Treaties, Wars, and Political Maneuvers in Ancient China

In the twenty-sixth year of King Wang’s reign, during the spring in the first month on Jiwei day, the duke convened with the lords of Ju and Wei Ningsu at Xiang, marking the Xiang treaty. This period witnessed Qi’s incursion into our western borders, prompting the duke to pursue the Qi army to Yi but failing to intercept them. In the summer, Qi’s Duke Xiao invaded our northern borders while Wei launched an offensive against Qi. The duke’s son subsequently traveled to Chu to request military assistance.

During autumn, Chu conquered Kui and returned Kui’s heir. In winter, Chu besieged Huan of Song. The duke led Chu’s army to attack Qi, securing grain supplies, and upon his return from the campaign against Qi.

In the spring of the twenty-sixth year, during the first month of King Wang’s reign, the duke met with the lords of Ju and Wei Ningsu at Xiang, commemorating the treaty of Xiang, which aimed to address the previous alliances. Qi’s army invaded our western borders, necessitating punitive action related to these alliances. During the summer, Duke Xiao of Qi attacked our northern borders. Wei’s aggression against Qi was a consequence of the Xiang treaty. The duke appointed Zhanxi to commend the troops and to receive orders from Zhanqin. When Duke Qi was about to enter the palace, Zhanxi accompanied him and said, “Our lord has heard that you are going to raise your jade toes. You will be humiliated in our city, and you will make the officials work hard.” Duke Qi said, “Is the person afraid of Lu?” He replied, “The little man is afraid, but the gentleman is not.” Duke Qi said, “If the house is empty and there is no green grass in the wild, what is the reliance on not being afraid?” He replied, “Rely on the command of the ancestors. In the past, Duke Zhou and Duke Gugong supported the Zhou family and assisted King Zhou. King Zhou worked hard and gave him an alliance, saying, ‘Generations of grandchildren, no harm.’ The record is in the alliance office, and the minister is responsible for it. Huan Gong was able to unite the vassals and discuss their differences, and fill the gap and help the disaster, showing the old position. When the Lord ascended the throne, the expectations of the vassals were said to be “leading the efforts of Huan.” Our city uses courage and does not dare to gather, saying, “How can he abandon the commandment and abandon the status of the first gentleman for nine years, like his predecessor?” The lord must not be so. Rely on this not afraid of the command. “Duke Qi then returned. Dongmen Xiang Zhong and Zang Wenzhong begged for help from Chu. Zang Sun saw the son of Yu Yubai and attacked Qi and Song because they were not ministers. Kui’s son did not perform the ceremony, saying, “My grandfather, Xiong Zhi, was ill. The gods were not forgiven and fled to the Kui. Why did I lose to Chu? What sacrifice?” In the fall, Chu succeeded in the battle of Chen Deyu. Song He also surrendered to Jin. Winter, Chu Xinyu and Sima Zixi attacked Song and surrounded the government. Duke Chu’s army attacked Qi to obtain grain. Fan Division’s ability to say that. Huan Gong’s son, Yong, was put into a valley. Yi Ya managed to use it as a support for Lu. Chu Shen Gong, Shu Hou, and the Chu government, Yin Ziyu. Seven of the seven sons of Huan Gong were in Chu.