“The Reign of King Huiwen of Zhao: Expansion and Intrigue”
In the twenty-sixth year, King Wuling of Zhao returned to attack Zhongshan again, expanding north to Yan and Dai, west to Yunzhong and Jiuyuan.
In the fifth month of the twenty-seventh year, a grand court was held in the Eastern Palace, passing the throne to Prince He as king. King He paid respects at the royal temple, then appeared in court. The ministers all served as his subjects, with Fei Yi serving as prime minister and tutoring the king. Thus he became King Huiwen. King Huiwen, formerly Wu Wa’s son of Hui, also called himself Zhufu.
Zhufu intended his son to govern the country, while he himself, dressed as a soldier, extended his rule northwest into the Hu region, intending to attack Qin directly from Yunzhong and Jiuyuan to the south. To achieve this, he falsely posed as an envoy and entered Qin. Qin’s King Zhao was unaware of this, and was greatly surprised upon discovering the situation, finding it far beyond the role of a subject. He ordered Zhufu’s arrest, but Zhufu had already escaped through the pass. When questioned, it was discovered that it was Zhufu himself. The people of Qin were greatly alarmed.
The reason Zhufu entered Qin was to explore the terrain and observe King Zhao’s character.
In the first year, Prince Sheng was appointed as prime minister and granted the title of Pingyuan. In the second year, Zhufu began to conquer new territories, reaching Dai and encountering King Loufan of Xihe in the west.
In the third year, Zhufu conquered Zhongshan, relocating its king to Fushi. Ling Shou was built in Changshan, and the northern lands were opened up, establishing a direct route from Dai. Upon his return, he rewarded the people, granted a general amnesty, held feasts for five days, and appointed his eldest son Zhang as Lord of An’yang in Dai. Zhang was naturally arrogant and dissatisfied with the establishment of his younger brother. Zhufu sent Tian Boli to support Zhang.
Li Dui told Fei Yi, “Prince Zhang is strong and arrogant, ambitious, and likely harbors personal ambitions. Tian Boli is ruthless and arrogant. If these two form an alliance, there will likely be hidden plots and rebellions. They are driven by selfish desires, without considering the consequences, encouraging each other into the gates of disaster. In my observation, this will not end well. Your responsibility is heavy and your power great, but chaos starts with internal turmoil and accumulates where trouble resides. A virtuous person loves all things, and a wise person prepares for disaster before it happens. Those lacking in virtue and wisdom, how can they govern a country? Why not appoint Prince Cheng to avoid leaving a legacy of resentment or a ladder to misfortune?” Fei Yi replied, “This is impossible. Zhufu originally entrusted power to Yi and said, ‘Don’t change your mind or overthink, stay true to your heart until death.’ Yi accepted the mission with two bows. Now, fearing Tian Boli’s difficulties and forgetting my mission, would be a major mistake. Accepting a strict mission and failing to fulfill it would be a great burden. Treasonous officials are not subject to punishment. The saying goes ‘the dead come back to life, the living are not ashamed.’ I have stated my position before and will not dare to change it.” Li Dui said, “Agreed, be encouraged! I have only seen you this year.” He left in tears. Li Dui often saw Prince Cheng, prepared for Tian Boli’s actions.
Another day, Fei Yi told Xin Qi, “It is worrying that Prince Zhang and Tian Boli are so troubled. Their voice is good but their intentions are evil. They are not sons or ministers. I have heard that treacherous ministers are left behind, while slanderous ministers are considered to be at the heart of the ruler. This person is greedy and ambitious, outwardly loyal but inwardly violent. Disobedience is difficult and a character is seen. A loyal minister is committed to the cause and a righteous minister is wise. You have been gifted to be loyal to me. Nevertheless, I have heard this before, so I will not dare to lose.” Xin Qi said, “Okay, you are encouraged to do so! I have seen you this year.”涕涕 is used. Li Dui said, personalities in succeeded and Zhao.