Ancient Battles and Diplomacy in China
The fourteenth year of the Zhou dynasty marked significant political and military movements among various states. The annals recount several key events:
Spring:
In the first month of spring, Jisun Su and Shulao joined forces with representatives from Jin, Qi, Song, Wei, Zheng, Cao, Ju, Zhu, Teng, Xue, Qi, and Xiao Zhu at Xiang to form an alliance with Wu. This coalition aimed to strengthen their position against common threats and rivals.
February:
On the first day of February, a solar eclipse was recorded, an omen that often foretold significant changes or disasters.
Summer:
By the fourth month of summer, Shusun Bao convened with Xun Yan of Jin, representatives from Qi, Song, Wei, Zheng, Cao, Ju, Zhu, Teng, Xue, Qi, and Xiao Zhu to launch an attack on Qin. This military expedition was in retaliation for Qin’s aggression.
In the same period, the Marquis of Wei fled to Qi after facing internal strife. Concurrently, the people of Ju invaded the eastern borders of the state of Lu, exacerbating regional tensions.
Autumn:
During autumn, Prince Zhen of Chu led an army to attack Wu, continuing the ongoing hostilities between these two powerful states.
Winter:
In winter, Jisun Su once again joined forces with Jin, represented by Shi Xuan; Song, represented by Hua Yue; Wei, represented by Sun Linfu; Zheng, represented by Gongsun Hai; and representatives from Ju and Zhu. This time, they convened at Qi to discuss further strategies and alliances.
Detailed Narratives from the Records:
Spring Alliance at Xiang:
The state of Wu informed Jin about their defeat. The gathering at Xiang aimed to strategize against Chu’s increasing influence. Fan Xuanzi of Jin criticized Wu’s lack of virtue, causing the withdrawal of Wu’s delegation. He also detained Wulou, a noble from Ju, for collaborating with Chu.
Fan Xuanzi also confronted Rongsu, reminding him of his ancestors’ refuge in Jin after being expelled by Qin. The Rong people had settled in Jin and remained loyal, but Fan Xuanzi now accused them of betrayal, reflecting the complex loyalty dynamics among states and tribes.
Rongsu defended their actions, citing historical grievances with Qin and their long-standing allegiance to Jin, despite cultural differences. He recited the poem “Green Flies” and withdrew, symbolizing his refusal to further engage with Fan Xuanzi.
Succession Crisis in Wu:
Following the mourning period, King Zhu Fan of Wu intended to appoint Ji Zha as his successor. Ji Zha declined, referencing the precedent set by Zang of Cao, who refused the throne to maintain integrity. Ji Zha’s decision to remain a farmer highlighted the emphasis on personal virtue over political power.
Summer Campaign Against Qin:
The allied forces, led by Jin, marched against Qin to avenge the battle of Li. The Jin ruler waited at the border, while the six ministers led the troops. However, they faced challenges crossing the Jing River due to Qin’s strategic poisoning of the water, resulting in significant casualties.
Despite setbacks, the allies pressed forward, with Zheng’s commander, Zijiang, leading the charge. However, the campaign ultimately failed to secure a decisive victory, leading to a strategic retreat.
Domestic Strife in Wei:
In Wei, internal conflict led to the Marquis fleeing to Qi. The treachery within Wei was marked by a series of violent power struggles. Sun Wenzi and Ning Huizi, both high-ranking officials, attempted to consolidate power but faced resistance from loyalists to the marquis.
Sun Wenzi’s attempts to overthrow the marquis involved assassination plots and political maneuvering, culminating in the marquis’s temporary exile and the instability of Wei’s leadership.
Autumn Battle Between Chu and Wu:
Prince Zhen of Chu launched an offensive against Wu, capitalizing on Wu’s internal succession issues. However, the Wu forces, underestimating their adversary, suffered a significant defeat, highlighting the ongoing power struggle between these southern states.
Winter Diplomacy:
At Qi, the allied states convened to address the fallout from the failed Qin campaign and the internal issues within Wei. The conference aimed to reaffirm alliances and strategize for future conflicts, underscoring the delicate balance of power in the region.
The fourteenth year of the Zhou dynasty was a period of intense political maneuvering and military conflict. The interactions between the various states and their leaders reflect the complexities of ancient Chinese diplomacy and warfare. The alliances, betrayals, and battles recorded in these annals provide a glimpse into the intricate web of relationships that shaped the political landscape of the time. These events underscore the themes of loyalty, virtue, and the relentless pursuit of power that defined this era of Chinese history.