| | 淮陰侯列... : |
淮陰侯韓信者，淮陰人也。始為布衣時，貧無行，不得推擇為吏，又不能治生商賈，常從人寄食飲，人多厭之者，常數從其下鄉南昌亭長寄食，數月，亭長妻患之，乃晨炊蓐食。食時信往，不為具食。信亦知其意，怒，竟絕去。 |
| | The Marquis of Huaiyin, Han Xin, was a native of Huaiyin. When he was first an ordinary commoner, Han Xin was poor and had no reputation; thus, he could not be recommended or selected for a government post. He also lacked the ability to manage his livelihood through commerce or trade. He often relied on others for food and drink, which many people found annoying. He frequently stayed with Nanchang Tingzhang, the head of the village in his hometown, who provided him meals. After several months, however, Tingzhang's wife became troubled by this situation and began cooking early in the morning so that she could eat before Han Xin arrived for his meal. When it was time to eat, Han Xin came as usual, but no food was prepared for him. Han Xin realized her intention and became angry, so he left in anger forever.
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| | 淮陰侯列... : |
信釣於城下，諸母漂，有一母見信饑，飯信，竟漂數十日。信喜，謂漂母曰：「吾必有以重報母。」母怒曰：「大丈夫不能自食，吾哀王孫而進食，豈望報乎！」 |
| | While Han Xin was fishing beneath the city walls, some elderly women were washing cloth nearby. One of them saw that Han Xin was hungry and gave him food to eat; she continued feeding him for several dozen days while doing her washing. Han Xin was pleased and said to the washerwoman, "I will surely find a way to greatly repay you, Mother." The woman became angry and said, "A grown man is unable to support himself. I felt pity for you, young master, and gave you food; how could I possibly expect repayment?"
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| | 淮陰侯列... : |
淮陰屠中少年有侮信者，曰：「若雖長大，好帶刀劍，中情怯耳。」眾辱之曰：「信能死，刺我；不能死，出我袴下。」於是信孰視之，俛出袴下，蒲伏。一市人皆笑信，以為怯。 |
| | There were some youths in the butcher's quarter of Huaiyin who insulted Han Xin, saying, "Although you are tall and strong and like to carry a sword and dagger, your heart is actually timid." They publicly humiliated him by saying, "If Han Xin dares to die, he would stab me; if he does not dare to die, then crawl under my crotch." Thus Han Xin looked at him carefully, bent down and crawled beneath the youth's crotch, lying prostrate on his stomach. All the people in the market laughed at Han Xin, considering him timid.
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| | 淮陰侯列... : |
及項梁渡淮，信杖劍從之，居戲下，無所知名。項梁敗，又屬項羽，羽以為郎中。數以策干項羽，羽不用。漢王之入蜀，信亡楚歸漢，未得知名，為連敖。坐法當斬，其輩十三人皆已斬，次至信，信乃仰視，適見滕公，曰：「上不欲就天下乎？何為斬壯士！」滕公奇其言，壯其貌，釋而不斬。與語，大說之。言於上，上拜以為治粟都尉，上未之奇也。 |
| | When Xiang Liang crossed the Huai River, Han Xin took up his sword and followed him. He served under Xiang's command but remained unknown and unremarkable. After Xiang Liang was defeated, Han Xin then joined Xiang Yu, who appointed him as a Langzhong (attendant-official). Han Xin repeatedly submitted strategies to Xiang Yu, but Xiang Yu did not employ them. When King Han entered Shu, Han Xin defected from the Chu state to join the Han forces but was still unknown and served as a Lianao (a low-ranking official). He was sentenced to death for a legal offense. Thirteen of his fellow prisoners had already been executed, and it was now Han Xin's turn. Looking up, he happened to see Teng Gong and said, "Does His Majesty not wish to attain the empire?" "Why is a man of valor being executed!" Teng Gong was surprised by his words and impressed by his appearance, so he released him without executing him. After conversing with him, Teng Gong greatly admired him. Teng Gong recommended him to the King, who then appointed Han Xin as Zhisu Duyi (an official in charge of grain supplies). However, the King did not yet regard him as extraordinary.
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| | 淮陰侯列... : |
信數與蕭何語，何奇之。至南鄭，諸將行道亡者數十人，信度何等已數言上，上不我用，即亡。何聞信亡，不及以聞，自追之。人有言上曰：「丞相何亡。」上大怒，如失左右手。居一二日，何來謁上，上且怒且喜，罵何曰：「若亡，何也？」何曰：「臣不敢亡也，臣追亡者。」上曰：「若所追者誰何？」曰：「韓信也。」上復罵曰：「諸將亡者以十數，公無所追；追信，詐也。」何曰：「諸將易得耳。至如信者，國士無雙。王必欲長王漢中，無所事信；必欲爭天下，非信無所與計事者。顧王策安所決耳。」王曰：「吾亦欲東耳，安能郁郁久居此乎？」何曰：「王計必欲東，能用信，信即留；不能用，信終亡耳。」王曰：「吾為公以為將。」何曰：「雖為將，信必不留。」王曰：「以為大將。」何曰：「幸甚。」於是王欲召信拜之。何曰：「王素慢無禮，今拜大將如呼小兒耳，此乃信所以去也。王必欲拜之，擇良日，齋戒，設壇場，具禮，乃可耳。」王許之。諸將皆喜，人人各自以為得大將。至拜大將，乃韓信也，一軍皆驚。 |
| | Han Xin often conversed with Xiao He, who found him remarkable. When they arrived at Nanzheng, dozens of generals had already fled along the way. Han Xin estimated that Xiao He and others had repeatedly recommended him to the King but were ignored; thus, he also fled. Xiao He heard of Han Xin's escape before it could be reported to the King and immediately set out in pursuit without delay. Someone informed the King, saying, "The Chancellor Xiao He has fled." The King was furious and felt as if he had lost his right and left hands. After one or two days, Xiao He came to pay homage to the King. The King was both angry and delighted, scolding Xiao He by saying, "Why did you run away? What were you thinking?" Xiao He replied, "I would not dare to flee. I was chasing after someone who had escaped." The King asked, "Who exactly are you pursuing?" He replied, "Han Xin." The King scolded again, saying, "Numerous generals have fled, dozens of them; yet you did not pursue any of them. You are chasing Han Xin—this is a deception." Xiao He said, "Common generals are easy to find. As for someone like Han Xin, he is a national treasure without equal. If Your Majesty wishes merely to remain the King of Hanzhong forever, then there is no need for Han Xin; but if you wish to contend for the empire, there will be none with whom you can plan and discuss affairs except Han Xin. It all depends on Your Majesty's decision." The King said, "I also wish to move eastward. How could I remain confined here for long?" Xiao He said, "If Your Majesty is determined to go east and can employ Han Xin, then he will stay; if you cannot use him, Han Xin will eventually flee forever." The King said, "I shall appoint him as a general for your sake." _l Xiao He replied, "Even if he is made a general, Han Xin will certainly not stay." The King said, "Then appoint him as the supreme general." Xiao He replied, "That would be most fortunate." Thus the King wished to summon Han Xin and bestow the title upon him. Xiao He said, "Your Majesty has always been arrogant and disrespectful. Now you are bestowing the title of supreme general as if calling a child—it is precisely for this reason that Han Xin left." "If Your Majesty truly wishes to appoint him, you must choose a favorable day, observe purification rites, set up an altar and ceremony, and prepare proper rituals; only then will it be acceptable." The King agreed. All the generals were delighted, each thinking that he himself would be appointed as supreme general. When the time came to bestow the title of supreme general, it was Han Xin who received it; the entire army was astonished.
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信拜禮畢，上坐。王曰：「丞相數言將軍，將軍何以教寡人計策？」信謝，因問王曰：「今東鄉爭權天下，豈非項王邪？」漢王曰：「然。」曰：「大王自料勇悍仁彊孰與項王？」漢王默然良久，曰：「不如也。」信再拜賀曰：「惟信亦為大王不如也。然臣嘗事之，請言項王之為人也。項王喑噁叱，千人皆廢，然不能任屬賢將，此特匹夫之勇耳。項王見人恭敬慈愛，言語嘔嘔，人有疾病，涕泣分食飲，至使人有功當封爵者，印刓敝，忍不能予，此所謂婦人之仁也。項王雖霸天下而臣諸侯，不居關中而都彭城。有背義帝之約，而以親愛王，諸侯不平。諸侯之見項王遷逐義帝置江南，亦皆歸逐其主而自王善地。項王所過無不殘滅者，天下多怨，百姓不親附，特劫於威彊耳。名雖為霸，實失天下心。故曰其彊易弱。今大王誠能反其道：任天下武勇，何所不誅！以天下城邑封功臣，何所不服！以義兵從思東歸之士，何所不散！且三秦王為秦將，將秦子弟數歲矣，所殺亡不可勝計，又欺其眾降諸侯，至新安，項王詐阬秦降卒二十餘萬，唯獨邯、欣、翳得脫，秦父兄怨此三人，痛入骨髓。今楚彊以威王此三人，秦民莫愛也。大王之入武關，秋豪無所害，除秦苛法，與秦民約，法三章耳，秦民無不欲得大王王秦者。於諸侯之約，大王當王關中，關中民咸知之。大王失職入漢中，秦民無不恨者。今大王舉而東，三秦可傳檄而定也。」於是漢王大喜，自以為得信晚。遂聽信計，部署諸將所擊。 |
| | After completing his formal bow in acceptance, Han Xin took his seat above the King. The King said, "The Chancellor has spoken highly of you many times, General. What strategies do you have to advise me?" Han Xin bowed in thanks and then asked the King, "Now that we are moving eastward to contend for supreme power, is it not against Xiang Wang?" King Han replied, "Indeed." Han Xin continued, "Does Your Majesty consider himself braver and stronger in benevolence than Xiang Wang?" King Han remained silent for a long time before replying, "I am not as good." Han Xin bowed twice in congratulation and said, "Even I believe that Your Majesty is not as capable as Xiang Wang. However, I have served under him before; please allow me to speak of his character." Xiang Wang is fierce and loud, capable of terrifying a thousand men into submission. Yet he cannot entrust or delegate responsibilities to able generals; this is merely the courage of an ordinary man. Xiang Wang appears respectful and kind to others, speaks gently and kindly. When someone is ill, he sheds tears and shares food and drink with them; yet when it comes to rewarding those who have rendered service and deserve enfeoffment, he holds onto the seal so tightly that its edges become worn out, unable to bear parting with it—this is what is called the mercy of a woman. Although Xiang Wang has dominated the empire and made the feudal lords his subjects, he does not reside in Guanzhong but instead establishes his capital at Pengcheng. He has violated the agreement made with Emperor Yi and enfeoffed those close to him as kings, which has caused dissatisfaction among the feudal lords. The feudal lords have seen Xiang Wang expel and drive Emperor Yi to the south of the Yangtze River; thus, they too have driven out their own overlords and declared themselves kings in fertile lands. Wherever Xiang Wang goes, he leaves nothing but destruction and devastation; thus the people of the world harbor resentment toward him. The common folk do not truly support or follow him—they are merely coerced by his power. Though he is nominally a hegemon, in reality, he has lost the hearts of the people across the land. Therefore it can be said that his strength is easily turned into weakness. Now, if Your Majesty sincerely follows the opposite approach—entrusting the brave and martial men of the world—what enemy cannot be vanquished! Rewarding meritorious subjects with fiefs from cities across the empire—what force will not submit! Marching righteous troops to follow those who long for returning eastward—what resistance cannot be dispersed! Moreover, the Three Qin kings have served as generals for the state of Qin and led Qin's sons and brothers in warfare for several years. The number of people they killed or caused to die is beyond count. They also deceived their own troops into surrendering to the feudal lords. When these surrendered soldiers arrived at Xin'an, Xiang Wang deceitfully buried more than 200,000 Qin captives alive. Only Han Shang, Xin Heng, and Yi managed to escape. The fathers and elder brothers of the Qin people harbor deep resentment toward these three men, with their hatred piercing to the bone marrow. Now that Chu has used its power to enfeoff these three as kings, the people of Qin love none of them. When Your Majesty entered Wu Pass, not a single hair on the people was harmed. You abolished Qin's harsh laws and made an agreement with the people of Qin, establishing only three legal provisions. The people of Qin have no one who does not wish for you to rule over them as their king. According to the agreement among the feudal lords, Your Majesty should be made King of Guanzhong, and this is well known by all the people there. Yet when Your Majesty lost your rightful position and entered Hanzhong instead, not a single Qin person did not feel resentment toward this. Now if Your Majesty raises an army to move eastward, the Three Qins can be pacified merely by sending proclamations." At this, King Han was greatly pleased and considered himself fortunate for having obtained Han Xin later than he should have. He then followed Han Xin's strategy and assigned the various generals their targets to attack.
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八月，漢王舉兵東出陳倉，定三秦。漢二年，出關，收魏、河南，韓、殷王皆降。合齊、趙共擊楚。四月，至彭城，漢兵敗散而還。信復收兵與漢王會滎陽，復擊破楚京、索之閒，以故楚兵卒不能西。 |
| | In August, King Han raised his army and marched eastward from Chen Cang, proceeding to pacify the Three Qins. In the second year of King Han's reign, he marched out of Guanzhong and captured Wei and Henan; the kings of Yan and Yin all surrendered. He allied with Qi and Zhao to jointly attack Chu. In April, he reached Pengcheng, but the Han forces were defeated and scattered, retreating in disarray. Han Xin then regrouped his forces and rejoined King Han at Yingyang, where they once again defeated the Chu army between Jing and Suo. Because of this, the Chu troops were ultimately unable to advance westward.
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漢之敗卻彭城，塞王欣、翟王翳亡漢降楚，齊、趙亦反漢與楚和。六月，魏王豹謁歸視親疾，至國，即絕河關反漢，與楚約和。漢王使酈生說豹，不下。其八月，以信為左丞相，擊魏。魏王盛兵蒲阪，塞臨晉，信乃益為疑兵，陳船欲度臨晉，而伏兵從夏陽以木罌缻渡軍，襲安邑。魏王豹驚，引兵迎信，信遂虜豹，定魏為河東郡。漢王遣張耳與信俱，引兵東，北擊趙、代。後九月，破代兵，禽夏說閼與。信之下魏破代，漢輒使人收其精兵，詣滎陽以距楚。 |
| | After King Han's defeat and retreat from Pengcheng, the King of Sai, Xin Heng, and the King of Zhai, Yi, defected to Chu. Qi and Zhao also turned against Han and made peace with Chu. In June, the King of Wei, Pao, paid a visit to his homeland under the pretense of seeing to his family's illness. Upon reaching his state, he immediately closed the river passes and rebelled against Han, making an agreement with Chu for peace. King Han sent Li Sheng to persuade King Pao, but failed to bring him over. In the eighth month, he appointed Han Xin as Left Chancellor to attack Wei. The King of Wei massed his troops at Puzhan and blocked Linjin. Han Xin therefore created additional decoy forces, arranging boats as if he intended to cross at Linjin, while secretly sending hidden troops from Xiayang in wooden jars and pots across the river to launch a surprise attack on Anyi. The King of Wei, Pao was startled and led his troops out to meet Han Xin, who then captured him. Thus Wei was pacified and established as Hedong Commandery. King Han dispatched Zhang Er to accompany Han Xin, leading troops eastward and northward to attack Zhao and Dai. In the following September, they defeated the forces of Dai and captured Xia Yueyu. Whenever Han Xin subdued Wei or broke Dai, King Han immediately sent envoys to recruit their elite troops and dispatched them to Yingyang to resist Chu.
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信與張耳以兵數萬，欲東下井陘擊趙。趙王、成安君陳餘聞漢且襲之也，聚兵井陘口，號稱二十萬。廣武君李左車說成安君曰：「聞漢將韓信涉西河，虜魏王，禽夏說，新喋血閼與，今乃輔以張耳，議欲下趙，此乘勝而去國遠鬬，其鋒不可當。臣聞千里餽糧，士有饑色，樵蘇後爨，師不宿飽。今井陘之道，車不得方軌，騎不得成列，行數百里，其勢糧食必在其後。願足下假臣奇兵三萬人，從閒道絕其輜重；足下深溝高壘，堅營勿與戰。彼前不得鬬，退不得還，吾奇兵絕其後，使野無所掠，不至十日，而兩將之頭可致於戲下。願君留意臣之計。否，必為二子所禽矣。」成安君，儒者也，常稱義兵不用詐謀奇計，曰：「吾聞兵法十則圍之，倍則戰。今韓信兵號數萬，其實不過數千。能千里而襲我，亦已罷極。今如此避而不擊，後有大者，何以加之！則諸侯謂吾怯，而輕來伐我。」不聽廣武君策，廣武君策不用。 |
| | Han Xin and Zhang Er led several ten thousand soldiers, intending to move eastward through Jingxing Pass to attack Zhao. King Zhao and Cheng'an Jun Chen Yu heard that Han was about to launch a surprise attack, so they gathered their troops at the mouth of Jingxing Pass, claiming a force of 200,00 soldiers. Guangwu Jun Li Zuocar advised Cheng'an Jun, saying, "I have heard that the Han general Han Xin crossed the Xihe River, captured the King of Wei, and took prisoner Xia Yueyu. Recently he has just seen bloodshed at Yuyu. Now he is supported by Zhang Er, and they are planning to attack Zhao. This is a case of riding on victory while fighting far from their homeland; such momentum cannot be withstood. I have heard that when provisions are transported over a thousand li, the soldiers inevitably show signs of hunger; and when firewood is gathered after cooking, the army cannot eat until late. Now, along the road through Jingxing Pass, wagons cannot travel side by side and cavalry cannot form ranks. Marching hundreds of li, their supplies must be trailing behind them. I respectfully request that you entrust me with 30,000 elite troops to take a secret route and cut off their supply lines; you should dig deep trenches and build high fortifications, maintaining a strong camp without engaging in battle. They will be unable to fight ahead and cannot retreat. My hidden forces will cut off their rear, leaving them nothing to plunder in the fields. Within ten days at most, we can bring the heads of these two generals before our camp. I hope you will give careful consideration to my strategy. No, they are certainly going to be captured by these two men." Cheng'an Jun was a Confucian scholar, often claiming that righteous armies did not employ deception or unconventional strategies. He said, "I have heard in the art of war that if you outnumber your enemy ten to one, you surround them; and if you double their numbers, you fight." Now Han Xin's forces are claimed to number in the tens of thousands, but in reality they do not exceed several thousand. They have marched hundreds of li to attack us and must already be exhausted. If we now avoid them without fighting, how can we face a greater threat in the future! Then the feudal lords will think us timid and will lightly come to attack us." He did not heed Guangwu Jun's strategy, so Guangwu Jun's plan was not put into action.
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韓信使人閒視，知其不用，還報，則大喜，乃敢引兵遂下。未至井陘口三十里，止舍。夜半傳發，選輕騎二千人，人持一赤幟，從閒道萆山而望趙軍，誡曰：「趙見我走，必空壁逐我，若疾入趙壁，拔趙幟，立漢赤幟。」令其裨將傳飱，曰：「今日破趙會食！」諸將皆莫信，詳應曰：「諾。」謂軍吏曰：「趙已先據便地為壁，且彼未見吾大將旗鼓，未肯擊前行，恐吾至阻險而還。」信乃使萬人先行，出，背水陳。趙軍望見而大笑。平旦，信建大將之旗鼓，鼓行出井陘口，趙開壁擊之，大戰良久。於是信、張耳詳棄鼓旗，走水上軍。水上軍開入之，復疾戰。趙果空壁爭漢鼓旗，逐韓信、張耳。韓信、張耳已入水上軍，軍皆殊死戰，不可敗。信所出奇兵二千騎，共候趙空壁逐利，則馳入趙壁，皆拔趙旗，立漢赤幟二千。趙軍已不勝，不能得信等，欲還歸壁，壁皆漢赤幟，而大驚，以為漢皆已得趙王將矣，兵遂亂，遁走，趙將雖斬之，不能禁也。於是漢兵夾擊，大破虜趙軍，斬成安君泜水上，禽趙王歇。 |
| | Han Xin sent someone to secretly observe and learned that the strategy had not been adopted. When he returned with this report, Han Xin was greatly pleased and then dared to lead his troops down accordingly. Before reaching thirty li from the mouth of Jingxing Pass, they stopped for the night. At midnight, they secretly set out and selected 2,000 light cavalrymen. Each soldier carried a red banner and took a secret route through the mountain to observe Zhao's army. They were warned: "When Zhao sees us retreating, he will certainly empty his camp to pursue us. If you quickly enter Zhao's camp, remove their banners, and raise our Han red banners." He ordered his subordinate generals to prepare food, saying: "We will break the Zhao army today and have a meal together!" The generals all did not believe it but pretended to respond with, "Yes, as you say." He told the military officers, "Zhao has already occupied a favorable position and built fortifications. Moreover, since they have not yet seen our general's banners and drums, they will not dare to attack us head-on. I fear that when we reach an obstructed or dangerous area, they may retreat." Han Xin then sent 10,000 men ahead to deploy in formation with their backs to the river. Zhao's army saw this and laughed heartily. At dawn, Han Xin raised the banners and drums of a general and marched out through Jingxing Pass. Zhao opened his camp to attack him, and they engaged in fierce battle for a long time. At this point, Han Xin and Zhang Er pretended to abandon their banners and drums and fled toward the army by the river. The troops at the riverside opened ranks to let them in, and then they engaged in battle once more with great intensity. As expected, Zhao's forces emptied their camp to chase after Han Xin and Zhang Er for the Han banners and drums. Han Xin and Zhang Er had already entered the riverside camp, where all the soldiers fought with a determination to die or win; they could not be defeated. The 2,000 cavalrymen Han Xin had sent out as hidden forces waited for Zhao's camp to be empty and its troops chasing profit. Then they galloped into Zhao's camp and removed all of Zhao's banners, replacing them with 2,000 red Han banners. Zhao's army, now unable to defeat Han Xin and having failed to capture him or Zhang Er, wanted to return to their camp. However, they found all the banners in the camp had been replaced with red Han flags, which greatly alarmed them. They believed that the Han forces had already captured King Zhao and his generals. The troops then fell into chaos and fled; even though Zhao's commanders tried to kill some of them, they could not stop the rout. Thus, Han forces launched a pincer attack and completely defeated Zhao's army, capturing it in full. They beheaded Cheng'an Jun at the Shui River and captured King Zhao Xie.
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信乃令軍中毋殺廣武君，有能生得者購千金。於是有縛廣武君而致戲下者，信乃解其縛，東鄉坐，西鄉對，師事之。諸將效首虜，（休）畢賀，因問信曰：「兵法右倍山陵，前左水澤，今者將軍令臣等反背水陳，曰破趙會食，臣等不服。然竟以勝，此何術也？」信曰：「此在兵法，顧諸君不察耳。兵法不曰『陷之死地而後生，置之亡地而後存』？且信非得素拊循士大夫也，此所謂『驅市人而戰之』，其勢非置之死地，使人人自為戰；今予之生地，皆走，寧尚可得而用之乎！」諸將皆服曰：「善。非臣所及也。」 |
| | Han Xin then ordered his troops not to kill Guangwu Jun, offering a reward of 1,000 gold pieces for anyone who could capture him alive. Soon, someone brought Guangwu Jun bound and delivered to Han Xin's camp. Han Xin then untied him, seated him facing east while he himself sat facing west, treating him as a teacher. The generals, having beheaded prisoners of war and completed their celebrations, asked Han Xin: "According to the art of war, one should have mountains or hills on the right rear and water or marshes on the left front. Now you ordered us to deploy with our backs to the river, saying we would break Zhao's army and eat together. We were 不服 (unconvinced)." Yet in the end we won—what strategy was this?" Han Xin said, "This is actually stated in the art of war; it's just that you gentlemen did not notice." "Doesn't the art of war say, 'Place them in a deadly situation and they will survive; put them in a place of certain death and they will find life'?" "Moreover, I do not have the advantage of long-term training and discipline over my soldiers. This is what is called 'driving common people into battle.' The only way to ensure victory in such a situation is to place them in a desperate position so that each man fights for his own survival; if I had given them an escape route, they would have all fled. Could such men still be used in battle?" The generals were all convinced and said, "Well said." "It is beyond our capability," they added.
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於是信問廣武君曰：「仆欲北攻燕，東伐齊，何若而有功？」廣武君辭謝曰：「臣聞敗軍之將，不可以言勇，亡國之大夫，不可以圖存。今臣敗亡之虜，何足以權大事乎！」信曰：「仆聞之，百里奚居虞而虞亡，在秦而秦霸，非愚於虞而智於秦也，用與不用，聽與不聽也。誠令成安君聽足下計，若信者亦已為禽矣。以不用足下，故信得侍耳。」因固問曰：「仆委心歸計，願足下勿辭。」廣武君曰：「臣聞智者千慮，必有一失；愚者千慮，必有一得。故曰『狂夫之言，聖人擇焉』。顧恐臣計未必足用，願效愚忠。夫成安君有百戰百勝之計，一旦而失之，軍敗鄗下，身死泜上。今將軍涉西河，虜魏王，禽夏說閼與，一舉而下井陘，不終朝破趙二十萬眾，誅成安君。名聞海內，威震天下，農夫莫不輟耕釋耒，褕衣甘食，傾耳以待命者。若此，將軍之所長也。然而眾勞卒罷，其實難用。今將軍欲舉倦獘之兵，頓之燕堅城之下，欲戰恐久力不能拔，情見勢屈，曠日糧竭，而弱燕不服，齊必距境以自彊也。燕齊相持而不下，則劉項之權未有所分也。若此者，將軍所短也。臣愚，竊以為亦過矣。故善用兵者不以短擊長，而以長擊短。」韓信曰：「然則何由？」廣武君對曰：「方今為將軍計，莫如案甲休兵，鎮趙撫其孤，百里之內，牛酒日至，以饗士大夫醳兵，北首燕路，而後遣辯士奉咫尺之書，暴其所長於燕，燕必不敢不聽從。燕已從，使諠言者東告齊，齊必從風而服，雖有智者，亦不知為齊計矣。如是，則天下事皆可圖也。兵固有先聲而後實者，此之謂也。」韓信曰：「善。」從其策，發使使燕，燕從風而靡。乃遣使報漢，因請立張耳為趙王，以鎮撫其國。漢王許之，乃立張耳為趙王。 |
| | Han Xin then asked Guangwu Jun, "I wish to attack Yan in the north and strike Qi in the east. What strategy should I adopt to achieve success?" Guangwu Jun politely declined, saying, "I have heard that a defeated general is not qualified to speak of bravery, and an official from a fallen state cannot plan for survival. Now I am but a captured prisoner who has been defeated; how can I possibly be entrusted with plans of great importance!" Han Xin said, "I have heard that Bai Li Xi was in Yu when Yu fell, and later served Qin when it became dominant. It is not because he was foolish in Yu but wise in Qin; rather, it depends on whether his advice was used or ignored." If Cheng'an Jun had truly listened to your strategy, a man like me would have already been captured. It is precisely because he did not listen to you that I am now able to serve." He then insisted and asked, "I sincerely entrust my heart to your counsel. I hope you will not refuse." Guangwu Jun said, "I have heard that even the wisest person may make a mistake in a thousand considerations; a foolish man who considers something a thousand times will surely gain one insight. Therefore, it is said: 'The words of a madman may contain wisdom for the sage to choose from.' I only fear that my strategy might not be useful. I will, however, offer you this humble loyalty." Cheng'an Jun had a strategy of victory in every battle, yet he lost it all at once. His army was defeated under Hao, and his body perished on the Shidi River. Now, General, you crossed the Xihe River and captured King Wei. You took prisoner Xia Yue at Yuyu, swiftly advanced through Jingxing Pass in one campaign, defeated Zhao's 200,000 troops before morning, and executed Cheng'an Jun. Your name is known throughout the land, your might shakes the world; even farmers have stopped plowing and laid down their hoes, wearing fine clothes and enjoying good food, all listening eagerly for your command. Such is what you are best at, General. However, your soldiers are exhausted and worn out; in reality, they are difficult to use effectively. Now, if you wish to deploy tired and worn-out troops against the strong walls of Yan, a prolonged battle may drain your strength without success. Your situation will become exposed and vulnerable; as days pass and supplies run out, even weak Yan might refuse to submit, while Qi will surely resist at its borders to strengthen itself. If Yan and Qi remain in a stalemate without resolution, then the balance of power between Liu Bang and Xiang Yu will not yet be decided. This is what you lack, General. In my humble opinion, I secretly believe this strategy has gone too far. Therefore, a skilled general does not use his weaknesses to attack an enemy's strengths, but rather uses his own strengths to strike the enemy's weaknesses." Han Xin asked, "Then what is the way forward?" Guangwu Jun replied, "Now that I am considering the best course for you, General, there is no better option than to halt your troops and rest your soldiers. Stabilize Zhao by showing care for its people and their orphans. Within a hundred li, daily offerings of cattle and wine should be made to entertain the officers and soldiers, lifting their spirits. Then, with your army facing north toward Yan's territory, send eloquent envoys carrying short letters to Yan, highlighting your strengths. Yan will surely dare not refuse to obey. Once Yan has submitted, have persuasive envoys spread the news eastward to Qi. Qi will then follow suit and submit without resistance; even if there are wise men, they will be at a loss as to how to advise Qi. If this is done, the affairs of all under heaven can then be planned and achieved. "Indeed, there are cases in warfare where one first establishes a reputation before engaging in action—this is precisely what I mean." Han Xin said, "Well said." He followed his strategy and sent envoys to Yan. Yan submitted as if the wind had blown it down. Han Xin then dispatched an envoy to report back to Han, and at the same time requested that Zhang Er be appointed King of Zhao in order to stabilize and pacify the state. The King of Han agreed, and so Zhang Er was enfeoffed as the King of Zhao.
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楚數使奇兵渡河擊趙，趙王耳、韓信往來救趙，因行定趙城邑，發兵詣漢。楚方急圍漢王於滎陽，漢王南出，之宛、葉閒，得黥布，走入成皋，楚又復急圍之。六月，漢王出成皋，東渡河，獨與滕公俱，從張耳軍修武。至，宿傳舍。晨自稱漢使，馳入趙壁。張耳、韓信未起，即其臥內上奪其印符，以麾召諸將，易置之。信、耳起，乃知漢王來，大驚。漢王奪兩人軍，即令張耳備守趙地。拜韓信為相國，收趙兵未發者擊齊。 |
| | Chu repeatedly sent elite forces to cross the river and attack Zhao. King Zhao Er and Han Xin moved back and forth to rescue Zhao, using these campaigns to pacify Zhao's cities and towns, and raised troops to send to Han. At this time, Chu was urgently besieging King Han at Xingyang. King Han broke out to the south and moved toward Wan and Ye, where he met Liu Poxi (Qingbu), then fled into Chenggao. Once again, Chu launched a fierce siege against him. In the sixth month, King Han left Chenggao and crossed eastward over the Yellow River, traveling alone with Peng Gong, and joined Zhang Er's forces at Xiuwu. Upon arriving, he stayed in a relay inn for the night. The next morning, he falsely claimed to be a Han envoy and galloped into Zhao's encampment. Zhang Er and Han Xin had not yet risen, so he seized their seals and insignias from within their sleeping quarters. He then summoned the generals under his command, replacing them with his own appointees. When Zhang Er and Han Xin awoke, they learned that King Han had arrived and were greatly startled. King Han seized the command of their armies and immediately ordered Zhang Er to prepare for the defense of Zhao's territory. He appointed Han Xin as Chancellor, mobilizing the remaining Sui forces not yet dispatched to attack Qi.
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信引兵東，未渡平原，聞漢王使酈食其已說下齊，韓信欲止。范陽辯士蒯通說信曰：「將軍受詔擊齊，而漢獨發閒使下齊，寧有詔止將軍乎？何以得毋行也！且酈生一士，伏軾掉三寸之舌，下齊七十餘城，將軍將數萬眾，歲餘乃下趙五十餘，為將數歲，反不如一豎儒之功乎？」於是信然之，從其計，遂渡河。齊已聽酈生，即留縱酒，罷備漢守御。信因襲齊歷下軍，遂至臨菑。齊王田廣以酈生賣己，乃亨之，而走高密，使使之楚請救。韓信已定臨菑，遂東追廣至高密西。楚亦使龍且將，號稱二十萬，救齊。 |
| | Han Xin led his troops eastward, but before crossing the Pingyuan region, he heard that King Han had sent Li Shiqi to persuade Qi into submission. Han Xin wanted to halt his advance. Fan Yang's eloquent man Kuaitong advised Han Xin, saying: "General, you were ordered to attack Qi, yet the Han court sent a secret envoy alone to subdue Qi. Could there possibly be an imperial decree ordering you to stop?" How can you afford not to proceed! Moreover, Li Sheng is but a single scholar who, by merely leaning on the carriage and moving his three-inch tongue, has subdued more than seventy cities of Qi. You, General, with tens of thousands of troops, took over a year to conquer only fifty or so cities in Zhao. Having served as general for several years, are you now less effective than this single upright Confucian scholar?" Thus convinced by these words, Han Xin followed his advice and crossed the river. Qi had already accepted Li Sheng's terms and was now staying behind to indulge in drinking, relaxing its defenses against Han forces. Han Xin then launched a surprise attack on the Qi army at Lixia and advanced all the way to Linzi. King Tian Guang of Qi, believing that Li Sheng had betrayed him, boiled him alive and fled to Gaomi, sending envoys to Chu for rescue. After pacifying Linzi, Han Xin advanced eastward in pursuit of Tian Guang and reached the western side of Gaomi. Chu also sent Long Ju as general, claiming a force of 20,000 soldiers, to rescue Qi.
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齊王廣、龍且并軍與信戰，未合。人或說龍且曰：「漢兵遠鬬窮戰，其鋒不可當。齊、楚自居其地戰，兵易敗散。不如深壁，令齊王使其信臣招所亡城，亡城聞其王在，楚來救，必反漢。漢兵二千里客居，齊城皆反之，其勢無所得食，可無戰而降也。」龍且曰：「吾平生知韓信為人，易與耳。且夫救齊不戰而降之，吾何功？今戰而勝之，齊之半可得，何為止！」遂戰，與信夾濰水陳。韓信乃夜令人為萬餘囊，滿盛沙，壅水上流，引軍半渡，擊龍且，詳不勝，還走。龍且果喜曰：「固知信怯也。」遂追信渡水。信使人決壅囊，水大至。龍且軍大半不得渡，即急擊，殺龍且。龍且水東軍散走，齊王廣亡去。信遂追北至城陽，皆虜楚卒。 |
| | King Tian Guang and General Long Ju combined their forces to fight Han Xin, but the battle had not yet begun. Someone advised Long Ju, saying: "The Han army is fighting far from home and in desperation; their momentum cannot be resisted. The armies of Qi and Chu are defending their own territory, where it is easier for them to retreat or scatter. It would be better to dig in deeply and have King Qi send trusted envoys to reclaim the lost cities. When these lost cities hear that their king is still alive and that Chu has come to rescue them, they will surely turn back from Han. "The Han army is stationed 2000 li away as an invading force, and all the cities of Qi will turn against them. In such a situation, they will find no food to sustain themselves and can be made to surrender without even fighting." Long Ju said, "I have always known Han Xin's character; he is easy to deal with. Moreover, if we rescue Qi without fighting and merely make them surrender, what merit would I have?" "Now, if we fight and win, we can capture half of Qi. Why should we stop!" So they engaged in battle, with Han Xin and Long Ju arraying their forces on opposite sides of the Wei River. Han Xin then ordered men at night to prepare more than 10,000 sandbags filled with sand, which were used to block the upper reaches of the river. He led part of his army across the river and attacked Long Ju, pretending to be defeated and retreating. Long Ju was delighted and said, "I knew all along that Han Xin is a coward." He then pursued Han Xin across the river. Han Xin sent men to release the sandbags, and a great surge of water followed. Long Ju's army was unable to cross in large numbers when suddenly attacked, and Long Ju was killed. The forces of Long Ju on the eastern side of the river scattered and fled, and King Tian Guang escaped as well. Han Xin then pursued the retreating enemy to Chengyang, capturing all the Chu soldiers he encountered.
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漢四年，遂皆降平齊。使人言漢王曰：「齊偽詐多變，反覆之國也，南邊楚，不為假王以鎮之，其勢不定。願為假王便。」當是時，楚方急圍漢王於滎陽，韓信使者至，發書，漢王大怒，罵曰：「吾困於此，旦暮望若來佐我，乃欲自立為王！」張良、陳平躡漢王足，因附耳語曰：「漢方不利，寧能禁信之王乎？不如因而立，善遇之，使自為守。不然，變生。」漢王亦悟，因復罵曰：「大丈夫定諸侯，即為真王耳，何以假為！」乃遣張良往立信為齊王，徵其兵擊楚。 |
| | In the fourth year of Han (204 BC), he finally pacified and brought peace to Qi. He sent a messenger to King Han, saying: "Qi is a land of deceit and frequent changes; it is an unpredictable state. It borders Chu in the south. Without appointing a provisional king to pacify it, the situation will remain unstable. I request that I be appointed as the provisional King of Qi for convenience." At that time, Chu was urgently besieging King Han at Yingyang. When the envoy from Han Xin arrived and delivered his letter, King Han became furious upon reading it and scolded, saying: "I am trapped here, waiting day and night for you to come assist me, yet now you wish to proclaim yourself king!" Zhang Liang and Chen Ping stepped on King Han's foot and whispered in his ear, saying: "With the current unfavorable situation for Han, how can we possibly prevent Han Xin from becoming king? It would be better to take advantage of this and appoint him as such, treating him well so that he will defend the territory for us." Otherwise, trouble may arise." King Han also realized this and, in a fit of anger, said again: "A great man who pacifies the feudal lords should be made an actual king, not just a provisional one!" He then sent Zhang Liang to formally appoint Han Xin as King of Qi and summoned his troops to fight against Chu.
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楚已亡龍且，項王恐，使盱眙人武涉往說齊王信曰：「天下共苦秦久矣，相與力擊秦。秦已破，計功割地，分土而王之，以休士卒。今漢王復興兵而東，侵人之分，奪人之地，已破三秦，引兵出關，收諸侯之兵以東擊楚，其意非盡吞天下者不休，其不知厭足如是甚也。且漢王不可必，身居項王掌握中數矣，項王憐而活之，然得脫，輒倍約，復擊項王，其不可親信如此。今足下雖自以與漢王為厚交，為之盡力用兵，終為之所禽矣。足下所以得須臾至今者，以項王尚存也。當今二王之事，權在足下。足下右投則漢王勝，左投則項王勝。項王今日亡，則次取足下。足下與項王有故，何不反漢與楚連和，參分天下王之？今釋此時，而自必於漢以擊楚，且為智者固若此乎！」韓信謝曰：「臣事項王，官不過郎中，位不過執戟，言不聽，畫不用，故倍楚而歸漢。漢王授我上將軍印，予我數萬眾，解衣衣我，推食食我，言聽計用，故吾得以至於此。夫人深親信我，我倍之不祥，雖死不易。幸為信謝項王！」 |
| | After losing Long Ju, King Xiang of Chu became fearful and sent Xu Yi native Wu She to persuade King Qi Han Xin, saying: "The people throughout the land have long suffered under Qin's rule; we all joined forces to attack it. Now that Qin has been defeated, we calculated contributions and divided the land, granting territories so that each could be a king in order to give rest to our soldiers. Now, King Han has raised his army again and marched eastward, encroaching on others' territories and seizing their lands. After defeating the Three Qins, he led his troops out of the Guan Pass, gathering the forces of feudal lords to strike east against Chu. His ambition is not to stop until he swallows up the entire world; how insatiable he is! Moreover, King Han cannot be trusted. He has been captured by King Xiang on multiple occasions and was in his power; out of mercy, King Xiang spared his life. Yet as soon as he escaped, he betrayed the agreement and attacked King Xiang again. How untrustworthy is he! Now, although you may consider yourself to have a close relationship with King Han and are exerting your efforts in fighting for him, ultimately you will still be captured by him. The reason why you have survived until now is because King Xiang still lives. At present, the matter between these two kings rests in your hands. If you support King Han, he will win; if you support King Xiang, he will prevail. Once King Xiang is defeated today, the next target will be you. You have an old relationship with King Xiang; why not rebel against Han and form an alliance with Chu, dividing the empire into three parts to rule together?" If you let this opportunity pass and bind yourself to Han in order to fight against Chu, can a wise man really be so inflexible!" Han Xin replied respectfully, "I served King Xiang before; my position was no higher than that of a Langzhong, and I held the rank of merely a spear-bearer. My words were not heeded, and my strategies were never used. That is why I defected from Chu to Han. King Han gave me the seal of a supreme general, assigned me tens of thousands of troops, shared his clothes with me when I had none and provided food for me. He listened to my words and adopted my strategies; thus, I have been able to reach this position. A ruler who treats one with such deep trust and affection—how could it be auspicious for me to betray him? Even if I were to die, I would not change my loyalty. Please convey my apologies to King Xiang!"
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武涉已去，齊人蒯通知天下權在韓信，欲為奇策而感動之，以相人說韓信曰：「仆嘗受相人之術。」韓信曰：「先生相人何如？」對曰：「貴賤在於骨法，憂喜在於容色，成敗在於決斷，以此參之，萬不失一。」韓信曰：「善。先生相寡人何如？」對曰：「願少閒。」信曰：「左右去矣。」通曰：「相君之面，不過封侯，又危不安。相君之背，貴乃不可言。」韓信曰：「何謂也？」蒯通曰：「天下初發難也，俊雄豪桀建號壹呼，天下之士雲合霧集，魚鱗襍遝，熛至風起。當此之時，憂在亡秦而已。今楚漢分爭，使天下無罪之人肝膽涂地，父子暴骸骨於中野，不可勝數。楚人起彭城，轉鬬逐北，至於滎陽，乘利席卷，威震天下。然兵困於京、索之閒，迫西山而不能進者，三年於此矣。漢王將數十萬之眾，距鞏、雒，阻山河之險，一日數戰，無尺寸之功，折北不救，敗滎陽，傷成皋，遂走宛、葉之閒，此所謂智勇俱困者也。夫銳氣挫於險塞，而糧食竭於內府，百姓罷極怨望，容容無所倚。以臣料之，其勢非天下之賢聖固不能息天下之禍。當今兩主之命縣於足下。足下為漢則漢勝，與楚則楚勝。臣願披腹心，輸肝膽，效愚計，恐足下不能用也。誠能聽臣之計，莫若兩利而俱存之，參分天下，鼎足而居，其勢莫敢先動。夫以足下之賢聖，有甲兵之眾，據彊齊，從燕、趙，出空虛之地而制其後，因民之欲，西鄉為百姓請命，則天下風走而響應矣，孰敢不聽！邦大弱彊，以立諸侯，諸侯已立，天下服聽而歸德於齊。案齊之故，有膠、泗之地，懷諸侯以德，深拱揖讓，則天下之君王相率而朝於齊矣。蓋聞天與弗取，反受其咎；時至不行，反受其殃。願足下孰慮之。」 |
| | After Wu She had left, a native of Qi named Kuai Tong realized that the fate of the entire world rested in Han Xin's hands. He wished to devise an extraordinary strategy to move him and thus advised Han Xin by claiming to be skilled in physiognomy: "I have once studied the art of reading people's faces." Han Xin asked, "What is your skill at judging people like?" He replied: "Whether a person is noble or lowly depends on the structure of their bones; whether they are worried or joyful can be seen in their facial expressions; and whether they will succeed or fail lies in their decisiveness. Judging by these three factors, I am never wrong once in ten thousand cases." Han Xin said, "Well said. What do you see in me?" He replied: "Please allow a moment of privacy." Han Xin said, "Let the attendants step away." Kuai Tong said: "Judging by your face alone, you will be no more than a marquis, yet even that position would be precarious and unstable. But judging from the back, your destiny is so noble it cannot even be described in words." Han Xin asked: "What do you mean by that?" Kuai Tong said: "When the turmoil first erupted across the land, outstanding heroes and valiant men raised their banners with a single call. Scholars from all over gathered like clouds and fog, assembling in great numbers, coming together like fish scales or flames rising on the wind. At that time, their only concern was to destroy Qin. Now, with the struggle between Chu and Han, innocent people across the land are shedding their blood on the ground; fathers and sons lie exposed in the fields, their bones uncountable. The Chu forces rose from Pengcheng, chasing defeated enemies and advancing as far as Yingyang, sweeping forward with momentum and shaking the entire world with their power. Yet now they are trapped between Jing and Suo, pressed against the western mountains and unable to advance—this has been going on for three years. King Han commands an army of hundreds of thousands, yet he is held at a distance from Gong and Luo, blocked by the natural dangers of mountains and rivers. He fights several battles in a single day but achieves no gains; his defeats at Yingyang and injuries at Chenggao have forced him to flee between Wan and Ye. This is what one might call a situation where both wisdom and courage are trapped. The sharp momentum of the army has been broken by difficult terrain, and their supplies have run out from within the treasury. The people are exhausted and filled with resentment, uncertain and without support. In my estimation, only a truly wise and virtuous ruler can put an end to the calamities of the world; otherwise, this situation cannot be resolved. Now, the fates of these two rulers hang in your hands. If you support Han, then Han will prevail; if you side with Chu, then Chu will triumph. I wish to lay bare my heart and offer my sincere advice, but I fear you may not be willing to use it. If you truly listen to my plan, there is no better course of action than for both sides to benefit and coexist. Divide the empire into three parts, each standing as a tripod leg—then none will dare move first. With your virtue and wisdom, commanding a large army, holding the powerful state of Qi, allied with Yan and Zhao, you could strike from an unguarded direction to control their rear. Following the people's desires, turning westward to plead for the lives of the common folk, then the entire world would follow like the wind and echo your call—who would dare refuse! You could weaken the strong and assist the weak, establishing feudal lords. Once these lords are established, all under heaven will submit to your authority and return their loyalty to Qi. Restoring the former glory of Qi, holding Jiao and Si regions, winning over feudal lords with virtue, and maintaining a dignified posture of courtesy—then kings from all under heaven would come to pay homage at your court in Qi. I have heard that when Heaven offers an opportunity and one does not take it, misfortune will instead befall him; When the time comes but you do nothing, disaster will follow. I hope you carefully consider this."
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韓信曰：「漢王遇我甚厚，載我以其車，衣我以其衣，食我以其食。吾聞之，乘人之車者載人之患，衣人之衣者懷人之憂，食人之食者死人之事，吾豈可以鄉利倍義乎！」蒯生曰：「足下自以為善漢王，欲建萬世之業，臣竊以為誤矣。始常山王、成安君為布衣時，相與為刎頸之交，後爭張黶、陳澤之事，二人相怨。常山王背項王，奉項嬰頭而竄，逃歸於漢王。漢王借兵而東下，殺成安君泜水之南，頭足異處，卒為天下笑。此二人相與，天下至驩也。然而卒相禽者，何也？患生於多欲而人心難測也。今足下欲行忠信以交於漢王，必不能固於二君之相與也，而事多大於張黶、陳澤。故臣以為足下必漢王之不危己，亦誤矣。大夫種、范蠡存亡越，霸句踐，立功成名而身死亡。野獸已盡而獵狗亨。夫以交友言之，則不如張耳之與成安君者也；以忠信言之，則不過大夫種、范蠡之於句踐也。此二人者，足以觀矣。願足下深慮之。且臣聞勇略震主者身危，而功蓋天下者不賞。臣請言大王功略：足下涉西河，虜魏王，禽夏說，引兵下井陘，誅成安君，徇趙，脅燕，定齊，南摧楚人之兵二十萬，東殺龍且，西鄉以報，此所謂功無二於天下，而略不世出者也。今足下戴震主之威，挾不賞之功，歸楚，楚人不信；歸漢，漢人震恐：足下欲持是安歸乎？夫勢在人臣之位而有震主之威，名高天下，竊為足下危之。」韓信謝曰：「先生且休矣，吾將念之。」 |
| | Han Xin said: "King Han has treated me with great kindness, providing me with his own carriage to ride in, his clothes to wear, and his food to eat. I have heard it said that one who rides in another's carriage must bear their burdens, one who wears another's clothes must carry their worries, and one who eats another's food must be willing to die for them. How could I possibly turn my back on righteousness for the sake of personal gain!" Kuai Tong said: "You believe yourself to be loyal to King Han and wish to establish a legacy for ten thousand generations, but in my secret opinion, you are mistaken. Originally, King Changshan and General Cheng'an Jun were commoners who became 刎颈 (sworn) friends. Later, they quarreled over the matters of Zhang Yan and Chen Ze, and thus came to resent each other. King Changshan betrayed King Xiang, presented the head of Xiang Ying in surrender, and fled back to King Han. King Han borrowed troops and marched eastward; he killed General Cheng'an Jun south of the Zhi River, beheading him so that his head and feet were separated. In the end, he became a laughingstock to all under heaven. These two men once had an extremely close relationship. Yet in the end they captured each other—why was that? Misfortune arises from excessive desires, and human hearts are hard to fathom. Now, if you wish to practice loyalty and trustworthiness in your dealings with King Han, it will surely not be as firm as the bond between those two men. Moreover, the matters at hand are far greater than Zhang Yan or Chen Ze. Therefore, I believe that your assumption that King Han will not endanger you is also a mistake. The ministers Zhong and Fan Li saved the state of Yue from destruction, helped King Goujian achieve dominance, established great achievements and fame—but in the end met their deaths. When all wild beasts are gone, the hunting dogs are boiled. In terms of friendship, it is not as close as Zhang Er and General Cheng'an Jun; In terms of loyalty and trustworthiness, it does not surpass that of Zhong and Fan Li toward King Goujian. These two examples are sufficient for you to observe. I hope you will deeply consider this matter. Moreover, I have heard that those whose bravery and strategy shake the ruler's authority endanger themselves, and those whose achievements overshadow all under heaven receive no reward. Let me speak of your great achievements, Your Majesty: You crossed the Xi River, captured King Wei, took General Xia Yue prisoner, led troops down Jingxing Pass, killed General Cheng'an Jun, subdued Zhao, intimidated Yan, pacified Qi, crushed a Chu army of 200,000 to the south, and personally slew Long Ju in the east. Turning westward for vengeance—this is what can be called unparalleled achievements under heaven and strategies that appear only once in an age. Now, you carry the 威名 (renowned authority) that shakes your ruler and possess achievements so great they cannot be rewarded. If you return to Chu, the people of Chu will not trust you; If you return to Han, the people of Han will fear and be terrified: where do you intend to go with such a position?" To hold the position of a subject yet possess authority that shakes your ruler, and to have a reputation so high across the land—I secretly fear for your safety." Han Xin replied respectfully: "Please rest now, Master. I will think about it carefully."
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後數日，蒯通復說曰：「夫聽者事之候也，計者事之機也，聽過計失而能久安者，鮮矣。聽不失一二者，不可亂以言；計不失本末者，不可紛以辭。夫隨廝養之役者，失萬乘之權；守儋石之祿者，闕卿相之位。故知者決之斷也，疑者事之害也，審豪氂之小計，遺天下之大數，智誠知之，決弗敢行者，百事之禍也。故曰『猛虎之猶豫，不若蜂蠆之致螫；騏驥之跼躅，不如駑馬之安步；孟賁之狐疑，不如庸夫之必至也；雖有舜禹之智，吟而不言，不如瘖聾之指麾也』。此言貴能行之。夫功者難成而易敗，時者難得而易失也。時乎時，不再來。願足下詳察之。」韓信猶豫不忍倍漢，又自以為功多，漢終不奪我齊，遂謝蒯通。蒯通說不聽，已詳狂為巫。 |
| | A few days later, Kuai Tong advised again: "Listening is the sign of a matter; planning is its key. If one listens too much and plans poorly yet still hopes for long-term safety, such cases are rare indeed. If one does not make even one or two mistakes in listening, words cannot confuse them; And if one's planning remains consistent with the fundamentals and ends, no amount of rhetoric can distract them. One who follows the duties of a servant loses the authority of a great empire; One who clings to meager rations misses out on the position of high minister. Therefore, wisdom is the decisive judgment; doubt is a harm to affairs. To scrutinize trivial details while missing the grand strategy of the world—though one may truly understand it, if one hesitates and dares not act—it becomes the calamity for all endeavors. Hence it is said: "A fierce tiger's hesitation is no match for a wasp or scorpion stinging decisively; "A qiji horse hesitating in place is not as good as an inferior horse walking steadily at ease; "The hesitation of Meng Ben is no match for the certainty of a common man; Even if one possesses the wisdom of Shun and Yu, to remain silent in contemplation is no better than a mute or deaf person giving orders with gestures." This saying emphasizes that what matters most is the ability to act. Achieving great accomplishments is difficult yet losing them is easy; seizing an opportunity is hard, but letting it slip away is simple. Opportunity, once gone, will not return. I hope you will carefully consider this." Han Xin hesitated and could not bear to betray Han, and also believed that with his many achievements, Han would never take away his fief of Qi from him. Thus he dismissed Kuai Tong. Kuai Tong's advice went unheeded; thereafter, he feigned madness and pretended to be a witch.
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漢王之困固陵，用張良計，召齊王信，遂將兵會垓下。項羽已破，高祖襲奪齊王軍。漢五年正月，徙齊王信為楚王，都下邳。 |
| | When the King of Han was trapped at Guling, he employed Zhang Liang's strategy and summoned the King of Qi, Xin. Thus, Han Xin led his troops to join forces at Gaixia. After Xiang Yu was defeated, Emperor Gaozu seized the King of Qi's army by surprise. In the first month of Han Year Five, the King of Qi was transferred to be the King of Chu, with his capital at Xupu.
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信至國，召所從食漂母，賜千金。及下鄉南昌亭長，賜百錢，曰：「公，小人也，為德不卒。」召辱己之少年令出胯下者以為楚中尉。告諸將相曰：「此壯士也。方辱我時，我寧不能殺之邪？殺之無名，故忍而就於此。」 |
| | Upon arriving in his fief, Xin summoned the old woman who had once fed him while he was destitute and gave her a thousand gold pieces as a reward. He also visited the Xiangxiang Nanchang Tingzhang, gave him one hundred coins, and said: "You are a petty man; your kindness did not last to the end." He summoned the young man who had once humiliated him by making him crawl beneath his legs and appointed him as a Wei officer in Chu. He told the generals and ministers: "This is a valiant man. When he humiliated me, could I not have killed him? To kill him would have been without justification, so I endured and allowed things to reach this point."
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項王亡將鐘離眛家在伊廬，素與信善。項王死後，亡歸信。漢王怨眛，聞其在楚，詔楚捕眛。信初之國，行縣邑，陳兵出入。漢六年，人有上書告楚王信反。高帝以陳平計，天子巡狩會諸侯，南方有雲夢，發使告諸侯會陳：「吾將游雲夢。」實欲襲信，信弗知。高祖且至楚，信欲發兵反，自度無罪，欲謁上，恐見禽。人或說信曰：「斬眛謁上，上必喜，無患。」信見眛計事。眛曰：「漢所以不擊取楚，以眛在公所。若欲捕我以自媚於漢，吾今日死，公亦隨手亡矣。」乃罵信曰：「公非長者！」卒自剄。信持其首，謁高祖於陳。上令武士縛信，載後車。信曰：「果若人言，『狡兔死，良狗亨；高鳥盡，良弓藏；敵國破，謀臣亡。』天下已定，我固當亨！」上曰：「人告公反。」遂械系信。至雒陽，赦信罪，以為淮陰侯。 |
| | Zhong Limi, a former general of King Xiang who had fled, lived in Yilu and had long been on good terms with Xin. After the death of King Xiang, Zhong Limi fled to take refuge with Xin. Emperor Gaozu bore a grudge against Zhong Limi and, upon learning that he was in Chu, issued an order to the state of Chu to capture him. When Xin first went to his fief, he toured the counties and towns with troops marching in and out. In Han Year Six, someone submitted a petition accusing the King of Chu, Xin, of rebellion. Emperor Gaozu adopted Chen Ping's strategy, and as the Son of Heaven toured the land to convene feudal lords, he declared that there was a Yunmeng marsh in the south. He sent envoys to inform the feudal lords to gather at Chen: "I will tour Yunmeng." In reality, he intended to ambush Xin, who was unaware of this. As Emperor Gaozu approached Chu, Xin wanted to raise troops and rebel, but upon considering that he was innocent of any crime, he wished to pay homage to the emperor. Yet he feared being captured. Some advised Xin: "Slay Zhong Limi and present his head to the Son of Heaven; he will surely be pleased, and you will have no worries." Xin met with Zhong Limi to discuss matters. Zhong Limi said: "The reason the Han forces have not attacked and captured Chu is because I am in your hands. If you wish to capture me to ingratiate yourself with Han, then I will die today and you too shall perish shortly after." He then scolded Xin: "You are not a man of integrity!" And so he committed suicide. Xin took Zhong Limi's head and went to Chen to pay homage to Emperor Gaozu. The emperor ordered the warriors to bind Xin and place him in a cart behind his own carriage. Xin said: "Indeed, as people say, 'When the cunning rabbit is dead, the good hound is boiled; "When the high-flying bird is gone, the fine bow is stored away; "When a rival state falls, its strategists perish." "Now that the empire is at peace, I am indeed doomed to be boiled!" The emperor said: "People have accused you of rebellion." He then had Xin shackled and imprisoned. When they arrived at Luoyang, the emperor pardoned Xin's crimes and reappointed him as the Marquis of Huaiyin.
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信知漢王畏惡其能，常稱病不朝從。信由此日夜怨望，居常鞅鞅，羞與絳、灌等列。信嘗過樊將軍噲，噲跪拜送迎，言稱臣，曰：「大王乃肯臨臣！」信出門，笑曰：「生乃與噲等為伍！」上常從容與信言諸將能不，各有差。上問曰：「如我能將幾何？」信曰：「陛下不過能將十萬。」上曰：「於君何如？」曰：「臣多多而益善耳。」上笑曰：「多多益善，何為為我禽？」信曰：「陛下不能將兵，而善將將，此乃言之所以為陛下禽也。且陛下所謂天授，非人力也。」 |
| | Xin knew that King Han feared and resented his abilities, so he often claimed illness to avoid attending court or accompanying the king on expeditions. Because of this, Xin harbored resentment day and night; he was always discontented and ashamed to be ranked equally with Marquises Jiang and Guan. Xin once visited General Fan Kuai, who knelt to greet and see him off, addressing himself as a subject and saying: "Your Majesty has deigned to visit me!" After leaving the gate, Xin laughed and said: "I am reduced to being ranked with men like Fan Kuai!" The emperor often casually asked Xin about whether various generals were capable, and their abilities varied. The emperor asked: "With my ability, how many troops can I command?" Xin replied: "Your Majesty is capable of commanding no more than 100,000 men." The emperor asked: "And what about you?" Xin said: "For me, the more troops, the better." The emperor laughed and said: "If you are so capable with large numbers of men, then why have you been captured by me?" Xin replied: "Your Majesty may not be able to command troops directly, but you are skilled at commanding generals. That is why I have been captured by Your Majesty. And what your Majesty possesses is a gift from Heaven, not something achieved through human effort."
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陳豨拜為鉅鹿守，辭於淮陰侯。淮陰侯挈其手，辟左右與之步於庭，仰天嘆曰：「子可與言乎？欲與子有言也。」豨曰：「唯將軍令之。」淮陰侯曰：「公之所居，天下精兵處也；而公，陛下之信幸臣也。人言公之畔，陛下必不信；再至，陛下乃疑矣；三至，必怒而自將。吾為公從中起，天下可圖也。」陳豨素知其能也，信之，曰：「謹奉教！」漢十年，陳豨果反。上自將而往，信病不從。陰使人至豨所，曰：「弟舉兵，吾從此助公。」信乃謀與家臣夜詐詔赦諸官徒奴，欲發以襲呂后、太子。部署已定，待豨報。其舍人得罪於信，信囚，欲殺之。舍人弟上變，告信欲反狀於呂后。呂后欲召，恐其黨不就，乃與蕭相國謀，詐令人從上所來，言豨已得死，列侯群臣皆賀。相國紿信曰：「雖疾，彊入賀。」信入，呂后使武士縛信，斬之長樂鐘室。信方斬，曰：「吾悔不用蒯通之計，乃為兒女子所詐，豈非天哉！」遂夷信三族。 |
| | Chen Xi was appointed as the governor of Julu and bid farewell to the Marquis of Huaiyinh. The Marquis of Huai Yin took his hand, dismissed the attendants, and walked with him in the courtyard. Looking up at the sky, he sighed and said: "Can I speak to you about something?" "I have something important to say to you." Xi replied: "I am at your command, General." The Marquis of Huaiyiny said: "The region you govern is where the finest troops in the land are stationed; and you, my lord, are a trusted and favored minister of the emperor. If people say that you have rebelled, the emperor will certainly not believe it; if such rumors come a second time, he may begin to suspect you; and if they reach him for the third time, he will surely become angry and lead his own troops in person. "I shall rise up from within to support you; together we can plan to take control of the empire." Chen Xi had long known of his ability and trusted him, saying: "I will follow your advice carefully!" In Han Year Ten, Chen Xi indeed rebelled. The emperor personally led the campaign against him, while Xin was ill and did not accompany him. He secretly sent men to Chen Xi's forces with a message: "Just raise your troops, and I will support you from here." Xin then conspired with his household retainers to issue a forged imperial decree at night, pardoning all officials' convicts and slaves, intending to raise them up to attack Empress Lu and the Crown Prince. The plans were already in place, awaiting word from Chen Xi. One of his attendants had offended Xin, who then imprisoned him and intended to kill him. The attendant's younger brother reported the situation to Empress Dowager Lu, revealing Xin's plot of rebellion. Empress Lu wanted to summon Xin but feared that his followers would not comply, so she conspired with Xiao He the Prime Minister and had someone falsely sent from the emperor's camp to announce that Chen Xi had been killed, prompting all marquises and ministers to offer congratulations. The Prime Minister deceived Xin by saying: "Even though you are ill, please force yourself to come in and offer your congratulations." When Xin entered, Empress Lu ordered the warriors to seize him and behead him inside the Zhongshi Hall of Changle Palace. As Xin was about to be executed, he said: "I regret not following Kuai Tong's advice. To be deceived by a woman and child—could this not have been the will of Heaven!" Thus, they exterminated Xin's three clans.
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| | 淮陰侯列... : |
高祖已從豨軍來，至，見信死，且喜且憐之，問：「信死亦何言？」呂后曰：「信言恨不用蒯通計。」高祖曰：「是齊辯士也。」乃詔齊捕蒯通。蒯通至，上曰：「若教淮陰侯反乎？」對曰：「然，臣固教之。豎子不用臣之策，故令自夷於此。如彼豎子用臣之計，陛下安得而夷之乎！」上怒曰：「亨之。」通曰：「嗟乎，冤哉亨也！」上曰：「若教韓信反，何冤？」對曰：「秦之綱絕而維弛，山東大擾，異姓并起，英俊烏集。秦失其鹿，天下共逐之，於是高材疾足者先得焉。蹠之狗吠堯，堯非不仁，狗因吠非其主。當是時，臣唯獨知韓信，非知陛下也。且天下銳精持鋒欲為陛下所為者甚眾，顧力不能耳。又可盡亨之邪？」高帝曰：「置之。」乃釋通之罪。 |
| | Emperor Gaozu had returned from the campaign against Chen Xi's forces and, upon arriving, saw that Xin was dead. He felt both joy and pity, and asked: "What did Xin say before his death?" Empress Lu said: "Xin expressed regret for not following Kuai Tong's plan." Emperor Gaozu said: "He was a talented orator from Qi." The emperor then issued an order for the state of Qi to arrest Kuai Tong. When Kuai Tong arrived, the emperor asked: "Did you advise the Marquis of Huaiyinyin to rebel?" Kuai Tong replied: "Indeed I did. It was my intention all along. The fool failed to follow my strategy, so it is only fitting that he met his end in this way." If that fool had followed my plan, how could Your Majesty have exterminated him!" The emperor became furious and said: "Boil him alive." Kuai Tong said: "Alas, how unjust this boiling is!" The emperor asked: "You advised Han Xin to rebel. What injustice is there in that?" Kuai Tong replied: "When the Qin dynasty's framework collapsed and its restraints loosened, great turmoil erupted in Shandong. People of different surnames rose up together, and heroes gathered like crows." "When the Qin lost its deer, all under heaven rushed to seize it. Thus, those with superior talent and swift feet were the first to obtain it." "The dog of Zhidi barked at Yao. Yao was not lacking in benevolence, but the dog simply barked because it did not recognize its true master." "At that time, I knew only Han Xin; I did not know Your Majesty." "Moreover, there were many people throughout the empire who sharpened their weapons and wished to do what Your Majesty did; they simply lacked the strength to succeed." "How could one possibly boil them all alive?" Emperor Gao said: "Let him go." Thus, Kuai Tong's crime was pardoned.
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| | 淮陰侯列... : |
太史公曰：吾如淮陰，淮陰人為余言，韓信雖為布衣時，其志與眾異。其母死，貧無以葬，然乃行營高敞地，令其旁可置萬家。余視其母冢，良然。假令韓信學道謙讓，不伐己功，不矜其能，則庶幾哉，於漢家勳可以比周、召、太公之徒，後世血食矣。不務出此，而天下已集，乃謀畔逆，夷滅宗族，不亦宜乎！ |
| | Grand Historian said: When I visited Huaiyin, the people of Huaiyin told me that even when Han Xin was still a commoner, his aspirations were different from those of ordinary men. When his mother died, he was poor and could not afford a proper burial; yet he still went to select an elevated and spacious site for her grave, ensuring that the surrounding area would be suitable for accommodating ten thousand households. I examined his mother's tomb, and indeed it was so. Had Han Xin studied the Way and practiced humility, had he not boasted of his achievements or shown off his abilities, then perhaps he could have been compared to Zhoushou and Tai Gong in terms of merit for the Han dynasty, and his descendants would have enjoyed sacrifices through generations. Instead of striving to achieve this, when the empire had already been unified he plotted rebellion and was thus wiped out along with his entire clan—was that not entirely deserved!
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