others find challenging. Why do you advise me like this?”

Zi Gong explained, “It is said that when internal troubles plague a state, one should confront the strong. When external threats arise, one should confront the weak. Currently, your concerns are internal. I have heard that you have been thwarted three times in your attempts to gain recognition. Some of your ministers do not heed your commands. By conquering Lu to expand Qi, achieving victory to exalt your lordship, and yet not receiving due recognition, you will gradually alienate your ruler. Your arrogance will embolden him, allowing his subordinates to run rampant. As you seek to accomplish great things, you will find it difficult. If you challenge Wu instead, and are unsuccessful, the people will suffer externally, and your ministers will be left hollow internally. By controlling the lord, you will be the only one capable of checking him.”

Tian Chang replied, “Well said. Nevertheless, I have already dedicated my efforts to attacking Lu. If I were to switch to Wu, my ministers would question me. What should I do?”

Zi Gong suggested, “If Your Excellency refrains from using your army, I propose visiting the King of Wu myself. I will encourage him to aid Lu and attack Qi. Your Excellency can then mobilize your army to meet him.”

Tian Chang agreed, sending Zi Gong south to meet the King of Wu.

Upon arriving, Zi Gong said, “I have heard that rulers do not terminate their lineage and that hegemons have no formidable enemies. By lightly tipping the scales in favor of a smaller Qi against a larger Lu, Your Excellency risks losing power. Moreover, defending Lu’s name will drain Qi’s strength. A wise man would not hesitate.”

The King of Wu replied, “Well said. However, I have fought with Yue before, settling at Kuaiji. The King of Yue has nurtured his soldiers, having avenged my heart. Await my attack on Yue and then consider it.”

Zi Gong responded, “Yue is no more powerful than Lu, and Wu is no match for Qi. If Your Majesty vanquishes Qi and then attacks Yue, you will have already pacified Lu. Besides, demonstrating the virtues of rescuing the perishing and helping the weak will enhance your reputation among the feudal lords. By punishing the oppressive Qi and uniting the Eastern Zhou dynasty, the feudal lords will inevitably join Wu, and the hegemonic enterprise will be successful. Moreover, Your Majesty is likely to hate Yue, as it is still feared. I would like to visit the King of Yue and command an expedition to support him. This will effectively nullify Yue, and the feudal lords will attack.”

The King of Wu was greatly pleased and sent Zi Gong to Yue.

The Yue king greeted Zi Gong with respect, rode to the meeting, and asked, “This barbarian country’s great minister, why do you humiliate it?”

Zi Gong replied, “I recently persuaded the King of Wu to help Lu and attack Qi. He intended to conquer Yue and feared it, saying, ‘Wait for my attack on Yue.’ In this way, Yue would be defeated. Moreover, it is foolish not to seek revenge and to confuse others. Hearing nothing of the plot, it is dangerous. Seeking revenge on others, I say, is vain.”

The Yue king was astounded and said, “My pride is shameful, and my younger brother’s death has caused me to feel heavy. Now, I hear what you say.”

Five days later, the Yue sent his officer to the Wu king. He made a statement to the Wu king, saying, “Zhu Zhao sent me to convey my minister’s greetings to the left and right. Now, I am confused by the story of the king’s heroism and the punishment of evil in Qi’s vicinity. I would like to have my soldiers raised in the neighborhood and ask for the leading arms. Do you please show the military?”

The Wu king was greatly pleased and told Zi Gong, “The king wants to follow me to attack Qi. What?”

Zi Gong said, “Not much. From my kingdom, people came to my age and sent me away.”

The Wu king accepted the idea and then said, “Zi Gong who understood and advised to listen to his victory. The Wu was defeated by the Kuaiji, where you had fought the men who were forced to search. I listened to my voice to do his day’s work to go away. The rule in the death of the king, and Wei and three weeks that the ancestors of the steps of the west. Two and two years later, I have no problem. ”

Zi Gong like play with turn for stop to any place to go with people at any time.