赵世家 — Shiji

Ji Sheng begat Meng Zeng, who found favor with King Cheng of Zhou and was known as the Lord of Zhaigaolang. Zhaigaolang begat Heng Fu, and Heng Fu begat Zao Fu. Zao Fu won the favor of King Mu of Zhou. Zao Fu obtained the finest team of horses and, together with Daoli, Zhouliao, and Lű'er from Taolin, presented them to King Mu. The king had Zao Fu drive his chariot as he traveled west on a tour of inspection. When he met the Queen Mother of the West, he was so delighted he forgot to return. Then Xu Yanwang rebelled, and King Mu drove his swift horses a thousand li a day to attack Xu Yanwang and defeated him thoroughly. The king rewarded Zao Fu with the city of Zhao, and thus the Zhao family was established. From Zao Fu down six generations came Yan Fu, also called Gong Zhong, who during the reign of King Xuan of Zhou led military campaigns against the Rong tribes. During the Battle of Qianmu, Yan Fu saved King Xuan from death. Yan Fu begat Shu Dai.

When Zhao Cui divined whom to serve among Duke Xian of Jin and the princes, the results were unfavorable for all. When he divined about serving Prince Chonger, the result was auspicious, so he attached himself to Chonger. When the Li Ji incident forced Chonger to flee to the Di people, Zhao Cui accompanied him. The Di attacked the Qianggaoru tribe and captured two daughters. The tribal chief gave his younger daughter in marriage to Chonger and his elder daughter to Zhao Cui, by whom she bore Zhao Dun. Earlier, while Chonger was still in Jin, Zhao Cui's wife had borne him Zhao Tong, Zhao Kuo, and Zhao Yingqi. Zhao Cui accompanied Chonger into exile for nineteen years before they could return to the state.

In the sixth year of Duke Xiang of Jin, Zhao Cui died and was posthumously named Chengji. Zhao Dun succeeded Chengji in directing state affairs. Two years later, Duke Xiang died. His heir, Yigao, was young. Because the state faced many difficulties, Zhao Dun wished to install the duke's brother Yong, who was then in Qin. He sent envoys to invite Yong. The crown prince's mother wept day and night and knelt in supplication before Zhao Dun, saying, "What crime did the former lord commit that you set aside his rightful heir and seek another?" Zhao Dun was troubled, fearing that Yong's supporters and the great officers would launch an attack and bring destruction. He therefore established the crown prince as Lord Ling and sent troops to block the duke's brother arriving from Qin.

In the third year of Duke Jing of Jin, Zhao Shuo commanded the lower army in a campaign to rescue Zheng, engaging King Zhuang of Chu on the banks of the river. Zhao Shuo married the sister of Duke Cheng of Jin as his lady. In the third year of Duke Jing's reign, the great officer Tu An Jia sought to exterminate the Zhao clan.

Earlier, while Zhao Dun was alive, he had dreamed that Shu Dai was grasping his waist and weeping bitterly, then laughing and clapping his hands while singing. Zhao Dun divined the omen. The response indicated that the auspicious sign would be interrupted before happiness came. The court scribe Yuan examined the divination and said, "This is an ominous dream—not for you yourself, but for your son. Nevertheless, the fault lies with you. In future generations, the Zhao clan will decline."

Han Jue responded, "When Lord Ling was assassinated, Zhao Dun was outside the state. Our former rulers considered him innocent, so he was not punished. Now you wish to execute his descendants—this contradicts the intentions of our former lords. To execute people arbitrarily is called chaos. When a minister has weighty matters to discuss but the ruler does not hear of them, that is a failure to have a ruler." Tu An Jia refused to listen.

Han Jue warned Zhao Shuo to flee quickly. Shuo refused, saying, "You will surely preserve the Zhao lineage. I die without regret." Han Jue gave his word and feigned illness, staying at home.

Without requesting authorization, Tu An Jia led the officers in an attack on the Zhao clan in the lower palace. Zhao Shuo, Zhao Tong, Zhao Kuo, and Zhao Yingqi were all killed, their families exterminated. Zhao Shuo's wife, the sister of Duke Cheng, was pregnant. She fled into the duke's palace and hid there.

Zhao Shuo's retainer Gongsun Chujiu said to Shuo's friend Cheng Ying, "Why do you not die?" Cheng Ying replied, "Shuo's wife is pregnant. If by good fortune she bears a son, I will support him. If it is a daughter, I will die slowly." Shortly afterward, Shuo's wife gave birth to a son.

The two then plotted. They took another man's infant and carried it, wrapping it in fine cloth, and hid it in the mountains. Cheng Ying then came forward and falsely announced to the generals, "I am unworthy and cannot preserve the Zhao orphan. If any of you will give me a thousand pieces of gold, I will tell you where the Zhao orphan is." The generals were pleased and agreed, sending troops to follow Cheng Ying in the attack on Gongsun Chujiu.

Duke Jing asked, "Does the Zhao clan have any descendants?" Han Jue told him the full truth. Duke Jing then conspired with Han Jue to restore the Zhao orphan, summoning him and concealing him in the palace.

When the generals came to inquire after the duke's illness, Duke Jing used Han Jue's forces to coerce them and presented the Zhao orphan. The orphan's name was Zhao Wu. The generals, having no choice, said, "The massacre below the palace was Tu An Jia's doing. He forged the late ruler's command and instructed the officials. Had it not been for him, who would have dared to rebel? If your lordship had not fallen ill, we would have requested the establishment of a Zhao heir long ago. Now that your lordship has commanded it, it is our heartfelt wish."

Duke Jing then summoned Zhao Wu and Cheng Ying, and they bowed to all the generals. They then turned and, with Zhao Wu and Cheng Ying, attacked Tu An Jia and exterminated his clan. Zhao Wu was restored to his former lands and towns.

When Zhao Wu reached adulthood and came of age, Cheng Ying took leave of the great officers. He said to Zhao Wu, "During the massacre below the palace, everyone was able to die. I was not incapable of dying. I wished to preserve an heir for the Zhao clan. Now that Zhao Wu has been established and has come of age, restoring the ancestral position, I will descend to report to Zhao Xuanmeng and Gongsun Chujiu."

Zhao Wu wept and prostrated himself, begging desperately, "I would gladly exhaust my sinews and bones to repay you until death. How can you bear to leave me and die?"

Zhao Wu observed three years of mourning for him, established an estate for sacrificial offerings, and every spring and autumn performed sacrifices that continue unbroken to this day.

Zhao Wu continued the Zhao lineage for twenty-seven years. When Duke Ping of Jin ascended the throne, Zhao Wu became chief minister in the twelfth year of his reign. In the thirteenth year, Yan Chiji of Wu passed through Jin on a diplomatic mission and said, "The governance of Jin will ultimately pass to Zhao Wuzi, Han Xuanzi, and Wei Xianzi."

Zhao Jingshu died and begat Zhao Yang, who is known as Lord Jianzi. During Lord Jianzi's rule, in the ninth year of Duke Qing of Jin, he was about to assemble the feudal lords to garrison the capital of Zhou. The following year, he escorted King Jing of Zhou into the capital, to avoid conflict with his brother Chao. In the twelfth year of Duke Qing, the Six Ministers, using law, executed the ducal families of the Qi and Yangshe clans, dividing their territories into ten counties, each appointing one of their own clan members as lord. The Jin ducal house thereby grew weaker.

After two and a half days, Lord Jianzi awoke. He addressed the great officers: "I went to the palace of the Highest Lord and enjoyed myself greatly, traveling with the hundred deities through the broad heavens, where exquisite music played and magnificent dances unfolded—not at all like the music of the Three Dynasties. The sounds stirred the heart. A bear appeared and tried to seize me, but the lord commanded me to shoot it, and I hit the bear, killing it. Another bear came forward, and I shot it as well, killing it. The lord was very pleased and gave me two boxes, both with covers. I saw a boy beside the lord, and the lord bound a Dao dog to me, saying, 'When your son reaches manhood, I will give him this.' The lord told me, 'Jin will decline for generations. Seven generations hence, the state will fall. The Ying surname will greatly defeat the Zhou people west of Fankui, yet will not be able to possess the territory. Now I recall the merits of the Shun clan, and I am about to give him a descendant daughter named Mengyao to match with a grandson seven generations hence.'"

Dong Anyu recorded these words and preserved them. When Lord Jianzi learned of Bian Que's assessment, he granted Bian Que forty thousand mu of land.

Another day, as Lord Jianzi was traveling, someone blocked his path. The attendants tried to drive the person away, but he would not move. The attendants, enraged, raised their weapons against him. The man blocking the path said, "I wish to have an audience with the lord." The attendants reported this to Lord Jianzi, who summoned the man, saying, "Ah, I saw you before." The man said, "Send away your attendants; I have something to report." Lord Jianzi dismissed his retinue.

The man said, "While your lordship was ill, I was at the lord's side." Lord Jianzi said, "Yes, that is so. Why did you appear to me?" The man replied, "The Highest Lord commanded your lordship to shoot the bear and the bear, and both died." Lord Jianzi asked, "And what does that mean?" The man answered, "Jin will face great calamity, and your lordship will be the first to respond to it. The Highest Lord commanded your lordship to destroy the two ministers—the bear and the bear are their ancestors."

Jianzi said, "The emperor granted me two boxes, each with a counterpart. What is the meaning of this?" The man at the roadside replied, "Your lordship's son will conquer two states among the Di—all of the Zi surname." Jianzi said, "I saw my son standing beside the emperor. The emperor pointed to a Di dog and said, 'When your son comes of age, I will give this to him.' But why would a son be given a Di dog?" The man answered, "The boy is your lordship's son. The Di dog represents the ancestor of Dai. Your lordship's son is destined to have a successor. Moreover, his descendants will institute reforms and adopt Hu dress, annexing both states among the Di." Jianzi asked the man's surname so he could offer him an official post. The man replied, "I am but a rustic. I merely transmit the emperor's message." Then he vanished. Jianzi recorded this encounter and stored it in his archives.

Jianzi then addressed his sons: "I have hidden a treasure token on Mount Changshan. The first to find it shall be rewarded." The sons raced to Mount Changshan and searched, but none found anything. Wuxu returned and said, "I have found the token." Jianzi said, "Report what you found." Wuxu answered, "From Mount Changshan one can look down upon Dai. Dai can be taken." Jianzi thereupon recognized Wuxu's exceptional ability, deposed the crown prince Boru, and made Wuxu his heir.

Xun Yin and Fan Zhishe's enemies, including Wei Xiang, plotted to drive out Xun Yin and install Liang Yingfu in his place, and to expel Fan Zhishe in favor of Fan Gaoyi. Xun Li addressed the duke of Jin: "Your Majesty commands the ministers: those who begin rebellion shall die. Now three ministers have initiated rebellion, yet only Zhao Jianzi has been expelled. The punishment is unequal. I beg that all be removed." In the eleventh month, Xun Li, Han Bu Ning, and Wei Duo, acting on the duke's orders, attacked the Fan and Zhonghang clans but could not defeat them. Fan and Zhonghang counterattacked the duke, who struck back; their forces were routed and they fled.

Confucius heard how Zhao Jianzi had seized Handan without consulting the duke of Jin, then defended Jinyang, and so the Spring and Autumn Annals recorded: "Zhao Jianzi rebelled at Jinyang."

In the eighteenth year of Duke Ding of Jin, Zhao Jianzi besieged the Fan and Zhonghang clans at Chaoge. Zhonghang Wenzi fled to Handan. The following year, Duke Ling of Wey died. Jianzi accompanied Yang Hu to escort the Wey heir apparent, Kuai Kui, to Wey, but Wey would not receive him. They took up residence at Qi.

In the thirtieth year of Duke Ding of Jin, Duke Ding and King Fuchai of Wu competed for precedence at Huangchi. Zhao Jianzi accompanied Duke Ding and secured the advantage for Jin. Duke Ding died in the thirty-seventh year. Jianzi observed only the shortened mourning period. That same year, King Goujian of Yue destroyed Wu.

In the eleventh year of Duke Chugong of Jin, Zhibo attacked Zheng. Zhao Jianzi fell ill and sent his heir apparent, Wuxu, to lead the campaign and besiege Zheng. Zhibo, drunk, poured wine over Wuxu in mockery. Wuxu's ministers requested permission to kill him. Wuxu replied, "My lord chose me precisely because I can endure humiliation." Yet he harbored resentment toward Zhibo.

In the first year of Duke Xiangzi's reign, Yue besieged Wu. Xiangzi, observing the appropriate mourning diet, sent Chu Long to inquire after the king of Wu. Xiangzi's sister had previously been wife of the king of Dai. After Jianzi was buried but before formal mourning ended, Xiangzi journeyed north to Xiawu, where he invited the king of Dai to a feast. He had the cooks serve the king and his attendants with bronze ladles. When the procession paused, he secretly ordered the attendants to strike down the king of Dai and his officials with their ladles. He then dispatched troops to pacify Dai.

Xiangzi enfeoffed Boru's son Zhou as Lord of Dai, titled Chengjun. Boru was Xiangzi's elder brother, the former heir apparent, who had died prematurely; thus Xiangzi enfeoffed his son. Xiangzi reigned for thirty-three years. He designated Huan, son of Chengjun, as his heir apparent. Xiangzi then died, and Huan succeeded him as Duke Xian.

In the eighth year, Han attacked Qin but withdrew without success. The five states styled each other as kings; Zhao alone refused, saying, "Without the substance, how dare we assume the title!" and ordered his people to address him as "Lord." In the ninth year, Zhao joined Han and Wei in attacking Qin. Qin defeated us, beheading eighty thousand of our men. Qi defeated us at Guanze. In the tenth year, Qin took our Zhongdu and Xiyang. Qi crushed Yan. The Yan chancellor Zi Zhi became lord, and the lord turned into a subject. In the eleventh year, the King summoned Prince Zhi from Han and established him as King of Yan, dispatching Yue Chi to escort him back. In the thirteenth year, Qin seized our Lin and captured General Zhao Zhuang. The kings of Chu and Wei came, passing through Handan.

Panwu Jun arrived from Dai and said to Gongzhong Lian: "You truly love the good, yet you lack the means to sustain it. You have served as prime minister of Zhao for four years now—have you recommended any worthy men?" Gongzhong replied, "I have not." Panwu Jun said, "Niu Xu, Xun Xin, and Xu Yue are all worthy." Gongzhong Lian recommended the three men.

Lie Hou sent word to the prime minister: "Let the singers' land be withheld for now. Appoint Niu Xu as Teacher, Xun Xin as Colonel of the Capital, and Xu Yue as Director of the Capital. Grant the prime minister two sets of robes."

In the ninth year, Lie Hou died. His brother Wu Gong succeeded him as Duke Wu. Thirteen years later, Duke Wu died. Zhao restored Lie Hou's heir apparent, Zhang, as Duke Jing. That same year, Duke Wen of Wei died.

In Duke Jing's first year, Wu Gong's son Chao raised a rebellion but failed. He fled to Wei. Zhao established its capital at Handan. In the second year, Zhao defeated Qi at Lingqiu. In the third year, Zhao rescued Wei at Linqiu and severely defeated the Qi forces. In the fourth year, Wei defeated Zhao at Yitai. Zhao constructed Gangping to attack Wey. In the fifth year, Qi and Wei attacked Wey on Zhao's behalf and captured Gangping. In the sixth year, Zhao borrowed troops from Chu and attacked Wei, capturing Jipu. In the eighth year, Zhao captured Wei's Huangcheng. In the ninth year, Zhao attacked Qi. Qi invaded Yan, and Zhao came to Yan's aid. In the tenth year, Zhao fought Zhongshan at Fangzi. In the eleventh year, Wei, Han, and Zhao jointly extinguished Jin and divided its territories. They attacked Zhongshan and fought at Zhongren. In the twelfth year, Duke Jing died. His son Duke Cheng succeeded him.

In Duke Cheng's first year, the prince's son Sheng disputed the succession with Duke Cheng and raised a rebellion. In the second year, in the sixth month, there was a snowstorm. In the third year, Taiwu Wu became prime minister. Zhao attacked Wey and captured seventy-three towns. Wei defeated Zhao at Lin. In the fourth year, Zhao fought Qin at Gao'an and defeated them. In the fifth year, Zhao attacked Qi at Juan. Wei defeated Zhao at Huai. Zhao attacked Zheng and defeated it, then ceded it to Han, which gave Zhao Zhangzi in exchange. In the sixth year, Zhongshan built the Great Wall. Zhao attacked Wei, defeated them at Quze, and besieged Wei Huiwang. In the seventh year, Zhao invaded Qi, reaching the Great Wall. Zhao and Han attacked Zhou. In the eighth year, Zhao and Han divided Zhou into two states. In the ninth year, Zhao fought Qi at Axia. In the tenth year, Zhao attacked Wey and captured Zhen. In the eleventh year, Qin attacked Wei, and Zhao rescued them at Shie. In the twelfth year, Qin attacked Wei's Shaoliang, and Zhao rescued them. In the thirteenth year, Duke Cheng died. His son Duke Qing succeeded him.

In Duke Qing's first year, Prince Sheng of Wei invaded. In the second year, Prince Sheng fought Duke Qing for the succession but was defeated and fled to Han.

Gongzi Cheng bowed twice with his head to the ground and said: ‘Your subject is stupid and did not grasp Your Majesty’s meaning; I dared to voice what ordinary people say—that is my crime. Now that Your Majesty intends to carry on the intentions of Jianzi and Xiangzi in accord with the will of our former kings, how dare I not obey your command!’ He bowed twice again, knocking his head. Thereupon, King Wuling bestowed on him the Hu clothing. The next day, he wore it at court. From that moment the Hu-clothing edict was first issued. But Zhao Wen, Zhao Zao, Zhou Shao, and Zhao Jun all remonstrated to prevent the king from adopting Hu dress, arguing that it would be more convenient to follow the old customs.

The king said: "The former kings had different customs—which ancient model should be followed? The emperors and kings did not imitate one another—which rituals should be adhered to? Fuxi and Shennong taught but did not punish; the Yellow Emperor, Yao, and Shun punished but did not act in anger. When it came to the rulers of the Three Dynasties, they established laws according to the times and created rites according to circumstances. Their laws, measures, and decrees each suited what was appropriate; their clothing, tools, and weapons each facilitated their use. Thus rites need not follow a single path, and what benefits the state need not copy antiquity. The rise of the sage kings did not come through imitation, yet they ruled as kings; the decline of Xia and Yin did not come through changing the rites, yet they perished."

Marquess of Zhao's first year: he seized the Jin lord's Duanshi and relocated him to Tunliu. In his second year, he met King Hui of Wei at Yinjin. In his third year, Prince Fan attacked Handan but failed and died. In his fourth year, he paid court to the Son of Heaven. In his sixth year, he attacked Qi and took Gaotang. In his seventh year, the prince attacked the Wei border fortress of Shouyuan. In his eleventh year, Duke Xiao of Qin sent Lord Shang to attack Wei, capturing the Wei general Prince Ang. Zhao then attacked Wei. In his twelfth year, Duke Xiao of Qin died and Lord Shang perished. In his fifteenth year, he began constructing the Shouling mausoleum. King Hui of Wei died. In his sixteenth year, Marquess of Zhao traveled to Daling, departing through Lumen, when a man named Da Wuwu blocked his horse, saying: "The plowing is most urgent—one day's neglect means a hundred days without food." Marquess of Zhao dismounted and apologized. In his seventeenth year, he besieged Huang in Wei but could not take it. He built the Great Wall. In his eighteenth year, Qi and Wei attacked us; we breached the Yellow River to flood them, and their forces withdrew. In his twenty-second year, Zhang Yi became prime minister of Qin. Zhao Ci fought Qin but was defeated, and Qin killed Ci in Hexi and captured our Lin and Lishi. In his twenty-third year, Han Ju fought against Qi and Wei and died at Sangqiu. In his twenty-fourth year, Marquess of Zhao died. Qin, Chu, Yan, Qi, and Wei each sent ten thousand elite troops to attend the funeral. His son, King Wuling, ascended the throne.

In his third year, he built the city of Hao. In his fourth year, he met with Han at Qushu. In his fifth year, he married a Han princess as his queen. In his eighth year, Han attacked Qin but retreated without victory. When the five states conferred royal titles on each other, Zhao alone refused, saying: "Without the substance, dare I assume the name?" He ordered his people to address him simply as "lord."

On another occasion, the king dreamed of a young woman playing a zither and singing: "The beautiful one gleams bright, her complexion like the glory of the aster. Fate, O fate, has no room for Ying!" Days later, the king was drinking merrily when he spoke repeatedly of his dream, wishing to see the woman. Wu Guang heard of this and, through the queen, introduced his daughter Wa Ying—also called Meng Yao. Meng Yao won great favor with the king and became the Hui Empress.

In the nineteenth year, first month, a great court was held at Xin Palace. The king summoned Fei Yi to discuss the affairs of the realm, a consultation that lasted five days. The king then traveled north to survey the Zhongshan territory, reaching Fangzi, then proceeded to Dai, north to Wufeng, and west to the Yellow River, climbing the Huanghua heights. He summoned Lou Huan for consultation: "Our former kings, responding to the changes of their age, extended Zhao's southern frontier. They relied on the barriers of the Zhang and Fu rivers, built the Great Wall, and took Lin, Guo, and Lang, defeating the Lin people at Ren—yet their work remained incomplete. Now Zhongshan lies at our heart; to the north is Yan, to the east the Hu, to the west the Linhu, Loufan, Qin, and Han's borders—yet we lack strong troops and aid. This endangers our state. What is to be done? One who bears a lofty name must endure the criticism of those who cling to old ways. I wish to adopt Hu dress."

Lou Huan replied: "Excellent." All the ministers objected. Fei Yi then attended the king, who said: "In following the legacy of the Marquess and King Xiang, we calculate the advantages of the Hu and Di peoples. A loyal minister should embody filial piety, fraternity, respect for elders, and obedience; he should also advance endeavors that benefit the people and serve his lord—these are a minister's duties. Now I wish to continue King Xiang's work and open the lands of the Hu and Di, yet I fear our generation may never see its completion. For weakening enemies, requiring little effort yet achieving great results, we might spare the people endless toil while honoring the merits of the ancients. One who achieves lofty deeds must bear the burden of criticism; one who acts with singular wisdom must face the resentment of those bound by custom. Now I intend to teach the people Hu dress and cavalry archery—and the world will certainly debate my decision. What do you think?"

Fei Yi said: "You have shown me kindness and loyalty. Nevertheless, I have made a previous pledge that I dare not abandon." Li Dui said: "All right, do your best! I fear I will see you for the last time this year." He went out weeping. Li Dui frequently visited Gongzi Cheng to make preparations against Tian Buli's potential rebellion. Another day, Fei Yi said to Xin Qi: "The prince and Tian Buli are deeply worrying. In terms of righteousness, they speak virtuously but act viciously. Such a man is neither fit to be a son nor a subject."

Xin Qi said: "I have heard that a treacherous minister in the court is a calamity to the state, and a slanderous minister beside the ruler is a worm in the ruler's body. This man is greedy and ambitious; within he has gained the ruler's trust, while without he commits violent deeds. He forges commands and shows contempt for the sovereign, arrogating to himself momentary authority without difficulty. Disaster will soon befall the state. Now I am so worried that I forget to sleep at night and forget to eat when hungry. We must guard against the comings and goings of such robbers and villains. From now on, if anyone wishes to summon the king, he must first see me; I will personally confront him first. Only when there is nothing amiss may the king enter."

The king said: "I do not doubt adopting Hu dress; I fear the world will laugh at me. The madman's joy is the wise man's grief; what fools mock, the worthy examine. If the world follows me, the fruits of Hu dress are unpredictable. Even if the whole world mocks me, I will have Hu territories and Zhongshan." Thus he adopted Hu dress.

He sent Wang Xie to inform Prince Cheng: "I am adopting Hu dress for court. I wish my uncle would do the same. The family obeys the parent, the state obeys the ruler—this is the principle everywhere. A son does not oppose his parent, a minister does not defy his ruler; this is fraternal custom. Now I am teaching new dress, yet my uncle refuses—I fear the world's criticism. Governing a state has constant principles; benefiting the people is the foundation. Politics has its proper course; orders must be executed decisively. Virtue is discussed first among the humble; governance is trusted first to the honored. My adoption of Hu dress is not to indulge desires or revel in ambition. When matters have clear limits, achievements follow; when affairs succeed, merit is established. Now I fear my uncle's defiance would undermine his position and reinforce his objections. I have heard: actions that benefit the state carry no impropriety; one who relies on noble kinsmen suffers no damage to reputation. I hope uncle's sense of duty will accomplish the work of Hu dress." He sent Wang Xie to request Prince Cheng's compliance.

Prince Cheng bowed deeply, saying: "I had long heard of Your Majesty's Hu dress. I was ill and unable to attend court or give counsel. Your orders arrived, and I dare respond with my humble loyalty. I have heard that China is the seat of wisdom and insight, the gathering place of all goods and useful things, where sage-rulers teach, where benevolence and righteousness are practiced, where the Poetry, Documents, rites and music are employed, where exceptional talents are tested, where distant lands look with admiration, and where the barbarians follow its example. Now Your Majesty abandons all this to adopt distant dress, changing ancient teaching, altering established ways, rebelling against human nature, and disappointing scholars—separating from China. I wish Your Majesty would reconsider."

The messenger reported this. The king said: "I had heard my uncle was ill, but I will go personally to request his compliance." He went to Prince Cheng's residence and pleaded directly: "Dress serves convenience; rites serve affairs. The sage observes local customs and acts accordingly, adapting rites to circumstances—thus benefiting the people and enriching the state. Some clip their hair and tattoo their bodies, paint their arms and wear left-closing collars—the people of Ou and Yue. Others blacken their teeth and pierce their brows, wear hats without peaks and coarse sandals—the great states of Wu. Though dress differs, convenience is the same. When customs differ, usage changes; when affairs differ, rites adapt. Therefore, if the sage can benefit the state, he does not insist on uniform methods; if he can serve affairs conveniently, he does not demand identical rites. Confucian scholars follow one teacher yet customs vary; China shares rites yet teaching diverges—how much more so for mountain valleys? Thus even the wise cannot unify change; even sage-kings cannot make dress identical. Remote villages have strange customs; provincial scholars have many arguments. What one does not understand, one should not doubt; what differs from oneself, one should not condemn—impartial men everywhere seek the best. What my uncle speaks of is custom; what I speak of governs custom. Our state to the east has the He and Boluo waters, shared with Qi and Zhongshan, yet we lack boats and oars. From Changshan to Dai and Shangdang, east of us lies Yan's territory and the Donghu border, while west are the Loufan, Qin, and Han borders. We have no cavalry archery readiness. Thus lacking boats, the people living along the waters—how can they defend the He and Boluo? By changing dress and practicing cavalry archery, we can defend the Yan and Sanhu borders, the Qin and Han borders. Moreover, King Xiang did not merely fortify Jinyang and Shangdang—he united the Rong people and replaced them to repel the various Hu. This is understood by all. Formerly Zhongshan, emboldened by Qi's strength, invaded our lands, enslaved our people, diverted water to surround Hao. Had the spirits of our altars not intervened, Hao would nearly have fallen. Our former kings were ashamed, yet their resentment was never avenged. Now cavalry archery, near at hand, can secure Shangdang's position; at distance, it can avenge Zhongshan. My uncle follows Chinese customs and opposes our former kings' intentions, detests the change of dress and forgets Hao's shame—this is not what I hoped for."

Zhao Wen, Zhao Zao, Zhou Zhao, and Zhao Jun all remonstrated against the Hu dress, preferring the old customs. The king said: "Former kings had different customs—which ancient customs should we follow? Emperors did not inherit from one another—which rites should we observe? Fuxi and Shennong taught without punishment; the Yellow Emperor, Yao, and Shun punished without rage. When the Three Dynasties arose, they made laws suited to their times and established rites for their circumstances. Laws, decrees, and orders followed what was appropriate; clothing and equipment served convenience. Thus rites need not follow one system to benefit the state; antiquity need not be followed. When the sage-rulers arose, they did not inherit but achieved kingship; when Xia and Shang declined, they did not preserve rites and perished. Therefore, opposing antiquity cannot be condemned, nor is following antiquity necessarily praiseworthy. Moreover, if extraordinary dress indicates deviant ambition, then Zou and Lu would have no extraordinary conduct; if exotic customs indicate the people's instability, then Wu and Yue would have no outstanding scholars. The sage calls what benefits the body 'dress' and what facilitates affairs 'rites.' Standards of conduct and dress regulations exist to unify ordinary people—not to judge the worthy. Thus the common people follow custom; the worthy adapt to change. As the saying goes: 'One who drives by the book cannot know a horse's true nature; one who governs the present by ancient standards cannot understand how affairs change.' Following convention achieves no distinction; studying antiquity cannot govern the present. You cannot match me in this." He thus adopted Hu dress and recruited cavalry archers.

In his twentieth year, the king surveyed Zhongshan territory as far as Ningjia. To the west he surveyed Hu territory as far as Yuzhong. The Linhu king offered horses. On returning, he sent Lou Huan to Qin, Chou Ye to Han, Wang Ben to Chu, Fu Ding to Wei, and Zhao Jue to Qi. The acting prime minister of Dai, Zhao Gu, commanded the Hu forces and assembled their troops.

In his twenty-first year, he attacked Zhongshan. Zhao Zhao commanded the right army, Xu Jun the left, Prince Zhang the center, and the king commanded all. Niu Jian led the chariots and cavalry; Zhao Xi led the Hu and Dai forces. They joined at Xing and combined at Quyang, capturing Duanqiu, Huayang, and the Chi passes. The king's forces took Hao, Shiyi, Fenglong, and Dongyuan. Zhongshan offered four cities for peace, and the king agreed, withdrawing his forces.

In his twenty-third year, he attacked Zhongshan. In his twenty-fifth year, the Hui Empress died. He made Zhou Zhao, in Hu dress, tutor Prince He. In his twenty-sixth year, he attacked Zhongshan again, pushing the borders north to Yan and Dai, west to Yunzhong and Jiuyuan.

In his twenty-seventh year, fifth month, day of Wushen, a great court was held in the Eastern Palace. The succession was announced, and Prince He was established as king. After completing the ancestral rites, he emerged to hold court. All ministers became his subjects; Fei Yi served as prime minister and joint tutor to the king. This was King Huiwen—son of the Hui Empress Wa, the daughter of Wu. Wuling assumed the title Main Father. The Main Father wished his son to rule the kingdom while he himself, in Hu dress, led generals and officials northwest to survey Hu territory, planning to strike south from Yunzhong and Jiuyuan directly against Qin. Accordingly, he disguised himself as an envoy and entered Qin. King Zhaoxiang of Qin was unaware; soon he was struck by the visitor's imposing appearance, clearly not befitting a subject. He ordered men to pursue, but the Main Father had already fled beyond the border. When questioned, it was revealed to be the Main Father. The Qin people were greatly alarmed. The Main Father's purpose in entering Qin was to survey the terrain personally and observe the character of the Qin king.

One day, Fei Yi said to Xin Qi: "Prince Zhang and Tian Buli are a grave cause for concern. In righteousness their words are fair, but their deeds are wicked—they are men who are neither filial nor loyal. I have heard that wicked ministers at court are the ruin of the state; sycophantic ministers in the inner court are the moth that consumes the ruler. These men are greedy and ambitious, gaining the ruler's favor within while committing violence without. To forge orders and ignore laws, to seize power in a single day—such things would not be difficult for them, and disaster would soon engulf the state. Now I worry over this, forgetting sleep at night and food by day. Against thieves and bandits one must be prepared. From now on, whenever His Majesty is summoned, come see me first. I will face any danger myself, and only then shall the king enter." Xin Qi replied: "Well said! I am grateful to hear this."

Su Li, on behalf of Qi, sent a letter to the King of Zhao: "I have heard that the virtue of ancient worthy rulers does not spread throughout the seas, their teaching does not reach all the people, their sacrificial offerings to the spirits are not frequently repeated. Yet the dew falls, the seasonal rains come, the grain ripens, the people suffer no pestilence—all speak well of them, and wise rulers contemplate these signs. Now Your Majesty's worthiness and achievements have not repeatedly benefited Qin; the accumulated resentment toward Qi is not of long standing. Qin and Zhao are allied states—does Qin truly love Zhao, or does it in fact hate Qi? The wise ruler sees clearly what is extreme. Qin does not love Zhao and hate Qi. It wishes to destroy Han and absorb the two Zhou states, using Qi as bait to attract the world. Fearing that affairs would not proceed as desired, it sends troops to coerce Wei and Zhao. Fearing that the world would dread it, it sends hostages to build trust. Fearing that the world would quickly rebel, it conscripts troops from Han to intimidate them. Proclaiming virtue while allied, in truth plundering empty Han—I consider Qin's schemes must be exactly these. Things by their nature sometimes have circumstances that change while troubles remain the same: Chu long campaigned but Zhongshan was destroyed; Qi has long campaigned and Han will surely be destroyed. If Qi is broken, Your Majesty will share the benefits with six states. If Han is destroyed, Qin alone will seize it. It will take the two Zhou, then the western territories, acquiring the sacrificial vessels—Qin alone will possess them. Allotted fields and calculated achievements—where is Your Majesty's advantage compared to Qin? The strategists say: 'Han loses the Three Rivers, Wei loses the old domain, markets and courts have not yet changed but disaster has already arrived.' Yan has taken all of Qi's northern territories, departing three hundred li from Shatuo and Julu. Han's Shang Commandery is a hundred li from Handan. Yan and Qin are scheming for Your Majesty's lands—through three hundred li of territory their paths are connected. Qin's Shang Commandery is near Tiaoguan, and to Yuzhong it is fifteen hundred li. If Qin uses three commanderies to attack Your Majesty's Shang Commandery—west of Yángjīng and south of Gouzhù—you would no longer possess it. If we cross Gouzhù, cut through Changshan and hold it, three hundred li would connect to Yan, but the horses of Dai and hounds of the Hu would no longer come eastward, and the jade of Kunshan would not emerge—these three treasures would also no longer be yours. Your Majesty has long attacked Qi while following Qin's lead to attack Han—this disaster will surely come. I hope Your Majesty will consider carefully. Moreover, the reason Qi attacked was to serve Your Majesty; the world's alignment was to plot against Your Majesty. The Yan-Qin pact is complete and the day of their military action approaches. The five states will divide Your Majesty's lands. Qi violated its pact with the five states and suffered for serving Your Majesty. Western troops were sent to restrain powerful Qin, Qin renounced its imperial title and submitted. It returned Gaoping and Genrou to Wei, and Xingfen and Xianyu to Zhao. Qi's service to Your Majesty should have made it your superior ally, yet now it faces punishment—I fear that later rulers will not dare act with confidence. I hope Your Majesty will consider carefully. Now if Your Majesty does not join the world in attacking Qi, the world will deem Your Majesty righteous. Qi embraces its state and serves Your Majesty generously; the world will surely honor Your Majesty completely. If Qin is righteous, Your Majesty joins the world in honoring Qin; if Qin is tyrannical, Your Majesty joins the world in restraining it—thus the honor and fame of an age will be controlled by Your Majesty." Thereupon Zhao ceased its operations and declined to attack Qi.

In the thirty-third year, King Huiwen died. Prince Dan succeeded him as King Xiaocheng. In the first year of King Xiaocheng's reign, Qin attacked us and took three cities. The newly enthroned King of Zhao had just taken power, and the queen dowager held authority. Qin pressed the attack urgently. Zhao begged Qi for help. Qi said: "Only if Lord Chang'an is held as a hostage will we send troops." The queen dowager refused. The ministers pleaded strongly. The queen dowager clearly told her attendants: "Anyone who again speaks of Lord Chang'an as a hostage, I will spit in their face." The Left Instructor Long said he wished to see the queen dowager. She waited for him with great anger. He entered, walked slowly to his seat, and apologized: "Your servant's feet are ill, he cannot walk quickly, and it has been long since we have met. I have selfishly made excuses, but feared that Your Majesty's body might suffer some discomfort, and so wished to see Your Majesty." She replied: "I rely on the carriage." He asked: "Has Your Majesty's appetite been poor?" She said: "I rely only on porridge." He said: "Your servant recently had no appetite at all, but forced himself to walk three or four li each day, and gradually regained his desire for food, feeling much better." She said: "I cannot do that." The queen dowager's stern expression softened slightly.

The Left Instructor said: "Your servant's son Shuqi is the youngest and unworthy, and your servant is aging. I secretly love him and wish he might fill a vacancy among the Black-Clad Guards to guard the royal palace. I venture this request in deepest humility." The queen dowager said: "Very well. How old is he?" He replied: "Fifteen years. Though young, I wish to place him before I am thrown into a ditch." The queen dowager said: "Do men also love their youngest sons?" He replied: "More than women do." The queen dowager laughed: "Women love them far more." He replied: "Your servant believes that Your Majesty loves Princess Yan more than Lord Chang'an." The queen dowager said: "You are wrong—it is not as much as Lord Chang'an." The Left Instructor said: "When parents love their children, they plan for their long-term future. When Your Majesty sent Princess Yan off, you held her heels and wept, mourning that she was going so far away. After she left, you did not stop thinking of her—at sacrifices you prayed: 'She must never return.' Is this not planning for the long term, so that her descendants may become kings?" The queen dowager said: "Yes." The Left Instructor said: "Now looking back three generations, is there any descendant of the Zhao rulers who still holds a fief?" She said: "There is none." He said: "Not only Zhao—are there any descendants of other lords' families who still hold fiefs?" She said: "I have not heard of any." He said: "This is because those close suffer disaster in their own persons, while those far off suffer in their descendants. Is it that the children of rulers are naturally bad? No—it is because they hold honored positions without merit, receive rich stipends without service, yet possess heavy treasures. Now Your Majesty has raised Lord Chang'an to an honored position, enfeoffed him with fertile lands, given him much treasure, but has not allowed him to render service to the state. If someday Your Majesty passes away, how will Lord Chang'an sustain himself in Zhao? I believe Your Majesty's love for Lord Chang'an is shorter-sighted than your love for Princess Yan." The queen dowager said: "Very well, let him go where you wish." Thereupon they prepared a hundred carriages for Lord Chang'an, and he was held as a hostage in Qi. Only then did Qi's troops march out.

In the second year, Queen Huiwen died. Tian Dan became prime minister.

In the fourth year of his reign, the king dreamed that he wore a garment of patched clothes, rode a flying dragon up to heaven, but fell before reaching it, and saw treasures of gold and jade piled like mountains. The next day, the king summoned the diviner Gan to interpret the dream. He said: "To dream of wearing a patched garment means ruin. To ride a flying dragon up to heaven but fall before reaching it means having the appearance of strength but no substance. To see treasures of gold and jade piled like mountains means sorrow." Three days later, a messenger arrived from Feng Ting, the governor of Shangdang under Han: "Han cannot defend Shangdang, so we are surrendering it to Qin. But the officials and common people there would all rather submit to Zhao than serve Qin. There are seventeen walled cities we wish, with reverence, to offer to Zhao, along with whatever treasures Your Majesty wishes to bestow upon the officials and people." The king was overjoyed. He summoned Pingyang Lord Bao and said: "What do you think of Feng Ting's offer of seventeen cities?" He replied: "The sage greatly fears unexpected gains." The king said: "They cherish my virtue. How can this be unexpected?" Pingyang Lord answered: "Qin has been gradually devouring Han's territory, cutting it in two and preventing communication between north and south, believing it has already secured Shangdang as its own. Han did not surrender Shangdang to Qin because it wanted to pass its misfortune to Zhao. Qin did the fighting, but Zhao would reap the reward. Even a powerful state cannot take territory from a weak one—how much less can a weak state take from a powerful one? Can this possibly not be called unexpected gain? Moreover, Qin uses ox carts and waterways to transport grain, devours neighboring lands, and its soldiers fight with doubled ferocity to tear apart states beyond its borders. Its government is efficient and it cannot be opposed. Your Majesty must not accept the offer." The king said: "I have launched campaigns with a million soldiers and after a year or more have not captured a single city. Now to receive seventeen cities in exchange for some money—this is a great gain." After Pingyang Lord Bao left, the king summoned the Lord of the Two Lakes and Zhao Yu and asked their opinion. They replied: "Deploy a million soldiers and attack for a year without taking a single city, yet now we can simply receive seventeen cities—this is a great opportunity not to be missed." The king said: "Excellent." He ordered Zhao Sheng to receive the territory and sent word to Feng Ting: "Your humble envoy Sheng, acting on orders from our sovereign, respectfully presents his regards. We offer three prefectures of ten thousand households each to be hereditary fiefs for the governor, three more for the county magistrates, all to be passed on for generations. All officials and common people will have their ranks raised by three levels, and those who live in harmony will each be given six pieces of gold." Feng Ting wept as he refused to see the messenger, saying: "I will not be party to three kinds of injustice: I am the guardian of this land for my lord and cannot die defending it—this is the first injustice; I am surrendering it to Qin, disobeying my lord's orders—this is the second injustice; I am selling my lord's land for personal gain—this is the third injustice."

Zhao then sent troops to take Shangdang. Lian Po commanded the army at Pingding. In the sixth year, Lian Po was dismissed and Zhao Kuo took command. The Qin forces surrounded Zhao Kuo, who surrendered along with his army, and more than four hundred thousand men were buried alive. The king regretted not heeding Zhao Bao's advice, which was why the disaster at Pingding occurred. The king returned, but refused to listen to Qin. Qin then besieged Handan. The officer of Wuyuan, Fu Bao, together with Wang Rong and Su She, led the Yan forces in rebellion against Yan territory. Zhao granted the region of Lingqiu as a fief for the Lord of Chun, Prime Minister of Chu.

In the sixteenth year, Lian Po besieged Yan. Yue Cheng was made Lord of Wuxiang. In the seventeenth year, the acting supreme commander, the Lord of Wuxiang, attacked Yan and besieged its capital. In the eighteenth year, Yan Lingjun led forces to assist the Lord of Xinping in attacking Yan. Qin captured thirty-seven of our cities including Yuci. In the nineteenth year, Zhao and Yan exchanged territory: Zhao gave Longdu, Fenmen, and Linle to Yan; Yan gave Ge, Wuyang, and Pingshu to Zhao. In the twentieth year, Qin Yingzheng ascended the throne. Qin captured our Jinyang. In the twenty-first year, King Xiaocheng died. Lian Po commanded the army, attacked Fanyang, and captured it. He sent Yue Cheng to replace him, but Lian Po attacked Yue Cheng, who fled. Lian Po then fled into Wei. The king's son Yan became Lord of the Two Seas, the new king.

In the first year of King Daoxiang, he made great preparations to reconcile with Wei. He wished to open a road between Pingyi and Zhongmu, but it came to nothing. In the second year, Li Mu commanded the army and attacked Yan, capturing Suishui and Fangcheng. Qin summoned the Prince of Chun, whom Zhao had been trying to win over, and detained him. Xie Gou spoke on his behalf to the prime minister Wen Xin: "The Prince of Chun was greatly beloved by the King of Zhao, which made the palace attendants jealous, so they conspired together: 'If the Prince of Chun enters Qin, Qin will certainly detain him.' They therefore plotted to send him into Qin. Now if you detain him, you will fulfill the schemes of the palace attendants and sever relations with Zhao. It would be better to send the Prince of Chun away and keep Pingdu instead. The Prince of Chun's words and actions have earned the trust of the king, who would surely offer generous terms to ransom Pingdu." Wen Xin said: "Well spoken." He accordingly released the prince. Zhao fortified Hancao.

In the third year, Pang Nuan commanded the army and attacked Yan, capturing its general Ju Xin. In the fourth year, Pang Nuan led the elite forces of Zhao, Chu, and Wei in attacking Qin at Zui, but failed to take it. He then turned and attacked Qi, capturing Raoyan. In the fifth year, Fu Di was stationed at Pingyi; Qing She commanded the forces east of the river at the river bridge. In the sixth year, the king's son Chang'an was enfeoffed at Rao. Wei and Zhao exchanged the city of Ye.

They sent Yue Cheng to replace him; Lian Po attacked Yue Cheng, Yue Cheng fled, and Lian Po went into exile in Wei. Zi Yan ascended the throne—this was King Daoxiang. In the first year of King Daoxiang, he made great preparations against Wei. He wanted to open up roads between Pingyi and Zhongmou but was unsuccessful. In the second year, Li Mu took command and attacked Yan, capturing Wusui and Fangcheng. Qin summoned Lord Chunping and took the opportunity to detain him. Xie Gou spoke on his behalf to Marquis Wenxin: ‘Lord Chunping is greatly favored by the King of Zhao, but the palace attendants are jealous of him. Therefore they conspired among themselves, saying, “If Lord Chunping enters Qin, Qin is sure to detain him,” and so they plotted together to send him into Qin. Now if you detain him, you will sever relations with Zhao and the attendants’ scheme will have succeeded. It would be better for you to send Lord Chunping back and keep Pingdu. Lord Chunping’s words and actions are trusted by the king, and the king will certainly cede a large part of Zhao territory to ransom Pingdu.’ Marquis Wenxin said, ‘Good,’ and accordingly sent him back. They walled a city at Hangao.

In the third year, Pang Nuan served as general, attacked Yan, and captured its general Ju Xin. In the fourth year, Pang Nuan led the elite troops of Zhao, Chu, Wei, and Yan to attack Qin at Zui, but failed to take the city; then he shifted the attack to Qi and seized Rao'an. In the fifth year, Fu Di served as general and garrisoned Pingyi; Qing She led the forces from Dongyang beyond the He River to guard He Liang. In the sixth year, the Lord of Chang'an was enfeoffed with Rao. Wei and Zhao met at Ye. In the ninth year, Zhao attacked Yan and took Li and Yangcheng. Before the campaign had ended, Qin attacked Ye and captured it. King Daoxiang died, and his son King Youmiu Qian succeeded to the throne. In the first year of King Youmiu Qian, the walls of Boren were built. In the second year, Qin attacked Wucheng; Hu Zhe led troops to the rescue, but his army was defeated and he died. In the third year, Qin attacked Chili and Yi'an; Li Mu led the army and fought them at Feixia, driving them back.

Li Mu was enfeoffed as Lord of Wu'an. In the fourth year, Qin attacked Fanwu; Li Mu fought them and drove them back. In the fifth year, the Dai region suffered a great earthquake; from Lexu westward, north to Pingyin, platforms, houses and walls largely collapsed, and the ground split open with a fissure 130 paces wide from east to west. In the sixth year, a great famine occurred, and the people spread a rumour: 'Zhao wails, Qin laughs. If you do not believe, look at the ground sprouting hairs.' In the seventh year, the Qin attacked Zhao; the Zhao great general Li Mu and general Sima Shang led the troops and struck them.

Li Mu was executed, Sima Shang was dismissed, and Zhao Cong together with the Qi general Yan Ju replaced them. Zhao Cong's army was defeated, and Yan Ju fled. Thereupon King Qian surrendered. In the tenth month of the eighth year, Handan became Qin territory. The Grand Historian remarks: I have heard from Feng Wangsun: King Qian of Zhao, his mother was a singing girl, favoured by King Daoxiang. King Daoxiang set aside his rightful heir Jia and established Qian. Qian was from the start without good conduct, trusted slander, and therefore put to death his fine general Li Mu and employed Guo Kai. Was this not absurd!

After Qin captured Qian, the exiled ministers of Zhao jointly enthroned Jia as king. He reigned in Dai for six years, then Qin advanced with troops and defeated Jia, thus extinguishing Zhao and making it a commandery. The Zhao lineage shares the same ancestor as Qin. When King Mu of Zhou pacified Xu, he enfeoffed Zao Fu. Zhao Dai first served Jin, Zhao Su early held territory. Tu'an Jia falsely ordered the execution of the Zhao clan; Han Jue established Zhao Wu. The precious token descended upon Dai, and eventually they dwelt in Balu. Jianzi dreamed of the Zhai hound, Wuling sang of the Maiden. Though the barbarian dress and mounted archery made them strong, their establishment was not in the proper place. Lian Po and Li Mu were not employed, and King Qian became a prisoner captive.