| Chinese Text Project |
《齊一 - Qi 1 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
《楚威王戰勝於徐州 - Prince Wei of Chu Defeats an Enemy at Xuzhou 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 楚威王戰... : | 楚威王戰勝於徐州，欲逐嬰子於齊。嬰子恐，張丑謂楚王曰：「王戰勝於徐州也，盼子不用也。盼子有功於國，百姓為之用。嬰子不善，而用申縳。申縳者，大臣與百姓弗為用，故王勝之也。今嬰子逐，盼子必用。復整其士卒以與王遇，必不便於王也。」楚王因弗逐。 |
| Prince Wei of Chu defeated an enemy at Xuzhou and wanted to expel Yingzi from Qi. Yingzi was afraid, so Zhang Chou said to King Wei: "Your Majesty defeated the enemy at Xuzhou, but Panzi is not being used. Panzi has made contributions to the state, and the people support him." Yingzi is not virtuous, yet Shen Ge is being used. Shen Ge is a minister who neither the high officials nor the common people support, so Your Majesty defeated him." Now if Yingzi is driven out, Panzi will certainly be used. He will reorganize his soldiers and confront Your Majesty in battle; this would surely be inconvenient for you." King Wei of Chu therefore did not drive him out. |
《齊將封田嬰於薛 - Qi's general Feng Tianying at Xue 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 齊將封田... : | 齊將封田嬰於薛。楚王聞之，大怒，將伐齊。齊王有輟志。公孫閈曰：「封之成與不，非在齊也，又將在楚。閈說楚王，令其欲封公也又甚於齊。」嬰子曰：「願委之於子。」公孫閈為謂楚王曰：「魯、宋事楚而齊不事者，齊大而魯、宋小。王獨利魯、宋之小，不惡齊大何也？夫齊削地而封田嬰，是其所以弱也。願勿止。」楚王曰：「善。」因不止。 |
| Qi's general Feng Tianying was stationed at Xue. King Chu heard of this and became very angry, intending to attack Qi. Qi Wang had the intention to withdraw. Gongsun Han said, "Whether the sealing of Tianying is successful or not does not lie with Qi, but will also depend on Chu. "Fan persuaded King Chu to desire that the enfeoffment of Gong would be even more so than Qi." Yingzi said, "I wish to entrust it to you." Gongsun Han told King Chu, "Lu and Song serve Chu while Qi does not, because Qi is powerful whereas Lu and Song are small. Why would Your Majesty benefit only from the smallness of Lu and Song, yet not resent Qi's power?" "Qi ceding territory to enfeoff Tianying is precisely how it weakens itself. "I wish Your Majesty would not stop [the action]." King Chu said, "Well said." Therefore, he did not stop. |
《靖郭君將城薛 - Prince Jingguo Was Going to Build a City Wall around Xue 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 靖郭君將... : | 靖郭君將城薛，客多以諫。靖郭君謂謁者，旡為客通。齊人有請者曰：「臣請三言而已矣！益一言，臣請烹。」靖郭君因見之。客趨而進曰：「海大魚。」因反走。君曰：「客有於此。」客曰：「鄙臣不敢以死為戲。」君曰：「亡，更言之。」對曰：「君不聞大魚乎？網不能止，鉤不能牽，蕩而失水，則螻蟻得意焉。今夫齊，亦君之水也。君長有齊陰，奚以薛為？夫齊，雖隆薛之城到於天，猶之無益也。」君曰：「善。」乃輟城薛。 |
| Jingguo jun was going to build a city wall around Xue, and many of his guests advised him against it. Prince Jingguo told the attendant: "Do not admit any guest." A man from Qi requested and said, "I will make a request in only three words!" "If I add one more word, please boil me alive." Prince Jingguo therefore received him. The guest hurried forward and said, "A great fish in the sea." Then he turned around and ran away. Prince Jingguo said, "There is a guest here." The guest said, "I, a humble servant, dare not take death as a joke." Prince Jingguo said, "No, please say it again." He replied, "Have you not heard of the great fish?" The net cannot catch it, and the hook cannot pull it. But when it is tossed about and loses its water, then even ants and centipedes can triumph over it. "Now Qi is also your water." "As long as you have the support of Qi, why do you need Xue?" "Even if you were to build a wall around Xue so high it reaches the sky, it would still be of no use." Prince Jingguo said, "Well said." He then stopped the construction of the wall around Xue. |
《靖郭君謂齊王 - Jingguo Jun Advises King Qi 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 靖郭君謂... : | 靖郭君謂齊王曰：「五官之計，不可不日聽也而數覽。」王曰：「說五而厭之。」今與靖郭君。 |
| Jingguo Jun said to King Qi: "The reports from the five officials must be heard daily and reviewed frequently." King replied, "I have heard five explanations and am already tired of them." Now with Jingguo Jun. |
《靖郭君善齊貌辨 - Jingguo Jun and His Friendship with Qi Maobian 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 靖郭君善... : | 靖郭君善齊貌辨。齊貌辨之為人也多疵，門人弗說。士尉以証靖郭君，靖郭君不聽，士尉辭而去。孟嘗君又竊以諫，靖郭君大怒曰：「剗而類，破吾家。苟可慊齊貌辨者，吾無辭為之。」於是舍之上舍，令長子御，旦暮進食。數年，威王薨，宣王立。靖郭君之交，大不善於宣王，辭而之薛，與齊貌辨俱留。無幾何，齊貌辨辭而行，請見宣王。靖郭君曰：「王之不說嬰甚，公往必得死焉。」齊貌辨曰：「固不求生也，請必行。」靖郭君不能止。齊貌辨行至齊，宣王聞之，藏怒以待之。齊貌辨見宣王，王曰：「子，靖郭君之所聽愛夫！」齊貌辨曰：「愛則有之，聽則無有。王之方為太子之時，辨謂靖郭君曰：『太子相不仁，過頤豕視，若是者信反。不若廢太子，更立衛姬嬰兒郊師。』靖郭君泣而曰：『不可，吾不忍也。』若聽辨而為之，必無今日之患也。此為一。至於薛，昭陽請以數倍之地易薛，辨又曰：『必聽之。』靖郭君曰：『受薛於先王，雖惡於後王，吾獨謂先王何乎！且先王之廟在薛，吾豈可以先王之廟與楚乎！』又不肯聽辨。此為二。」宣王大息，動於顏色，曰：「靖郭君之於寡人一至此乎！寡人少，殊不知此。客肯為寡人來靖郭君乎？」齊貌辨對曰：「敬諾。」靖郭君衣威王之衣，冠舞其劍，宣王自迎靖郭君於郊，望之而泣。靖郭君至，因請相之。靖郭君辭，不得已而受。七日，謝病強辭。靖郭君辭不得，三日而聽。當是時，靖郭君可謂能自知人矣！能自知人，故人非之不為沮。此齊貌辨之所以外生樂患趣難者也。 |
| Jingguo Jun was good friends with Qi Maobian. Qi Maobian had many flaws in his character, and his disciples did not like him. Shi Wei cited evidence to Jingguo Jun, but Jingguo Jun would not listen; therefore, Shi Wei resigned and left. Mengchang Jun also secretly advised him, but Jingguo jun became very angry and said, "Destroy your kind and ruin my family. If there is anything that can satisfy Qi Maobian, I will not hesitate to do it for him." Therefore, he gave him lodging in the upper guesthouse and ordered his eldest son to drive, providing meals morning and evening. Several years later, King Weiwang died, and King Xuanwang ascended the throne. Jingguo Jun's relations were greatly strained with King Xuanwang, so he bid farewell and went to Xue, where he stayed together with Qi Maobian. Not long after, Qi Maobian bade farewell and departed, requesting an audience with King Xuanwang. Jingguo Jun said, "The king dislikes Ying very much; if you go, you will surely be killed." Qi Maobian said, "I do not seek to live in the first place. I must go." Jingguo Jun could not stop him. Qi Maobian went to the state of Qi. When King Xuanwuang heard about this, he concealed his anger in preparation for receiving him. Qi Maobian met with King Xuanwang; the king said, "You are the man Jingguo Jun listens to and loves!" Qi Maobian replied, "There is affection, but no obedience. When the king was still a crown prince, I told Jingguo Jun: 'The Crown Prince's appearance is unkind; he looks past his eyebrows like a pig and behaves in such a way that one can trust him to rebel. It would be better to depose the Crown Prince and instead install Weiji's infant son, Jiaoshi." Jingguo Jun wept and said: "No, I cannot do it. I am not willing to bear it." If you had listened to me and done as I advised, you would certainly have avoided the troubles of today. This is one instance. When he arrived at Xue, Zhaoyang requested to exchange several times the amount of land for Xue; Qi Maobian again said, "You must listen to him." Jingguo Jun replied: "I received Xue from the previous king. Though it is now disliked by the present king, how could I betray what was entrusted to me by my predecessor!" Moreover, the temple of the previous king is located in Xue. How could I possibly hand over the temple of my predecessor to the state of Chu!" Again, he refused to listen to Qi Maobian. This is the second instance." King Xuanwang sighed deeply, his expression visibly moved. He said: "Jingguo Jun has been loyal to me in this way!" I was young and knew nothing of these matters. Will any guest be willing to bring Jingguo Jun back for me?" Qi Maobian replied: "I respectfully accept the order." Jingguo Jun wore King Weiwang's robes and donned the sword of dance; King Xuanwang personally met Jingguo Jun at the outskirts, gazing toward him and weeping. When Jingguo Jun arrived, he requested to be appointed as prime minister. Jingguo Jun declined the offer but eventually accepted it out of necessity. Seven days later, he claimed illness and strongly requested to resign. Jingguo Jun repeatedly refused but was not allowed to do so; three days later, the request was finally granted. At that time, Jingguo Jun could truly be said to have been capable of understanding people! Because he was able to understand others well, even when people criticized him, it did not discourage him. This is why Qi Maobian was willing to risk his life and seek out difficulties for the sake of others. |
《邯鄲之難 - Disaster of Handan 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 邯鄲之難: | 邯鄲之難，趙求救於齊。田侯召大臣而謀曰：「救趙孰與勿救？」鄒子曰：「不如勿救。」段干綸曰：「弗救，則我不利。」田侯曰：「何哉？」「夫魏氏兼邯鄲，其於齊何利哉！」田侯曰：「善。」乃起兵，曰：「軍於邯鄲之郊。」段干綸曰：「臣之求利且不利者，非此也。夫救邯鄲，軍於其郊，是趙不拔而魏全也。故不如南攻襄陵以弊魏，邯鄲拔而承魏之弊，是趙破而魏弱也。」田侯曰：「善。」乃起兵南攻襄陵。七月，邯鄲拔。齊因承魏之弊，大破之桂陵。 |
| The disaster at Handan: Zhao sought aid from Qi. Tian Hou summoned his ministers and deliberated, saying, "Should we rescue Zhao or not?" Zou Zi said, "It would be better not to rescue them." Duangan Lun said, "If we do not come to their aid, then it will be disadvantageous for us." Tian Hou asked, "Why is that?" "If the Wei state annexes Handan, what benefit would that bring to Qi!" Tian Hou said, "Well spoken." He then mobilized his troops and declared, "The army will be stationed in the outskirts of Handan." Duangan Lun said, "What I consider beneficial or not is not this." łó Rescuing Handan and stationing the army in its outskirts means that Zhao will not be captured, yet Wei remains intact. Therefore, it would be better to attack Xiangling in the south to exhaust Wei; once Handan is captured and we take advantage of Wei's exhaustion, Zhao will fall and Wei will grow weak." Tian Hou said, "Well spoken." He then mobilized his forces and launched a southern attack on Xiangling. In the seventh month, Handan was captured. Qi then took advantage of Wei's weakened state and decisively defeated them at Guiling. |
《南梁之難 - Crisis of Nanliang 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 南梁之難: | 南梁之難，韓氏請救於齊。田侯召大臣而謀曰：「早救之，孰與晚救之便？張丐對曰：「晚救之，韓且折而入於魏，不如早救之。」田臣思曰：「不可。夫韓、魏之兵未弊，而我救之，我代韓而受魏之兵，顧反聽命於韓也。且夫魏有破韓之志，韓見且亡，必東愬於齊。我因陰結韓之親，而晚承魏之弊，則國可重，利可得，名可尊矣。」田侯曰：「善。」乃陰告韓使者而遣之。韓自以專有齊國，五戰五不勝，東愬於齊，齊因起兵擊魏，大破之馬陵。魏破韓弱，韓、魏之君因田嬰北面而朝田侯。 |
| The Nanliang crisis arose, and the Han family requested aid from Qi. Dian Hou summoned his ministers to deliberate, saying, "Which is more advantageous: rescuing them early or rescuing them late?" Zhang Gai replied, "If we rescue them later, the Han will likely be defeated and fall into Wei's hands. It is better to rescue them early." Tian Chen Si said, "No, that is not possible." The armies of Han and Wei have not yet been exhausted, so if we come to their rescue, we will be substituting for Han and facing the army of Wei. In the end, we would still be at the mercy of Han. Moreover, Wei has the intention to destroy Han; when Han sees that it is about to perish, it will certainly appeal eastward to Qi for help. If we secretly cultivate ties with Han's allies and later take advantage of Wei's exhaustion, then our state can grow stronger, benefits can be gained, and our prestige can be enhanced." Dian Hou said, "Well said." He then secretly informed the Han envoy and sent him away. Han, believing it had exclusive support from the state of Qi, fought five battles but lost all five. Han then appealed eastward to Qi again, and Qi accordingly mobilized its forces to attack Wei, decisively defeating them at Maling. After Wei defeated Han and weakened it, the rulers of Han and Wei came northward to pay homage to Tian Ying, bowing before Lord Tian. |
《成侯鄒忌為齊相 - Cheng Hou Zou Ji as Chancellor of Qi 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 成侯鄒忌... : | 成侯鄒忌為齊相，田忌為將，不相說。公孫閈謂鄒忌曰：「公何不為王謀伐魏？勝，則是君之謀也，君可以有功；戰不勝，田忌不進，戰而不死，曲撓而誅。」鄒忌以為然，乃說王而使田忌伐魏。田忌三戰三勝，鄒忌以告公孫閈，公孫閈乃使人操十金而往卜於市，曰：「我田忌之人也，吾三戰而三勝，聲威天下，欲為大事，亦吉否？」卜者出，因令人捕為人卜者，亦驗其辭於王前。田忌遂走。 |
| Cheng Hou Zou Ji was prime minister of Qi, and Tian Ji was general; they did not get along well with each other. Gongsun Han said to Zou Ji, "Why don't you advise the king to launch a campaign against Wei?" If we win, it will be your strategy, and you can receive credit for the achievement; if we do not win in battle, Tian Ji will not advance further, and if he fights without dying, he can be punished for his disobedience." Zou Ji thought this was a good idea, so he advised the king and sent Tian Ji to attack Wei. Tian Ji won three battles in succession. Zou Ji informed Gongsun Han of this, so Gongsun Han sent someone with ten gold pieces to go and consult a fortune-teller at the market, saying, "I am a man of Tian Ji; I have won three battles in a row, my reputation and prestige are known throughout the world, now I want to undertake an important matter—will it be auspicious or not?" After the fortune-teller came out, someone was sent to arrest the person who had consulted him, and his statements were also verified before the king. Tian Ji then fled. |
《田忌為齊將 - Tian Ji as a General of Qi 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 田忌為齊... : | 田忌為齊將，係梁太子申，禽龐涓。孫子謂田忌曰：「將軍可以為大事乎？」田忌曰：「奈何？」孫子曰：「將軍無解兵而入齊。使彼罷弊於先弱守於主。主者，循軼之途也，羮擊摩車而相過。使彼罷弊先弱守於主，必一而當十，十而當百，百而當千。然後背太山，左濟，右天唐，軍重踵高宛，使輕車銳騎衝雍門。若是，則齊君可正，而成侯可走。不然，則將軍不得入於齊矣。」田忌不聽，果不入齊。 |
| Tian Ji was a general of Qi, who defeated Liang's Crown Prince Shen and captured Pang Juan. Sunzi said to Tian Ji, "General, may I suggest something important?" Tian Ji said, "How so?" Sunzi said, "General, you must not return to Qi without your troops. Let them grow weary first and weaken their defenses against the main force. The main force is like a route for overrunning, where soup ladles strike the cart wheels as they pass by each other. If you let them grow weary first and weaken their defense against the main force, then one can match ten, ten can match a hundred, and a hundred can match a thousand. Then you should position your army with Mount Taishan behind, the Ji River to the left, and Tian Tang to the right. Marching through Gaowan, send light chariots and swift cavalry to charge at Yongmen. If so, then the ruler of Qi can be corrected, and Cheng Hou can be driven away. Otherwise, General, you will not be able to enter Qi anymore." Tian Ji did not listen and indeed failed to return to Qi. |
《田忌亡齊而之楚 - Tian Ji Flees from Qi and Goes to Chu 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 田忌亡齊... : | 田忌亡齊而之楚，鄒忌代之相。齊恐田忌欲以楚權復於齊，杜赫曰：「臣請為留楚。」謂楚王曰：「鄒忌所以不善楚者，恐田忌之以楚權復於齊也。王不如封田忌於江南，以示田忌之不返齊也，鄒忌以齊厚事楚。田忌亡人也，而得封，必德王。若復於齊，必以齊事楚。此用二忌之道也。」楚果封之於江南。 |
| Tian Ji fled from Qi and went to Chu, and Zou Ji took his place as prime minister. Qi was afraid that Tian Ji might use the power of Chu to regain influence in Qi, so Du He said: "I will request to be sent to keep him in Chu." He told the King of Chu, "Zou Ji's reason for not being friendly toward Chu is that he fears Tian Ji will use the power of Chu to recover influence in Qi. The king would be better off granting Tian Ji a fief in the southern part of the Yangtze River, to show that Tian Ji will not return to Qi. In this way, Zou Ji will treat Chu with great respect from Qi. Tian Ji is a fugitive, yet he receives a fief; he will surely be grateful to the king. If he returns to Qi, he will certainly serve Chu on behalf of Qi. This is the way to use both Tian Ji and Zou Ji." Chu indeed granted him a fief in the southern region of the Yangtze. |
《鄒忌事宣王 - Zou Ji Serves King Xuan 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 鄒忌事宣... : | 鄒忌事宣王，仕人眾，宣王不悅。晏首貴而仕人寡，王悅之。鄒忌謂宣王曰：「忌聞以為有一子之孝，不如有五子之孝。今首之所進仕者，以幾何人？」宣王因以晏首壅塞之。 |
| Zou Ji served King Xuanwang, and many officials were employed under him, which made King Xuanwang unhappy. Yan Shou was noble but had few subordinates; the king was pleased with this. Zou Ji said to King Xuan: "I have heard that having one filial son is not as good as having five filial sons. Now, how many people has Shou recommended?" King Xuan therefore considered Yan Shou to be obstructive and closed-minded. |
《鄒忌脩八尺有餘 - Zou Ji was over eight chi tall 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 鄒忌脩八... : | 鄒忌脩八尺有餘，身體昳麗。朝服衣冠窺鏡，謂其妻曰：「我孰與城北徐公美？」其妻曰：「君美甚，徐公何能及公也！」城北徐公，齊國之美麗者也。忌不自信，而復問其妾曰：「吾孰與徐公美？」妾曰：「徐公何能及君也！」旦日客從外來，與坐談，問之客曰：「吾與徐公孰美？」客曰：「徐公不若君之美也！」明日，徐公來。孰視之，自以為不如；窺鏡而自視，又弗如遠甚。暮，寢而思之曰：「吾妻之美我者，私我也；妾之美我者，畏我也；客之美我者，欲有求於我也。」於是入朝見威王曰：「臣誠知不如徐公美，臣之妻私臣，臣之妾畏臣，臣之客欲有求於臣，皆以美於徐公。今齊地方千里，百二十城，宮婦左右，莫不私王；朝廷之臣，莫不畏王；四境之內，莫不有求於王。由此觀之，王之蔽甚矣！」王曰：「善。」乃下令：「群臣吏民，能面刺寡人之過者，受上賞；上書諫寡人者，受中賞；能謗議於市朝，聞寡人之耳者，受下賞。」令初下，群臣進諫，門庭若市。數月之後，時時而間進。期年之後，雖欲言，無可進者。燕、趙、韓、魏聞之，皆朝於齊。此所謂戰勝於朝廷。 |
| Zou Ji was more than eight chi tall and had a graceful and handsome appearance. In the morning, when he put on his clothes and cap and looked in the mirror, he said to his wife, "Who is more beautiful between me and Xugong of the northern part of the city?" His wife replied, "You are much more handsome; how could Xugong compare with you!" Xugong of the northern part of town is one of the most beautiful men in the State of Qi. Zou Ji did not believe this and asked his concubine again, saying, "Who is more handsome between me and Xugong?" The concubine replied, "How could Xugong compare to you!" The next day a guest came from outside. While sitting and chatting with him, Zou Ji asked the guest, "Between me and Xugong, who is more handsome?" The guest replied, "Xugong is not as beautiful as you!" The next day, Xugong came. Zou Ji looked at him carefully and thought he was not as handsome as himself; Looking in the mirror and examining himself, he found that he was far less handsome. At dusk, while lying down to think about it, he said, "My wife thinks I am beautiful because she favors me; "My concubine thinks I am beautiful out of fear for me; "the guest who thinks I am handsome wants something from me." Therefore, he went to court and saw King Wei, saying, "I truly know that I am not as handsome as Xugong. My wife favors me, my concubine fears me, and my guest wants something from me; all of them think I am more beautiful than Xugong." "Now the State of Qi has a territory of one thousand li and 120 walled cities; the palace ladies and attendants on the left and right all favor you, Your Majesty; "the ministers in court all fear you; "within the four borders, no one does not want something from you. "Therefore, it is evident that Your Majesty is greatly deceived!" The king said, "Well spoken." He then issued an order: "All ministers, officials and common people who can point out my faults to my face will receive the highest reward; "those who submit written advice to me will receive a medium reward; "and those who criticize and discuss my faults in the marketplace or court, so that I hear of them, will receive a minor reward." When this order was first issued, ministers came forward to offer advice and the palace gates were as busy as a market. Several months later, they occasionally offered advice from time to time. After a full year, even if someone wanted to speak out, there was nothing left to advise on. lords Yan, Zhao, Han, and Wei heard of this and all paid homage to Qi. This is what is called winning a battle within the court. |
《秦假道韓魏以攻齊 - Qin Borrows Passage through Han and Wei to Attack Qi 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 秦假道韓... : | 秦假道韓、魏以攻齊，齊威王使章子將而應之。與秦交和而舍，使者數相往來，章子為變其徽章，以雜秦軍。候者言章子以齊入秦，威王不應。頃之間，候者復言章子以齊兵降秦，威王不應。而此者三。有司請曰：「言章子之敗者，異人而同辭。王何不發將而擊之？」王曰：「此不叛寡人明矣，曷為擊之！」頃間，言齊兵大勝，秦軍大敗，於是秦王拜西藩之臣而謝於齊。左右曰：「何以知之？」曰：「章子之母啟得罪其父，其父殺之而埋馬棧之下。吾使者章子將也，勉之曰：『夫子之強，全兵而還，必更葬將軍之母。』對曰：『臣非不能更葬先妾也。臣之母啟得罪臣之父。臣之父未教而死。夫不得父之教而更葬母，是欺死父也。故不敢。』夫為人子而不欺死父，豈為人臣欺生君哉？」 |
| The State of Qin requested passage through Han and Wei to attack Qi, so King Wei of Qi sent Zhang Zi as general to oppose them. While negotiating a truce with the Qin forces, they set up camp together, and envoys frequently traveled back and forth between them. Zhang Zi changed his insignia to mix in with the Qin army. A scout reported that Zhang Zi had entered Qin as a spy, but King Wei did not respond. After a short while, the scout again reported that Zhang Zi had surrendered Qi's troops to Qin, but King Wei still did not respond. This happened three times. An official requested, "Reports of Zhang Zi's defeat come from different people but with the same words. "Why does Your Majesty not dispatch a general to attack them?" The king said, "It is clearly evident that he has not betrayed me. Why should I attack him!" After a short time, news came that Qi's army had won a great victory and the Qin forces suffered a major defeat. Thus, King of Qin paid homage to the western frontier minister and apologized to Qi. Those around him asked, "How did you know this?" He said, "Zhang Zi's mother Qi was wronged by her husband. Her husband killed her and buried her under the horse 栈." "Our envoy, General Zhang Zi, was encouraged by me and said: 'With your strength, if you return with the entire army intact, I will certainly give a proper burial to General's mother.'" Zhang Zi replied, "I am not unable to provide a new burial for my former concubine. My mother Qi wronged my father. My father died without teaching me. To receive a new burial for one's mother without having received the father's instruction is to deceive the deceased father. Therefore, I dare not do so." "As a son who does not deceive his deceased father, how could he be a minister who deceives his living ruler?" |
《楚將伐齊 - Chu Will Launch an Attack on Qi 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 楚將伐齊: | 楚將伐齊，魯親之，齊王患之。張丐曰：「臣請令魯中立。」乃為齊見魯君。魯君曰：「齊王懼乎？」曰：「非臣所知也，臣來弔足下。」魯君曰：「何弔？」曰：「君之謀過矣。君不與勝者而與不勝者，何故也？」魯君曰：「子以齊、楚為孰勝哉？」對曰：「鬼且不知也。」「然則子何以弔寡人？」曰：「齊，楚之權敵也，不用有魯與無魯。足下豈如令眾而合二國之後哉！楚大勝齊，其良士選卒必殪，其餘兵足以待天下；齊為勝，其良士選卒亦殪。而君以魯眾合戰勝後，此其為德也亦大矣，其見恩德亦其大也。」魯君以為然，身退師。 |
| The State of Chu was about to attack Qi, and Lu showed affection toward it, which troubled King Qi. Zhang Gai said, "I request permission to make Lu remain neutral." He then went on behalf of Qi to meet the ruler of Lu. The ruler of Lu asked, "Is King Qi afraid?" He replied, "That is not something I know. I have come to console you." The ruler of Lu asked, "Why do you console me?" He replied, "Your plan is mistaken." "You do not side with the victor but with the vanquished—why is that?" The ruler of Lu said, "Do you think which of Qi and Chu will prevail?" He replied, "Even ghosts do not know." "If that is so, then why are you consoling me?" He said, "Qi and Chu are evenly matched; it makes no difference whether or not Lu is involved." lington You would certainly be better off if you could command the people and unite the descendants of the two states! Chu achieved a great victory over Qi, its elite soldiers and chosen troops were certainly killed, but its remaining forces would still be sufficient to contend with the world; If Qi had won, its elite soldiers and selected troops would have also perished. Yet if you were to lead the people of Lu and join forces with the survivors after a victory, your virtue would be great indeed, and the kindness shown to you would also be very significant." The ruler of Lu found this reasoning convincing and personally withdrew his troops. |
《秦伐魏 - Qin Attacks Wei 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 秦伐魏: | 秦伐魏，陳軫合三晉而東謂齊王曰：「古之王者之伐也，欲以正天下而立功名，以為後世也。今齊、楚、燕、趙、韓、梁六國之遞甚也，不足以立功名，適足以強秦而自弱也，非山東之上計也。能危山東者，強秦也。不憂強秦，而遞相罷弱，而兩歸其國於秦，此臣之所以為山東之患。天下為秦相割，秦曾不出力；天下為秦相烹，秦曾不出薪。何秦之智而山東之愚耶？願大王之察也。古之五帝、三王、五伯之伐也，伐不道者。今秦之伐天下不然，必欲反之，主必死辱，民必死虜。今韓、梁之目未嘗乾，而齊民獨不也，非齊親而韓、梁疏也，齊遠秦而韓、梁近。今齊將近矣！今秦欲攻梁絳、安邑，秦得絳、安邑以東下河，必表裏河而東攻齊，舉齊屬之海，南面而孤楚、韓、梁，北向而孤燕、趙，齊無所出其計矣。願王熟慮之！今三晉已合矣，復為兄弟約，而出銳師以戍梁絳、安邑，此萬世之計也。齊非急以銳師合三晉，必有後憂。三晉合，秦必不敢攻梁，必南攻楚。楚、秦構難，三晉怒齊不與己也，必東攻齊。此臣之所謂齊必有大憂，不如急以兵合於三晉。」齊王敬諾，果以兵合於三晉。 |
| Qin attacked Wei, and Chen Zhen united the Three Jin states and went east to tell King Qi: "In ancient times, when kings waged war, it was in order to correct the world and establish achievements and fame for future generations. Now, the mutual enmity among Qi, Chu, Yan, Zhao, Han, and Liang is so intense that it is insufficient to establish achievements or fame; rather, it merely strengthens Qin while weakening themselves. This is not a wise strategy for the states east of the mountains (Shandong). The one capable of endangering Shandong is the powerful state of Qin. Not worrying about the powerful Qin, but instead exhausting and weakening each other until both sides submit their states to Qin—this is why I consider it a danger for Shandong. The world has been carved up by Qin, yet Qin never had to exert any effort; The world has been boiled for Qin like a stew, yet Qin never provided even a single piece of firewood. How wise is Qin and how foolish are the Shandong states! I hope Your Majesty will take this into careful consideration. In ancient times, the Five Emperors, Three Kings, and Five Hegemons waged wars to punish those who violated moral conduct. Nowadays, Qin's war against the world is different; it must reverse everything, and rulers will inevitably face death or humiliation while their people will be captured and enslaved. Now, the people of Han and Liang have never dried their eyes from suffering, yet the people of Qi alone do not—this is not because Qi is closer to or more favored by Qin while Han and Liang are distant; it is simply that Qi is farther away from Qin whereas Han and Liang are nearer. Now, Qi will soon be close [to the same fate]! Now Qin intends to attack Liang's Jiang and Anyi. If Qin captures Jiang and Anyi, it can then descend eastward along the Yellow River, controlling both sides of the river and launching an eastern attack on Qi. With Qi surrounded by the sea to its south, it would find itself isolated from Chu, Han, and Liang in the south, as well as Yan and Zhao in the north. In such a situation, Qi will have no way to devise strategies for survival. I hope Your Majesty carefully considers this! Now the Three Jin states have already united, and they have once again formed a brotherly alliance. If they now dispatch elite troops to defend Liang's Jiang and Anyi, this would be a strategy for ten thousand generations. If Qi does not urgently send its elite forces to join the Three Jin states, it will surely face troubles in the future. When the Three Jin states unite, Qin will certainly dare not attack Liang; instead, it must turn south to attack Chu. If Chu and Qin become embroiled in conflict, the Three Jin states will be angry that Qi did not support them, and they must then launch an eastern attack on Qi. This is what I mean when I say Qi will certainly face great troubles; it would be better to urgently send troops to join the Three Jin states." King Qi respectfully accepted the advice, and indeed sent his troops to unite with the Three Jin states. |
《蘇秦為趙合從說齊宣王 - Su Qin for Zhao Unites Vertical Alliances: Persuading King Xuan of Qi 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 蘇秦為趙... : | 蘇秦為趙合從，說齊宣王曰：「齊南有太山，東有琅邪，西有清河，北有渤海，此所謂四塞之國也。齊地方二千里，帶甲數十萬，粟如丘山。齊車之良，五家之兵，疾如錐矢，戰如雷電，解如風雨，即有軍役，未嘗倍太山、絕清河、涉渤海也。臨淄之中七萬戶，臣竊度之，下戶三男子，三七二十一萬，不待發於遠縣，而臨淄之卒，固以二十一萬矣。臨淄甚富而實，其民無不吹竽、鼓瑟、擊筑、彈琴、鬥雞、走犬、六博、蹹踘者；臨淄之途，車猸擊，人肩摩，連衽成帷，舉袂成幕，揮汗成雨；家敦而富，志高而揚。夫以大王之賢與齊之強，天下不能當。今乃西面事秦，竊為大王羞之。且夫韓、魏之所以畏秦者，以與秦接界也。兵出而相當，不至十日，而戰勝存亡之機決矣。韓、魏戰而勝秦，則兵半折，四境不守；戰而不勝，以亡隨其後。是故韓、魏之所以重與秦戰而輕為之臣也。今秦攻齊則不然，倍韓、魏之地，至闈陽晉之道，徑亢父之險，車不得方軌，馬不得並行，百人守險，千人不能過也。秦雖欲深入，則狼顧，恐韓、魏之議其後也。是故恫疑虛猲，高躍而不敢進，則秦不能害齊，亦已明矣。夫不深料秦之不奈我何也，而欲西面事秦，是群臣之計過也。今無臣事秦之名，而有強國之實，臣固願大王之少留計。」齊王曰：「寡人不敏，今主君以趙王之教詔之，敬奉社稷以從。」 |
| Su Qin, acting for Zhao to form an alliance of vertical unity, advised King Xuan of Qi, saying: "To the south of Qi lies Taishan, to the east Langya, to the west Qinghe, and to the north Bohai. This is what is called a country surrounded on four sides by natural barriers." Qi's territory spans two thousand li, with hundreds of thousands of armored soldiers and grain stored in great quantities like hills and mountains. The chariots of Qi are excellent, and its five types of troops move as swiftly as a spearhead or an arrow, fight with the force of thunder and lightning, and disband like wind and rain. Even if there is military service, they have never crossed Mount Tai to the south, crossed Qinghe to the west, or traversed Bohai to the north. Linzi has 70,000 households. I dare to estimate that each household has at least three men of military age; multiplying seven by three gives twenty-one. Therefore, without needing to mobilize from distant counties, the number of soldiers in Linzi alone would already be 210,000. The people of Linzi are very wealthy and prosperous; none among them is without the skills to play the yu (a type of flute), strum the se (zither), strike the zu (an ancient stringed instrument), or play the qin (another zither-like instrument); they all enjoy cockfighting, dog racing, playing Liubo (an ancient board game), and cuju (ancient Chinese football). The roads of Linzi are crowded with so many carriages that they bump into each other, and the people press shoulder to shoulder. Their robes form a curtain when joined together, their sleeves create a canopy when raised, and their sweat falls like rain. Every household is prosperous and wealthy, with its members proud and ambitious. Given King Your Majesty's virtue and the strength of Qi, no other state in the world can match it. Now you are kowtowing to Qin from the west; I secretly feel ashamed for King Your Majesty. Moreover, the reason why Han and Wei fear Qin is because they share a border with it. When armies meet in battle, within no more than ten days the outcome—victory or defeat, survival or destruction—is decided. If Han and Wei win against Qin, their armies will be half destroyed, and they will be unable to defend their four borders; if they lose the battle, destruction inevitably follows. Therefore, Han and Wei place great weight on avoiding war with Qin but lightly accept becoming its vassals. Now, if Qin attacks Qi, it is not the same. It must cross the territories of Han and Wei, reach Weiyang and Jindao, pass through the perilous terrain of Kangfu, where chariots cannot travel side by side and horses cannot move abreast; a hundred men defending the pass can prevent even a thousand from passing. Even if Qin wishes to advance deeply, it must look back in fear, worried that Han and Wei will attack its rear. Therefore, Qin hesitates with suspicion and false threats, leaping forward but daring not to advance further; it is already clear that Qin cannot harm Qi. To fail to thoroughly assess that Qin cannot do anything against us, yet still wish to submit to Qin in the west, is a grave miscalculation by your ministers. Now we can avoid the reputation of being Qin's vassal, yet still possess the strength of a powerful state. I sincerely hope Your Majesty will pause and reconsider this matter." King Qi said, "I am not wise. Now Your Lordship has instructed me according to King Zhao's teachings; I respectfully offer up the state and its people in obedience." |
《張儀為秦連橫齊王 - Zhang Yi for Qin Advocates a Horizontal Alliance with King Qi 》 | English translation: AI and Chinese Text Project users [?] | Library Resources |
| 1 | 張儀為秦... : | 張儀為秦連橫齊王曰：「天下強國無過齊者，大臣父兄殷眾富樂，無過齊者。然而為大王計者，皆為一時說而不顧萬世之利。從人說大王者，必謂齊西有強趙，南有韓、魏，負海之國也，地廣人眾，兵強士勇，雖有百秦，將無奈我何！大王覽其說，而不察其至實。夫從人朋黨比周，莫不以從為可。臣聞之，齊與魯三戰而魯三勝，國以危，亡隨其後，雖有勝名而有亡之實，是何故也？齊大而魯小。今趙之與秦也，猶齊之於魯也。秦、趙戰於河漳之上，再戰而再勝秦；戰於番吾之下，再戰而再勝秦。四戰之後，趙亡卒數十萬，邯鄲僅存。雖有勝秦之名，而國破矣！是何故也？秦強而趙弱也。今秦、楚嫁子取婦，為昆弟之國；韓獻宜陽，魏效河外，趙入朝黽池，割河間以事秦。大王不事秦，秦驅韓、魏攻齊之南地，悉趙涉河關，指摶關，臨淄、即墨非王之有也。國一日被攻，雖欲事秦，不可得也。是故願大王熟計之。」齊王曰：「齊僻陋隱居，託於東海之上，未嘗聞社稷之長利。今大客幸而教之，請奉社稷以事秦。」獻魚鹽之地三百於秦也。 |
| Zhang Yi, for Qin, advocated a horizontal alliance with King Qi, saying: "Among the powerful states of the world, none surpasses Qi. Among ministers and high officials whose fathers and elder brothers are numerous, wealthy, and happy, none surpasses Qi." Yet those who advise Your Majesty consider only temporary advantages without regard for the benefits of a thousand years. Those who advocate for alliances with Your Majesty will certainly say: "To the west, Qi has a powerful Zhao; to the south, there are Han and Wei. It is a country backed by the sea, possessing vast territory and numerous people, strong troops and brave soldiers. Even if there were a hundred Qins, they would not know what to do with us!" Your Majesty hears their arguments but does not examine the true reality. Those who advocate alliances form cliques and collude, none of whom do not regard an alliance as advantageous. I have heard that Qi and Lu fought three wars, in which Lu won all three. Yet the state became endangered, followed by its eventual downfall. Although it had the reputation of victory, it actually experienced the reality of destruction. Why was this so? Qi was large while Lu was small. Now, Zhao's relationship with Qin is just like that of Qi to Lu. Qin and Zhao fought on the banks of the Hezhang River; in two battles, Zhao defeated Qin twice; they fought again beneath Fanwu, where Zhao also won both times. After four battles, Zhao lost hundreds of thousands of soldiers, and Handan was barely preserved. Although it gained the reputation of defeating Qin, its state had already been destroyed! Why was this so? Because Qin was strong and Zhao was weak. Now, Qin and Chu have married their sons and daughters to each other, becoming like brothers in a relationship of states; Han offered Yiyang, Wei ceded the area outside the Yellow River, Zhao paid homage at Mianchi and ceded Hejian to serve Qin. lineno If Your Majesty does not serve Qin, then Qin will drive Han and Wei to attack the southern territories of Qi. Zhao will cross the Yellow River and pass through the frontier passes, pointing toward Guan, where Linzi and Jimo will no longer belong to Your Majesty. Once the state is attacked in a single day, even if you wish to serve Qin afterward, it will be too late. Therefore, I hope Your Majesty carefully considers this." King Qi said: "Qi is a remote and obscure state, secluded by the East Sea; I have never heard of long-term benefits for the state. Now that you, my honored guest, have kindly instructed me, please allow me to serve Qin with our state and its people." He offered three hundred li of land rich in fish and salt to Qin. |
URN: ctp:zhan-guo-ce/qi-yi