| | In former times, Qin Mu Gong raised an army to attack Zheng, and Jian Shu advised him, saying: "It is not advisable." I have heard that when attacking a city, by chariot one should not go beyond a hundred li, and on foot no more than thirty li. This is because the attackers rely upon their vigorous spirit and strong physical power; once they arrive, they are able to overcome the enemy, and can quickly withdraw. Now we march thousands of li, crossing through the territories of feudal lords to launch a surprise attack on a state—your subject does not see how this can be feasible. Your Majesty should carefully reconsider this matter." Mu Gong did not listen. Jian Shu saw the army off outside the gate and wept, saying: "O soldiers! I shall see you depart but not return!" Jian Shu had two sons named Shen and Shi, who traveled with the army. Jian Shu said to his sons: "If the Jin state intercepts our army, it will surely be at Yao. You shall not die on the southern bank, but on the northern bank; I shall prepare a simple coffin for you." Mu Gong heard this and sent someone to reprimand Jian Shu, saying: "I have raised an army; I do not yet know how it will turn out. Now you weep as they depart—that is like mourning my army." Jian Shu replied: "I dare not mourn the army. I am old, and I have two sons who are marching with the army. By the time they return, either they will be dead or I shall surely die—this is why I weep." The army passed through the Zhou territory, and Wangsun Man stood at the gate to observe it, saying: "Alas! This army is surely doomed. If there were no flaw, I would not speak of it again. Qin is none other than a vassal state established by the Zhou dynasty. When passing through the capital of the Son of Heaven, it is appropriate to cover one's armor and bind one's weapons, with all soldiers dismounting on both sides as a sign of respect according to the rites for the Son of Heaven. Now they pass through in full military attire, with banners flying backward, without lowering the left hand to show respect from the left side, and five hundred chariots on the right side leaping forward in haste—this is great in strength, but lacking in propriety. How can there not be flaws?" The army passed through Zhou territory and continued eastward. A merchant from Zheng named Xian Gao and Xi Shi were traveling west to do business in Zhou when they encountered the Qin army on the road. They said, "Ah! The army has traveled a great distance from where it came—this must be an attack on Zheng." They quickly sent Xi Shi back to report, and then impersonating the orders of Duke Zheng, they went out to entertain them, saying: "My lord has long heard that your great state was coming. Your great state did not come, and my lord and his soldiers secretly worried about your great state each day, having nothing to do but fear that your troops might become exhausted or run short of provisions. How long it has been! Therefore, we have sent our ministers with jade and twelve oxen to offer you refreshments." The three Qin commanders replied: "Our lord did not send envoys; instead, he dispatched his three ministers Bing, Shu, and Shi to the eastern border along the Xia road. If they have passed that point, it would mean they are lost and have strayed into your great state's territory." They dared not refuse repeatedly, so after bowing twice and kowtowing, they accepted the gifts. The three commanders then became fearful and plotted among themselves, saying: "We have marched thousands of li, repeatedly crossing through the territories of vassal states to launch a surprise attack. Before we even arrived, our target already knew about us—this means their preparations must be fully ready by now." They withdrew their army and left. At that time, Duke Wen of Jin had just died and was not yet buried. Xian Zhen advised King Xiang of Jin, saying: "We cannot fail to attack the Qin army; I request permission to do so." King Xiang said: "Our late ruler has just passed away, and his body still lies in the hall. To see an opportunity to strike at the Qin army and take advantage of it—would that not be unbecoming of a son?" Xian Zhen said: "They do not mourn our bereavement, nor show concern for our sorrow. This is as good as killing our ruler and weakening his orphaned heir. If we strike under such circumstances, it will greatly strengthen us. "I request permission to attack them." King Xiang reluctantly agreed. Xian Zhen intercepted the Qin army at Yao and attacked them, defeating them greatly and capturing their three commanders to return with. Mu Gong heard of this and donned plain clothes to mourn in the ancestral temple, addressing the people and saying: "Heaven is not favoring the State of Qin. It has caused me to disregard Jian Shu's advice, leading to this disaster." This was not that Mu Gong wished to suffer defeat at Yao, but rather because his wisdom did not reach the necessary understanding. When wisdom does not reach a matter, one cannot believe in it. When words are not believed, the failure of an army to return originates from this; therefore, the harm caused by lack of understanding is great indeed.
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