| | Zhao Xiangzi attacked the Di people and defeated them, capturing Youren and Zhongren. An envoy came to pay homage. At that time, Xiangzi was about to eat but had a worried expression on his face. Those around him said, "In one morning two cities have fallen; this is what people would normally be happy about. Now you look worried, why is that?" Xiangzi said, "The great rivers and streams, after all, cannot last more than three days; a violent wind or heavy rain will not endure even for a moment at noon. Now, the virtue and conduct of our Zhao clan have accumulated nothing; today in one morning two cities fall—will destruction soon reach me!" Confucius heard about this and said, "The Zhao family will surely flourish!" Worry is what leads to flourishing; joy is what brings about downfall. Victory itself is not difficult; the difficulty lies in maintaining it. A wise ruler uses this principle to maintain victory, so his blessings extend to future generations. Qi, Chu, Wu, and Yue all once achieved victories; yet in the end they perished, because they could not maintain their success. Only a ruler who follows the Dao can truly maintain victory. Confucius held fast to the gate of Jingshao, yet refused to be known for his strength. Mozi devised defenses against attacks; Gongshu Ban was convinced, yet Mozi did not wish to be recognized for military knowledge. Those who are good at maintaining victory turn strength into weakness. Therefore, Laozi said: "The Dao is empty and yielding; yet its use never becomes exhausted."
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