| | 魏世家: |
魏之先，畢公高之後也。畢公高與周同姓。武王之伐紂，而高封於畢，於是為畢姓。其後絕封，為庶人，或在中國，或在夷狄。其苗裔曰畢萬，事晉獻公。 |
| | The ancestors of Wei were descendants of Bi Gao. Bi Gao shared the same surname as the Zhou dynasty. When King Wu attacked Zhou, Gao was enfeoffed at Bi, and thus took the surname Bi. Afterwards, their descendants lost their fiefs and became commoners, some living in China proper and others among the Yi and Di peoples. One of his descendants was Bi Wan, who served Duke Xian of Jin.
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| | 魏世家: |
獻公之十六年，趙夙為御，畢萬為右，以伐霍、耿、魏，滅之。以耿封趙夙，以魏封畢萬，為大夫。卜偃曰：「畢萬之後必大矣，萬，滿數也；魏，大名也。以是始賞，天開之矣，天子曰兆民，諸侯曰萬民。今命之大，以從滿數，其必有眾。」初，畢萬卜事晉，遇屯之比。辛廖占之，曰：「吉。屯固比入，吉孰大焉，其必蕃昌。」 |
| | In the sixteenth year of Duke Xian's reign, Zhao Su was the charioteer and Bi Wan was the right-hand man, leading a campaign to attack Huo, Geng, and Wei, which they destroyed. Geng was enfeoffed to Zhao Su, and Wei was enfeoffed to Bi Wan, both becoming officials of the rank Daifu. Bo Yan said: "The descendants of Bi Wan will surely become great in the future; Wan means fullness, a complete number; Wei is a grand name. loth: With this beginning of reward, the heavens have opened it up; the Son of Heaven called them "Zhaomin," and feudal lords called them "Wanmin." Now he is given a grand name, following the number of fullness; this surely means that there will be many people among his descendants." Initially, when Bi Wan divined about serving Jin, he encountered the hexagram Tun changing into Bi. Xin Liao interpreted it and said: "It is auspicious. 'Tun' signifies stability, 'Bi' signifies entering into union; what greater good fortune could there be? His descendants will surely flourish and multiply.'"
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| | 魏世家: |
畢萬封十一年，晉獻公卒，四子爭更立，晉亂。而畢萬之世彌大，從其國名為魏氏。生武子。魏武子以魏諸子事晉公子重耳。晉獻公之二十一年，武子從重耳出亡。十九年反，重耳立為晉文公，而令魏武子襲魏氏之後封，列為大夫，治於魏。生悼子。 |
| | Eleven years after Bi Wan was enfeoffed, Duke Xian of Jin died. His four sons vied to succeed each other, and chaos erupted in Jin. During this time, the descendants of Bi Wan grew even more powerful, taking their surname from the name of their state as "Wei." He gave birth to Wu Zi. Duke Wu of Wei served the Jin prince Chonger with his sons from the state of Wei. In the twenty-first year of Duke Xian of Jin's reign, Wu Zi accompanied Prince Chonger into exile. Nineteen years later they returned; Prince Chonger was enthroned as Duke Wen of Jin, and ordered Wu Zi to inherit the fief of the Wei lineage, ranking him among the Daifu officials, governing from the territory of Wei. He gave birth to Dao Zi.
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| | 魏世家: |
魏悼子徙治霍。生魏絳。 |
| | Duke Dao of Wei moved the administration to Huo. He gave birth to Wei Jiang.
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| | 魏世家: |
魏絳事晉悼公。悼公三年，會諸侯。悼公弟楊干亂行，魏絳僇辱楊干。悼公怒曰：「合諸侯以為榮，今辱吾弟！」將誅魏絳。或說悼公，悼公止。卒任魏絳政，使和戎、翟，戎、翟親附。悼公之十一年，曰：「自吾用魏絳，八年之中，九合諸侯，戎、翟和，子之力也。」賜之樂，三讓，然後受之。徙治安邑。魏絳卒，謚為昭子。生魏嬴。嬴生魏獻子。 |
| | Wei Jiang served Duke Dao of Jin. In the third year of Duke Dao's reign, a conference with feudal lords was held. Duke Dao's younger brother Yang Gan behaved in disorderly fashion, and Wei Jiang publicly humiliated Yang Gan. Duke Dao became angry and said: "I convened the feudal lords for honor, yet now you have shamed my younger brother!" He was about to punish Wei Jiang. lodash: Someone advised Duke Dao, and the duke stopped his punishment. Eventually, he entrusted Wei Jiang with political affairs, sending him to pacify the Rong and Di peoples, who then became loyal allies. In the eleventh year of Duke Dao's reign, he said: "Since I employed Wei Jiang, in eight years, nine conferences with feudal lords were held, and peace was achieved with the Rong and Di—this is due to your efforts." He granted him music as a reward; after three refusals, Wei Jiang finally accepted it. He moved the administration to Tianyiyi. After Wei Jiang's death, he was posthumously honored with the title Zhao Zi. He gave birth to Wei Ying. Ying gave birth to Duke Xian of Wei.
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| | 魏世家: |
獻子事晉昭公。昭公卒而六卿彊，公室卑。 |
| | Duke Xian of Wei served Duke Zhao of Jin. After Duke Zhao's death, the six high-ranking officials grew powerful and the royal house became weak.
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| | 魏世家: |
晉頃公之十二年，韓宣子老，魏獻子為國政。晉宗室祁氏、羊舌氏相惡，六卿誅之，盡取其邑為十縣，六卿各令其子為之大夫。獻子與趙簡子、中行文子、范獻子并為晉卿。 |
| | In the twelfth year of Duke Qing of Jin's reign, Han Xuanzi grew old, and Duke Xian of Wei assumed state affairs. The Jin royal clan families Qi and Yangshe were hostile to each other. The six high-ranking officials eliminated them, seizing all their fiefs to establish ten counties, assigning each of the six officials' sons as Daifu in charge of these areas. Duke Xian of Wei, together with Zhao Jianzi, Zhonghang Wenzi, and Fan Xianzi, served as high-ranking officials in Jin.
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| | 魏世家: |
其後十四歲而孔子相魯。後四歲，趙簡子以晉陽之亂也，而與韓、魏共攻范、中行氏。魏獻子生魏侈。魏侈與趙鞅共攻范、中行氏。 |
| | Fourteen years later, Confucius became the chief minister of Lu. Four years after that, Zhao Jianzi, due to the Jin Yang disturbance, joined forces with Han and Wei to attack the Fan and Zhonghang clans. Duke Xian of Wei gave birth to Wei Chi. Wei Chi, together with Zhao Mang, jointly attacked the Fan and Zhonghang families.
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| | 魏世家: |
魏侈之孫曰魏桓子，與韓康子、趙襄子共伐滅知伯，分其地。 |
| | The grandson of Wei Chi was Duke Huan of Wei, who with Duke Kang of Han and Zhao Xiangzi jointly attacked and destroyed Zhi Bo, dividing his territory among themselves.
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| | 魏世家: |
桓子之孫曰文侯都。魏文侯元年，秦靈公之元年也。與韓武子、趙桓子、周威王同時。 |
| | Duke Huan's grandson was Duke Wenhou Du. The first year of the reign of Duke Wenhao of Wei was also the first year of King Linggong of Qin's reign. He lived contemporaneously with Han Wuzi, Zhao Huanzi, and King Weiwang of Zhou.
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| | 魏世家: |
六年，城少梁。十三年，使子擊圍繁、龐，出其民。十六年，伐秦，筑臨晉元裏。 |
| | In the sixth year, they built a city at Shaoliang. In the thirteenth year, he sent his son Ji to besiege Fan and Pang, expelling their people. In the sixteenth year, Wei attacked Qin and built Linjin Yuanli.
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| | 魏世家: |
十七年，伐中山，使子擊守之，趙倉唐傅之。子擊逢文侯之師田子方於朝歌，引車避，下謁。田子方不為禮。子擊因問曰：「富貴者驕人乎？且貧賤者驕人乎？」子方曰：「亦貧賤者驕人耳。夫諸侯而驕人則失其國，大夫而驕人則失其家。貧賤者，行不合，言不用，則去之楚、越，若脫屣然，柰何其同之哉！」子擊不懌而去。西攻秦，至鄭而還，筑雒陰、合陽。 |
| | In the seventeenth year, Wei launched a campaign against Zhongshan, stationing his son Ji there to defend it, with Zhao Cangtang as his assistant. Prince Ji encountered the teacher Tian Zifang of Duke Wenhao at Chaoguo, pulled over to avoid him, and got out of his carriage to pay respects. Tian Zifang did not return the courtesy. Prince Ji then asked, "Is it the rich and noble who look down on others? Or is it the poor and lowly who do so?" Zifang said: "It is only the poor and humble who look down on others. When a feudal lord looks down on people, he loses his state; when an official does so, he loses his family. As for the poor and lowly, if their conduct is not accepted or their words heeded, they can simply leave for Chu or Yue as easily as discarding a shoe—how could such cases be treated equally!" Prince Ji left in displeasure. He then launched a western campaign against Qin, reaching Zheng before returning, and built Luoyin and Heyang.
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| | 魏世家: |
二十二年，魏、趙、韓列為諸侯。 |
| | In the twenty-second year, Wei, Zhao, and Han were officially recognized as feudal lords.
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| | 魏世家: |
二十四年，秦伐我，至陽狐。 |
| | In the twenty-fourth year, Qin attacked us, reaching Yanghu.
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| | 魏世家: |
二十五年，子擊生子罃。 |
| | In the twenty-fifth year, Prince Ji gave birth to a son named Ying.
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| | 魏世家: |
文侯受子夏經藝，客段干木，過其閭，未嘗不軾也。秦嘗欲伐魏，或曰：「魏君賢人是禮，國人稱仁，上下和合，未可圖也。」文侯由此得譽於諸侯。 |
| | Duke Wenhao received the classics and arts from Zi Xia, hosted Duan Ganmu as a guest; whenever he passed by their neighborhood, he never failed to bow in respect. Qin once intended to attack Wei, but someone said: "The ruler of Wei honors virtuous men; the people praise his benevolence. The upper and lower classes are harmonious—Wei is not yet a target for conquest." Because of this, Duke Wenhao earned a reputation among the feudal lords.
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| | 魏世家: |
任西門豹守鄴，而河內稱治。 |
| | He appointed Ximen Bao to defend Ye, and He Nei was praised for its good governance.
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| | 魏世家: |
魏文侯謂李克曰：「先生嘗教寡人曰『家貧則思良妻，國亂則思良相』。今所置非成則璜，二子何如？」李克對曰：「臣聞之，卑不謀尊，疏不謀戚。臣在闕門之外，不敢當命。」文侯曰：「先生臨事勿讓。」李克曰：「君不察故也。居視其所親，富視其所與，達視其所舉，窮視其所不為，貧視其所不取，五者足以定之矣，何待克哉！」文侯曰：「先生就舍，寡人之相定矣。」李克趨而出，過翟璜之家。翟璜曰：「今者聞君召先生而卜相，果誰為之？」李克曰：「魏成子為相矣。」翟璜忿然作色曰：「以耳目之所睹記，臣何負於魏成子？西河之守，臣之所進也。君內以鄴為憂，臣進西門豹。君謀欲伐中山，臣進樂羊。中山以拔，無使守之，臣進先生。君之子無傅，臣進屈侯鮒。臣何以負於魏成子！」李克曰：「且子之言克於子之君者，豈將比周以求大官哉？君問而置相『非成則璜，二子何如』？克對曰：『君不察故也。居視其所親，富視其所與，達視其所舉，窮視其所不為，貧視其所不取，五者足以定之矣，何待克哉！』是以知魏成子之為相也。且子安得與魏成子比乎？魏成子以食祿千鐘，什九在外，什一在內，是以東得卜子夏、田子方、段干木。此三人者，君皆師之。子之所進五人者，君皆臣之。子惡得與魏成子比也？」翟璜逡巡再拜曰：「璜，鄙人也，失對，願卒為弟子。」 |
| | Duke Wenhao of Wei said to Li Ke: "You once taught me that 'when a family is poor, it longs for a capable wife; when the state is in chaos, it seeks an able prime minister.'" "Now among those I have appointed, if not Cheng then Huang, which of these two men do you think is better?" Li Ke replied: "I have heard that those of lower rank should not plot for higher ones, and outsiders should not meddle in family affairs. "As I am stationed outside the palace gate, I dare not accept your command." Duke Wenhao said: "When matters arise, Master, do not refuse to speak up." Li Ke said: "That is because the ruler does not observe carefully. When in a position of leisure, observe whom he befriends; when wealthy, see to whom he gives; when successful, note whom he recommends; when in hardship, watch what he refuses to do; and when poor, see what he will not take. These five criteria are sufficient to determine his character—why should I wait for me, Li Ke?"!" Duke Wenhao said: "Master, please return home; my prime minister is already decided." Li Ke hurried out and passed by the house of Di Huang. Di Huang asked: "I heard today that the ruler summoned you to choose a prime minister—so who has been chosen?" Li Ke said: "Wei Chengzi is to be the prime minister." Di Huang turned red with anger and said: "According to what I have seen and heard, in what way am I inferior to Wei Chengzi?" "The governor of Xihe was recommended by me. "When the ruler was troubled about Ye within the state, I recommended Ximen Bao. "When you planned to attack Zhongshan, I recommended Yue Yang. "After Zhongshan was captured and there was no one to govern it, I recommended Master Tian Zifang. "When your son had no tutor, I recommended Qu Houfu. "In what way am I inferior to Hui Chengzi!" Li Ke said: "But when you spoke of me before your ruler, did you do so in order to form a clique and seek high office? "The ruler asked: 'Between Cheng or Huang, which of the two is better?' "I replied: 'It is because you have not observed carefully. "When in leisure, observe whom they befriend; when rich, see to whom they give; when successful, watch whom they recommend; when poor and desperate, note what they refuse to do; when impoverished, see what they will not take. These five points are sufficient to decide the matter—why wait for me?"' That is why I know Wei Chengzi should be prime minister. Moreover, how can you possibly compare with Wei Chengzi? Wei Chengzi, receiving a salary of one thousand dong of grain, spent nine-tenths outside and kept only one-tenth for himself. That is why he was able to attract scholars like Bu Zixia, Tian Zifang, and Duan Ganmu from the east. These three men were all regarded as teachers by you, Your Majesty. As for the five people you recommended, they are all merely subjects of the ruler. "How can you possibly compare yourself to Wei Chengzi?" Di Huang, hesitating for a moment, bowed twice and said: "Huang is but an ignorant man who gave a poor reply. I humbly request to remain as your disciple."
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| | 魏世家: |
二十六年，虢山崩，壅河。 |
| | In the twenty-sixth year, the Guo Mountain collapsed and blocked the Yellow River.
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| | 魏世家: |
三十二年，伐鄭。城酸棗。敗秦于注。三十五年，齊伐取我襄陵。三十六年，秦侵我陰晉。 |
| | In the thirty-second year, Wei launched a campaign against Zheng. They built a fortress at Suanzao. They defeated the Qin forces at Zhu. In the thirty-fifth year, Qi attacked and captured our Xiangling. In the thirty-sixth year, Qin invaded Yinjin of ours.
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| | 魏世家: |
三十八年，伐秦，敗我武下，得其將識。是歲，文侯卒，子擊立，是為武侯。 |
| | In the thirty-eighth year, Wei attacked Qin and defeated our forces at Wuxia, capturing their general Shi. In this year, Marquis Wen of Wei died, and his son Ji succeeded him as ruler; he is known posthumously as Wu Hou.
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| | 魏世家: |
魏武侯元年，趙敬侯初立，公子朔為亂，不勝，奔魏，與魏襲邯鄲，魏敗而去。 |
| | In the first year of Wei Wu Hou's reign, King Jing of Zhao had just ascended the throne. Gongzi Shuo rebelled but failed and fled to Wei. He conspired with Wei forces to attack Handan, but after Wei was defeated, they withdrew.
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| | 魏世家: |
二年，城安邑、王垣。 |
| | In the second year, they built fortifications at Anyi and Wangyuan.
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| | 魏世家: |
七年，伐齊，至桑丘。九年，翟敗我于澮。使吳起伐齊，至靈丘。齊威王初立。 |
| | In the seventh year, Wei launched an attack on Qi, advancing as far as Sangqiu. In the ninth year, Di forces defeated our troops at Zhi. They sent Wu Qi to attack Qi, advancing as far as Lingqiu. King Wei of Qi had just ascended the throne at this time.
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| | 魏世家: |
十一年，與韓、趙三分晉地，滅其後。 |
| | In the eleventh year, together with Han and Zhao, they divided up Jin's territory into three parts and extinguished the ruling house of Jin.
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| | 魏世家: |
十三年，秦獻公縣櫟陽。十五年，敗趙北藺。 |
| | In the thirteenth year, Duke Xiang of Qin established Linyang as a xian (district). In the fifteenth year, Wei defeated Zhao at Beilan.
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| | 魏世家: |
十六年，伐楚，取魯陽。武侯卒，子罃立，是為惠王。 |
| | In the sixteenth year, Wei attacked Chu and captured Luyang. After Wu Hou died, his son Ying succeeded him as ruler; this was King Hui of Wei.
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| | 魏世家: |
惠王元年，初，武侯卒也，子罃與公中緩爭為太子。公孫頎自宋入趙，自趙入韓，謂韓懿侯曰：「魏罃與公中緩爭為太子，君亦聞之乎？今魏罃得王錯，挾上黨，固半國也。因而除之，破魏必矣，不可失也。」懿侯說，乃與趙成侯合軍并兵以伐魏，戰于濁澤，魏氏大敗，魏君圍。趙謂韓曰：「除魏君，立公中緩，割地而退，我且利。」韓曰：「不可。殺魏君，人必曰暴；割地而退，人必曰貪。不如兩分之。魏分為兩，不彊於宋、衛，則我終無魏之患矣。」趙不聽。韓不說，以其少卒夜去。惠王之所以身不死，國不分者，二家謀不和也。若從一家之謀，則魏必分矣。故曰「君終無適子，其國可破也」。 |
| | In the first year of King Hui's reign, at the time when Wu Hou died, Prince Ying and Gong Zhong Huan vied for the position of crown prince. Gongsun Qi, having come from Song to Zhao and then from Zhao to Han, said to King Yi of Han: "Have you heard that Wei Ying and Gong Zhong Huan are vying for the position of crown prince?" Now, Wei Ying has gained Wang Cuo's support and holds Shangdang; this is firmly half of the state. "If we take advantage of this opportunity to eliminate them, Wei will surely be defeated—we must not miss this chance." King Yi of Han was pleased and thus joined forces with King Cheng of Zhao, uniting their armies to attack Wei. They fought a battle at Zhuoze, where the Hui family suffered a major defeat, and the ruler of Wei was surrounded. Zhao said to Han: "Remove the ruler of Wei, install Gong Zhong Huan as his successor, have him cede territory and withdraw. This will be beneficial for us." Han replied: "No, that is not possible." "To kill the ruler of Wei would make us appear brutal; to cede territory and retreat would make us seem greedy. It is better to divide the spoils between us." "If Wei is divided into two, neither of which is stronger than Song or Wei, then we will finally be free from the threat posed by Wei." Zhao did not listen. Han was displeased and withdrew his small force under cover of night. The reason why King Hui did not lose his life or see the state divided was that the two families' plans were not in harmony. If they had followed the plan of just one family, then Wei would certainly have been divided. Hence it is said: "When a ruler has no legitimate heir, his state can be broken."
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| | 魏世家: |
二年，魏敗韓于馬陵，敗趙于懷。三年，齊敗我觀。五年，與韓會宅陽。城武堵。為秦所敗。六年，伐取宋儀臺。九年，伐敗韓于澮。與秦戰少梁，虜我將公孫痤，取龐。秦獻公卒，子孝公立。 |
| | In the second year, Wei defeated Han at Maling and Zhao at Huai. In the third year, Qi defeated us at Guan. In the fifth year, they met with Han at Zhaiyang. They built a fortress at Wudu. They were defeated by Qin. In the sixth year, Wei attacked and captured Song's Yitai. In the ninth year, Wei defeated Han at Zhi. They fought against Qin at Shaoliang, captured our general Gongsun Cuo, and took Pang. Duke Xiang of Qin died, and his son Xiao Gong ascended the throne.
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| | 魏世家: |
十年，伐取趙皮牢。彗星見。十二年，星晝墜，有聲。 |
| | In the tenth year, Wei attacked and captured Zhao's Pilao. A comet appeared in the sky. In the twelfth year, a star fell during the day with an audible sound.
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| | 魏世家: |
十四年，與趙會鄗。十五年，魯、衛、宋、鄭君來朝。十六年，與秦孝公會（社）［杜］平。侵宋黃池，宋復取之。 |
| | In the fourteenth year, they met with Zhao at Hao. In the fifteenth year, the rulers of Lu, Wei, Song, and Zheng came to pay homage. In the sixteenth year, they met King Xiao of Qin at Duping. They invaded Song's Huangchi, but Song later recaptured it.
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| | 魏世家: |
十七年，與秦戰元裏，秦取我少梁。圍趙邯鄲。十八年，拔邯鄲。趙請救于齊，齊使田忌、孫臏救趙，敗魏桂陵。 |
| | In the seventeenth year, they fought against Qin at Yuanli; Qin captured our Shaoliang. They besieged Handan of Zhao. In the eighteenth year, they captured Handan. Zhao sought aid from Qi, and Qi sent Tian Ji and Sun Bin to rescue Zhao; they defeated Wei at Guiling.
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| | 魏世家: |
十九年，諸侯圍我襄陵。筑長城，塞固陽。 |
| | In the nineteenth year, the feudal lords surrounded our Xiangling. They built a long wall and blocked Guyang.
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| | 魏世家: |
二十年，歸趙邯鄲，與盟漳水上。二十一年，與秦會彤。趙成侯卒。二十八年，齊威王卒。中山君相魏。 |
| | In the twentieth year, they returned Handan to Zhao and concluded an alliance by the Zhangshui River. In the twenty-first year, they met with Qin at Tong. King Cheng of Zhao died. In the twenty-eighth year, King Wei of Qi died. The ruler of Zhongshan served as prime minister for Wei.
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| | 魏世家: |
三十年，魏伐趙，趙告急齊。齊宣王用孫子計，救趙擊魏。魏遂大興師，使龐涓將，而令太子申為上將軍。過外黃，外黃徐子謂太子曰：「臣有百戰百勝之術。」太子曰：「可得聞乎？」客曰：「固願效之。」曰：「太子自將攻齊，大勝并莒，則富不過有魏，貴不益為王。若戰不勝齊，則萬世無魏矣。此臣之百戰百勝之術也。」太子曰：「諾，請必從公之言而還矣。」客曰：「太子雖欲還，不得矣。彼勸太子戰攻，欲啜汁者眾。太子雖欲還，恐不得矣。」太子因欲還，其御曰：「將出而還，與北同。」太子果與齊人戰，敗於馬陵。齊虜魏太子申，殺將軍涓，軍遂大破。 |
| | In the thirtieth year, Wei attacked Zhao, and Zhao urgently appealed to Qi for help. King Xuan of Qi employed Sunzi's strategy to rescue Zhao by attacking Wei. Wei then mobilized a large army, appointing Pang Juan as general and naming Crown Prince Shen as supreme commander. Passing through Waihuang, Xu Zi of Waihuang said to the crown prince: "I have a strategy for a hundred battles and a hundred victories." The crown prince asked: "May I hear it?" The guest replied: "I would gladly share it." He said: "If the crown prince personally leads an attack on Qi and achieves a great victory, capturing Ju, his wealth will not exceed that of having Wei, nor will his rank surpass becoming king. "If he fails to defeat Qi in battle, then Wei will be lost forever." "This is my strategy for a hundred battles and hundred victories." The crown prince said: "Understood. I will certainly follow your advice and return." The guest said: "Although the crown prince wishes to return, he cannot do so now. Those who advise the crown prince to fight and conquer are numerous, all eager to partake of the spoils." "The crown prince may wish to return, but I fear he will not be able to do so." The crown prince then wished to withdraw, but his charioteer said: "To advance and then retreat is the same as a defeat." As expected, the crown prince engaged Qi in battle and was defeated at Maling. Qi captured Wei's Crown Prince Shen and killed General Juan; thus, Wei's army suffered a crushing defeat.
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| | 魏世家: |
三十一年，秦、趙、齊共伐我，秦將商君詐我將軍公子卬而襲奪其軍，破之。秦用商君，東地至河，而齊、趙數破我，安邑近秦，於是徙治大梁。以公子赫為太子。 |
| | In the thirty-first year, Qin, Zhao, and Qi jointly attacked us. The Qin general Shang Jun deceived our general Gongzi Ang and ambushed him to seize his army, defeating them. With Shang Jun in power, Qin's territory extended eastward to the Yellow River, and Qi and Zhao repeatedly defeated us. Since Anyi was close to Qin, we then moved our capital to Daliang. They appointed Gongzi He as crown prince.
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| | 魏世家: |
三十三年，秦孝公卒，商君亡秦歸魏，魏怒，不入。三十五年，與齊宣王會平阿南。 |
| | In the thirty-third year, King Xiao of Qin died. Shang Jun fled from Qin and returned to Wei, but Wei was angry and refused him entry. łoż In the thirty-fifth year, they met with King Xuan of Qi at the southern part of Ping'a.
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| | 魏世家: |
惠王數被於軍旅，卑禮厚幣以招賢者。鄒衍、淳于髡、孟軻皆至梁。梁惠王曰：「寡人不佞，兵三折於外，太子虜，上將死，國以空虛，以羞先君宗廟社稷，寡人甚丑之，叟不遠千里，辱幸至獘邑之廷，將何利吾國？」孟軻曰：「君不可以言利若是。夫君欲利則大夫欲利，大夫欲利則庶人欲利，上下爭利，國則危矣。為人君，仁義而已矣，何以利為！」 |
| | King Hui had been repeatedly involved in military campaigns and adopted humble manners and generous gifts to attract talented individuals. Zou Yan, Chunyu Kun, and Meng Ke all came to Liang. King Hui of Liang said: "I am unworthy. My army has suffered three defeats abroad, my crown prince was captured, and my supreme general died; the state is now impoverished. This brings shame upon my ancestors' ancestral temple and the realm, which I find deeply humiliating. Sir, you have not hesitated to travel thousands of miles to grace our court in Bei Yi. What benefit can you bring to my country?" Meng Ke replied: "Your Majesty must not speak of profit in this way. If the ruler speaks of profit, then the officials will also seek it; if the officials seek it, then the common people will do so as well. When those above and below all compete for profit, the state is in danger. To be a ruler means to practice benevolence and righteousness alone; what need is there for profit!"
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| | 魏世家: |
三十六年，復與齊王會甄。是歲，惠王卒，子襄王立。 |
| | In the thirty-sixth year, they once again met with King Qi at Zhen. In this year, King Hui died and his son Xiang Wang succeeded him as ruler.
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| | 魏世家: |
襄王元年，與諸侯會徐州，相王也。追尊父惠王為王。 |
| | In the first year of Xiang Wang's reign, he met with feudal lords at Xu Zhou to confer titles upon each other as kings. He posthumously honored his father King Hui as king.
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| | 魏世家: |
五年，秦敗我龍賈軍四萬五千于雕陰，圍我焦、曲沃。予秦河西之地。 |
| | In the fifth year, the Qin forces defeated our army of Long Jia with 45,000 troops at Diaoyin and besieged our cities of Jiao and Quwo. We ceded the Hexi region to Qin.
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| | 魏世家: |
六年，與秦會應。秦取我汾陰、皮氏、焦。魏伐楚，敗之陘山。七年，魏盡入上郡于秦。秦降我蒲陽。八年，秦歸我焦、曲沃。 |
| | In the sixth year, they met with Qin at Ying. Qin captured our Fenyin, Pishi, and Jiao. Wei attacked Chu and defeated them at Xingshan Mountain. In the seventh year, Wei ceded the entire Shangjun Commandery to Qin. Qin surrendered Pu Yang to us. In the eighth year, Qin returned Jiao and Quwo to us.
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| | 魏世家: |
十二年，楚敗我襄陵。諸侯執政與秦相張儀會齧桑。十三年，張儀相魏。魏有女子化為丈夫。秦取我曲沃、平周。 |
| | In the twelfth year, Chu defeated us at Xiangling. The feudal lords' chief ministers met with Qin's prime minister Zhang Yi at Niesang. In the thirteenth year, Zhang Yi became prime minister of Wei. A woman in Wei transformed into a man. Qin captured our Quwo and Pingzhou.
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| | 魏世家: |
十六年，襄王卒，子哀王立。張儀復歸秦。 |
| | In the sixteenth year, King Xiang died, and his son Ai Wang succeeded him as ruler. Zhang Yi returned to Qin once again.
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| | 魏世家: |
哀王元年，五國共攻秦，不勝而去。 |
| | In the first year of Ai Wang's reign, five states jointly attacked Qin but failed and withdrew.
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| | 魏世家: |
二年，齊敗我觀津。五年，秦使樗里子伐取我曲沃，走犀首岸門。六年，秦（求）［來］立公子政為太子。與秦會臨晉。七年，攻齊。與秦伐燕。 |
| | łoż In the second year, Qi defeated us at Guanjin. In the fifth year, Qin sent Chuli Zi to attack and capture our Quwo, driving Xi Shou out of Anmen. In the sixth year, Qin (sought) [came] to install Gongzi Zheng as crown prince. They met with Qin at Linjin. In the seventh year, they attacked Qi. They allied with Qin to attack Yan.
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| | 魏世家: |
八年，伐衛，拔列城二。衛君患之。如耳約斬趙，趙分而為二，所以不亡者，魏為從主也。今衛已迫亡，將西請事於秦。與其以秦醳衛，不如以魏醳衛，見衛君曰：「請罷魏兵，免成陵君可乎？」衛君曰：「先生果能，孤請世世以衛事先生。」如耳見成陵君曰：「昔者魏伐趙，斷羊腸，拔閼與，衛之德魏必終無窮。」成陵君曰：「諾。」如耳見魏王曰：「臣有謁於衛。衛故周室之別也，其稱小國，多寶器。今國迫於難而寶器不出者，其心以為攻衛醳衛不以王為主，故寶器雖出必不入於王也。臣竊料之，先言醳衛者必受衛者也。」如耳出，成陵君入，以其言見魏王。魏王聽其說，罷其兵，免成陵君，終身不見。 |
| | In the eighth year, they attacked Wei and captured two walled cities. The ruler of Wei was worried about this. lords Ruo Er made an agreement to attack Zhao, and Zhao was divided into two parts; the reason it did not perish was because Wei served as the leader of the alliance. Now that Wei is on the verge of destruction, it will go west to submit to Qin for protection. It would be better to have Wei protect Wei rather than rely on Qin. The ruler said to the Wei king: "Please withdraw the Hui army and exempt Chengling Jun, is that acceptable?" The Wei ruler said: "If you can truly do this, I will forever serve you as the lord of Wei." Ruo Er said to Chengling Jun: "In the past, Wei attacked Zhao, cut through Yangchang Pass, and captured Eyu. Wei's virtue toward Wei will surely last forever." Chengling Jun said: "Agreed." Ruo Er reported to King Wei: "I have a request from Wei. Wei was originally a branch of the Zhou royal family; it calls itself a small state but possesses many valuable treasures. Now that the state is in dire straits and its treasures are not being offered, it must be because they believe that attacking or protecting Wei should not be done under Your Majesty's leadership. Therefore, even if the treasures were to come out, they would certainly not go to you. I have secretly considered this: whoever first proposes protecting Wei will surely be the one who receives Wei's submission." After Ruo Er left, Chengling Jun entered and presented his arguments to King Hui. King Wei listened to his argument, withdrew the troops, dismissed Chengling Jun from office, and never saw him again for the rest of his life.
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| | 魏世家: |
九年，與秦王會臨晉。張儀、魏章皆歸于魏。魏相田需死，楚害張儀、犀首、薛公。楚相昭魚謂蘇代曰：「田需死，吾恐張儀、犀首、薛公有一人相魏者也。」代曰：「然相者欲誰而君便之？」昭魚曰：「吾欲太子之自相也。」代曰：「請為君北，必相之。」昭魚曰：「柰何？」對曰：「君其為梁王，代請說君。」昭魚曰：「柰何？」對曰：「代也從楚來，昭魚甚憂，曰：『田需死，吾恐張儀、犀首、薛公有一人相魏者也。』代曰：『梁王，長主也，必不相張儀。張儀相，必右秦而左魏。犀首相，必右韓而左魏。薛公相，必右齊而左魏。梁王，長主也，必不便也。』王曰：『然則寡人孰相？』代曰：『莫若太子之自相。太子之自相，是三人者皆以太子為非常相也，皆將務以其國事魏，欲得丞相璽也。以魏之彊，而三萬乘之國輔之，魏必安矣。故曰莫若太子之自相也。』」遂北見梁王，以此告之。太子果相魏。 |
| | In the ninth year, they met with the King of Qin at Linjin. Zhang Yi and Wei Zhang both returned to Wei. When Tian Xu, the prime minister of Wei, died, Chu plotted against Zhang Yi, Xi Shou, and Xue Gong. Chu's prime minister Zhao Yu said to Su Dai: "Tian Xu has died, and I fear that Zhang Yi, Xi Shou or Xue Gong will become the new prime minister of Wei." Dai replied: "Indeed, who do you think should be the prime minister and would benefit your state?" Zhao Yu said: "I want the crown prince himself to become the prime minister." Dai said: "Please allow me to go north on your behalf; I will ensure that he becomes the prime minister." Zhao Yu asked: "How can you do this?" He replied: "You should act as King Liang's advisor, and I will go to persuade him." Zhao Yu asked: "How?" He replied: "I came from Chu, and Zhao Yu was very worried. He said: 'Tian Xu has died; I fear that Zhang Yi, or Xi Shou, or Xue Gong may become the prime minister of Wei.'" Dai said: "King Liang is a mature ruler and will certainly not appoint Zhang Yi as prime minister. If Zhang Yi becomes the prime minister, he would favor Qin over Wei. If Xi Shou becomes the prime minister, he will certainly favor Han and neglect Wei. If Xue Gong becomes the prime minister, he must favor Qi and neglect Wei. "King Liang is an experienced ruler; he will certainly not find this favorable." The king said: "Then, whom should I appoint as prime minister?" Dai replied: "There is no better choice than for the crown prince to serve as his own prime minister. If the crown prince serves as prime minister himself, these three men will all regard him as an extraordinary leader. They will then strive to serve Wei with their national affairs in order to obtain the seal of the prime minister. With Wei's strength and the support of three powerful states, Wei will surely be at peace. "Therefore, it is best for the crown prince to become prime minister himself." He then went north to see King Liang and informed him of this. The crown prince indeed became the prime minister of Wei.
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| | 魏世家: |
十年，張儀死。十一年，與秦武王會應。十二年，太子朝於秦。秦來伐我皮氏，未拔而解。十四年，秦來歸武王后。十六年，秦拔我蒲反、陽晉、封陵。十七年，與秦會臨晉。秦予我蒲反。十八年，與秦伐楚。二十一年，與齊、韓共敗秦軍函谷。 |
| | In the tenth year, Zhang Yi died. In the eleventh year, they met with King Wu of Qin at Ying. In the twelfth year, the crown prince paid a court visit to Qin. Qin came to attack our Pishi; they did not capture it and withdrew without success. In the fourteenth year, Qin returned King Wu's wife back to Wei. In the sixteenth year, Qin captured our Pufan, Yangjin, and Fengling. In the seventeenth year, they met with Qin at Linjin. Qin returned Pufan to us. In the eighteenth year, they allied with Qin to attack Chu. In the twenty-first year, together with Qi and Han, they defeated the Qin army at Hangu Pass.
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| | 魏世家: |
二十三年，秦復予我河外及封陵為和。哀王卒，子昭王立。 |
| | In the twenty-third year, Qin once again returned to us the area outside the Yellow River and Fengling as a gesture of peace. King Ai died, and his son King Zhao succeeded him.
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| | 魏世家: |
昭王元年，秦拔我襄城。二年，與秦戰，我不利。三年，佐韓攻秦，秦將白起敗我軍伊闕二十四萬。六年，予秦河東地方四百里。芒卯以詐重。七年，秦拔我城大小六十一。八年，秦昭王為西帝，齊湣王為東帝，月餘，皆復稱王歸帝。九年，秦拔我新垣、曲陽之城。 |
| | In the first year of King Zhao's reign, Qin captured our Xiangcheng. In the second year, we fought against Qin and suffered a defeat. In the third year, assisting Han in attacking Qin, our army was defeated by Qin's general Bai Qi at Yique with 240,000 troops. In the sixth year, we ceded four hundred li of land in Hedong to Qin. Mang Mao gained prominence through deception. In the seventh year, Qin captured sixty-one of our cities, large and small. In the eighth year, King Zhao of Qin declared himself Western Emperor, while King Mian of Qi became Eastern Emperor. After more than a month, both returned to being called kings and abandoned their imperial titles. In the ninth year, Qin captured our cities Xinyuan and Quyang.
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| | 魏世家: |
十年，齊滅宋，宋王死我溫。十二年，與秦、趙、韓、燕共伐齊，敗之濟西，湣王出亡。燕獨入臨菑。與秦王會西周。 |
| | In the tenth year, Qi destroyed Song, and King of Song died in Wen under my jurisdiction. In the twelfth year, together with Qin, Zhao, Han, and Yan, they attacked Qi and defeated them at the western bank of the Ji River; King Mian fled into exile. Yan alone entered Linzi. They met with the King of Qin in Xizhou.
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| | 魏世家: |
十三年，秦拔我安城。兵到大梁，去。十八年，秦拔郢，楚王徙陳。 |
| | In the thirteenth year, Qin captured my city Ancheng. The troops reached Daliang but withdrew. In the eighteenth year, Qin captured Ying, and King of Chu moved his capital to Chen.
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| | 魏世家: |
十九年，昭王卒，子安釐王立。 |
| | In the nineteenth year, King Zhao died, and his son Anxi Wang succeeded him as ruler.
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| | 魏世家: |
安釐王元年，秦拔我兩城。二年，又拔我二城，軍大梁下，韓來救，予秦溫以和。三年，秦拔我四城，斬首四萬。四年，秦破我及韓、趙，殺十五萬人，走我將芒卯。魏將段干子請予秦南陽以和。蘇代謂魏王曰：「欲璽者段干子也，欲地者秦也。今王使欲地者制璽，使欲璽者制地，魏氏地不盡則不知已。且夫以地事秦，譬猶抱薪救火，薪不盡，火不滅。」王曰：「是則然也。雖然，事始已行，不可更矣。」對曰：「王獨不見夫博之所以貴梟者，便則食，不便則止矣。今王曰『事始已行，不可更』，是何王之用智不如用梟也？」 |
| | In the first year of Anxi Wang's reign, Qin captured two of our cities. In the second year, they again captured two more of our cities; their army was stationed below Daliang. Han came to rescue us, and we gave them Wen in exchange for peace with Qin. In the third year, Qin captured four of our cities and beheaded 40,000 people. In the fourth year, Qin defeated us along with Han and Zhao, killing 150,000 men and routing our general Mang Mao. The Wei general Duangan Zi requested to give Nanyang to Qin in exchange for peace. Su Dai said to King of Wei, "It is Duangan Zi who desires the seal; it is Qin that desires the territory. Now, if Your Majesty allows the one who wants land to control the seal and the one who wants the seal to control the land, the Wei territory will not be exhausted before we even realize it. Moreover, serving Qin with territory is like carrying firewood to put out a fire; as long as the firewood is not exhausted, the fire will never be extinguished." The king said, "That is indeed true. Although that may be so, the matter has already begun and cannot be changed now." He replied, "Does Your Majesty not see that in the game of bo, the reason why xiao is valued is because when it is advantageous to take it, one does so; when it is not, one stops. Now Your Majesty says, 'The matter has already begun and cannot be altered,'—how is this different from a ruler whose use of wisdom is no better than that of xiao?"
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| | 魏世家: |
九年，秦拔我懷。十年，秦太子外質於魏死。十一年，秦拔我郪丘。 |
| | In the ninth year, Qin captured Huai. In the tenth year, the heir apparent of Qin died while being held as an external hostage in Wei. In the eleventh year, Qin captured Qi Qiu from us.
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| | 魏世家: |
秦昭王謂左右曰：「今時韓、魏與始孰彊？」對曰：「不如始彊。」王曰：「今時如耳、魏齊與孟嘗、芒卯孰賢？」對曰：「不如。」王曰：「以孟嘗、芒卯之賢，率彊韓、魏以攻秦，猶無柰寡人何也。今以無能之如耳、魏齊而率弱韓、魏以伐秦，其無柰寡人何亦明矣。」左右皆曰：「甚然。」中旗馮琴而對曰：「王之料天下過矣。當晉六卿之時，知氏最彊，滅范、中行，又率韓、魏之兵以圍趙襄子於晉陽，決晉水以灌晉陽之城，不湛者三版。知伯行水，魏桓子御，韓康子為參乘。知伯曰：『吾始不知水之可以亡人之國也，乃今知之。』汾水可以灌安邑，絳水可以灌平陽。魏桓子肘韓康子，韓康子履魏桓子，肘足接於車上，而知氏地分，身死國亡，為天下笑。今秦兵雖彊，不能過知氏；韓、魏雖弱，尚賢其在晉陽之下也。此方其用肘足之時也，願王之勿易也！」於是秦王恐。 |
| | King Zhao of Qin asked those around him, "Compared to their initial strength, how strong are Han and Wei now?" They replied, "Not as strong as they were at first." The king said, "Nowadays, who is more virtuous between Ru'er and Wei Qi compared to Mengchang and Mang Mao?" They replied, "Not as virtuous." The king said, "With the virtue of Mengchang and Mang Mao leading strong Han and Wei to attack Qin, they were still unable to do anything against me. Now with the incompetent Ru'er and Wei Qi leading weak Han and Wei to attack Qin, it is obvious that they cannot do anything against me." Those around him all said, "Indeed so." Zhong Qi Feng Qin replied, "Your Majesty's assessment of the world is mistaken. During the time of the six ministers of Jin, the Zhi clan was the strongest. They destroyed the Fan and Zhonghang clans, then led the armies of Han and Wei to besiege Zhao Xiangzi in Jinyang, diverting the water of Jin to flood the city walls of Jinyang; only three planks remained above the water level. Zhi Bo was in charge of directing the water, Wei Huanzi drove the chariot, and Han Kangzi served as a passenger on the right side. Zhi Bo said, "I did not know at first that water could be used to destroy a country; now I understand it." łoż Fen River can flood Anyi, and Jiang River can flood Pingyang. Wei Huanzi elbowed Han Kangzi, and Han Kangzi stepped on Wei Huanzi's foot; their elbows and feet touched in the chariot. As a result, the Zhi clan lost its territory, perished personally, and saw its state destroyed, becoming a laughingstock of the world. Nowadays, although Qin's army is strong, it cannot surpass the Zhi clan; Although Han and Wei are now weak, they still remember their experience under Jinyang. This is precisely the time when they will use their elbows and feet [to act against each other], I hope Your Majesty does not take it lightly!" At this, King of Qin became fearful.
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| | 魏世家: |
齊、楚相約而攻魏，魏使人求救於秦，冠蓋相望也，而秦救不至。魏人有唐雎者，年九十餘矣，謂魏王曰：「老臣請西說秦王，令兵先臣出。」魏王再拜，遂約車而遣之。唐雎到，入見秦王。秦王曰：「丈人芒然乃遠至此，甚苦矣！夫魏之來求救數矣，寡人知魏之急已。」唐雎對曰：「大王已知魏之急而救不發者，臣竊以為用策之臣無任矣。夫魏，一萬乘之國也，然所以西面而事秦，稱東藩，受冠帶，祠春秋者，以秦之彊足以為與也。今齊、楚之兵已合於魏郊矣，而秦救不發，亦將賴其未急也。使之大急，彼且割地而約從，王尚何救焉？必待其急而救之，是失一東藩之魏而彊二敵之齊、楚，則王何利焉？」於是秦昭王遽為發兵救魏。魏氏復定。 |
| | Qi and Chu made an agreement to attack Wei; Wei sent envoys repeatedly seeking help from Qin, with messengers traveling so frequently that their hats and canopies could be seen along the roads, yet no rescue came from Qin. There was a man in Wei named Tang Ju, over ninety years old, who said to King of Wei: "An old minister requests to go west and persuade the King of Qin, so that his troops will withdraw before I return." King of Wei bowed twice in respect, then prepared a carriage and sent him off. Tang Ju arrived, entered the court to see King of Qin. King of Qin said, "Elder sir, you have traveled so far and look worn out; it must have been very arduous! Wei has repeatedly come to seek help, and I already know how urgent their situation is." Tang Ju replied, "Although Your Majesty knows Wei's urgency and yet does not send help, I secretly believe that the ministers in charge of strategy are unfit for their positions. Wei is a state with ten thousand chariots, yet the reason it faces west to serve Qin, acknowledges itself as an eastern vassal, accepts titles and attire from Qin, and performs spring and autumn sacrifices, is because Qin's strength is sufficient for alliance. Now the armies of Qi and Chu have already joined forces at Wei's outskirts, yet Your Majesty still does not send relief troops; this is probably because you think their situation has not become urgent enough. But if they are pushed into dire straits, they will offer territory to form an alliance against Qin; then what help can Your Majesty provide? To wait until they are in dire straits before offering help would mean losing the eastern vassal state of Wei while strengthening two hostile powers, Qi and Chu. What benefit does that bring to Your Majesty?" Thus King Zhao of Qin immediately dispatched troops to rescue Wei. The state of Wei was restored to stability.
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| | 魏世家: |
趙使人謂魏王曰：「為我殺范痤，吾請獻七十里之地。」魏王曰：「諾。」使吏捕之，圍而未殺。痤因上屋騎危，謂使者曰：「與其以死痤市，不如以生痤市。有如痤死，趙不予王地，則王將柰何？故不若與先定割地，然後殺痤。」魏王曰：「善。」痤因上書信陵君曰：「痤，故魏之免相也，趙以地殺痤而魏王聽之，有如彊秦亦將襲趙之欲，則君且柰何？」信陵君言於王而出之。 |
| | Zhao sent someone to tell King of Wei: "If you kill Fan Cuo for me, I will offer seventy li of land." King of Wei said, "Agreed." He ordered officials to arrest him; they surrounded him but had not yet killed him. Fan Cuo therefore climbed onto the roof and stood on a precarious spot, saying to the envoys: "It is better to trade with me alive than to trade with my dead body. If I die and Zhao does not give Your Majesty the land, then what will Your Majesty do?" Therefore, it is better to first agree on the land cession before killing me." King of Wei said, "Good idea." Fan Cuo then wrote a letter to Xinning Jun, saying: "I, Fan Cuo, was once the former prime minister of Wei. Zhao wants to kill me in exchange for land and King of Wei has agreed. Suppose powerful Qin follows Zhao's example and also demands something from you, what will you do then?" Xinning Jun spoke to the king on his behalf and had him released.
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| | 魏世家: |
魏王以秦救之故，欲親秦而伐韓，以求故地。無忌謂魏王曰： |
| | Because of Qin's rescue, King of Wei wanted to be close to Qin and attacked Han in order to reclaim lost territory. Wujin said to King of Wei:
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| | 魏世家: |
秦與戎翟同俗，有虎狼之心，貪戾好利無信，不識禮義德行。茍有利焉，不顧親戚兄弟，若禽獸耳，此天下之所識也，非有所施厚積德也。故太后母也，而以憂死；穰侯舅也，功莫大焉，而竟逐之；兩弟無罪，而再奪之國。此於親戚若此，而況於仇讎之國乎？今王與秦共伐韓而益近秦患，臣甚惑之。而王不識則不明，群臣莫以聞則不忠。 |
| | Qin shares customs with the Rong and Di tribes, has a tiger and wolf's heart, is greedy and cruel, values profit above all else without trustworthiness, and does not recognize rites, morality, or virtue. If there is any profit to be gained, they do not care about relatives or brothers; like beasts, this is well known throughout the world and has nothing to do with accumulated virtue. Therefore, the Empress Dowager, though Your Majesty's mother, died of sorrow; Rang Hou is your maternal uncle, whose contributions are unparalleled, yet he was eventually driven away; His two younger brothers committed no crime, yet their states were seized twice. If it is treated this way with relatives, how much more so will it be with hostile countries? Now Your Majesty allies with Qin to attack Han and brings closer the troubles of Qin; I find this very confusing. If Your Majesty does not recognize this, it shows a lack of wisdom, and if none of your ministers have brought it to your attention, they are not loyal.
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| | 魏世家: |
今韓氏以一女子奉一弱主，內有大亂，外交彊秦魏之兵，王以為不亡乎？韓亡，秦有鄭地，與大梁鄴，王以為安乎？王欲得故地，今負彊秦之親，王以為利乎？ |
| | Now Han is being governed by a single woman and a weak ruler, with internal chaos and externally facing the powerful armies of Qin and Wei. Do you think Your Majesty believes that Han will not perish? If Han perishes, Qin will gain the Zheng territory as well as Daliang and Ye. Do you think Your Majesty considers this safe? Your Majesty wishes to reclaim lost territories, yet now you have become Qin's enemy; do you really consider this beneficial?"
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| | 魏世家: |
秦非無事之國也，韓亡之後必將更事，更事必就易與利，就易與利必不伐楚與趙矣。是何也？夫越山踰河，絕韓上黨而攻彊趙，是復閼與之事，秦必不為也。若道河內，倍鄴、朝歌，絕漳滏水，與趙兵決於邯鄲之郊，是知伯之禍也，秦又不敢。伐楚，道涉谷，行三千里。而攻冥阸之塞，所行甚遠，所攻甚難，秦又不為也。若道河外，倍大梁，右（蔡左）［上蔡］、召陵，與楚兵決於陳郊，秦又不敢。故曰秦必不伐楚與趙矣，又不攻衛與齊矣。 |
| | Qin is not a country without ambitions. After Han's fall, it will certainly seek new opportunities; and when seeking new opportunities, it will naturally target the easiest and most profitable states. Naturally, it would not attack Chu or Zhao. Why is that? Because crossing mountains and rivers, cutting through the Shangdang region of Han to attack powerful Zhao would repeat the events at Yueyu. Qin certainly will not do that. If they take the route through Neihe, bypass Ye and Chaoguo, cross the Zhangfu River, and fight Zhao's army in the suburbs of Handan, it would repeat the disaster of Zhi Bo. Qin dares not do that either. To attack Chu, one must pass through Shegu Valley and travel three thousand li. And to attack the strategic pass of Minge, it would involve a very long march and extremely difficult fighting; Qin will not do that either. If they take the route outside the Yellow River, bypass Daliang, pass through Shangcai and Zhaoling on the right (left), and fight Chu's army in Chen's suburbs, Qin dares not either. Therefore it is said that Qin certainly will not attack Chu or Zhao, nor will they attack Wei and Qi.
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| | 魏世家: |
夫韓亡之後，兵出之日，非魏無攻已。秦固有懷、茅、邢丘，城垝津以臨河內，河內共、汲必危；有鄭地，得垣雍，決熒澤水灌大梁，大梁必亡。王之使者出過而惡安陵氏於秦，秦之欲誅之久矣。秦葉陽、昆陽與舞陽鄰，聽使者之惡之，隨安陵氏而亡之，繞舞陽之北，以東臨許，南國必危，國無害（已）［乎］？ |
| | After Han's fall, the day Qin sends out its troops, there will be no other state to attack except Wei. Qin already holds Huai, Mao, and Xingqiu, has built walls at Guijin to face Neihe; the cities of Gong and Ji in Neihe will certainly be in danger; With the Zheng territory, they gain Yuan Yong, can divert Yingze water to flood Daliang, and Daliang will certainly fall. Your Majesty's envoys have passed through and expressed hostility toward the Anling clan to Qin, who has long desired to punish them. Qin's Ye Yang and Kunyang border Wuyang. If they listen to the envoys' hostility toward Anling, they will destroy it along with Anling, circle around the north of Wuyang, head east to face Xu, and the southern territories will certainly be in danger—how can Your Majesty consider this safe?
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| | 魏世家: |
夫憎韓不愛安陵氏可也，夫不患秦之不愛南國非也。異日者，秦在河西晉，國去梁千里，有河山以闌之，有周韓以閒之。從林鄉軍以至于今，秦七攻魏，五入囿中，邊城盡拔，文臺墮，垂都焚，林木伐，麋鹿盡，而國繼以圍。又長驅梁北，東至陶衛之郊，北至平監。所亡於秦者，山南山北，河外河內，大縣數十，名都數百。秦乃在河西晉，去梁千里，而禍若是矣，又況於使秦無韓，有鄭地，無河山而闌之，無周韓而閒之，去大梁百里，禍必由此矣。 |
| | It is acceptable to hate Han and not care for the Anling clan, but it is wrong not to be concerned about Qin's disregard for your southern territories. In the past, when Qin was in the western part of Jin, its state lay a thousand li away from Liang, separated by rivers and mountains as barriers, with Zhou and Han lying between. Since the Linxiang campaign up to now, Qin has attacked Wei seven times, entered Youzhong five times; all border cities have been captured. Wenti Tai fell, Chidu was burned, forests were cut down, deer and other animals were wiped out, and our state has repeatedly been besieged. Moreover, Qin's forces advanced all the way to the north of Liang, reaching as far east as the suburbs of Tao and Wei, and as far north as Pingjian. Territories lost to Qin include both the southern and northern parts of Shandong, areas outside and inside the Yellow River; dozens of major counties and hundreds of famous cities. When Qin was still in the western part of Jin and a thousand li away from Liang alone caused such disasters, how much greater will be the calamity if now Qin has no Han to buffer it, possesses Zheng territory, lacks rivers and mountains as barriers or Zhou and Han between them, and is only a hundred li away from Daliang? The disaster must arise from this.
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| | 魏世家: |
異日者，從之不成也，楚、魏疑而韓不可得也。今韓受兵三年，秦橈之以講，識亡不聽，投質於趙，請為天下鴈行頓刃，楚、趙必集兵，皆識秦之欲無窮也，非盡亡天下之國而臣海內，必不休矣。是故臣願以從事王，王速受楚趙之約，（趙）［而］挾韓之質以存韓，而求故地，韓必效之。此士民不勞而故地得，其功多於與秦共伐韓，而又與彊秦鄰之禍也。 |
| | In the past, forming an alliance did not succeed; Chu and Wei were doubtful, and Han could not be obtained. Now Han has endured military pressure for three years, and Qin proposed a truce to weaken it. Knowing that its destruction is inevitable, Han did not listen, sent hostages to Zhao, and requested to serve as the vanguard in battle against Qin. Chu and Zhao will certainly gather their troops, all aware of Qin's insatiable ambitions; unless they destroy all states under heaven and subjugate the entire world, Qin will never cease its aggression. Therefore, I wish to serve Your Majesty by forming an alliance. Your Majesty should quickly accept the agreements with Chu and Zhao, hold Han's hostages as leverage to preserve Han, and seek the lost territories; Han will certainly comply. This way, neither the people nor the soldiers would suffer while regaining lost territories; its benefits far outweigh those of allying with Qin to attack Han, only to face the calamity of being neighbors with a powerful Qin.
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| | 魏世家: |
夫存韓安魏而利天下，此亦王之天時已。通韓上黨於共、甯，使道安成，出入賦之，是魏重質韓以其上黨也。今有其賦，足以富國。韓必德魏愛魏重魏畏魏，韓必不敢反魏，是韓則魏之縣也。魏得韓以為縣，衛、大梁、河外必安矣。今不存韓，二周、安陵必危，楚、趙大破，衛、齊甚畏，天下西鄉而馳秦入朝而為臣不久矣。 |
| | Preserving Han ensures Wei's safety and benefits all under heaven; this is also an opportunity granted by Heaven to Your Majesty. Opening a route from Han's Shangdang to Gong and Ning, making the road safe for travel, allowing free movement of people and tribute—this means Hui is offering its upper Shangdang region as collateral to guarantee Han. Now that we have its taxes, it will be sufficient to enrich the state. Han must respect Wei, love Wei, value Wei, and fear Wei; Han will certainly not dare to rebel against Wei. In this way, Han would be as good as a commandery of Wei. If Wei gains Han as its county, Weishui, Daliang, and the area beyond the Yellow River will surely be at peace. If Han is not preserved now, the Two Zhou and Anling will certainly be in danger; Chu and Zhao would suffer great defeats, Wei and Qi would become very fearful. Soon all under heaven will face westward toward Qin, rushing to submit as subjects.
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| | 魏世家: |
二十年，秦圍邯鄲，信陵君無忌矯奪將軍晉鄙兵以救趙，趙得全。無忌因留趙。二十六年，秦昭王卒。 |
| | In the twentieth year, Qin besieged Handan; Xinning Jun Wuji forged orders to take command of General Jinbi's troops in order to rescue Zhao, and thus Zhao was saved. Wuji therefore remained in Zhao. In the twenty-sixth year, King Zhao of Qin died.
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| | 魏世家: |
三十年，無忌歸魏，率五國兵攻秦，敗之河外，走蒙驁。魏太子增質於秦，秦怒，欲囚魏太子增。或為增謂秦王曰：「公孫喜固謂魏相曰『請以魏疾擊秦，秦王怒，必囚增。魏王又怒，擊秦，秦必傷』。今王囚增，是喜之計中也。故不若貴增而合魏，以疑之於齊、韓。」秦乃止增。 |
| | In the thirtieth year, Wuji returned to Wei and led an army from five states to attack Qin. They defeated Qin beyond the Yellow River and drove Mengao into retreat. The crown prince of Wei, Zeng, was held as a hostage in Qin; Qin became angry and wanted to imprison Crown Prince Zeng of Wei. Someone advised King Qin on behalf of Zeng, saying: "Gongsun Xi originally told the Prime Minister of Wei, 'Please urge Wei to attack Qin quickly; when King Qin becomes angry, he will certainly imprison Zeng." "The King of Wei would also become angry and attack Qin, which must cause damage to Qin.'" Now that Your Majesty wishes to imprison Zeng, this is exactly what Gongsun Xi's plan predicted. Therefore, it would be better to honor Zeng and reconcile with Wei in order to sow doubts among Qi and Han." Qin then ceased its plan against Zeng.
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| | 魏世家: |
三十一年，秦王政初立。 |
| | In the thirty-first year, King Zheng of Qin ascended to the throne.
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| | 魏世家: |
三十四年，安釐王卒，太子增立，是為景湣王。信陵君無忌卒。 |
| | In the thirty-fourth year, Anli Wang died and Crown Prince Zeng succeeded him; he is known as King Jingmin. Xinning Jun Wuji died.
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| | 魏世家: |
景湣王元年，秦拔我二十城，以為秦東郡。二年，秦拔我朝歌。衛徙野王。三年，秦拔我汲。五年，秦拔我垣、蒲陽、衍。十五年，景湣王卒，子王假立。 |
| | In the first year of King Jingmin's reign, Qin captured twenty of our cities and established them as the Eastern Commandery of Qin. In the second year, Qin captured Chao Ge from us. Wei moved its capital to Yawang. In the third year, Qin captured Ji from us. In the fifth year, Qin captured Yuan, Puyang, and Yan from us. In the fifteenth year, King Jingmin died; his son Wang Jia ascended to the throne.
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| | 魏世家: |
王假元年，燕太子丹使荊軻刺秦王，秦王覺之。 |
| | In the first year of Emperor Wangjia's reign, Crown Prince Dan of Yan sent Jing Ke to assassinate King Qin. King Qin discovered the plot.
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| | 魏世家: |
三年，秦灌大梁，虜王假，遂滅魏以為郡縣。 |
| | In the third year, Qin flooded Daliang and captured King Wangjia; thus Wei was destroyed and turned into commanderies and counties.
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| | 魏世家: |
太史公曰：吾適故大梁之墟，墟中人曰：「秦之破梁，引河溝而灌大梁，三月城壞，王請降，遂滅魏。」說者皆曰魏以不用信陵君故，國削弱至於亡，余以為不然。天方令秦平海內，其業未成，魏雖得阿衡之佐，曷益乎？ |
| | Grand Historian said: When I visited the ruins of former Daliang, a local resident told me, "When Qin destroyed Liang, they diverted river canals to flood Daliang. After three months, the city walls collapsed; the king requested surrender and Wei was thus annihilated." Commentators all say that Wei perished because it did not employ Xinning Jun, which led to its gradual weakening and eventual destruction. I believe this is not the case. Heaven was already destined for Qin to unify all under heaven, and its cause had yet to be completed; even if Wei had obtained a capable minister like an Arheng, what benefit would that have brought?
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