| | 魏世家: |
魏之先，毕公高之后也。毕公高与周同姓。武王之伐纣，而高封于毕，于是为毕姓。其后绝封，为庶人，或在中国，或在夷狄。其苗裔曰毕万，事晋献公。 |
| | 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: |
献公之十六年，赵夙为御，毕万为右，以伐霍、耿、魏，灭之。以耿封赵夙，以魏封毕万，为大夫。卜偃曰：“毕万之后必大矣，万，满数也；魏，大名也。以是始赏，天开之矣，天子曰兆民，诸侯曰万民。今命之大，以从满数，其必有众。”初，毕万卜事晋，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: |
毕万封十一年，晋献公卒，四子争更立，晋乱。而毕万之世弥大，从其国名为魏氏。生武子。魏武子以魏诸子事晋公子重耳。晋献公之二十一年，武子从重耳出亡。十九年反，重耳立为晋文公，而令魏武子袭魏氏之后封，列为大夫，治于魏。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。生魏绛。 |
| | Duke Dao of Wei moved the administration to Huo. He gave birth to Wei Jiang.
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| | 魏世家: |
魏绛事晋悼公。悼公三年，会诸侯。悼公弟杨干乱行，魏绛僇辱杨干。悼公怒曰：“合诸侯以为荣，今辱吾弟！”将诛魏绛。或说悼公，悼公止。卒任魏绛政，使和戎、翟，戎、翟亲附。悼公之十一年，曰：“自吾用魏绛，八年之中，九合诸侯，戎、翟和，子之力也。”赐之乐，三让，然后受之。徙治安邑。魏绛卒，谥为昭子。生魏嬴。嬴生魏献子。 |
| | 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: |
献子事晋昭公。昭公卒而六卿强，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: |
晋顷公之十二年，韩宣子老，魏献子为国政。晋宗室祁氏、羊舌氏相恶，六卿诛之，尽取其邑为十县，六卿各令其子为之大夫。献子与赵简子、中行文子、范献子并为晋卿。 |
| | 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: |
其后十四岁而孔子相鲁。后四岁，赵简子以晋阳之乱也，而与韩、魏共攻范、中行氏。魏献子生魏侈。魏侈与赵鞅共攻范、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: |
魏侈之孙曰魏桓子，与韩康子、赵襄子共伐灭知伯，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: |
桓子之孙曰文侯都。魏文侯元年，秦灵公之元年也。与韩武子、赵桓子、周威王同时。 |
| | 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，使子击围繁、庞，出其民。十六年，伐秦，筑临晋元里。 |
| | 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，使子击守之，赵仓唐傅之。子击逢文侯之师田子方于朝歌，引车避，下谒。田子方不为礼。子击因问曰：“富贵者骄人乎？且贫贱者骄人乎？”子方曰：“亦贫贱者骄人耳。夫诸侯而骄人则失其国，大夫而骄人则失其家。贫贱者，行不合，言不用，则去之楚、越，若脱屣然，柰何其同之哉！”子击不怿而去。西攻秦，至郑而还，筑雒阴、合阳。 |
| | 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、赵、韩列为诸侯。 |
| | 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，至阳狐。 |
| | In the twenty-fourth year, Qin attacked us, reaching Yanghu.
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| | 魏世家: |
二十五年，子击生子罃。 |
| | In the twenty-fifth year, Prince Ji gave birth to a son named Ying.
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| | 魏世家: |
文侯受子夏经艺，客段干木，过其闾，未尝不轼也。秦尝欲伐魏，或曰：“魏君贤人是礼，国人称仁，上下和合，未可图也。”文侯由此得誉于诸侯。 |
| | 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: |
任西门豹守邺，而河内称治。 |
| | He appointed Ximen Bao to defend Ye, and He Nei was praised for its good governance.
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| | 魏世家: |
魏文侯谓李克曰：“先生尝教寡人曰‘家贫则思良妻，国乱则思良相’。今所置非成则璜，二子何如？”李克对曰：“臣闻之，卑不谋尊，疏不谋戚。臣在阙门之外，不敢当命。”文侯曰：“先生临事勿让。”李克曰：“君不察故也。居视其所亲，富视其所与，达视其所举，穷视其所不为，贫视其所不取，五者足以定之矣，何待克哉！”文侯曰：“先生就舍，寡人之相定矣。”李克趋而出，过翟璜之家。翟璜曰：“今者闻君召先生而卜相，果谁为之？”李克曰：“魏成子为相矣。”翟璜忿然作色曰：“以耳目之所睹记，臣何负于魏成子？西河之守，臣之所进也。君内以邺为忧，臣进西门豹。君谋欲伐中山，臣进乐羊。中山以拔，无使守之，臣进先生。君之子无傅，臣进屈侯鲋。臣何以负于魏成子！”李克曰：“且子之言克于子之君者，岂将比周以求大官哉？君问而置相‘非成则璜，二子何如’？克对曰：‘君不察故也。居视其所亲，富视其所与，达视其所举，穷视其所不为，贫视其所不取，五者足以定之矣，何待克哉！’是以知魏成子之为相也。且子安得与魏成子比乎？魏成子以食禄千钟，什九在外，什一在内，是以东得卜子夏、田子方、段干木。此三人者，君皆师之。子之所进五人者，君皆臣之。子恶得与魏成子比也？”翟璜逡巡再拜曰：“璜，鄙人也，失对，愿卒为弟子。” |
| | 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，伐郑。城酸枣。败秦于注。三十五年，齐伐取我襄陵。三十六年，秦侵我阴晋。 |
| | 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，败我武下，得其将识。是岁，文侯卒，子击立，是为武侯。 |
| | 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，赵敬侯初立，公子朔为乱，不胜，奔魏，与魏袭邯郸，魏败而去。 |
| | 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，伐齐，至桑丘。九年，翟败我于浍。使吴起伐齐，至灵丘。齐威王初立。 |
| | 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，与韩、赵三分晋地，灭其后。 |
| | 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，秦献公县栎阳。十五年，败赵北蔺。 |
| | 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，取鲁阳。武侯卒，子罃立，是为惠王。 |
| | 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，子罃与公中缓争为太子。公孙颀自宋入赵，自赵入韩，谓韩懿侯曰：“魏罃与公中缓争为太子，君亦闻之乎？今魏罃得王错，挟上党，固半国也。因而除之，破魏必矣，不可失也。”懿侯说，乃与赵成侯合军并兵以伐魏，战于浊泽，魏氏大败，魏君围。赵谓韩曰：“除魏君，立公中缓，割地而退，我且利。”韩曰：“不可。杀魏君，人必曰暴；割地而退，人必曰贪。不如两分之。魏分为两，不强于宋、卫，则我终无魏之患矣。”赵不听。韩不说，以其少卒夜去。惠王之所以身不死，国不分者，二家谋不和也。若从一家之谋，则魏必分矣。故曰“君终无适子，其国可破也”。 |
| | 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，魏败韩于马陵，败赵于怀。三年，齐败我观。五年，与韩会宅阳。城武堵。为秦所败。六年，伐取宋仪台。九年，伐败韩于浍。与秦战少梁，虏我将公孙痤，取庞。秦献公卒，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，伐取赵皮牢。彗星见。十二年，星昼坠，有声。 |
| | 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，与赵会鄗。十五年，鲁、卫、宋、郑君来朝。十六年，与秦孝公会（社）［杜］平。侵宋黄池，宋复取之。 |
| | 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，与秦战元里，秦取我少梁。围赵邯郸。十八年，拔邯郸。赵请救于齐，齐使田忌、孙膑救赵，败魏桂陵。 |
| | 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，诸侯围我襄陵。筑长城，塞固阳。 |
| | 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，归赵邯郸，与盟漳水上。二十一年，与秦会彤。赵成侯卒。二十八年，齐威王卒。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，魏伐赵，赵告急齐。齐宣王用孙子计，救赵击魏。魏遂大兴师，使庞涓将，而令太子申为上将军。过外黄，外黄徐子谓太子曰：“臣有百战百胜之术。”太子曰：“可得闻乎？”客曰：“固愿效之。”曰：“太子自将攻齐，大胜并莒，则富不过有魏，贵不益为王。若战不胜齐，则万世无魏矣。此臣之百战百胜之术也。”太子曰：“诺，请必从公之言而还矣。”客曰：“太子虽欲还，不得矣。彼劝太子战攻，欲啜汁者众。太子虽欲还，恐不得矣。”太子因欲还，其御曰：“将出而还，与北同。”太子果与齐人战，败于马陵。齐虏魏太子申，杀将军涓，军遂大破。 |
| | 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、赵、齐共伐我，秦将商君诈我将军公子卬而袭夺其军，破之。秦用商君，东地至河，而齐、赵数破我，安邑近秦，于是徙治大梁。以公子赫为太子。 |
| | 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，商君亡秦归魏，魏怒，不入。三十五年，与齐宣王会平阿南。 |
| | 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: |
惠王数被于军旅，卑礼厚币以招贤者。邹衍、淳于髡、孟轲皆至梁。梁惠王曰：“寡人不佞，兵三折于外，太子虏，上将死，国以空虚，以羞先君宗庙社稷，寡人甚丑之，叟不远千里，辱幸至獘邑之廷，将何利吾国？”孟轲曰：“君不可以言利若是。夫君欲利则大夫欲利，大夫欲利则庶人欲利，上下争利，国则危矣。为人君，仁义而已矣，何以利为！” |
| | 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，复与齐王会甄。是岁，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，与诸侯会徐州，相王也。追尊父惠王为王。 |
| | 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，秦败我龙贾军四万五千于雕阴，围我焦、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，与秦会应。秦取我汾阴、皮氏、焦。魏伐楚，败之陉山。七年，魏尽入上郡于秦。秦降我蒲阳。八年，秦归我焦、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，楚败我襄陵。诸侯执政与秦相张仪会啮桑。十三年，张仪相魏。魏有女子化为丈夫。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。张仪复归秦。 |
| | 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，五国共攻秦，不胜而去。 |
| | 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，齐败我观津。五年，秦使樗里子伐取我曲沃，走犀首岸门。六年，秦（求）［来］立公子政为太子。与秦会临晋。七年，攻齐。与秦伐燕。 |
| | 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，伐卫，拔列城二。卫君患之。如耳约斩赵，赵分而为二，所以不亡者，魏为从主也。今卫已迫亡，将西请事于秦。与其以秦醳卫，不如以魏醳卫，见卫君曰：“请罢魏兵，免成陵君可乎？”卫君曰：“先生果能，孤请世世以卫事先生。”如耳见成陵君曰：“昔者魏伐赵，断羊肠，拔阏与，卫之德魏必终无穷。”成陵君曰：“诺。”如耳见魏王曰：“臣有谒于卫。卫故周室之别也，其称小国，多宝器。今国迫于难而宝器不出者，其心以为攻卫醳卫不以王为主，故宝器虽出必不入于王也。臣窃料之，先言醳卫者必受卫者也。”如耳出，成陵君入，以其言见魏王。魏王听其说，罢其兵，免成陵君，终身不见。 |
| | 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，与秦王会临晋。张仪、魏章皆归于魏。魏相田需死，楚害张仪、犀首、薛公。楚相昭鱼谓苏代曰：“田需死，吾恐张仪、犀首、薛公有一人相魏者也。”代曰：“然相者欲谁而君便之？”昭鱼曰：“吾欲太子之自相也。”代曰：“请为君北，必相之。”昭鱼曰：“柰何？”对曰：“君其为梁王，代请说君。”昭鱼曰：“柰何？”对曰：“代也从楚来，昭鱼甚忧，曰：‘田需死，吾恐张仪、犀首、薛公有一人相魏者也。’代曰：‘梁王，长主也，必不相张仪。张仪相，必右秦而左魏。犀首相，必右韩而左魏。薛公相，必右齐而左魏。梁王，长主也，必不便也。’王曰：‘然则寡人孰相？’代曰：‘莫若太子之自相。太子之自相，是三人者皆以太子为非常相也，皆将务以其国事魏，欲得丞相玺也。以魏之强，而三万乘之国辅之，魏必安矣。故曰莫若太子之自相也。’”遂北见梁王，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，张仪死。十一年，与秦武王会应。十二年，太子朝于秦。秦来伐我皮氏，未拔而解。十四年，秦来归武王后。十六年，秦拔我蒲反、阳晋、封陵。十七年，与秦会临晋。秦予我蒲反。十八年，与秦伐楚。二十一年，与齐、韩共败秦军函谷。 |
| | 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，秦复予我河外及封陵为和。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，与秦战，我不利。三年，佐韩攻秦，秦将白起败我军伊阙二十四万。六年，予秦河东地方四百里。芒卯以诈重。七年，秦拔我城大小六十一。八年，秦昭王为西帝，齐泯王为东帝，月馀，皆复称王归帝。九年，秦拔我新垣、曲阳之城。 |
| | 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，齐灭宋，宋王死我温。十二年，与秦、赵、韩、燕共伐齐，败之济西，泯王出亡。燕独入临灾。与秦王会西周。 |
| | 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，楚王徙陈。 |
| | 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，子安厘王立。 |
| | In the nineteenth year, King Zhao died, and his son Anxi Wang succeeded him as ruler.
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| | 魏世家: |
安厘王元年，秦拔我两城。二年，又拔我二城，军大梁下，韩来救，予秦温以和。三年，秦拔我四城，斩首四万。四年，秦破我及韩、赵，杀十五万人，走我将芒卯。魏将段干子请予秦南阳以和。苏代谓魏王曰：“欲玺者段干子也，欲地者秦也。今王使欲地者制玺，使欲玺者制地，魏氏地不尽则不知已。且夫以地事秦，譬犹抱薪救火，薪不尽，火不灭。”王曰：“是则然也。虽然，事始已行，不可更矣。”对曰：“王独不见夫博之所以贵枭者，便则食，不便则止矣。今王曰‘事始已行，不可更’，是何王之用智不如用枭也？” |
| | 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，秦拔我怀。十年，秦太子外质于魏死。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: |
秦昭王谓左右曰：“今时韩、魏与始孰强？”对曰：“不如始强。”王曰：“今时如耳、魏齐与孟尝、芒卯孰贤？”对曰：“不如。”王曰：“以孟尝、芒卯之贤，率强韩、魏以攻秦，犹无柰寡人何也。今以无能之如耳、魏齐而率弱韩、魏以伐秦，其无柰寡人何亦明矣。”左右皆曰：“甚然。”中旗冯琴而对曰：“王之料天下过矣。当晋六卿之时，知氏最强，灭范、中行，又率韩、魏之兵以围赵襄子于晋阳，决晋水以灌晋阳之城，不湛者三版。知伯行水，魏桓子御，韩康子为参乘。知伯曰：‘吾始不知水之可以亡人之国也，乃今知之。’汾水可以灌安邑，绛水可以灌平阳。魏桓子肘韩康子，韩康子履魏桓子，肘足接于车上，而知氏地分，身死国亡，为天下笑。今秦兵虽强，不能过知氏；韩、魏虽弱，尚贤其在晋阳之下也。此方其用肘足之时也，愿王之勿易也！”于是秦王恐。 |
| | 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: |
齐、楚相约而攻魏，魏使人求救于秦，冠盖相望也，而秦救不至。魏人有唐雎者，年九十馀矣，谓魏王曰：“老臣请西说秦王，令兵先臣出。”魏王再拜，遂约车而遣之。唐雎到，入见秦王。秦王曰：“丈人芒然乃远至此，甚苦矣！夫魏之来求救数矣，寡人知魏之急已。”唐雎对曰：“大王已知魏之急而救不发者，臣窃以为用策之臣无任矣。夫魏，一万乘之国也，然所以西面而事秦，称东藩，受冠带，祠春秋者，以秦之强足以为与也。今齐、楚之兵已合于魏郊矣，而秦救不发，亦将赖其未急也。使之大急，彼且割地而约从，王尚何救焉？必待其急而救之，是失一东藩之魏而强二敌之齐、楚，则王何利焉？”于是秦昭王遽为发兵救魏。魏氏复定。 |
| | 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: |
赵使人谓魏王曰：“为我杀范痤，吾请献七十里之地。”魏王曰：“诺。”使吏捕之，围而未杀。痤因上屋骑危，谓使者曰：“与其以死痤市，不如以生痤市。有如痤死，赵不予王地，则王将柰何？故不若与先定割地，然后杀痤。”魏王曰：“善。”痤因上书信陵君曰：“痤，故魏之免相也，赵以地杀痤而魏王听之，有如强秦亦将袭赵之欲，则君且柰何？”信陵君言于王而出之。 |
| | 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，欲亲秦而伐韩，以求故地。无忌谓魏王曰： |
| | 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: |
秦与戎翟同俗，有虎狼之心，贪戾好利无信，不识礼义德行。茍有利焉，不顾亲戚兄弟，若禽兽耳，此天下之所识也，非有所施厚积德也。故太后母也，而以忧死；穰侯舅也，功莫大焉，而竟逐之；两弟无罪，而再夺之国。此于亲戚若此，而况于仇雠之国乎？今王与秦共伐韩而益近秦患，臣甚惑之。而王不识则不明，群臣莫以闻则不忠。 |
| | 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: |
今韩氏以一女子奉一弱主，内有大乱，外交强秦魏之兵，王以为不亡乎？韩亡，秦有郑地，与大梁邺，王以为安乎？王欲得故地，今负强秦之亲，王以为利乎？ |
| | 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: |
秦非无事之国也，韩亡之后必将更事，更事必就易与利，就易与利必不伐楚与赵矣。是何也？夫越山逾河，绝韩上党而攻强赵，是复阏与之事，秦必不为也。若道河内，倍邺、朝歌，绝漳滏水，与赵兵决于邯郸之郊，是知伯之祸也，秦又不敢。伐楚，道涉谷，行三千里。而攻冥阸之塞，所行甚远，所攻甚难，秦又不为也。若道河外，倍大梁，右（蔡左）［上蔡］、召陵，与楚兵决于陈郊，秦又不敢。故曰秦必不伐楚与赵矣，又不攻卫与齐矣。 |
| | 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: |
夫韩亡之后，兵出之日，非魏无攻已。秦固有怀、茅、邢丘，城垝津以临河内，河内共、汲必危；有郑地，得垣雍，决荧泽水灌大梁，大梁必亡。王之使者出过而恶安陵氏于秦，秦之欲诛之久矣。秦叶阳、昆阳与舞阳邻，听使者之恶之，随安陵氏而亡之，绕舞阳之北，以东临许，南国必危，国无害（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: |
夫憎韩不爱安陵氏可也，夫不患秦之不爱南国非也。异日者，秦在河西晋，国去梁千里，有河山以阑之，有周韩以闲之。从林乡军以至于今，秦七攻魏，五入囿中，边城尽拔，文台堕，垂都焚，林木伐，麋鹿尽，而国继以围。又长驱梁北，东至陶卫之郊，北至平监。所亡于秦者，山南山北，河外河内，大县数十，名都数百。秦乃在河西晋，去梁千里，而祸若是矣，又况于使秦无韩，有郑地，无河山而阑之，无周韩而闲之，去大梁百里，祸必由此矣。 |
| | 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: |
异日者，从之不成也，楚、魏疑而韩不可得也。今韩受兵三年，秦桡之以讲，识亡不听，投质于赵，请为天下雁行顿刃，楚、赵必集兵，皆识秦之欲无穷也，非尽亡天下之国而臣海内，必不休矣。是故臣愿以从事王，王速受楚赵之约，（赵）［而］挟韩之质以存韩，而求故地，韩必效之。此士民不劳而故地得，其功多于与秦共伐韩，而又与强秦邻之祸也。 |
| | 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: |
夫存韩安魏而利天下，此亦王之天时已。通韩上党于共、甯，使道安成，出入赋之，是魏重质韩以其上党也。今有其赋，足以富国。韩必德魏爱魏重魏畏魏，韩必不敢反魏，是韩则魏之县也。魏得韩以为县，卫、大梁、河外必安矣。今不存韩，二周、安陵必危，楚、赵大破，卫、齐甚畏，天下西乡而驰秦入朝而为臣不久矣。 |
| | 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，秦围邯郸，信陵君无忌矫夺将军晋鄙兵以救赵，赵得全。无忌因留赵。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，无忌归魏，率五国兵攻秦，败之河外，走蒙骜。魏太子增质于秦，秦怒，欲囚魏太子增。或为增谓秦王曰：“公孙喜固谓魏相曰‘请以魏疾击秦，秦王怒，必囚增。魏王又怒，击秦，秦必伤’。今王囚增，是喜之计中也。故不若贵增而合魏，以疑之于齐、韩。”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，安厘王卒，太子增立，是为景泯王。信陵君无忌卒。 |
| | 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: |
景泯王元年，秦拔我二十城，以为秦东郡。二年，秦拔我朝歌。卫徙野王。三年，秦拔我汲。五年，秦拔我垣、蒲阳、衍。十五年，景泯王卒，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，燕太子丹使荆轲刺秦王，秦王觉之。 |
| | 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，虏王假，遂灭魏以为郡县。 |
| | 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：吾适故大梁之墟，墟中人曰：“秦之破梁，引河沟而灌大梁，三月城坏，王请降，遂灭魏。”说者皆曰魏以不用信陵君故，国削弱至于亡，余以为不然。天方令秦平海内，其业未成，魏虽得阿衡之佐，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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