“Power Struggles and Alliances in Ancient China”

In the second year of the reign, significant events unfolded during the spring and summer. In the first month of spring, the Qi state relocated to Yang. In the summer, on the day of Yiyou in the fifth month, a sacrificial ceremony was held for Duke Zhuang. By autumn, in the eighth month, Duke Zhuang passed away. In September, Lady Jiang, the wife of Duke Zhuang, was buried in Zhu. Duke Qingfu fled to Ju. In winter, Gaozi of Qi came to offer an alliance. In the twelfth month, the Di people invaded Wei, leading Zheng to abandon their troops.

In the spring of the second year, Duke Guo defeated the Qin Rong at Weishui. The commentator Zhou Zhi remarked, “A person without virtue who gains favor will bring disaster. Disaster is imminent.” Duke Guo then fled to Jin. In the summer, a sacrificial ceremony for Duke Zhuang was conducted quickly. Initially, Duke Fu had taken over the sacrificial offerings, but Duke Zhuang did not stop him. In the autumn, on the day of Xinchou in the eighth month, Gong Zhong made an offer to Duke Fu, suggesting he replace Duke Zhuang in Wu. Cheng Ji took Duke Xi to Zhu. Gong Zhong fled to Ju and was established there. He sought bribes to be reinstated in Ju, but the people of Ju refused. He sent an envoy to plead, but was still rejected and then hanged himself. Duke Min, the son of Lady Jiang’s brother, was therefore installed as Duke by the Qi people. Duke Min’s death led to the burial of Lady Jiang’s son in Zhu. The Qi people took the body, executed it, and returned it for burial at Duke Xi’s request.

When Cheng Ji was about to be born, Duke Huan sent Bu Chu’s father to consult the oracle. The oracle predicted, “A son will be born. His name will be You, and he will assist the Duke from the right. In the middle of the two communities, he will support the Duke’s household. If the Ji family falls, Lu will not prosper.” Another divination was conducted, revealing the “Great Prosperity” hexagram. It was predicted that the child would be in harmony with his father and should be respected as the Duke. Upon birth, a mark on his hand read “You,” and he was named accordingly.

In winter, in the twelfth month, the Di people invaded Wei. Duke Yi of Wei loved cranes, which had their own carriages. During the battle, all soldiers wore armor and said, “The cranes symbolize wealth; how can we fight?” Duke Yi, along with Shi Qi and Ning Zhuangzi, chose to defend and said, “Support the state and choose advantageous positions.” He instructed his wife, who was to act as a counselor. The general Qi Kong led the troops, with Zi Bo on the right and Huang Yi in the front. When the Di fought at Yingze, Wei’s army was defeated and the state was destroyed. Wei’s flag was not abandoned, leading to a crushing defeat. The Di captured Shi Hua and Long Hua with their followers, claiming, “We are the Grand Historians and control the rituals. Without us, the state cannot be preserved.” They were given priority. The captured soldiers and civilians fled, and the Di people defeated them again at the He River.

Initially, when Duke Hui ascended to power, the Qi people attempted to pressure him through Xuan Jiang but failed. The birth of Duke Qi’s sons included Duke Qi, Duke Dai, Duke Wen, Song Huan’s wife, and Xu Mu’s wife. Duke Wen was a significant troublemaker for Wei, so he was sent to Qi first. After the defeat, Duke Song Huan reversed the river and crossed at night. The remaining people of Wei, 730 individuals, were supplemented by the Qi state, and the people of Teng were merged, establishing Duke Dai in Cao. Xu Mu’s wife composed “Zai Chi.” Duke Qi sent his son Wu Kui to lead 300 chariots and 3,000 armored soldiers to defend Cao. The return included horses, ritual attire, 300 cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens, and building materials. His wife’s fish carriage was adorned with 30 pieces of silk. Zheng, discontent with Gao Ke, stationed his troops by the river and, after waiting without being summoned, the troops disbanded and Gao Ke fled to Chen. Zheng then created the “Qing Ren” ritual.

Duke Jin sent his eldest son, Shen Sheng, to attack the Dongshan Gaolu clan. Li Ke advised, “The eldest son is responsible for ancestral sacrifices and state offerings, and thus should not lead troops. The position of commander and the government’s strategies are distinct and should not overlap. If he commands, it would lack authority and show disloyalty. It is better to avoid leading troops.” Duke Jin did not respond and withdrew. Seeing the eldest son, he asked, “Should I be dismissed?” The reply was, “If you teach the people and train them in military matters, and do not fear, you will not be dismissed. If you correct yourself and do not blame others, you will avoid disaster.” The eldest son led the troops, with Duke Jin wearing a partial outfit and carrying a gold seal. Hu Tu led the troops, with You on the right and Liang Yu Zi as the general. Yang She Da Fu was the commander. Guang You said, “Wearing the partial outfit and holding the military command is crucial; you should focus on this. The outfit must be clean, the military well-prepared, and the command clear. If the command fails, the situation will be dire.” Hu Tu sighed, “The times and the tasks are indications; clothing is a symbol; the seal is a flag. Respecting the task starts with the command, and the outfit should be pure. If the command fails, the clothing and seal will be discarded, and we cannot rely on them. Even if we want to push forward, how can we face the Di?”

Liang Yu Zi said, “The commander receives orders from the temple and the community, and has customary attire. Failure to follow will lead to misfortune. If one dies disloyal, it is better to escape.” Han Yi said, “Dragons are unpredictable, and the gold seal will not return. Even if it does, what can be done? The Duke is determined.” Xian Dan Mu said, “This attire is for show. The madman obstructs it. He says, ‘Defeat the enemy and then return.’ Can the enemy be fully defeated? Even if defeated, there will still be internal dissent. It is better to avoid conflict.” Hu Tu wanted to proceed, but Yang She Da Fu said, “No. Disregarding orders is disloyal, and abandoning duties is unfaithful. Even if it is cold, this is not a desirable outcome. You should avoid this.” The eldest son prepared for battle, and Hu Tu advised against it, referencing the past where internal favor and external politics led to chaos. He urged to focus on filial piety and the stability of the people, rather than risking oneself for quick gains.

Cheng Ji, learning of Cheng Ji’s exile, assisted in installing Duke Xi, who later established the Wei state. In the first year of Duke Xi’s reign, Qi Huan Gong relocated Xing to Yi Yi. In the second year, Wei was granted the Chuqiu land. Xing’s move back to Gui was forgotten, and Duke Wen of Wei worked diligently on various tasks, including agricultural training, commerce, education, and official duties. In the first year, thirty chariots were replaced, and in the second year, three hundred chariots were added.