“Strategizing Succession: Diplomatic Maneuvers in Ancient China”
During the Western Zhou dynasty, Duke Wu’s eldest son passed away, leaving five illegitimate sons but no heir. General Sima Jian suggested to the King of Chu, “Why not propose Duke Jiu as the Crown Prince?” Advisor Zuo Cheng countered, “No, it’s unwise. If Zhou rejects it, it shows their lack of trust in Chu and strains our relations. Instead, let’s find out whom Zhou wishes to appoint and subtly influence Jian to request him.” As expected, Duke Jiu was appointed as Crown Prince.
In the eighth year, Qin attacked Yiyang, and Chu came to its aid. However, Chu suspected Zhou’s allegiance to Qin and planned an invasion. Su Dai convinced the King of Chu, “Why blame Zhou for Qin’s actions? Express more suspicion towards Qin than Zhou, making Zhou lean towards Qin out of fear.” This strategy aimed to exploit Zhou’s intellect, forcing them to side with Qin, ultimately benefiting Chu.
During a conflict between Qin and Han, Zhou feared using Qin’s territory to avoid angering Han. Historian Yan advised the Zhou king, “Why not tell Han, ‘Qin dares to sever ties with Zhou and attack Han, showing they trust Eastern Zhou more than us. Let’s offer Zhou’s land and send hostages to Chu.’ This way, Qin will doubt Chu’s loyalty to Zhou, preventing Han from attacking us.” He further suggested telling Qin, “‘Han is strong and occupies Zhou’s territory, making Zhou suspicious of our loyalty to Han. Zhou dare not refuse Han’s land.'” This strategy ensured Zhou accepted Han’s land but remained aligned with Qin.
When Qin called upon the King of Western Zhou, he hesitated, prompting Yan to advise Han, “Qin summoned the King of Western Zhou to attack Nanyang. Why not mobilize troops in Nanyang? The Zhou king can use Wei’s forces in Henan as an excuse to avoid meeting Qin.” Yan suggested the king use Wei’s troops in Henan as an excuse, dissuading the Zhou king from visiting Qin.
During a conflict between Eastern and Western Zhou, Han aided Western Zhou. Someone advised the Han king, “Western Zhou was once the capital, with numerous treasures. If you refrain from sending troops, you’ll gain Eastern Zhou’s favor, and all Western Zhou’s treasures will be yours.”
King Ran spoke to Cheng Jun. When Chu besieged Yongshi, Han requisitioned armor and grain from Eastern Zhou. The Eastern Zhou king, worried, consulted Su Dai, who assured him, “Why worry? I can prevent Han from requisitioning armor and grain from Zhou and secure Gaodu for you.” The Zhou king said, “If you can do that, I’ll listen to your advice.” Dai told the Han Prime Minister, “Chu is besieging Yongshi, and we have a three-month deadline. It’s now May, and Chu hasn’t captured it, showing Chu’s weakness. If you requisition armor and grain from Zhou now, it’ll only show Chu that they are right. You must meet the deadline.” The Han Prime Minister said, “Okay, the messenger has left.” Five said, “Why not get Gaodu?” The Han Prime Minister was furious and said, “I haven’t requisitioned armor and grain from Zhou, so I won’t be able to do so much. Why should I give Gaodu to Zhou?” He said, “To get Gaodu from Zhou is to break into Zhou. If Qin hears about it, they will be very angry and angry with Zhou, and they will not be able to meet Zhou’s mission, so the city of Gaodu is complete.” Zhou said, “Yuan Su said that the East King of Zhou said that the country did not requisition armor and grain, and it was not as good as the spring and autumn, and it was so bad that it was able to do so.”
In the 34th year, Su Lai told the Zhou king that Qin defeated Han and Wei, and the captain Wu, the [geese], “The invasion of Zhao Lin and Li Shi by the north is a white road. Good soldiers, there is a destiny. Now they are taking the soldier to attack the beam, the beam is a safe life. If you are not a soldier, you will be able to walk. The soldier does not come out, the previous humiliation is also.”