Conflict and Diplomacy in Ancient China

In the seventeenth year of the rule, in the spring of the first month, on the day of Gengzi, Xinan of Xu passed away. On the day of Dingwei, Hou Shen of Cai also passed away. In the summer, Duke Zhao of Xu and Duke Wen of Cai were buried. On the day of Guimao in June, there was a solar eclipse. On the day of Jiwei, the Duke convened with the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Cao, and the Viscount of Zhu at Duandao for an alliance. In the autumn, the Duke returned from the meeting. In the winter, on the day of Renwu in the eleventh month, the Duke’s younger brother, Shu Xi, passed away.

In the spring of the seventeenth year, the Marquis of Jin sent Xi Ke to convene a meeting in Qi. Duke Qing of Qi had a woman in his tent who watched the proceedings. When Xi Ke ascended, the woman laughed from her room. This infuriated Xi Ke, who swore an oath: “If I do not avenge this insult, may I never cross the river again.” He returned early and ordered Luan Jinglu to await further instructions in Qi, saying, “If we do not deal with the Qi matter, I will not return.” Upon his return, Xi Ke requested to attack Qi, but the Marquis of Jin refused. He then requested to use his private retinue for the attack, but this too was denied. Duke Qi sent Gao Gu, Yan Ruo, Cai Zhao, and Nanguo Yan to the meeting. When it came time to collect contributions, Gao Gu fled back. In the summer, at Duandao, they discussed the betrayal of Qi. They pledged an alliance at Juanchu, excluding Qi people. The Jin people captured Yan Ruo at Yewang, Cai Zhao at Yuan, and Nanguo Yan at Wen.

Miao Benhuang acted as an envoy and saw Yan Huanzi, returning to report to the Marquis of Jin: “What crime has Yanzi committed? In the past, the vassal states served our former ruler, and everyone was diligent. Now, all words and actions of the ministers are mistrusted, and the vassal states all harbor second thoughts. Duke Qi feared he would not receive proper treatment, so he did not come out but sent four men instead. Some of his attendants discouraged him, saying, ‘If you do not come out, our envoys will surely be captured.’ This is why Gao Gu and the others fled. These three men said, ‘If we sever relations with our lord, we would rather return and die.’ That is why they braved the difficulty and came here. If we kindly receive those who bravely come to us and capture them, we will only deepen Qi’s distrust. Have we not already committed a mistake? If we do not correct our mistake and let it fester, what benefit will it bring? If those who return are allowed to explain themselves while those who come bravely are punished, how will this not frighten other vassal states?” The Jin people relented, and the captives were released. In the eighth month of autumn, the Jin army returned.

Fan Wenzi, feeling old, summoned Wenzi and said: “I have heard that those who get angry easily seldom act reasonably, while those who are calm are mostly practical. The Book of Poetry says, ‘When the nobleman is angry, the disorder quickly ceases; when the nobleman is pleased, the disorder quickly ends.’ The nobleman’s anger and joy should end the disorder. If it does not, it will only worsen. Xi Ke may wish to end the disorder in Qi; otherwise, I fear he will worsen it. As I am getting old, let Xi Ke fulfill his ambition, and perhaps it will turn out well. You should follow him respectfully.” He then requested to retire, and Xi Ke took over the administration.

In the winter, Shu Xi, the Duke’s younger brother, passed away. He was the younger brother of the crown prince’s mother. When the Duke was alive, he was called Gongzi; after the Duke’s death, he was called Di. Whenever Di was mentioned, it always referred to the mother’s younger brother.

The narrative encapsulates a time of political maneuvering, personal vendettas, and the complexities of maintaining alliances in ancient China. The historical records highlight the intricate relationships between states and the moral considerations of leadership, reflecting a world where personal honor and statecraft were deeply intertwined. This passage not only provides a glimpse into the political dynamics of the time but also illustrates the profound cultural values that influenced the decisions of ancient Chinese leaders.