晋世家 — Shiji

Earlier, when King Wu met with Shuyu's mother, he dreamed that Heaven said to him: "I decree that you shall have a son, whom you shall name Yu, and I will give him Tang." When the child was born, the character "Yu" appeared on his palm, so they named him Yu accordingly.

When King Wu died, King Cheng succeeded him. Tang then fell into turmoil, and the Duke of Zhou swept it away. One day King Cheng was playing with Shuyu and cut a paulownia leaf into the shape of a gui tablet, handing it to Shuyu with the words: "With this I invest you as a lord." The court historian Xiyi immediately requested that a day be chosen for the formal enfeoffment. King Cheng said: "I was only playing with him." Xiyi replied: "A Son of Heaven does not jest. When you speak, the historians record it, ritual formalizes it, and music celebrates it." And so Shuyu was enfeoffed in Tang. Tang lay east of the Yellow River and the Fen River, covering some hundred li, which is why he was called Duke Tang Shuyu. His surname was Ji, and his style name was Ziyu.

In the fourteenth year of Duke Xihou, King Xuan of Zhou had just ascended the throne. In the eighteenth year, Duke Xihou died, and his son Xianhou Ji succeeded him.

In the twenty-seventh year of Duke Mu, he died. His younger brother Shangshu seized the throne, and the heir apparent Qiu fled abroad. Three years later, when King Xuan of Zhou died, Shangshu's fourth year saw the heir apparent Qiu lead his followers in an attack on Shangshu and ascended the throne as Duke Wen.

In Duke Wen's thirty-fifth year, he died, and his son Zhaohou Bo succeeded him.

In the seventh year, the Jin minister Panfu murdered his lord Zhaohou and invited Huan Shu of Quwo to take power. Huan Shu wished to enter Jin, but the Jin forces mobilized against him. Huan Shu was defeated and returned to Quwo. The people of Jin together installed Zhaohou's son Ping as ruler—Duke Xiaohou—and executed Panfu.

King Huan of Zhou sent Guo Zhong to attack Wu Gong of Quwo. Wu Gong entered Quwo and then installed Marquis Ai of Jin's younger brother, Min, as the Marquis of Jin. In the fourth year of Marquis Min of Jin, Song seized Ji Zhong of Zheng and installed Tu as the ruler of Zheng. In the nineteenth year of Marquis Min, Guan Zhifu of Qi murdered his lord Duke Xiang. In the twenty-eighth year, Duke Huan of Qi first became hegemon. Wu Gong of Quwo attacked Marquis Min of Jin, destroyed him, and presented all his precious vessels as bribes to King Li of Zhou.

Wu Gong of Quwo attacked Duke Min of Jin, destroyed him, and with all his treasure and vessels presented tribute to King Li of Zhou. King Li invested Wu Gong of Quwo as Duke of Jin and made him a feudal lord, thus taking possession of all Jin territories.

In Duke Xian's first year, the Duke of Zhou's brother Dai attacked King Hui of Zhou, who fled and took residence in the town of Li under Zheng's protection. In Duke Xian's fifth year, he attacked the Lih Rong and captured Consort Li Ji and her younger sister, both of whom he favored greatly.

In Duke Xian's eighth year, Shi Wei advised the duke: "The late lords of Jin have many sons. If they are not executed, chaos will surely arise." The duke therefore ordered all the princes to be killed, then built a fortified city at Ju and made it his capital, naming it Jiang—he now established his capital at Jiang.

In Duke Xian's ninth year, the surviving Jin princes fled to Guo, which because of this attacked Jin twice more, but could not conquer it.

In Duke Xian's tenth year, Jin wished to attack Guo. Shi Wei said: "Let us wait for their internal chaos."

In the nineteenth year, Duke Xian said: 'When my late rulers Lord Zhuang and Duke Wu suppressed the chaos in Jin, the state of Guo frequently aided Jin in attacking us; moreover, they harbored our exiled princes, and in the end those exiles indeed caused turmoil. If we do not punish them, they will leave trouble for our descendants.' He then sent Xun Xi to borrow a route from Yu using fine horses from the Qu region as a gift. Yu granted passage, so Jin attacked Guo, captured its city Xiayang, and returned. Duke Xian privately said to Li Ji: 'I wish to depose the heir apparent and replace him with Xiqi.'

The heir apparent Shen Sheng's mother was a daughter of Duke Huan of Qi, called Jiang. She died early. Shen Sheng's full younger sister became Lady of Duke Mu of Qin. Chonger's mother was a daughter of the Hu family of the Di. Yi Wu's mother was Chonger's full younger sister. Duke Xian had eight sons, among whom the heir apparent Shen Sheng, Chonger, and Yi Wu all showed worthy conduct. But after Duke Xian obtained Li Ji, he alienated these three princes.

In Duke Xian's sixteenth year, Duke Xian created two armies. The duke commanded the upper army, and the heir apparent Shen Sheng commanded the lower army. Zhao Gu drove the war chariot, and Bi Wan served as the spearman on the right. They destroyed the states of Huo, Wei, and Geng. Upon their return, the duke built the city of Quwo for the heir apparent, granted Zhao Gu the city of Geng, and Bi Wan the city of Wei, appointing them as ministers. Shi Wei observed: "The heir apparent cannot be established now. You have given him a great city and ministerial rank, placing him at the height of power—how can he possibly be confirmed as heir? He should flee and avoid the coming disaster. Would it not be better to be like Wu Tai Bo, who at least retained a good name?" The heir apparent did not follow this advice.

The heir apparent said: 'Our ruler is old; without Li Ji, he cannot sleep peacefully or eat with pleasure. If I were to defend myself, the ruler will be angry. I cannot do that.' Someone advised the heir apparent: 'You can flee to another state.' The heir said: 'If I go abroad bearing such a wicked reputation, who would accept me? I will just kill myself.' On the wushen day of the twelfth month, Shen Sheng killed himself at the new city. At this time, Chong'er and Yiwu had come to the court. Someone reported to Li Ji: 'The two princes resent you for slandering and killing the heir apparent.' Li Ji was afraid, so she slandered the two princes, saying: 'The two princes knew about the poisoned sacrificial meat that Shen Sheng sent.' When the two of them heard this, they were terrified. Chong'er fled to Pu, and Yiwu fled to Qu, defending their cities and preparing their own guard.

Earlier, Duke Xian had dispatched Shi Wei to build cities at Pu and Qu for the two princes, but the work was not completed. Yiwu reported this to the duke, and the duke was angry with Shi Wei. Shi Wei apologized, saying: 'Border cities rarely see bandits—what use are they?' Withdrawing, he sang: 'The fox-fur robe is all shaggy, one state has three lords—whom should I follow?' In the end the cities were finished. After Shen Sheng died, the two princes also returned to hold their cities. In the twenty-second year, Duke Xian, enraged that the two princes had left without taking leave, and certain that they really had plotted rebellion, then sent troops to attack Pu.

In Duke Xian's seventeenth year, the duke sent the heir apparent Shen Sheng to campaign against the Dongshan people. The minister Li Ke remonstrated with Duke Xian: "The heir apparent tends the sacrificial altars and offerings, and takes the ruler's meals morning and evening—so he is called the 'ruling son.' When the ruler travels, he guards; when there is something to guard, he follows. To follow is called 'comforting the army'; to guard is called 'supervising the state'—this is the ancient system. To lead an army is to act with absolute authority; to command troops is what the ruler and his ministers plan together—these are not the heir apparent's duties. An army awaits orders; to act without orders lacks authority; to act on one's own orders lacks filial piety. Therefore the heir apparent, successor to the throne, should not lead armies. If Your Grace loses your minister, leading an army without authority, of what use is it?"

Duke Xian said: "I have a son—I do not yet know which one will be heir." Li Ke made no reply and withdrew. He went to see the heir apparent, who asked: "Shall I be deposed?" Li Ke replied: "Take courage, my prince! You are being taught military affairs—should you fear not being appointed? Why would you be deposed? One should fear not being filial, not fear not being heir. Cultivate yourself and do not blame others, and you will avoid disaster."

The heir apparent led the army forth. The duke gave him a garment of divided colors and a gold ring as a token. Li Ke pleaded illness and did not accompany the heir apparent. The heir apparent thus campaigned against the Dongshan people.

In Duke Xian's twenty-first year, Li Ji said to the heir apparent: "Your father dreamed of your mother Jiang. Offer sacrifice at Quwo quickly and present the roasted meat to the duke." The heir apparent accordingly sacrificed to his mother Jiang at Quwo and presented the sacrificial meat to Duke Xian. The duke had gone out hunting, so the meat was left in the palace. Li Ji sent someone to place poison in the meat.

Two days later, the duke returned from hunting. The cook presented the meat to the duke, who was about to feast on it. Li Ji stood beside him and stopped him, saying: "This meat came from far away—it should be tested first." When poured on the ground, the earth bulged; when given to a dog, the dog died; when given to a servant, the servant died.

Li Ji wept and said: "How could the heir apparent bear to do this? He would murder his own father and supplant him—how much more so with others? And Your Grace is old, an old man with only a short time left—can he not wait but must murder you?" She said to Duke Xian: "The reason the heir apparent acted thus is only because of me and Xiqi. I beg that you send us away to another state; let us take our own lives rather than let mother and son be slaughtered by the heir apparent. At first Your Grace wished to depose him, and I opposed it; now I have cause to regret my earlier stance."

When the heir apparent heard of these events, he fled to Xincheng. Duke Xian, enraged, executed his tutor Du Yuan Kuan.

Someone else said: "Flee to another state." The heir apparent answered: "With this evil reputation, who would receive me? I will take my own life."

In the twelfth month, on the day of Wushen, Shen Sheng took his own life at Xincheng.

In the spring of the sixth year, Duke Mu of Qin led troops to attack Jin. Duke Hui of Jin said to Qing Zheng, "The Qin army has penetrated deep. What shall we do?" Qing Zheng replied, "Qin settled you in the state, yet you were stingy with the promised rewards; when Jin suffered famine, Qin shipped grain to relieve you, but when Qin suffered famine, Jin refused to help. Now you want to take advantage of their famine to strike them: isn't it fitting that they have come so deep!" Jin performed divination for the chariot driver and the right-side guard, and for both positions the omens were auspicious for Qing Zheng. The duke said, "Qing Zheng is insolent." So he changed the appointment, ordering Bu Yang to drive the war chariot and Jia Putu to act as the right-side guard, and advanced the army. On the day renxu of the ninth month, Duke Mu of Qin and Duke Hui of Jin joined battle at Hanyuan, and so it was carried out.

Duke Hui’s horses shied and could not advance. The Qin troops arrived, and the duke, in distress, summoned Qing Zheng to drive. Qing Zheng said, "You did not use the divination. Isn't the defeat fitting!" and left. The duke then ordered Liang Yaomi to drive and Guo She to be the right-side guard, and they encountered Duke Mu of Qin. Duke Mu’s brave soldiers charged through the defeated Jin ranks; the Jin army fled. In the chaos they lost track of Duke Mu, but instead captured the Duke of Jin and returned with him. Qin was about to use him as a sacrifice to the High God. The sister of the Jin ruler, who was Duke Mu’s wife, put on mourning garments and wept. Duke Mu said, "I thought capturing the Marquis of Jin would be a delight; now it has turned out like this. Moreover, I have heard that Jizi, seeing Tangshu first enfeoffed, said his descendants would surely become great. How could Jin be destroyed?" Then he made a covenant with the Marquis of Jin at the royal city and permitted him to return.

The Marquis of Jin also sent Lü Sheng and others to report to the people: "Although I am able to return, I lack the face to look upon the altars of soil and grain. Choose a day by divination to set up Zi Yu as ruler." The people of Jin heard this and all wept. Duke Mu of Qin asked Lü Sheng, "Is Jin in harmony?" He replied, "It is not. The lesser folk fear losing their lord and their relatives, and they do not shrink from setting up Zi Yu; they say we must exact revenge, and they would rather serve the Rong and Di. The noble men, however, love their lord and acknowledge their guilt, awaiting Qin’s commands, saying we must repay kindness. Because of these two sentiments, there is no harmony." Thereupon Duke Mu of Qin moved Duke Hui of Jin to better lodgings and feasted him with the seven-lao ceremony. In the eleventh month he sent the Marquis of Jin back. When the Marquis of Jin arrived in his state, he executed Qing Zheng and reformed government and instruction. He plotted, saying, "Chong’er is abroad, and many lords see advantage in bringing him back." He wanted to send men to kill Chong’er among the Di. Chong’er heard of it and went to Qi. In the eighth year, he sent the heir-apparent Yu as a hostage to Qin. Earlier, when Duke Hui had been in exile in Liang, the Earl of Liang had given his daughter in marriage to him; she bore a son and a daughter.

The Viscount of Liang divined about the child's future. The divination said that if a boy, he would be a servant to others; if a girl, a concubine. Therefore he named the boy Yu and the girl Qie. Ten years later, Qin destroyed Liang. The Viscount of Liang was fond of large-scale construction works, building city walls and moats. The people's strength was exhausted, and they grew resentful. The populace repeatedly alarmed itself, crying, 'The Qin invaders are coming!' The people were terrified and confused, and Qin eventually wiped them out. In the thirteenth year, Duke Hui of Jin fell ill. He had several sons. The crown prince Yu said: 'My mother's family is in Liang, and Liang has now been destroyed by Qin. Abroad, I am slighted by Qin, and at home I have no support in the state. If my lord does not recover from his illness, the great officers will despise me and set up another prince instead.'

That same year, Jin again sought passage through Yu to attack Guo. Yu's minister Gong Zhiqi remonstrated with the Lord of Yu: "Jin cannot be granted passage—they will then destroy Yu. The Lord of Yu said: "Jin and Yu share the same surname; they should not attack me." Gong Zhiqi replied: "Tai Bo and Yu Zhong were sons of King Tai; Tai Bo fled and did not succeed, which is why Yu has no heir. Guo Zhong and Guo Shu were sons of King Ji, served King Wen as ministers, and their meritorious deeds are recorded in the royal archives and preserved in the covenant archives. If Jin would destroy Guo, why should it spare Yu? Moreover, can Yu's kinship be closer than that of the Huan and Zhuang clans? What crime did the Huan and Zhuang clans commit, that they were all destroyed? If the branch can destroy the root, how much more easily can it destroy what lies beyond?"

The states of Yu and Guo were like lips and teeth—when the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold. The Duke of Yu refused to listen to this counsel and agreed to Jin's request. Gong Zhiqi took his clan and left Yu. That winter, Jin destroyed Guo; the Duke of Guo, Chou, fled to Zhou. On the return march, Jin struck and annihilated Yu, capturing the Duke of Yu along with his ministers Jing Bo and Baili Xi, sending them as attendants with Mu Ji of Qin. Jin maintained Yu's ancestral sacrifices. Xun Xi presented to Duke Xian the horses from Qu that had been left in Yu; Duke Xian laughed and said, "These are indeed my horses, though their teeth have grown old!"

In the twenty-third year, Duke Xian sent Jia Hua and others to attack Qu; Qu fell. Yi Wu prepared to flee to Di. Ji Rui said, "That cannot be done. Chong'er is already there. If you go, Jin will certainly shift its forces to attack Di, and Di, fearing Jin, will bring disaster upon us. Better to flee to Liang—Liang is close to Qin, and Qin is strong. After our lord passes away in a hundred years, we may petition to return." So they fled to Liang. In the twenty-fifth year, Jin attacked Di. Because of Chong'er, Di also struck back at Nie Sang, and Jin's forces withdrew. At this time, Jin was strong—to the west it held the region beyond the Yellow River, bordering Qin; to the north it reached Di; to the east it extended to the Central Plains.

Liji's younger sister gave birth to a son, Dao. In the summer of the twenty-sixth year, Duke Huan of Qi held a great assembly of lords at Kuiqiu. Duke Xian of Jin fell ill and set out late; before he arrived, he met Zhou's minister Zai Kong. Zai Kong said, "Duke Huan of Qi grows ever more arrogant, neglecting virtue to pursue distant conquests. The lords are resentful. You need not attend—just let him be, what can he do to Jin?" Duke Xian, also ill, turned back. His illness grew worse until he said to Xun Xi, "I had intended to make Xi Qi my heir, but he is young and the ministers will not submit. I fear chaos may arise. Can you establish him?" Xun Xi replied, "I can." Duke Xian asked, "What proof will there be?" "Should the dead be brought back to life and the living have no cause for shame," Xun Xi answered, "that would be proof." He then entrusted Xi Qi to Xun Xi, who served as chief minister, governing the state. In autumn, the ninth month, Duke Xian died.

Li Ke and Pi Zheng wished to bring Chong'er in from outside and, with the followers of the three princes, foment rebellion. They said to Xun Xi, "Three grievances are about to arise, with Qin and Jin supporting different sides—what will you do?" Xun Xi replied, "I cannot go back on my word to our former lord." In the tenth month, Li Ke assassinated Xi Qi in the mourning quarters, before Duke Xian had been buried. Xun Xi prepared to die for his pledge. Someone said, "Better to install Xi Qi's brother Dao as heir and serve as his tutor." Xun Xi did so and buried Duke Xian. In the eleventh month, Li Ke assassinated Dao in court, and Xun Xi died for his word. A gentleman remarked, "The Book of Songs says, 'A white jade may have a flaw, but it can be polished away; but a spoken word, once flawed, cannot be undone'—surely this refers to Xun Xi! He did not betray his word."

Earlier, Duke Xian had planned to attack the Li Rong. The divination read, "Teeth and mouth will bring calamity." When he conquered the Li Rong and captured Liji, he loved her, and she ultimately caused the chaos in Jin. When Li Ke and the others had killed Xi Qi and Dao, they sent someone to Di to invite Prince Chong'er, wishing to install him. Chong'er declined, saying, "I departed in defiance of my father's command; now my father is dead and I have not performed a son's duties at his funeral. How dare I enter! Let the ministers install another of his sons." They reported this to Li Ke, who sent for Yi Wu in Liang. Yi Wu was inclined to go, but Lü Sheng and Xi Rui said, "There are still princes within who could be installed, yet you seek help from outside—hardly trustworthy. If we must rely on Qin, let us use the strength of a powerful state to return; otherwise it will be dangerous." They sent Xi Rui to bribe Qin heavily, with the agreement: "Once we enter, we will cede the Jin lands west of the Yellow River to Qin." They also sent a letter to Li Ke: "If I am established, I will enfeoff you with the town of Fen Yang."

Duke Mu of Qin then sent forces to escort Yi Wu to Jin. Duke Huan of Qi, hearing of Jin's internal turmoil, also led the lords to Jin. Qin forces arrived with Yi Wu, and Qi sent Xi Peng to meet them; together they installed Yi Wu as lord of Jin—this was Duke Hui. Duke Huan of Qi returned upon reaching Gao Liang. In the first year of Duke Hui's reign, he sent Pi Zheng to thank Qin, saying, "Initially I promised you the western lands, and now I have the good fortune to return and be established. But my ministers say these lands belong to the former lords; how could one who was abroad presume to cede them? I argued but could not prevail, so I must decline to Qin." He also refused to give Li Ke the town of Fen Yang, stripping him of his power. In the fourth month, King Xiang of Zhou sent Zhou Gong Jifu to join the ministers of Qi and Qin in formally receiving Duke Hui. Duke Hui, fearing Li Ke because Chong'er was still abroad, ordered Li Ke to die. He said, "Without you, I would not have been established. Still, you have killed two lords and one minister—will it not be difficult for anyone to serve as your lord?" Li Ke replied, "Without removal of the old, how could the new arise? If you wish to destroy me, is there not a ready excuse? Speak, then—I understand." He then fell upon his sword and died. Pi Zheng, who was in Qin giving thanks and had not yet returned, thus escaped the fate.

Pi Zheng, who was in Qin, heard that Li Ke had been executed. He persuaded Duke Mu of Qin: "Lü Sheng, Xi Rui, and Ji Rui are resentful of being excluded. If you bribe them heavily and plot with them, we can drive out the lord of Jin and bring in Chong'er—success is certain." Duke Mu agreed, sending men with Pi Zheng to report to Jin and bribe the three men heavily. The three said, "Expensive gifts and sweet words—Pi Zheng must be selling us to Qin." They killed Pi Zheng and Li Ke, along with seven chief ministers who were their supporters. Pi Zheng's son Bo fled to Qin and urged an attack on Jin; Duke Mu did not listen. Duke Hui's reign betrayed Qin by reneging on land agreements and executing the seven chief ministers; the people did not submit.

In the second year, Zhou sent the Duke of Shao to preside over Jin's investiture ceremony. Duke Hui's bearing was arrogant, and the Duke of Shao censured him. In the fourth year, Jin suffered famine and begged Qin for grain. Duke Mu asked Baili Xi, who said, "Heaven's disasters sweep through nations in turn; helping neighbors in distress is the way of a proper state. Give them the grain." Pi Zheng's son Bo said, "Attack them." Duke Mu replied, "The fault lies with their lord, not his people!" He sent the grain, shipping it from Yong all the way to Jiang. In the fifth year, Qin suffered famine and begged Jin for grain. Duke Hui consulted his ministers. Qing Zheng said, "We were established thanks to Qin, yet we betrayed our land agreement. When Jin was hungry, Qin sent us grain; now Qin is hungry and we would turn against them—how could this be right?" Guo She said, "In former years, Heaven gave Jin to Qin, and Qin, not knowing to take it, lent us grain. Now Heaven gives Qin to Jin—can we go against Heaven?" Duke Hui followed Guo She's counsel, refusing the grain and sending troops to attack Qin. Qin was furious and sent troops against Jin.

In the sixth year, spring, Duke Mu of Qin led an army against Jin. Duke Hui said to Qing Zheng, "The Qin forces are deep in our territory—what shall we do?" Zheng replied, "Your lordship betrayed the land agreement when you were inside; Qin sent grain when Jin was starving; now Qin is starving and Jin doubles the insult by planning to attack them in their distress—is it any wonder the situation has grown so dire?" The divination for driver and right-flank guard both showed favorable signs. The duke said, "Zheng is not respectful," and instead appointed Bu Yang to drive the war chariot, with Jia Putu as the guard. They advanced.

On the day of renxu in the ninth month, Duke Mu of Qin and Duke Hui of Jin clashed at Han Yuan. Duke Hui's horse became mired and would not move; Qin forces approached. The duke was hard pressed, and summoned Qing Zheng to drive. Zheng said, "Without divination, was not this defeat inevitable?" and left. The duke then ordered Liang Youmi to drive, with Guo She as guard. They engaged Duke Mu of Qin. Duke Mu's warriors broke through the Jin ranks; the Jin army was defeated. Duke Mu of Qin lost his own duke, but captured Duke Hui of Jin and took him back. The Qin's forces intended to sacrifice him to the High God.

Duke Hui's sister, who was Duke Mu's wife, donned mourning garments and wept. Duke Mu said, "I had planned to make the capture of the Duke of Jin a cause for celebration—but now it has come to this. Moreover, I have heard that when Jiang Zi saw Tang Shu receive his initial enfeoffment, he said, 'This line will surely become great.' How could Jin be destroyed?" He concluded a covenant with Duke Hui at Wang Cheng and permitted his return. Duke Hui sent Lü Sheng and others to address his people: "Though I return, I dare not face the altar of the state. I have divined a day to install Zi Yu as heir." The people of Jin, on hearing this, all wept.

Duke Mu of Qin asked Lü Sheng, "Is Jin unified?" He replied, "Not entirely. The common people fear losing their lord and abandon their kin; they would not hesitate to install Zi Yu, saying, 'We must avenge our wrongs, even if we must serve the Rong and Di.' The gentlemen, however, love their lord and acknowledge their faults, waiting for Qin's mercy, saying, 'We must repay Qin's virtue.' Because of these two factions, there is no unity." Duke Mu then improved Duke Hui's treatment, providing the seven sacrificial animals. In the eleventh month, Duke Hui was released. Upon returning to Jin, he executed Qing Zheng and reformed administration. He consulted: "Chong'er is abroad, and the lords would profit from installing him." He sent assassins to kill Chong'er in Di. Chong'er learned of this and fled to Qi.

In the eighth year, Duke Hui sent his son, Prince Zi Yu, to Qin as a hostage. Earlier, when Duke Hui was exiled in Liang, the Lord of Liang had given him his daughter in marriage, and she bore a son and a daughter. The Lord of Liang divined: the boy would become a subject, the girl would become a servant. Thus he named the boy Yu and the girl Nu. In the tenth year, Qin destroyed Liang. The Lord of Liang, fond of construction projects, had exhausted the people's strength with fortifications and moats. Resentment grew, and his people repeatedly alarmed each other with cries of "Qin raiders are coming!" until Qin finally destroyed the state.

In the fourteenth year, ninth month, Duke Hui died. Crown Prince Zi Yu succeeded him as Duke Huai. When Zi Yu had fled, Qin resented it, and sought Prince Chong'er to bring him in. Zi Yu, upon his accession, feared Qin's attack. He ordered that all who had fled with Chong'er should report by a set date; those who did not appear would have their families destroyed. Hu Tu's sons, Mao and Yan, were with Chong'er in Qin but refused the summons. The Duke Huai was furious and imprisoned Hu Tu. Hu Tu said, "Your servant's sons have served Chong'er for many years; now to summon them back would be to teach them to betray their lord. What manner of teaching is this?" The Duke Huai had Hu Tu executed. Duke Mu of Qin then sent forces to escort Chong'er into Jin, dispatched men to inform the partisans of Luan and Xi, who would act as within, and killed Duke Huai at Gao Liang. Chong'er was installed as lord—this was Duke Wen.

Duke Wen of Jin, Chong'er, was the son of Duke Xian of Jin. From youth he loved scholars; at seventeen he had five worthy men: Zhao Cui; Hu Yan, also called Jiu Fan, who was Duke Wen's maternal uncle; Jia Tuo; Xian Zhen; and Wei Wu Zi. When Duke Xian was still Crown Prince, Chong'er had already reached adulthood. When Duke Xian ascended the throne, Chong'er was twenty-one. In the thirteenth year of Duke Xian's reign, because of Liji, Chong'er was assigned to guard Pu Cheng against Qin. In the twenty-first year of Duke Xian, he executed Crown Prince Shen; Liji slandered Chong'er, who, in fear, did not take leave of Duke Xian but fled to guard Pu Cheng. In the twenty-second year, Duke Xian sent the eunuch Lü Di to hasten to Pu Cheng to kill Chong'er. Chong'er climbed over the wall; the eunuch pursued and cut off his sleeve. Chong'er fled to Di—Di was his mother's native state. Chong'er was forty-three at this time.

In the seventh year of Duke Hui, he feared Chong'er and sent the eunuch Lü Di with assassins to kill him. Chong'er heard of this and consulted Zhao Cui and the others: "When I first fled to Di, it was not because I thought Di could be of use, but because it was close and easy to reach, so I merely rested my feet. Having rested long enough, I certainly wished to move to a great state. Duke Huan of Qi pursues the good and has his heart set on hegemony; he gathers in the lords and nourishes the alliances. Now I hear that Guan Zhong and Xi Peng have died—he too wishes to find wise assistance. Why not go to him?" They set out.

Arriving in Qi, Duke Huan of Qi received him with great honor, gave him a daughter of the ducal house in marriage, and granted him forty horses. Chong'er was content. He had been in Qi for two years when Duke Huan died. The upheaval caused by Shu Dao and others erupted within the state; Duke Xiao of Qi took the throne, and the armies of various lords arrived repeatedly. Chong'er remained in Qi for five years in all. He loved his Qi wife and had no thought of leaving. Zhao Cui and Jiu Fan plotted beneath a mulberry tree.

A serving woman of the Qi lady overheard this conversation from the mulberry tree and reported it to her mistress. The mistress thereupon had the woman killed and urged Chong'er to depart quickly.

Chong'er said, "Having found peace and happiness in life, who would think of anything else? I would rather die here than leave."

She then plotted with Zhao Cui and the others, got Chong'er drunk, and placed him in a carriage to depart. When they had traveled far, Chong'er awoke and flew into a rage, drawing his spear to kill Jia Fan. Jia Fan said, "To kill me would fulfill your purposes, and that is what I wish." Chong'er replied, "If this enterprise fails, I will eat my uncle's flesh." Jia Fan retorted, "If it fails, my flesh will be rank and foul—not fit to eat!" Chong'er stopped, and they continued on their way.

They next passed through Song. Duke Xiang of Song had recently suffered a defeat by Chu at Hong and was wounded at the Battle of Ying. Hearing of Chong'er's virtue, he received him with full state honors. The Song minister Gongsun Gu, who was close to Jia Fan, said, "Song is a small state, recently weakened. It cannot provide what you need—seek instead among the great powers." They departed.

When Chong'er left for Chu, King Cheng Xiong of Chu received him with the ceremonial honors due a wandering noble. Chong'er declined, deeming himself unworthy. Zhao Cui said, "You have been in exile more than ten years—even small states look down on you, how much more so great states? Now Chu, a great state, is treating you with honor. Do not refuse—this is heaven's opening for you." Chong'er then met the king as an honored guest. King Cheng Xiong treated him generously, but Chong'er remained humble.

The king asked, "When you return to your country, what will you offer me?" Chong'er replied, "Feathers, tusks, hides, and silk—these are what Your Majesty has in abundance. I have nothing to present in return." The king said, "Even so, what will you give me?" Chong'er answered, "If it cannot be avoided, when Your Majesty meets me with chariots and cavalry on open plains, I shall retreat three days' march." General Zi Yu of Chu flew into a rage: "The king has shown the Prince of Jin extraordinary favor, and now he speaks so insolently. I ask that he be put to death." The king said, "The Prince of Jin is virtuous and has long been in exile abroad. His followers are all men of state— heaven has placed him here. How could we kill him? And what words could possibly replace these?"

After several months in Chu, Prince Yu of Jin fled from Qin. The state of Qin, bearing a grudge, learned that Chong'er was in Chu and summoned him. King Cheng Xiong said, "Chu is far away— it would take several more states to reach Jin. Qin borders Jin, and its ruler is virtuous. Go forth with all strength!" He loaded Chong'er with generous gifts and sent him on his way.

Duke Mu was overjoyed and drank with Chong'er. Zhao Cui sang the poem "The Millet Shoots." Duke Mu said, "I see how eager you are to return to your country." Zhao Cui and Chong'er knelt and bowed twice, saying, "A solitary minister's devotion to his lord is like the hundred streams longing for the seasonal rains."

This was in autumn of the fourteenth year of Duke Hui of Jin. In the ninth month, Duke Hui died. His son Yu ascended the throne. In the eleventh month, Duke Hui was buried. In the twelfth month, the Jin ministers of the Lü and Qie clans learned that Chong'er was in Qin, and all secretly came to urge Chong'er and Zhao Cui to return to Jin, becoming a numerous internal conspiracy.

Duke Mu of Qin then raised troops and set out with Chong'er for Jin. When the Jin forces heard that Qin was marching against them, they too mobilized to resist—but all secretly knew that Prince Chong'er was coming. Only the former ministers of Duke Hui—people of the Lü and Qie clans—did not wish to see Chong'er enthroned.

In spring of Duke Wen's first year, Qin escorted Chong'er to the Yellow River. Jia Fan said, "I have followed Your Highness through all the realm, and my offenses have been many. I am aware of them, my lord—how much more so yourself? I ask to take my leave from this point."

Chong'er said, "If I return to my country, may the River God witness that I will never be parted from you, Zifan!" He threw a jade token into the river to seal the oath with Jia Fan.

At this time Jie Zitui was on the boat. He laughed and said, "Heaven is indeed opening the way for our lord, but Jia Fan treats it as his own achievement and seeks to profit from his lord—truly shameful. I will not share a rank with such a man." He concealed himself and crossed the river alone.

The eunuch replied, "I am a man who has survived the knife and saw, and I dare not serve two lords and betray my master, hence I incurred your wrath. But now that Your Highness has returned to his country, will you not put aside the affairs of Pucheng and Di? Moreover, when Guan Zhong shot the belt hook, Duke Huan still made him chief minister and rose to hegemony. Now a man under punishment comes to reveal a plot, and Your Highness will not see him—the disaster will surely follow."

In the third month, on the twenty-first day, Lü and Qie indeed rebelled, setting fire to the palace—but Duke Wen was not there. Duke Wen's guards fought them. Lü and Qie led their troops, intending to flee. Duke Mu of Qin lured them out and killed them on the riverbank. The rebellion was quelled, and Duke Wen returned.

Jin had only just been settled, and Duke Wen wished to dispatch troops but feared other troubles might arise. Thus the rewards for the exiles remained incomplete, including those for Jie Zitui, who never mentioned his reward. It simply never came.

His mother said, "Why not request something, if only to die with no regrets?"

His mother said, "Make him aware of it—at least let him know."

Duke Wen, passing by, saw the message and said, "This is about Jie Zitui. I was troubled about the royal house and neglected to reward his merit." He sent to summon him, but he was already gone. He sought to learn his whereabouts and was told he had entered the mountains of Mianshang. Duke Wen thereupon encircled Mianshan and declared it Jie Zitui's domain, calling it Jieshan—"to mark my error and honor the good man."

When the people of Jin heard this, they were all pleased.

In the third month, on the day of Jiachen, Jin dispatched troops to Yangfan, surrounded Wen, and rescued Duke Xiang at Zhou. In the fourth month, Duke Xiang's brother Dai was executed. Duke Xiang granted Jin the lands of Henei and Yangfan within the Yellow River region.

In the fourth year, King Cheng of Chu and the feudal lords surrounded Song. Song's Gongsun Gu urgently appealed to Jin for help.

Hu Xian said, "Chu has recently gained the allegiance of Cao and just formed a marriage alliance with Wey. If we attack Cao and Wey, Chu will surely come to their defense— then Song will be saved."

Duke Wen therefore organized three armies. Zhao Cui recommended Xie's son Hu to command the central army, with Xie's son Zhen as his deputy. He appointed Hu Xian to command the upper army, with Hu Mao as his deputy, and made Zhao Cui minister. Ling Zhi commanded the lower army, with Wei Zhi as his deputy. Xun Linfu drove the war chariot, with Wei Chou as his guard. They set out to attack Cao and Wey.

The Duke of Wey requested to join the alliance with Jin, but the Jin forces would not permit it. The Duke of Wey wished to align with Chu, but his people did not wish this, so they expelled their lord to placate Jin. The Duke of Wey took up residence at Xiangniu while Prince Mai guarded Wey.

Chu came to Wey's aid but did not persist. The Duke of Jin then besieged Cao.

Quwo attacked Cheng. Cheng died, and the Luan lineage was annihilated. Cheng was the grandson of Luan Shu. He had entered Jiang and plotted together with the Wei clan. When Duke Zhuang of Qi heard of Cheng's defeat, he turned back, seized the Jin city of Chaoge and departed, to avenge the battle of Linzi. In the tenth year, Cui Zhu of Qi assassinated his ruler Duke Zhuang. Jin, taking advantage of the disorder in Qi, attacked and defeated Qi at Gaotang and then withdrew, avenging the battle of Taihang. In the fourteenth year, Jizha of Yanling in Wu came on a diplomatic mission and spoke with Zhao Wenzi, Han Xuanzi, and Wei Xianzi, saying: 'The governance of Jin will ultimately fall to these three families.' In the nineteenth year, Qi sent Yan Ying to Jin, and he conversed with Shu Xiang.

Wei Zhi said, "Take the Duke of Cao hostage and divide the lands of Cao and Wey to give to Song. When Chu sees Cao and Wey hard pressed, the situation will naturally lead to releasing Song."

The king was angry and gave him only a small force.

Wei Zhi said, "To pacify a person is called ritual propriety. Chu's single statement stabilizes three states, while our single statement destroys them all— that is discourtesy. To refuse Chu is to abandon Song. Better to privately promise Cao and Wey to win them over, detain Wan Chun to enrage Chu, and settle matters after the battle."

"The king speaks thus: Father Yike, gloriously manifest were King Wen's virtue and King Wu's—they were cautious and bright. They caused brilliant virtue to shine above and spread abroad their fame below, so that high heaven conferred upon them the mandate of King Wen and King Wu."

In the sixth month, the Jin forces again entered Wei to restore the Marquis of Wei. On the day of Renwu, the Marquis of Jin crossed the Yellow River north and returned to his state. At the distribution of rewards, Hu Yan was given first place. Someone said: 'In the affairs of Chengpu, it was the strategy of Xian Zhen.' Duke Wen said: 'In the Chengpu affair, Yan persuaded me not to lose trust. Xian Zhen said military victory is paramount, and I employed it to win. Yet that was a momentary calculation—Yan's words are of eternal merit. How could momentary advantage be placed above eternal merit?' Thus Xian Zhen was given precedence.