Political Turmoil and Diplomacy in Ancient China
In the spring of the 30th year, during the first month of the king’s calendar, the ruler of Chu sent Wei Bi to make a diplomatic visit. In the summer, during the fourth month, the heir apparent of Cai, Ban, murdered his ruler, Gu. In May, on the day of Jiawu, a disaster struck the state of Song, and Lady Ji of Song passed away. The King of Zhou killed his younger brother Ningfu, prompting Prince Xia to flee to Jin. In the autumn, during the seventh month, Shugu went to Song to bury Lady Ji. Liang Xiao of Zheng fled to Xu, but upon his return to Zheng, he was killed. In the winter, during the tenth month, Duke Jing of Cai was buried. Representatives from Jin, Qi, Song, Wei, Zheng, Cao, Ju, Zhu, Teng, Xue, Qi, and Xiao Zhu convened in Chanyuan due to the disaster in Song.
Historical Context and Diplomatic Interactions
In the spring of the 30th year, King Zhuang of Chu sent Wei Bi to visit Lu, establishing a connection with the successor of the state. Mu Shu inquired, “What is the governance like under the prince?” Wei Bi responded, “We, the lower officials, merely follow orders and serve, fearing we may not fulfill our duties and avoid punishment. How could we know about governance?” Despite further questioning, Wei Bi did not divulge any more information. Mu Shu told the officials, “The chief minister of Chu is planning something significant, and Zidan will be involved, helping to conceal their intentions.”
Zi Chan of Zheng accompanied Duke Zhenbo to Jin, where Shuxiang inquired about the state of governance in Zheng. Zi Chan replied, “Whether I am seen or not depends on this year. Si and Liang are in contention, and the outcome is uncertain. If a resolution is reached, I will be able to present myself.” Shuxiang said, “Isn’t there already harmony?” Zi Chan responded, “The Duke is extravagant and obstinate, and Zixi strives to be superior, refusing to yield. Even if there is harmony, they still harbor grudges against each other, which will inevitably lead to conflict.”
Internal Conflicts and Political Strife
In March, on the day of Guiwei, the consort of Jin’s ruler provided food for the residents of Ji City. In Jiang County, an elderly man without a son partook in the meal, claiming his age was uncertain but recounting the lunar cycle and days, leading to an inquiry. The officials confirmed with historical records that it was 73 years ago during the reign of Lu’s Shuzhong Huibo when the Di tribe attacked Lu, and Shusun Zhuangshu defeated them, capturing notable prisoners. This information correlated with the days and years mentioned by the elderly man.
In the summer, during the fourth month on the day of Jihai, Duke Zhen and his officials of Zheng swore an oath, revealing the ongoing difficulties in Zheng. Duke Jinghou of Cai married off the heir apparent Ban to Chu, but Ban later murdered Jinghou. Initially, Wang Danchi’s son Kuai intended to see the king but sighed. Single Prince Qi, serving as the charioteer for King Ling, overheard and warned the king, who dismissed it. After King Ling’s death, Kuai wanted to install Prince Ningfu, who was unaware. On the day of Wuzi, Kuai and others surrounded Wei, driving out Chengxian, who fled to Pingqi. In May, officials assassinated Ningfu, leading to Kuai, Xia, and Liao fleeing to Jin.
The Consequences of Power Struggles
Disasters continued in Song, with Lady Ji passing away. Scholars noted that Lady Ji, though a woman, did not fulfill her role as a wife, merely waiting on others without embodying the duties of a spouse. In June, Zi Chan of Zheng went to Chen to oversee an alliance. Upon his return, he reported to the officials that Chen was a fallen state, relying on stored grains and fortified walls without caring for its people. Its ruler was weak, the princes arrogant, and the ministers haughty, with multiple factions vying for power, making the state’s fall inevitable within ten years.
In the autumn, during the seventh month, Shugu traveled to Song to bury Lady Ji. Duke Zheng of Zheng indulged in wine, drinking late into the night and neglecting his duties. His officials lamented his absence, knowing his lack of governance was leading the state into disarray. Despite their concerns, Duke Zheng continued his ways, eventually leading to an internal rebellion. The ministers of Zheng convened, with Zipi citing an ancient saying about taking advantage of chaos and seizing control. They ultimately resolved to handle the state’s affairs without relying on external forces.
Alliances and Strategic Decisions
In October, Zheng buried Duke Jinggong of Cai. Representatives from various states, including Jin, Qi, Song, Wei, Zheng, Cao, Ju, Zhu, Teng, Xue, Qi, and Xiao Zhu, gathered in Chanyuan. Despite their discussions, the outcome was not recorded, signifying a lack of trust among the states. The scholars emphasized the importance of trust in alliances, quoting ancient texts about the necessity of sincerity in governance.
Zheng’s governance faced challenges, with ministers debating over policies and the distribution of resources. Despite disagreements, they aimed to stabilize the state by prioritizing the larger issues and ensuring the well-being of the populace. They implemented measures to organize land and resources, providing support to loyal officials and removing those who were corrupt. This period marked a significant chapter in the political and social landscape of ancient China, highlighting the complexities of governance, diplomacy, and internal strife.