“Political Turmoil and Warfare in Ancient China”

In the fourth year of Duke Xi’s reign, significant political and military events unfolded. In the second month of spring, on the day of Gengxu, bandits murdered Duke Shen of Cai. Duke Shen’s descendant, Chen, fled to Wu. Duke Hui of Qin was buried. The people of Song captured the minor ruler of Zhu.

In the summer, Cai executed two of its prominent ministers, Gong Sun Xing and Gong Sun Huo. The Jin state captured the Rong and Man tribes’ leader, Chi, and returned him to Chu. The city of Xifu was fortified. In the sixth month, on the day of Xinchou, the Bo society experienced a disaster. In autumn, on the first day of the eighth month, Duke Jie of Teng passed away. In winter, in the twelfth month, Duke Zhao of Cai was buried, followed by Duke Qing of Teng.

In the spring of the fourth year, Duke Zhao of Cai planned to go to Wu. The major ministers feared that he might relocate again and, therefore, chased him away and shot him, resulting in his death. He was buried with two arrows. No one dared to approach the scene. Wen Zikai arrived later and said, “If you advance along the wall, you will kill two people.” Zikai then killed him after being shot in the elbow. Consequently, the clan of Gong Sun Chen was chased, and Gong Sun Xing and Gong Sun Xu were executed.

In the summer, after the Chu state conquered Yi Hu, they planned their northern campaigns. The left military commander, Yan, and the public officials Shenyu, Ye, and the Liang clan conveyed Cai to the northern boundary of Fuhan and the outskirts of Fangcheng, saying, “The Wu state intends to flood the Yangtze into Ying, threatening to escape.” The officials prepared for an attack on Liang and Huo. Dan Fu surrounded the Man clan, and the Man clan was defeated. Chi, the leader of the Man clan, fled to the Jin territory in Yin. The military commander Qi Feng, along with the Di and Rong tribes, was stationed in Shangluo. The left army was stationed in Tuhe, and the right army in Cangye, with instructions given to Shi Mie, a high official, to inform the leaders of the Yin territory that “Jin and Chu have a treaty, sharing common interests and dislikes. If you do not comply, it will not fulfill the wishes of my lord. Otherwise, communication will proceed according to lesser practices.” Shi Mie consulted Zhao Meng, who replied, “Since the Jin state is not stable, how can they oppose Chu? They must act quickly.” Shi Mie then brought the nine provinces’ Rong people to help.

Plans were made to divide the land among the Man tribes and fortify it, while also conducting divinations. The Man leaders, accepting the divination, were captured along with their five major officials and handed over to the Chu army. The military commander established a township to attract the remaining population and captured all to return.

In autumn, in the seventh month, Qi’s Chen, Xian Shi, and Wei Ning interceded to rescue the Fan family. On the day of Gengwu, they besieged Wulu. In September, Zhao Yang besieged Handan. In November, Handan surrendered. Xun Yin fled to Xianyu, and Zhao Ji fled to Lin. In December, Xian Shi turned against them, causing them to fall to Lin. The Guo summer campaign attacked Jin, capturing cities including Xing, Ren, Luan, Hao, and others. They met with Xianyu and transferred Xun Yin to the Bai people.