← Back to 史記

晉世家

House of Jin

Chapter 39 of 史記 · Records of the Grand Historian
← Previous Chapter
Chapter 39
Next Chapter →
1
Tang Shu Yu of Jin was a son of King Wu of Zhou and the younger brother of King Cheng. At first, when King Wu met Shu Yu's mother, he dreamed that Heaven said to him: 'I command the woman to bear a son. Name him Yu, and I will give him Tang.' When the child was born, the writing on his hand said 'Yu'. Therefore, they named him Yu.
2
King Wu died, and King Cheng ascended the throne. Tang rebelled, and the Duke of Zhou punished and destroyed it. King Cheng played with Shu Yu, carved a paulownia leaf into a gui to give him, and said: 'With this I enfeoff you.' Shi Yi then asked that an auspicious day be chosen to enfeoff Shu Yu. King Cheng said: 'I was only playing with him.' Shi Yi said: 'The Tianzi has no idle words. Once words are spoken, historians record them, rites complete them, and music gives them voice.' They then enfeoffed Shu Yu at Tang. Tang lay east of the Yellow River and the Fen River, in an area a hundred li square. Therefore, he was called Tang Shu Yu. His surname was Ji, and his courtesy name was Ziyu.
3
Tangshu’s son Xie became Marquis of Jin. Marquis Xie of Jin’s son Ningzu became Marquis Wu. Marquis Wu’s son Furen became Marquis Cheng. Cheng Hou's son Fu became Li Hou. Marquis Li’s son Yijiu became Marquis Jing. From Marquis Jing onward, the chronology can be traced. From Tang Shu to Marquis Jing there were five generations, but their regnal years are not recorded.
4
In Jing Hou's seventeenth year, King Li of Zhou became reckless and cruel. The people rose in rebellion, and King Li fled to Zhi. The ministers governed in his place, and it was therefore called "Gonghe."
5
In the eighteenth year, Jing Hou died, and his son Xi Hou Situ succeeded him. In the fourteenth year of Marquis Xi's reign, King Xuan of Zhou first ascended the throne. In the eighteenth year, Xi Hou died, and his son Xian Hou Ji succeeded him. Xian Hou died in his eleventh year, and his son Mu Hou Fei Wang succeeded him.
6
In Marquis Mu's fourth year, he took a woman of the Jiang clan from Qi as his wife. In the seventh year, he attacked Tiao. She gave birth to Crown Prince Qiu. In his tenth year, he attacked Qianmu and achieved merit. She gave birth to a younger son named Chengshi. A Jin man named Shi Fu said: 'How strange the lord's naming of his sons! The crown prince was named Qiu, which means ‘enemy. The younger son is called Chengshi. Chengshi is an imposing name, one that implies accomplishment. Names follow their own fate. Things establish themselves. Now the legitimate and secondary sons' names are reversed and contrary. From this point on, how could Jin avoid disorder?"
7
In the twenty-seventh year, Marquis Mu died. His younger brother Shang Shu set himself up as ruler, and Crown Prince Qiu fled. In Shangshu’s third year, King Xuan of Zhou died. In the fourth year, Marquis Mu's crown prince Qiu led his followers, attacked Shang Shu, and established himself as ruler; this was Marquis Wen.
8
In Marquis Wen's tenth year, King You of Zhou lacked the Way. The Quanrong killed King You, and Zhou moved east. Duke Xiang of Qin first received rank among the feudal lords.
9
In the thirty-fifth year, Wen Hou Qiu died, and his son Zhao Hou Bo succeeded him.
10
In the first year of Marquis Zhao, he enfeoffed Marquis Wen's younger brother Chengshi at Quwo. The city of Quwo was larger than Yi. Yi was the Jin lord's capital city. Chengshi was enfeoffed at Quwo and styled Huan Shu. Luan Bin, a grandson by a concubine of Marquis Jing, assisted Huan Shu. Huan Shu at this time was fifty-eight years old and good at virtue. All the crowds of the Jin state attached themselves to him. A gentleman said: 'Jin's chaos is perhaps at Qu Wo. When the branch is larger than the root and obtains the people's heart, what can one wait for but chaos!'
11
In the seventh year, the Jin minister Pan Fu assassinated his lord, Marquis Zhao, and welcomed Huan Shu of Quwo. Huan Shu wanted to enter Jin, but the people of Jin sent troops to attack him. Huan Shu was defeated and returned to Quwo. The Jin people jointly established Zhao Hou's son Ping as lord, who became Xiao Hou. They executed Pan Fu.
12
In Xiao Hou's eighth year, Qu Wo's Huan Shu died. His son Jia succeeded the Huan Shu and became Qu Wo Zhuang Bo. In Xiao Hou's fifteenth year, Qu Wo Zhuang Bo assassinated his lord the Jin Xiao Hou at Yi. The people of Jin attacked Zhuang Bo of Quwo, and Zhuang Bo again entered Quwo. The people of Jin then established Marquis Xiao's son Xi as ruler; this was Marquis E.
13
使
E Hou died in his sixth year. Qu Wo Zhuang Bo heard that the Jin E Hou died, then raised troops to attack Jin. King Ping of Zhou made Guo Gong lead troops to attack Qu Wo Zhuang Bo. The Zhuang Bo fled to defend Qu Wo. The Jin people jointly established E Hou's son Guang, who became Ai Hou.
14
In Ai Hou's second year, Qu Wo Zhuang Bo died. His son Cheng replaced the Zhuang Bo and ascended, becoming Qu Wo Wu Gong. In Marquis Ai’s sixth year, Lu assassinated its lord, Duke Yin. In Marquis Ai’s eighth year, Jin invaded Xingting. Xing Ting plotted with Duke Wu of Quwo. In the ninth year, they attacked Jin by the Fen River and captured Marquis Ai. The people of Jin then established Marquis Ai's son Xiaozi as ruler; this was Marquis Xiaozi.
15
使
In Xiaozi's first year, Duke Wu of Quwo had Han Wan kill the captured Marquis Ai of Jin. Quwo grew increasingly powerful, and Jin had no way to deal with it.
16
使
In Jin Xiao Zi's fourth year, Qu Wo Wu Gong lured and summoned the Jin Xiao Zi and killed him. King Huan of Zhou made Guo Zhong attack Qu Wo Wu Gong. Wu Gong entered Qu Wo. They then established Jin Ai Hou's younger brother Min as the Jin Hou.
17
In Jin Hou Min's fourth year, Song seized Zheng's Ji Zhong and established Tu as the Zheng's lord. In Jin Hou's nineteenth year, Qi's Guan Zhi Fu assassinated their lord the Duke Xiang.
18
In Marquis Jin’s twenty-eighth year, Duke Huan of Qi began his hegemony. Qu Wo Wu Gong attacked Jin Hou Min and extinguished him. He completely bribed and presented his precious vessels to the King Xi of Zhou. King Xi commanded Duke Wu of Quwo to become lord of Jin and ranked him among the feudal lords. He then annexed all of Jin's territory and possessed it.
19
Qu Wo Wu Gong had already ascended for thirty-seven years. He changed his title to the Jin Wu Gong. Duke Wu of Jin then began to make his capital in Jin. Counting his earlier years at Quwo before taking the Jin throne, his reign totaled thirty-eight years.
20
The ruler called Duke Wu was a great-grandson of Marquis Mu of Jin and a grandson of Huan Shu of Quwo. Huan Shu was the first to be enfeoffed at Quwo. Wu Gong was Zhuang Bo's son. From Huan Shu's initial enfeoffment at Qu Wo until Wu Gong extinguished Jin, altogether sixty-seven years, and he finally replaced Jin as the feudal lord. Duke Wu replaced the Jin line for two years and then died. With the Qu Wo total years, he ascended for altogether thirty-nine years and died. His son Duke Xian Gui Zhu succeeded him.
21
In Duke Xian's first year, King Hui of Zhou's younger brother Sui attacked King Hui. King Hui fled and resided in the Zheng's Li Yi.
22
In the fifth year, he attacked the Li Rong and took Li Ji and her younger sister. He loved and favored them both.
23
使
In the eighth year, Shi Wei persuaded the gong and said: 'The former Jin's group of princes are many. If they are not executed, chaos is about to rise.' He then had all the princes killed, built walls around the gathered settlement, named it Jiang, and first made Jiang his capital. In the ninth year, Jin's group of princes had already fled to Guo. Guo, because of this reason, again attacked Jin but did not conquer. In the tenth year, Jin wanted to attack Guo. Shi Wei said: 'Wait until disorder breaks out among them.'
24
使 使
In the twelfth year, Li Ji gave birth to Xiqi. Duke Xian intended to depose the crown prince, and said: 'Quwo is where my first ancestor's ancestral temple stands, while Pu borders Qin and Qu borders Di. If I do not have the princes live there, I am afraid.' He then placed Crown Prince Shen Sheng in Quwo, Prince Chong Er in Pu, and Prince Yiwu in Qu. Duke Xian lived at Jiang with Li Ji and her son Xiqi. From this, the people of Jin knew that the crown prince would not be established. Crown Prince Shen Sheng's mother was the daughter of Duke Huan of Qi, called Qi Jiang. She died early. Shen Sheng's younger sister by the same mother became Duke Mu of Qin's wife. Chong Er's mother was a woman of the Hu clan of the Di. Yiwu’s mother was the younger sister of Chong’er’s mother. Duke Xian had eight sons, and Crown Prince Shen Sheng, Chong Er, and Yiwu all had worthy conduct. After he obtained Li Ji, he began to distance these three sons.
25
使
In the sixteenth year, Duke Xian of Jin formed two armies. The lord led the upper army, Crown Prince Shen Sheng the lower army. Zhao Su drove the chariot, Bi Wan served on the right, and they attacked and destroyed Huo, Wei, and Geng. On returning, he fortified Quwo for the crown prince. He granted Zhao Su Geng and Bi Wan Wei as fiefs, making them grand officers. Shi Wei said: 'The crown prince cannot be established. He has been removed from the capital and placed among the qing. Once the standard has been set, how can he still be established? It would be better to flee. Do not let guilt overtake him. To be like Tai Bo of Wu would also be acceptable. You would still have a good name.' The crown prince did not follow. Bu Yan said: 'Bi Wan's descendants must be great. Wan is a full number; Wei is a great name. Beginning the reward with this—heaven opened it. The Tian Zi is called myriad people, feudal lords are called ten thousand people. Now naming it great, to follow the full number, it must have a multitude.' Initially, Bi Wan divined about serving in the Jin state and encountered Tun of Bi. Xin Liao divined it and said: 'Auspicious. The hexagram Tun is firm, and Bi enters it. What omen could be more auspicious? Its descendants must flourish and prosper.'
26
使 退
In the seventeenth year, the marquis of Jin sent Crown Prince Shensheng to attack Dongshan. Li Ke admonished Duke Xian and said: 'The crown prince provides the grain for the ancestral sacrifices and state altars, and oversees the lord's meals morning and evening. Therefore, he is called the eldest son. When the lord goes out, someone remains to guard the state, and when someone guards it, another follows the lord. Following him is called supporting the army; guarding the state is called overseeing the state. This is the ancient system. Leading troops means monopolizing command and planning; Swearing the army is something the lord and the state deliberate over: it is not the crown prince's concern. The troops exist to carry out commands. To receive commands is not to inspire awe, and to monopolize commands is not filial. Therefore, the lord's rightful heir cannot lead troops. If the lord loses his station and leads troops without inspiring awe, what use is that?' The gong said: 'I have sons, but I do not know which one will be established as crown prince.' Li Ke did not reply, withdrew, and went to see the crown prince. The crown prince said: 'Am I perhaps to be deposed?' Li Ke said: 'Crown prince, strive! You have been taught with armies, and you do not share this fear. Why would you be deposed? You should fear being unfilial, not fear failing to be named heir. Cultivate yourself and do not blame others, then you will avoid calamity.' The crown prince led the troops. The gong clothed him in a one-sided robe and belted him with a gold jue. Li Ke declined on grounds of illness and did not follow the crown prince. The crown prince then attacked Dong Shan.
27
使
In the nineteenth year, Duke Xian said: 'Beginning with my first lords Zhuang Bo and Wu Gong, who put down Jin's disorder, Guo often helped Jin attack us and again sheltered Jin princes who had fled. Indeed, they rebelled. If they are not executed, they will later leave descendants worry.' He then sent Xun Xi with the horses of Quchan to request passage through Yu. Yu granted passage. He then attacked Guo, took its Xia Yang, and returned.
28
Duke Xian privately told Li Ji and said: 'I desire to depose the crown prince and replace him with Xi Qi.' Li Ji wept and said: 'The crown prince's establishment is already known to all the feudal lords, and he has repeatedly led troops, so the common people are attached to him. How can you, for the sake of a lowly concubine, depose the legitimate son and establish the son of a concubine? If the lord must do it, this concubine will commit suicide.' Li Ji feigned praise for the crown prince, but secretly had people slander him, wishing to establish her own son.
29
使 使
In the twenty-first year, Li Ji told the crown prince and said: 'The lord dreamed and saw Qi Jiang. Crown prince, quickly sacrifice at Qu Wo and return the blessing to the lord.' The crown prince then sacrificed to his mother Qi Jiang at Quwo and presented the sacrificial meat to Duke Xian. Duke Xian was away hunting at the time, so the meat was placed in the palace. Li Ji had people put poison in the meat. After staying two days, Duke Xian came back from hunting. The cook presented the meat to Duke Xian. Duke Xian desired to taste it. Li Ji from the side stopped him and said: 'The meat has come from far away. You should test it.' When they sacrificed to the earth, the earth rose; When they gave it to a dog, the dog died; He gave it to a minor attendant, and the attendant died. Li Ji wept and said: 'How cruel is the crown prince! He desires to assassinate and replace his own father. How much more so others? The lord is old and may die any day now, yet he cannot even wait and wants to assassinate him!' She told Duke Xian: 'The crown prince acts only because of this concubine and Xi Qi. I wish mother and son would avoid to another state. If we commit suicide early, we won't vainly let mother and son be butchered by the crown prince. At the beginning, when the lord desired to depose him, this concubine still resented it; Until now, this concubine especially has lost herself at this.' The crown prince heard of this and fled to Xincheng. Duke Xian was angered and executed his tutor, Du Yuankuan. Someone told the crown prince and said: 'The one who made this medicine was Li Ji. Crown prince, why do you not explain and clarify it yourself?' The crown prince said: 'My lord is old. Without Li Ji, he sleeps not peacefully and eats not sweetly. If I explain, the lord will only be angered by it. It is not permissible.' Someone told the crown prince and said: 'You can flee to another state.' The crown prince said: 'If I carry this evil name and leave, which people will accept me? I will commit suicide.' In the twelfth month, on wushen, Shen Sheng committed suicide at Xin Cheng.
30
使 退
At this time, Chong’er and Yiwu came to court. Someone told Li Ji and said: 'The two princes resent Li Ji for slandering and killing the crown prince.' Li Ji feared, therefore slandered the two princes: 'Shen Sheng's medicine meat, the two princes knew of it.' The two sons heard of this and were afraid. Chong Er fled to Pu and Yiwu fled to Qu, each holding his city and preparing his own defenses. Earlier, Duke Xian had ordered Shi Wei to build cities for the two princes at Pu and Qu, but he had not completed them. Yiwu told the duke about it, and the duke was angered at Shi Wei. Shi Wei apologized and said: 'The border cities have few bandits. Why use them?' He retreated and sang: 'The fox fur robe is bushy; one state has three lords. Whom should I follow!' He finally completed the cities. When Shensheng died, the two sons also returned and secured their cities.
31
使 使
In the twenty-second year, Duke Xian was angered that the two sons left without bidding farewell. Indeed, they had a plot. He then sent troops to attack Pu. The eunuch Bo Di of Pu ordered Chong Er to commit suicide at once. Chong Er leaped over the wall, and the eunuch pursued him and cut off his sleeve. Chong Er then fled to Di. He sent people to attack Qu. The Qu city defended, and it could not be conquered.
32
That year, Jin again requested passage through Yu in order to attack Guo. Yu's grand officer Gong Zhi Qi admonished the Yu lord and said: 'Jin cannot be granted passage. This is about to extinguish Yu.' The Yu lord said: 'Jin and I share the same surname. It is not proper to attack me.' Gong Zhi Qi said: 'Tai Bo and Yu Zhong were the Tai Wang's sons. Tai Bo fled away, therefore he did not succeed. Guo Zhong and Guo Shu were Wang Ji's sons. They served as King Wen's qing shi. Their recorded merits are in the royal chamber, stored in the alliance treasury. If Guo will be extinguished, why cherish Yu? Can Yu's kinship be closer than that of the Huan and Zhuang clans? What wrong had the Huan and Zhuang clans done? They exterminated them completely. Yu and Guo are like lips and teeth. If the lips are gone, then the teeth will be cold.' The Duke of Yu did not listen and permitted Jin to pass. Gong Zhiqi left Yu with his clan. That winter, Jin destroyed Guo, and Duke Chou of Guo fled to Zhou. On the return, they made a surprise attack and destroyed Yu, capturing the duke of Yu and his grand officer Jing Bo Baili Xi. Baili Xi was sent to accompany Mu Ji of Qin, while Yu's sacrifices were maintained. Xun Xi led the previously left Yu Qu produced horses and presented them to Duke Xian. Duke Xian laughed and said: 'The horses are then my horses, but their teeth are also old!'
33
In the twenty-third year, Duke Xian sent Jia Hua and others to attack Qu, and Qu collapsed. Yiwu was about to flee to Di. Ji Rui said: 'It is not permissible. Chong Er is already there. If we go now, Jin must shift troops to attack Di. Di fears Jin, and the calamity is about to reach us. It would be better to flee to Liang. Liang is near Qin, and Qin is strong. After the lord's hundred years, we can seek to enter there.' He then fled to Liang. In the twenty-fifth year, Jin attacked the Di. Because of Chong Er, the Di also struck Jin at Niesang, and the Jin troops dispersed and withdrew.
34
西西
At this time, Jin was powerful. To the west it held Hexi and bordered Qin; to the north it bordered the Di; to the east it reached Henei.
35
Li Ji’s younger sister gave birth to Daozi.
36
使
In the summer of the twenty-sixth year, Duke Huan of Qi held a great assembly of feudal lords at Kui Qiu. Duke Xian of Jin was ill. He went after them, but had not yet arrived when he met the Zhou's steward Kong. Steward Kong said: 'Duke Huan of Qi is increasingly arrogant. He does not attend to virtue but attends to distant strategies. The feudal lords are not content. Lord, do not assemble. There is nothing you can do about Jin.' Duke Xian was also ill and again returned home. When the illness became severe, he then told Xun Xi and said: 'I make Xi Qi my successor, but he is young in years. The ministers will not submit. I fear chaos will rise. Can you establish him?' Xun Xi said: 'I can.' Duke Xian said: 'What will serve as verification?' He replied and said: 'If the dead can revive and the living are not ashamed, that will serve as verification.' They then entrusted Xiqi to Xun Xi. Xun Xi became chancellor and controlled the government of the state. In autumn, in the ninth month, Duke Xian died. Li Ke and Pi Zheng desired to bring in Chong Er. With the three princes' followers making chaos, they told Xun Xi and said: 'Three resentments will rise, and Qin and Jin will help them. What will you do?' Xun Xi said: 'I cannot betray the former lord's words.' In the tenth month, Li Ke killed Xiqi beside the mourning bier, before Duke Xian had been buried. Xun Xi was about to die for it. Someone said it would be better to establish Xi Qi's younger brother Dao Zi and tutor him. Xun Xi established Dao Zi and buried the Duke Xian. In the eleventh month, Li Ke assassinated Daozi at court, and Xun Xi died for him. The gentleman said: 'The Shi says: 'A white gui's blemish can still be ground, but this word's blemish cannot be done.' This speaks of Xun Xi! He did not betray his words.' Initially, when Duke Xian was about to attack the Li Rong, the divination said 'teeth and fangs will become calamity'. When he defeated the Li Rong and took Li Ji, he loved her, and in the end she brought disorder to Jin.
37
使 使 使西 使
Li Ke and others had already killed Xi Qi and Dao Zi. They sent people to welcome Prince Chong Er from the Di, desiring to establish him. Chong Er declined and said: 'I fled carrying my father's command. When my father died, I was unable to perform the rites of a son and attend the mourning. How would Chong Er dare enter! The grand officers should change and establish another son.' They returned and reported to Li Ke, who had them welcome Yiwu from Liang. Yiwu desired to go. Lu Sheng and Xi Rui said: 'Inside there are still princes who can be established, and yet we seek from the outside. This is difficult to trust. If the plan is not of Qin, and we help a strong state's might to enter, we fear danger.' Then he had Xi Rui heavily bribe Qin and make an agreement, saying: 'If we obtain entry, please give Jin's lands west of the Yellow River to Qin.' And he sent Li Ke a letter and said: 'If I truly obtain establishment, please then enfeoff you at the Fen Yang city.' Duke Mu of Qin then sent troops to send Yiwu to Jin. Duke Huan of Qi heard of Jin's internal chaos and also led the feudal lords to go to Jin. Qin troops escorting Yiwu also arrived in Jin. Qi then had Xi Peng meet with Qin so that they could bring Yiwu in together and establish him as Jin's lord. He became Duke Hui. Duke Huan of Qi arrived at Jin's Gao Liang and returned home.
38
使西 使 使
In Duke Hui Yiwu's first year, he made Pi Zheng thank Qin and said: 'Beginning, Yiwu promised the lord the He Xi land. Now I have fortunately obtained entry and establishment. The ministers said: 'The land is the former lord's land. When the lord fled outside, how could you obtain the right to monopolize and promise it to Qin? I contended for it but could not obtain it. Therefore, I thank Qin.' He also failed to give Li Ke the city of Fenyang and stripped him of authority. In the fourth month, King Xiang of Zhou had the Duke of Zhou, Ji Fu, meet with the grand officers of Qi and Qin to perform the rituals for Duke Hui of Jin together. Because Chong Er was outside the state, Duke Hui feared that Li Ke would incite disorder and granted Li Ke death. He told him: 'Without Li Zi, I would not have been able to take the throne. Although, you also killed two lords and one grand officer. For the lord, is this not also difficult?' Li Ke replied and said: 'If there is nothing deposed, how can the lord rise? If you desire to execute him, does he not have words? Then I spoke for this reason, and now you desire to execute me! This minister has heard the command.' He then threw himself upon his sword and died. Pi Zheng's envoy to thank Qin had not yet returned, so he was not caught in the crisis.
39
西
The ruler of Jin reburied the crown prince Gong Shensheng. In autumn, when Hu Tu was going down to the state, he met Shen Sheng. Shen Sheng rode with him and told him, saying: 'Yiwu is without ritual. I obtained a request from the Emperor. I will give Jin to Qin, and Qin will sacrifice to me.' Hu Tu replied and said: 'This minister has heard that spirits do not eat from those who are not their ancestral temple. Lord, will the sacrifices not be cut off? Lord, you should plan it.' Shen Sheng said: 'Yes, I will again request the Emperor. After ten days, at Xin Cheng's west side, there will be a shaman who sees me there.' He promised this, and then the spirit was not seen again. And at the time he went, he again saw him. Shen Sheng told him and said: 'The Emperor has permitted punishing the guilty. It will end at Han.' A child then sang: 'Crown Prince Gong has been reburied. After fourteen years, Jin will also not be prosperous. Prosperity will then be in the elder brother.'
40
使 使 輿
Pi Zheng was an envoy to Qin. When he heard that Li Ke had been executed, he then persuaded Duke Mu of Qin and said: 'Lu Sheng, Xi Cheng, and Ji Rui truly are not obedient. If you heavily bribe and plot, expel the Jin lord, and bring in Chong Er, the matter must succeed.' Duke Mu of Qin permitted it and made people return to report to Jin, thickly bribing the three sons. The three sons said: 'The gifts are lavish, and the words are sweet. This must be Pi Zheng selling us to Qin.' They then killed Pi Zheng and Li Ke, and Pi Zheng's party of the seven chariot grand officers. Pi Zheng's son Bao fled to Qin and spoke of attacking Jin. Duke Mu did not listen to the proposal.
41
輿 使
When Duke Hui was established, he betrayed Qin over the promised lands and betrayed Li Ke. He executed the seven grand officers of the chariots, and the people of the state did not support him. In the second year, Zhou made Shao Gong Guo perform rituals for Jin's Duke Hui. Duke Hui's rituals were arrogant. Shao Gong criticized him.
42
In the fourth year, Jin suffered a famine and asked Qin to sell it grain. Duke Mu asked Baili Xi. Baili Xi said: 'Heaven's calamities circulate, and states alternately have them. To save calamities and relieve neighbors is the state's way. Give to them.' Pi Zheng's son Bao said: 'Attack them.' Duke Mu said: 'Their lord is evil, but what wrong have his people done?' In the end, they provided grain from Yong all the way to Jiang.
43
In the fifth year, Qin suffered a famine and requested grain from Jin. The Jin lord consulted it. Qing Zheng said: 'It was Qin that established us, and then we doubled back on the land agreement. When Jin had famine, Qin lent to us. Now Qin has famine and requests grain. What doubt is there in giving the grain to them? And yet you plot against them! This is what I mean!' Guo She said: 'In previous years, heaven granted Jin to Qin, but the Qin did not know to take it and lent to us. Today heaven grants Qin to Jin. How can Jin oppose heaven? Then attack them.' Duke Hui used Guo She's plan. He did not give grain to Qin, and sent the troops to attack Qin. Qin was greatly angered and likewise sent troops to attack Jin.
44
使 使
In the spring of the sixth year, Duke Mu of Qin led troops to attack Jin. Duke Hui of Jin told Qing Zheng and said: 'The Qin army is deep. What should we do?' Zheng said: 'Qin brought in the lord, and the lord doubled their bribe; When Jin had famine, Qin transported grain. When Qin had famine, Jin doubled it. Then you desired to take advantage of their famine to attack them. Is the depth not also proper!' Jin divined for the chariot driver and right side. Qing Zheng was all auspicious. The gong said: 'Zheng is not filial.' He then ordered Bu Yang to drive the war chariot, with the household servant Tu serving on the right, and advanced the troops. In the ninth month, on renxu, Duke Mu of Qin and Duke Hui of Jin joined battle at Han Yuan. Duke Hui's horse stumbled and would not move. Qin troops arrived, and the duke, in distress, summoned Qing Zheng to drive. Zheng said: 'You did not use the divination. Is defeat not also proper!' He then left. He again commanded Liang You Mi to drive, Guo She as the right, and pursued Duke Mu of Qin. Duke Mu's strong men braved and defeated the Jin army. The Jin army was defeated. They then lost Duke Mu of Qin, but instead captured the Jin gong to return. Qin was about to sacrifice him to the Lord on High. The Jin lord's elder sister was Duke Mu's wife. She wept in mourning garments. The gong said: 'I obtained the Jin hou and will take it as joy, but now it is like this. I have also heard that Jizi saw Tang Shu's initial enfeoffment and said, 'His descendants must become great.' How can Jin be extinguished!' He then made a covenant with the marquis of Jin at Wangcheng and allowed him to return. The Jin lord also had Lu Sheng and others report to the people, saying: 'Though I return, I have no face to see the altars. Choose an auspicious day and establish Zi Yu.' When the people of Jin heard this, they all wept. Duke Mu of Qin asked Lu Sheng: 'Is the Jin state harmonious?' He replied and said: 'It is not harmonious. Small people fear losing the lord and losing kin. They do not dread establishing Zi Yu and said 'we must avenge enmity, rather serve Rong and Di'. Their gentlemen then love the lord and know guilt, to await the Qin command, and said 'we must repay virtue'. Having these two reasons, it is not harmonious.' Duke Mu of Qin then lodged Duke Hui of Jin again and gifted him the seven sets of animals. In the eleventh month, they returned the Marquis of Jin. The marquis of Jin returned to his state, executed Qing Zheng, and restored government and instruction. They consulted and said: 'Chong Er is outside, and many feudal lords would profit from bringing him in.' He wanted to send men to kill Chong’er among the Di. Chong’er heard of this and went to Qi.
45
使
In the eighth year, he sent Crown Prince Yu as a hostage to Qin. Initially, when Duke Hui fled in Liang, Liang Bo married his daughter to him. She gave birth to a male and a female. Liang Bo divined about them: the boy would become another man's minister, and the girl another man's concubine. Therefore, he named the boy Yu and the girl Qie.
46
In the tenth year, Qin extinguished Liang. Liang Bo liked earthworks and managed the city moats. The people's strength was exhausted and resentment grew. The crowds often alarmed one another, saying, 'The Qin bandits are coming.' The people lived in fear and confusion, and Qin finally destroyed it.
47
使
In the thirteenth year, Duke Hui of Jin was ill. He had several sons inside. Crown Prince Yu said: 'My mother's family is in Liang. Qin has now destroyed Liang. Outside I am looked down on by Qin, and inside the state I have no support. If the lord does not rise, the ill grand officers are light, and they will change and establish another prince.' He then plotted with his wife for them to flee back together. The Qin woman said: 'You are one state's crown prince, humiliated here. Qin assigned a maidservant to attend you in order to strengthen your resolve. If you flee, I will not follow you, and also I will not dare to speak.' Ziyu then fled and returned to Jin. In the ninth month of the fourteenth year, Duke Hui died. Crown Prince Yu was established and became Duke Huai.
48
使
When Zi Yu fled, the state of Qin resented it and then sought Prince Chong Er, desiring to bring him in. Zi Yu's establishment feared Qin's attack. He then commanded those in the state who had followed Chong Er in flight to set a deadline. Those who did not arrive by the deadline would have their families exterminated. Hu Tu's sons Mao and Yan followed Chong Er in the state of Qin and were not willing to be summoned. Duke Huai grew angry and imprisoned Hu Tu. Tu said: 'My minister sons have served Chong Er for many years. Now if I summon them, this teaches them to oppose the lord. How can I teach them that?' Duke Huai finally killed Hu Tu. Duke Mu of Qin then sent troops to bring in Chong Er. He had people tell the Luan and Xi faction to serve as internal support, killed Duke Huai at Gao Liang, and brought Chong Er in. Chong Er was established and became Duke Wen.
49
使
Duke Wen of Jin, Chong Er, was Duke Xian of Jin's son. From a young age he liked scholars. At the age of seventeen, he had five worthy scholars: Zhao Cui; Huyan Jiu Fan, Duke Wen's maternal uncle; Jia Tuo; Xian Zhen; Wei wuzi. From when Duke Xian was crown prince, Chong Er was indeed already an adult. When Duke Xian ascended the throne, Chong Er was twenty-one years old. In Duke Xian's thirteenth year, because of Li Ji, Chong Er fortified Pu against Qin. In Duke Xian's twenty-first year, Duke Xian killed Crown Prince Shen Sheng. Li Ji had slandered him. Chong Er feared and, without bidding farewell to Duke Xian, defended the city of Pu. In Duke Xian's twenty-second year, Duke Xian made the eunuch Lu Di hurry to kill Chong Er. Chong Er leaped over the wall, and the eunuch pursued him and cut off his sleeve. Chong Er then fled to Di. Di was his mother's state. At this time Chong’er was forty-three years old. These five scholars followed him. Several dozen others whose names are not recorded also arrived in the state of Di.
50
使 使
Di attacked Jiu Ru and obtained two women. They married the elder daughter to Chong Er, and she gave birth to Bo Tao and Shu Liu; They married the younger daughter to Zhao Cui. She gave birth to Dun. He lived in the state of Di for five years when Duke Xian of Jin died. Li Ke had already killed Xi Qi and Dao Zi. He then sent people to welcome Chong Er, desiring to establish him. Chong Er feared he would be killed, so he firmly declined and dared not enter. Soon after, the state of Jin again welcomed his younger brother Yiwu and established him, who became Duke Hui. In Duke Hui's seventh year, he feared Chong Er and made the eunuch Lu Di and strong men desire to kill Chong Er. Chong Er heard of it and consulted Zhao Cui and the others, saying: 'When I first fled to Di, it was not because I thought it could be used, but because it was nearby and easy to reach. So I rested there for the time being. I have rested my feet here for a long time and sincerely wish to move on to a great state. Duke Huan of Qi loved goodness. His ambition was to become hegemon king. He gathered and relieved the feudal lords. Now I have heard that Guan Zhong and Xi Peng have died. The duke also desires to obtain worthy assistants. Why not go?' He then went. Chong Er said to the wife: 'Wait for me for twenty-five years. If I do not come, then you may marry another.' His wife laughed and said: 'After plowing for twenty-five years, the cypress on my tomb will be large. Although, I will wait for you.' Chong Er lived among the Di for twelve years in all before leaving.
51
鹿
He passed through Wei, but Duke Wen of Wei treated him discourteously. After leaving, he passed through Wulu. Hungry, he begged food from a rustic, who filled an earthen vessel with soil and presented it to him. Chong Er was angered. Zhao Cui said: 'Earth means to have land. The lord should bow and receive it.'
52
He arrived in the state of Qi. Duke Huan of Qi was very courteous and married a daughter of his clan to him. He gave him twenty teams of horses. Chong Er was at ease. Chong Er had been in the state of Qi for two years when Duke Huan died. Shu Dao and others made internal chaos. During Duke Xiao of Qi's establishment, feudal lords' troops arrived several times. He stayed in Qi for five years in all. Chong Er loved the woman of Qi and had no thought of leaving. Zhao Cui and Jiu Fan then plotted their departure beneath the mulberry tree. An attendant of the Qi woman heard this from among the mulberry trees and told her mistress. Her mistress then killed the attendant and urged Chong Er to leave quickly. Chong Er said: 'Human life is peaceful and joyful. Who knows other things! I must die here and cannot leave.' The Qi woman said: 'You are a prince of a state, yet you have come here in poverty. A number of scholars have entrusted their fate to you. If you do not quickly return to your state and repay your hard-working ministers, but instead cling to a woman's kindness, I am privately ashamed on your behalf. If you do not seek it now, when will you win merit?' She then plotted with Zhao Cui and the others, got Chong Er drunk, and carried him off. They went far and he awoke. Chong Er was greatly angered and drew the spear, desiring to kill Jiu Fan. Jiu Fan said: 'If killing the minister completes you, that is Yan's wish.' Chong Er said: 'If the matter does not succeed, I will eat my maternal uncle's flesh.' Jiu Fan said: 'If the matter does not succeed, Fan's flesh is rank and rancid. What is there sufficient to eat!' He then stopped and went.
53
He passed through the state of Cao. Duke Gong of Cao was not courteous and desired to view Chong Er's conjoined ribs. The Cao grand officer Xi Fu Ji said: 'The Jin prince is worthy and shares our surname. He came to us in poverty and passed through our state. How can we fail to be courteous!' Duke Gong did not follow his plan. Fu Ji then privately sent Chong Er food, placing a jade disk underneath it. Chong’er accepted the food and returned the jade.
54
He left and passed through Song. Duke Xiang of Song had just been hard-pressed by Chu troops and wounded at Hong, and when he heard that Chong Er was worthy, he treated him with state rituals. The Song Sima Gongsun Gu was good with Jiu Fan and said: 'Song is a small state newly distressed. It is not sufficient to seek entry. Change to a great state.' They then left.
55
He passed through Zheng, but Duke Wen of Zheng treated him discourteously. Zheng Shu Zhan admonished his lord, saying: 'The Jin prince is worthy, and his followers are all men fit to serve as state chancellors. They also share our surname. The state of Zheng descends from King Li, and the state of Jin descends from King Wu.' The Zheng lord said: 'Fled princes of feudal lords passing through here are many. How can we exhaust courtesy!' Shu Zhan said: 'If you will not treat him with courtesy, better to kill him; otherwise he will later become a danger to the state.' The Zheng lord did not listen.
56
Chong’er went to Chu. King Cheng of Chu treated him with the ritual due to a feudal lord, but Chong’er declined and did not dare accept it. Zhao Cui said: 'You have fled outside for more than ten years. The small states slight you, how much more the great states? Now Chu is a great state and surely meets you. You should not decline. This is heaven opening for you.' He then saw him with guest rituals. King Cheng treated Chong Er very well. Chong Er was very humble. King Cheng said: 'If you return to the state, what will you use to repay me?' Chong Er said: 'Feathers, fur, teeth, horns, jade, and silks are what the lord king has in abundance. I do not know what to use to repay.' The king said: 'Although this is so, what will you use to repay this unworthy one?' Chong Er said: 'If I cannot avoid it and meet the lord king in war chariots on the plains and marshes, I ask to withdraw three camp spaces.' The Chu general Zi Yu was angered and said: 'The king treats the Jin prince extremely well. Now Chong Er's words are not filial. Please kill him.' King Cheng said: 'The Jin prince is worthy and has been distressed outside for a long time. His followers are all state vessels. This is what heaven has placed. How can we kill him? What words could change this!' He lived in Chu for several months, and the Jin crown prince Yu fled Qin. Qin resented it; They heard Chong Er was in Chu and then summoned him. King Cheng said: 'Chu is far. You must pass through multiple states to reach Jin. Qin and Jin share a border. The Qin lord is worthy. You should diligently go!' He sent Chong Er with great generosity.
57
Chong Er arrived in Qin. Duke Mu gave him five women of the royal clan as wives, and Zi Yu's former wife also went with them. Chong Er did not desire to receive them. Sikong jizi said: 'The state is about to be attacked. How much more the former wife! Receive them to bind Qin to us by marriage and seek your return. Are you going to cling to minor ritual and forget a great humiliation!' He then received them. Duke Mu was greatly happy and drank with Chong Er. Zhao Cui sang the 'Shu Miao' poem. Duke Mu said: 'I know you desire to urgently return to your state.' Zhao Cui and Chong Er descended and twice bowed, saying: 'The orphan minister looks up to the lord, like a hundred grains hope for seasonal rain.' At this time it was the autumn of Duke Hui of Jin's fourteenth year. Duke Hui died in the ninth month. Zi Yu was established. In the eleventh month, Duke Hui was buried. In the twelfth month, the Jin state's grand officers Luan, Xi and others heard Chong Er was in Qin. They all secretly came to urge Chong Er, Zhao Cui and others to return to the state, acting as very many inner supporters. Duke Mu of Qin then sent troops with Chong Er to return to Jin. Jin heard that Qin troops were coming and likewise sent troops to resist them. Privately, however, they all knew that Prince Chong’er was entering Jin. Only Duke Hui’s former noble ministers, including the Lu and Xi clans, did not wish to establish Chong’er. Chong’er had spent nineteen years in exile before gaining entry. At that time he was sixty-two years old, and many people of Jin attached themselves to him.
58
使
In the spring of Duke Wen's first year, Qin sent Chong Er to the river. Jiu Fan said: 'I have followed the lord and wandered the world. My faults are also many. I still know it. How much more the lord? Please allow me to leave from here.' Chong Er said: 'If I return to the state, what I do not share with Zi Fan, may the River Lord watch it!' He then threw the jade into the river to seal an oath with Zi Fan. At this time Jie Zitui was following in the boat. He laughed and said: 'Heaven truly opened the way for the prince, but Zi Fan takes it as his own merit and demands reward from the lord. This is indeed shameful enough. I cannot endure to be in the same position.' He then hid himself and crossed the river. Qin troops surrounded Linghu, while Jin troops were at Luliu. In the second month, on xinchou, Jiu Fan allied with Qin and Jin grand officers at Xun. On renyin, Chong’er entered the Jin army. On bingwu, he entered Qu Wo. On dingwei, he courted at the Wu Palace, ascended the throne as Jin's lord, and became Duke Wen. All the ministers went. Duke Huai Yu fled to Gao Liang. On wushen, he sent men to kill Duke Huai.
59
使
Duke Huai's former ministers Lu Sheng and Xi Rui originally did not attach to Duke Wen. When Duke Wen was established, they feared execution, and then desired to plot with their followers to burn the duke's palace and kill Duke Wen. Duke Wen did not know. The eunuch Lü Di, who had once tried to kill Duke Wen, learned of their plot. Hoping to atone for his earlier crime, he sought an audience with Duke Wen so he could report it. Duke Wen did not see him, but made people reproach him, saying: 'In the Pu city matter, you cut my robe sleeve. Later, when I followed the Di lord on a hunt, you came on Duke Hui’s behalf seeking to kill me. Duke Hui agreed with you to arrive in three days, but you arrived on the first day. Why so fast? You should think of it.' The eunuch said: 'I am a remainder of knife and saw. I dared not serve the lord with two hearts and betray the master. Therefore, I offended the lord. The lord has already returned to the state. Are there not Pu and Di? Guan Zhong once shot the belt hook, yet Duke Huan still became hegemon. Now a punishment remainder person tells a matter and the lord does not see him. Calamity is again about to reach.' Duke Wen then received him, and he told the duke about Lu, Xi, and the others. Duke Wen wanted to summon Lu and Xi. Their faction was large. Fearing that the people of the state might betray him as soon as he entered, he traveled in secret and met Duke Mu of Qin at Wang Cheng. The people of the state did not know. In the third month, on jichou, Lu, Xi and others indeed rebelled, burned the duke's palace, but did not obtain Duke Wen. Duke Wen's Wei followers fought with them. Lu and Xi led troops desiring to flee. Duke Mu of Qin lured Lu and Xi, killed them on the river bank. The Jin state was restored and Duke Wen obtained return. In summer, he welcomed the lady from Qin. The woman whom Qin had married to Duke Wen ultimately became his lady. Qin sent three thousand guards to prepare against disorder in Jin.
60
祿祿 祿 使
Duke Wen restored order to the government and extended favor to the common people. He rewarded those who had followed him in exile and the ministers who had rendered service. The greatest were enfeoffed with cities, and the lesser were honored with ranks. Before he had exhausted bestowing rewards, King Xiang of Zhou, with his younger brother Dai in calamity, went out and resided in the land of Zheng. He came to urgently tell Jin. Jin had only just been settled. Duke Wen wanted to send out troops but feared other disorder would arise. For this reason, the rewards for those who had followed him in exile had not yet reached the recluse Jie Zitui. Tui himself did not speak of emolument, and so emolument did not reach him. Tui said: 'Duke Xian had nine princes. Only the lord remains. Hui and Huai had no kin. Outside and inside abandoned them; Heaven has not cut off Jin. There must be a lord. The one who presides over Jin's sacrifices, if not the lord, then who? Heaven truly opened it. The two or three sons take it as their own strength. Is this not false? To steal a person's wealth is still called theft. How much more to greedily take heaven's merit as one's own strength? Those below risk committing crimes, while those above reward treachery. Superiors and subordinates deceive one another. It is difficult to remain with them!' The mother said: 'Why not also seek it? If you die, who will resent you?' Tui said: 'To blame it and then imitate it, the crime is even greater. Since I have spoken resentfully, I will not eat their emolument.' His mother said: 'Also make them know it. How about that?' He replied and said: 'Words are the pattern of the body; If the body desires to hide, why use pattern for it? To pattern it is to seek manifestation.' His mother said: 'Can you be like this? I will hide together with you.' Until his death, he was not seen again.
61
使 綿綿
Jie Zi Tui's followers pitied him, then hung writing on the palace gate, saying: 'The dragon desires to ascend to heaven, with five snakes as auxiliaries. The dragon has already ascended the clouds. Four snakes each entered their dwellings. One snake alone is resentful, and finally its place is not seen.' Duke Wen went out, saw the writing, and said: 'This is Jie Zi Tui. I am just worrying about the royal house. I have not yet planned his merit.' He sent men to summon him, but Jie Zitui had gone. Then he sought Jie Tui's whereabouts and heard that he had entered Mount Mianshang. Duke Wen then enclosed the area around Mount Mianshang, enfeoffed it as Jie Tui's field, and named it Mount Jie, 'to record my error and commend a good man.'
62
The humble minister Hu Shu, who had followed in flight, said; 'The lord has three times bestowed reward, but the reward has not reached the minister. I dare to request punishment.' Duke Wen replied and said: 'Those who guided me with benevolence and righteousness, and defended me with virtue and favor—these receive the upper reward. Those who assisted me in conduct and finally established me—these receive secondary reward. The difficulties of arrows and stones, the labors of sweating horses—these again receive secondary reward. If with strength they served me and did not supplement the deficiencies, these [again] receive secondary reward. After the three rewards, therefore it will temporarily reach you.' When the people of Jin heard it, they were all pleased.
63
In the spring of the second year, Qin troops were on the river, about to enter the king. Zhao Cui said; 'To seek hegemony, nothing is better than entering the king and honoring Zhou. Zhou and Jin have the same surname. If Jin does not first enter the king, and later Qin enters it, there will be no commanding the world. Just now to honor the king is Jin's resource.' In the third month, on jiachen, Jin then sent troops to Yang Fan, surrounded Wen, and entered King Xiang into Zhou. In the fourth month, they killed the king's younger brother Dai. King Xiang of Zhou granted Jin the lands of He Nei and Yang Fan.
64
使
In the fourth year, King Cheng of Chu and the feudal lords surrounded Song. Song's Gongsun Gu went to Jin to urgently tell them. Xian Zhen said: 'To repay the bestowal and establish hegemony is here at present.' Huyan said: 'Chu has newly obtained Cao and initially married at the state of Wei. If we attack Cao and Wei, Chu must save them, then Song will be freed.' Jin then formed three armies. Zhao Cui raised Xi Hu to lead the middle army, and Xi Zhen assisted him; He made Huyan command the upper army, with Hu Mao assisting him, and commanded Zhao Cui as qing; Luan Zhi commanded the lower army, with Xian Zhen assisting him; Xun Lin Fu drove the chariot, with Wei Chou as the right: they went to attack. In the twelfth month of winter, the Jin troops first went down to Shan Dong, and enfeoffed Zhao Cui with Yuan.
65
鹿
In the spring of the fifth year, Duke Wen of Jin desired to attack Cao. He requested passage through Wei, but the Wei people did not permit it. He returned and crossed from Henan, invaded Cao, and attacked Wei. In the first month, he took Wulu. In the second month, the Marquis of Jin and the Marquis of Qi formed an alliance at Lianyu. The Marquis of Wei requested an alliance with Jin, but the people of Jin did not permit it. The Marquis of Wei wished to ally with Chu. The people of the state did not want this, and therefore they expelled their lord to please Jin. The Marquis of Wei resided at Xiangniu. Prince Mai guarded Wei. Chu came to rescue Wei, but did not succeed. The Jin hou surrounded Cao. In the third month, on bingwu, the Jin army entered Cao. They reproached them for not using Xi Fu Ji's words, but for using three hundred beautiful women riding in chariots. He commanded the army not to enter the ancestral residence of Xi Fuji, repaying his virtue. Chu surrounded Song, and Song again urgently reported this to Jin. Duke Wen desired to save Song, but then he would have to attack Chu. Because Chu had once shown virtue, he did not desire to attack the state; He desired to release Song, but Song had also once shown virtue to Jin: he was troubled by it. Xian Zhen said: 'Seize the Cao bo, divide the lands of Cao and Wei to give to Song. Chu will be urgent about Cao and Wei, and its situation will be suitable to release Song.' Duke Wen then followed the plan, and King Cheng of Chu led his troops back.
66
使 退 退 退
The Chu general Zi Yu said: 'The king treats Jin extremely well. Now Jin knows that Chu is urgent about Cao and Wei, and deliberately attacks them. This slights the king.' The king said: 'The Jin hou fled abroad for nineteen years and endured hardship for a long time. Indeed, he has now returned to the state. He knows all the dangers and narrow passes and is able to use his people. This is what Heaven has opened. It cannot be resisted.' Zi Yu requested and said: 'I do not dare to say I must have merit. I wish to use this interval to seize the mouths of slander and evil.' The Chu king was angered and gave him few troops. Zi Yu then had Wan Chun tell Jin: 'Please restore the Wei hou and enfeoff Cao. Your minister will also release Song.' Jiu Fan said: 'Zi Yu is without ritual. The lord takes one, the minister takes two. Do not permit it.' Xian Zhen said: 'To settle people is called ritual. Chu with one word settled the three states. You with one word would perish them. I then would have no ritual. Not permitting Chu—this abandons Song. Better to make a private promise to Cao and Wei to lure them in, seize Wan Chun to anger Chu, and settle the matter after the battle.' The Marquis of Jin then imprisoned Wanchun in Wei and privately agreed to restore Cao and Wei. Cao and Wei announced that they were breaking with Chu. Dechen of Chu was angered and attacked the Jin army, which retreated. An army officer said: 'Why are we retreating?' Duke Wen said: 'Formerly in Chu, I agreed to retreat three she. Can I double the retreat?' The Chu army wished to withdraw, but Dechen was unwilling. In the fourth month, on wuchen, the Song gong, Qi general, and Qin general camped with the Jin hou at Cheng Pu. On jisi, they joined battle with Chu troops. The Chu troops were defeated. De Chen gathered the remaining troops and left. On jiawu, the Jin army returned to Heng Yong and made a king's palace at Jian Tu.
67
使
Initially, Zheng had assisted Chu. When Chu was defeated, they feared and sent people to request alliance with the Jin hou. The Marquis of Jin formed an alliance with the Earl of Zheng.
68
使
In the fifth month, on dingwei, they presented Chu captives to Zhou—chariot armor of a hundred chariots, and foot soldiers of a thousand. The Son of Heaven made Prince Zi Hu command the Jin hou as bo, granting a great chariot, vermilion bows and arrows of a hundred, black bows and arrows of a thousand, black millet wine of one vessel, a gui ladle, and tiger braves of three hundred people. The Marquis of Jin declined three times, then kowtowed and received it. Zhou made the Jin Wen Hou command: 'The king says: Father Yi He, greatly manifest Wen and Wu, able to be cautious with bright virtue, brightly ascended on high, spread and heard below, just then Shang Di gathered their mandate at Wen and Wu. Sympathize with my person, and succeed me as the one person eternally in their position.' Duke Wen of Jin was then recognized as hegemon. On guihai, Prince Zi Hu allied the feudal lords at the king's court.
69
Jin set fire to the Chu army, and the flames did not go out for several days. Duke Wen sighed. Those on the left and right said: 'We have defeated Chu, and the lord still worries. Why?' Duke Wen said: 'I have heard that only sages are able to battle, defeat, and have the peace. Therefore, I fear. Zi Yu is still there. How can I rejoice?' Zi Yu was defeated and returned. King Cheng of Chu was angered that he did not use the king's words and was greedy to battle with Jin. He reproached and blamed Zi Yu. Zi Yu committed suicide. Duke Wen of Jin said: 'I struck them from the outside, and Chu executed them from the inside. Inside and outside mutually responded.' Only then did he rejoice.
70
In the sixth month, the people of Jin restored the Marquis of Wei. On renwu, the Jin hou crossed north of the Yellow River and returned to the state. He distributed rewards, placing Huyan first. Someone said: 'The matter of Cheng Pu was Xian Zhen's plan.' Duke Wen said: 'In the matter of Cheng Pu, Yan persuaded me not to lose trust. Xian Zhen said 'in the military matters, victory is what is right'. I used it to achieve victory. However, these are words for one time. Yan spoke of merit for ten thousand generations. How can I add the merit for ten thousand generations with the profit for one time? Therefore, I placed him first.'
71
使
In winter, the Marquis of Jin assembled the feudal lords at Wen, intending to lead them to court at Zhou. His strength was not yet sufficient. He feared there were defectors among them. He then made people say that King Xiang of Zhou was hunting at the place of He Yang. On renshen, he then led the feudal lords to court the king at Jian Tu. When Kong Zi read the Records of the Historian to Duke Wen, he said that 'feudal lords do not summon the king' and 'the king hunted at He Yang'—the Spring and Autumn Annals avoided it.
72
On dingchou, the feudal lords surrounded Xu. A minister of the Cao bo persuaded the Jin hou and said: 'Duke Huan of Qi united the feudal lords and strengthened those of different surnames. Now the lord holds an assembly and extinguishes those of the same surname. Cao is a descendant of Shu Zhen Duo; Jin is a descendant of Tang Shu. To unite the feudal lords and extinguish brothers is not ritual.' The Marquis of Jin was pleased and restored the Earl of Cao.
73
Jin then began to form three rows. Xun Lin Fu commanded the middle row, Xian Hu commanded the right row, and Xian Mie commanded the left row.
74
使
In the seventh year, Duke Wen of Jin and Duke Mu of Qin together surrounded Zheng. They did so because Zheng had shown discourtesy to Duke Wen when he passed through in exile, and because Zheng had assisted Chu at the time of Chengpu. They surrounded Zheng, intending to obtain Shuzhan. Shuzhan heard of this and committed suicide. Zheng took Shuzhan’s corpse and reported it to Jin. Jin said: 'We must obtain the Zheng lord and satisfy our hearts.' Zheng feared, then secretly commanded an envoy to tell Duke Mu of Qin, saying: 'To perish Zheng enriches Jin. Jin has obtained this, but Qin has not yet benefited. Why does the lord not relieve Zheng, and obtain an eastern road ally?' The lord of Qin was pleased and dismissed his troops. Jin also dismissed its troops.
75
In the winter of the ninth year, Duke Wen of Jin died, and his son Duke Xiang Huan was established. That same year, the lord of Zheng also died.
76
滿
Some Zheng people sold their country to the state of Qin, and Duke Mu of Qin dispatched troops to go and attack Zheng. In the twelfth month, Qin forces passed through our outskirts. In the spring of Duke Xiang's first year, the Qin army passed through Zhou without courtesy, and Wang Sun Man mocked them. The troops arrived at Hua. The Zheng merchant Xian Gao, going to trade at Zhou, encountered them and greeted the Qin army with twelve oxen. The Qin army was startled and returned, extinguished Hua, and departed.
77
西
Jin's Xian Zhen said: 'The Qin lord did not use Jian Shu and turned against the hearts of the multitude. This can be attacked.' Luan Zhi said: 'We have not yet repaid the former lord's favor to Qin. To attack them is not permissible.' Xian Zhen said: 'Qin insulted our orphan and attacked those of the same surname. What repayment of the virtue is there?' They then attacked them. Duke Xiang wore black mourning garments. In the fourth month, they defeated the Qin army at Xiao and returned with the three Qin generals Mengming Shi, Xiqi Shu, and Baiyi Bing as captives. They then used black for burying Duke Wen. Duke Wen's lady, a Qin woman, told Duke Xiang and said: 'Qin desires to obtain their three generals and execute them.' The duke permitted this and sent them away. Xian Zhen heard it and told Duke Xiang, saying: 'The trouble has been born.' Zhen then pursued the Qin generals. The Qin generals had crossed the river and were already in the boats. They kowtowed in thanks but ultimately did not return.
78
使
Three years later, Qin indeed sent Mengming to attack Jin in revenge for the defeat at Xiao, and he captured Wangguan of Jin and returned. In the fourth year, Duke Mu of Qin greatly raised troops to attack us, crossed the river, took Wang Guan, buried the Xiao corpses, and departed. Jin was afraid and did not dare go out, so they walled themselves in and defended. In the fifth year, Jin attacked Qin and took Xincheng, avenging the Wangguan campaign.
79
In the sixth year, Zhao Shuai Chengzi, Luan Zhenzi, Jiu Jizi Fan, and Huo Bo all died. Zhao Dun succeeded Zhao Shuai in governing.
80
使 使
In the eighth month of the seventh year, Duke Xiang died. The crown prince Yi Gao was young. Because of the difficulty, the people of Jin wished to establish an older lord. Zhao Dun said: 'Establish Duke Xiang's younger brother Yong. He is good in virtue and elder. The former lord loved him; He is also close to Qin, a state with which we have an old friendship. To establish the good is then solid. To serve the elder is then orderly. To honor love is then filial. To tie old friendship is then peaceful.' Jia Ji said, “He is not as suitable as his younger brother Le. Chen Ying was favored by two lords. Establish his son, and the people must settle with him.' Zhao Dun said: 'Chen Ying is base, with a position below nine people. What awe does his son have! To be favored by two lords is also licentious. As the former lord's son, he cannot seek greatness and went out to a small country. This is eccentric. The mother is licentious, and the son is eccentric. There is no authority; Chen is small and distant, with no support. What can be done?' They dispatched Shi Hui to Qin to welcome Prince Yong. Jia Ji also sent men to summon Prince Le from Chen. Zhao Dun dismissed Jia Ji because Jia Ji had killed Yang Chufu. In the tenth month, they buried Duke Xiang. In the eleventh month, Jia Ji fled to the Di. That same year, Duke Mu of Qin also died.
81
In the fourth month of Duke Ling's first year, Duke Kang of Qin said: 'Formerly, when Duke Wen entered, he had no guard. Therefore, there were the troubles of Lu and Xi.' They then provided Prince Yong with a large guard. The crown prince's mother Mu Ying day and night embraced the crown prince to wail and weep at court, saying: 'What wrong did the former lord do? What wrong did his successor do? To abandon the proper and seek a lord from outside—where will you place this one?' She left the court, then embraced him and went to Zhao Dun's place. She kowtowed and said: 'The former lord presented this son and entrusted him to you, saying "this son is talented, I receive his favor; If not talented, I will resent you". Now the lord has died, and the words are still in the ear, but you abandon him. How can this be?' Zhao Dun and the grandees were all troubled by Mu Ying and also feared execution, so they turned back from the one they had welcomed and established the crown prince Yi Gao. This was Duke Ling. They dispatched troops to resist the forces Qin was sending with Prince Yong. Zhao Dun served as general and went to attack Qin, defeating them at Linghu. Xian Mie and Sui Hui fled away to Qin. In autumn, the lords of Qi, Song, Wei, Zheng, Cao, and Xu all met with Zhao Dun and allied at Hu, because Duke Ling had newly been established.
82
使穿穿 使
In the fourth year, they attacked Qin and took Shaoliang. Qin also took Jin's Xiao. In the sixth year, Duke Kang of Qin attacked Jin and took Ji Ma. The lord of Jin was angered and sent Zhao Dun, Zhao Chuan, and Xi Que to attack Qin. They fought a great battle at Hequ, where Zhao Chuan won the greatest merit. In the seventh year, the six ministers of Jin were troubled by Sui Hui's being in Qin, which often caused Jin disorder. They then falsely ordered Wei Shou Yu to rebel against Jin and surrender to Qin. Qin sent Sui Hui to Wei, but Wei seized Hui and returned him to Jin.
83
使
In the eighth year, King Qing of Zhou died. The dukes and ministers contended for power, so they did not attend. Jin sent Zhao Dun with eight hundred chariots to pacify the disorder of Zhou and establish King Kuang. That year, King Zhuang of Chu first ascended the throne. In the twelfth year, the Qi people assassinated their lord Duke Yi.
84
使 使 退
In the fourteenth year, Duke Ling had grown up and became extravagant, imposing heavy taxes to carve walls. From the tower he shot pellets at people and watched them dodge. The chef stewed bear paws, but they were not cooked. Duke Ling was angered, killed the chef, and had women carry his corpse out and discard it, passing through the court. Zhao Dun and Sui Hui had previously repeatedly admonished him, but he did not listen; After he had again seen a dead man’s hand, the two men remonstrated with him directly. Sui Hui had previously remonstrated with him, but he had not listened. Duke Ling was troubled by it and sent Chu Ni to assassinate Zhao Dun. Dun's chamber door was open, and his dwelling was moderate. Chu Ni retreated and sighed, saying: 'To kill a loyal minister and abandon the lord's command—the crime is the same.' He then struck a tree, crashed, and died.
85
Earlier, Zhao Dun had often hunted at Shou Mountain and saw a starving man under a mulberry tree. The starving person was Shi Mi Ming. Dun gave him food, and the man ate only half of it. He asked the reason, and he said: 'I have served for three years, and I do not know whether my mother survives. I wish to send this to my mother.' Dun considered this righteous and gave him even more cooked grain and meat. Later the man became Jin’s cook, and Zhao Dun did not recognize him. In the ninth month, Duke Ling of Jin drank wine with Zhao Dun, but had hidden armored troops who would attack Dun. The duke's chef Shi Mi Ming knew it, feared Dun was drunk and could not rise, then advanced and said: 'The lord grants the minister. Three rounds of cups can cease.' He wished to remove Zhao Dun from danger and ordered him to leave first so he would not be caught in the crisis. Dun had already gone. Duke Ling's hidden soldiers were not yet assembled, so he first released a biting dog named Ao. Ming grappled with the dog and killed it for Dun. Dun said: 'To abandon people and use a dog, though fierce, what is it for?' But he did not know Ming's hidden virtue. After a while, Duke Ling released hidden soldiers to pursue Zhao Dun. Shi Mi Ming counterattacked Duke Ling's hidden soldiers. The hidden soldiers could not advance, and ultimately he rescued Dun. Dun asked the reason, and he said: 'I am the starving person under the mulberry tree.' He asked his name, but he did not tell. Ming also thus fled away.
86
穿 穿
Dun then fled, but had not yet left Jin’s borders. On yichou day, Dun's younger brother the general Zhao Chuan attacked and killed Duke Ling at the peach garden and welcomed Zhao Dun. Zhao Dun was always noble and obtained the people's harmony; Duke Ling was young and extravagant. The people were not attached, so assassinating him was easy. Dun resumed his position. Jin's grand historian Dong Hu wrote and said 'Zhao Dun assassinated his lord', to show it at the court. Dun said: 'The assassin was Zhao Chuan. I have no crime.' The grand historian said: 'You are the chief minister, but when you fled you did not go out of the borders. When you returned, you did not execute the state disorder. If not you, then who?' Kong Qiu heard it and said: 'Dong Hu is an ancient good historian. His writing method does not conceal. Xuanzi was a good grandee, yet he bore blame for upholding the law. It is a pity. If he had gone out of the borders, then he would have been exempt.'
87
使穿
Zhao Dun sent Zhao Chuan to welcome Duke Xiang's younger brother Hei Tun from the state of Zhou and established him. This was Duke Cheng.
88
Duke Cheng was Duke Wen's youngest son, whose mother was a Zhou woman. On renshen day, he held court at the Wu Palace.
89
In Duke Cheng's first year, he granted the Zhao clan to be the duke's clan. He attacked Zheng because Zheng had doubled-crossed Jin. In the third year, the lord of Zheng had newly been established. He attached himself to Jin and abandoned Chu. Chu was angered and attacked Zheng, and Jin went to rescue it.
90
In the sixth year, they attacked Qin and captured the Qin general Chi.
91
使
In the seventh year, Duke Cheng contended in strength with King Zhuang of Chu and met the feudal lords at Hu. Chen feared Chu and did not attend. Jin sent Zhonghang Huan Zi to attack Chen, then to save Zheng. They battled with Chu and defeated the Chu army. That year, Duke Cheng died, and his son Duke Jing Ju was established.
92
In the spring of Duke Jing's first year, the Chen grandee Xia Zheng Shu assassinated his lord Duke Ling. In the second year, King Zhuang of Chu attacked Chen and executed Zheng Shu.
93
使
In the third year, King Zhuang of Chu surrounded Zheng, and Zheng urgently reported to Jin. Jin sent Xun Linfu to lead the central army, Sui Hui to lead the upper army, and Zhao Shuo to lead the lower army, with Xi Ke, Luan Shu, Xian Hu, Han Jue, and Gong Shuo assisting them. In the sixth month, they arrived at the Yellow River. They heard that Chu had already subjugated Zheng. The Zheng lord bared his flesh, allied with them, and departed. Xun Lin Fu desired to return. Xian Hu said: 'All came to save Zheng. Not to arrive is not permissible. The generals and officers will have separate hearts.' They ultimately crossed the river. Chu had already subjugated Zheng and wished to water its horses at the Yellow River to enhance its reputation before departing. Chu then fought a major battle with the Jin army. Zheng had only recently attached itself to Chu. Fearing Chu, it instead helped Chu attack Jin. The Jin army was defeated and fled to the river. As they struggled to cross, many people in the boats had their fingers cut off. Chu captured our general Zhi Ying. When they returned, Lin Fu said: 'Your minister was the commander general. The army was defeated and should be executed. I request death.' Duke Jing desired to permit it. Sui Hui said: 'Formerly, when Duke Wen battled with Chu at the place of Cheng Pu, King Cheng returned and killed Zi Yu, and Duke Wen then was happy. Now Chu has already defeated our army. If we again execute their general, this assists Chu in killing the enemy.' They then stopped.
94
In the fourth year, Xian Hu with a rash plan defeated the Jin army on the river. He feared execution, so fled to Di and plotted with Di to attack Jin. Jin discovered the plot and then exterminated Hu’s clan. Hu was Xian Zhen's son.
95
In the fifth year, they attacked Zheng because Zheng had assisted Chu. At this time King Zhuang of Chu was strong, because he had frustrated the Jin troops on the river.
96
使紿 使 紿 使
In the sixth year, Chu attacked Song. Song came to urgently report to Jin. Jin desired to save it, but Bo Zong advised and said: 'Chu—heaven is just opening it. It cannot be resisted.' They then sent Xie Yangdai to rescue Song. The people of Zheng seized him and gave him to Chu. Chu rewarded him richly and made him reverse his message, ordering Song to submit at once. Xie Yangdai agreed, but ultimately conveyed the lord of Jin’s words. Chu desired to kill him. Some advised against it, so they returned Xie Yang. In the seventh year, Jin sent Sui Hui to extinguish the Red Di.
97
使 使使
In the eighth year, they sent Xi Ke to Qi. Duke Qing of Qi's mother observed from the tower and laughed at him. The reason was that Xi Ke was hunchbacked, but the Lu envoy was lame, and the Wei envoy was one-eyed. Therefore, Qi also made people like that to guide the guests. Xi Ke was angered, returned to the river, and said: 'If I do not repay Qi, may the river lord see it!' He arrived in the state and requested permission from the lord, wishing to attack Qi. Duke Jing asked and knew its reason, and said: 'Your resentment—how can it suffice to trouble the country!' He did not listen. Wei Wenzi requested to retire because of old age and avoided Xi Ke. Ke governed in his place.
98
使
In the ninth year, King Zhuang of Chu died. Jin attacked Qi. Qi sent the crown prince Qiang as a hostage to Jin, and the Jin troops were dismissed.
99
使 使
In the spring of the eleventh year, Qi attacked Lu and took Long. Lu urgently reported to Wei. Wei and Lu both through Xi Ke urgently reported to the state of Jin. Jin then sent Xi Ke, Luan Shu, and Han Jue with eight hundred war chariots, and together with the states of Lu and Wei, they attacked Qi. In summer, they battled with Duke Qing at Ai, injured him, and trapped Duke Qing. Duke Qing then exchanged position with his right-hand man, descended and took a drink, in order to escape and depart. The Qi army was defeated and fled. Jin pursued them north to Qi. Duke Qing offered treasure vessels to seek peace, but they did not listen. Xi Ke said: 'We must obtain Xiao Tong's nephew as a hostage.' The Qi envoy said: 'Xiao Tong's nephew is Duke Qing's mother; Duke Qing's mother is like the Jin lord's mother. How can we obtain her? This is not righteous. We request to battle again.' Jin then permitted peace and departed.
100
Chu's Shen Gong wuchen stole Xia Ji and fled to Jin. Jin made wuchen a grandee of Xing.
101
穿
In the winter of the twelfth year, Duke Qing of Qi went to Jin and desired to advance and honor Duke Jing of Jin as king. Duke Jing declined and dared not. Jin began to make six armies. Han Jue, Gong Shuo, Zhao Chuan, Xun Hui, Zhao Kuo, and Zhao Zhan all became ministers of the state. Zhi Ying returned from Chu.
102
In the thirteenth year, Duke Cheng of Lu attended court at Jin. Jin was not respectful. Lu was angered and departed, double-crossing Jin. Jin attacked Zheng and took Fan.
103
In the fourteenth year, Liang Mountain collapsed. They asked Bo Zong, and Bo Zong considered it insufficiently strange.
104
使
In the sixteenth year, the Chu general Zi Fan resented wuchen and extinguished his clan. wuchen was angered, sent Zi Fan a letter, and said: 'I will make you weary from running orders!' He then requested to be an envoy to Wu, ordered his son to become Wu's herald, and taught Wu to ride chariots and use troops. Wu and Jin first opened communications and allied to attack Chu.
105
In the seventeenth year, they executed Zhao Tong and Zhao Kuo, exterminating their clan. Han Jue said: 'How can we forget the merit of Zhao Shuai and Zhao Dun? How can we cut off their sacrifices!' They then again ordered Wu, a secondary son of the Zhao line, to become Zhao’s successor and again gave him a city.
106
In the summer of the nineteenth year, Duke Jing was ill and established his crown prince Shou Man as lord. This was Duke Li. A month later, Duke Jing died.
107
使
In Duke Li's first year, newly established, he desired to harmonize the feudal lords and allied with Duke Huan of Qin, flanking the river. Upon returning, Qin double-crossed the alliance and plotted with Di to attack Jin. In the third year, they sent Lü Xiang to berate Qin, then with the feudal lords attacked Qin. They arrived at Jing, defeated Qin at Masui, and captured the Qin general Chengchai.
108
In the fifth year, the three Xi clans slandered Bo Zong and killed him. Bo Zong obtained this calamity because of his upright admonitions. The people of the state therefore did not attach themselves to Duke Li.
109
In the spring of the sixth year, Zheng double-crossed Jin and allied with Chu. Jin was angered. Luan Shu said: 'We cannot during our generation lose the feudal lords.' They then dispatched troops. Duke Li personally led the army. In the fifth month they crossed the river. They heard that Chu troops had come to rescue them. Fan Wenzi requested that the duke return. Xi Zhi said: 'We have dispatched troops to execute the rebellious. If we see the strong and avoid them, we have no way to command the feudal lords.' They then battled with them. On guisi, they shot and hit King Gong of Chu's eye. The Chu troops were defeated at Yan Ling. Zifan gathered the remaining troops and comforted them, wishing to fight again. Jin was troubled by this. King Gong summoned Zi Fan. His attendant Shu Yang Gu presented wine. Zi Fan got drunk and could not meet with the king. The king was angered and reproached Zi Fan. Zi Fan died. The king then led the troops and returned. From this point, Jin overawed the feudal lords and sought to command the world and pursue hegemony.
110
使 使 使 使 使 使
Duke Li had many favored consorts outside the palace. Upon returning, he wanted to remove the grandees entirely and establish the brothers of those consorts. The favored consort’s brother was named Xu Tong. He had once had a grievance against Xi Zhi, and Luan Shu also resented Xi Zhi because he had not used Luan Shu’s plan before defeating Chu. They then sent someone secretly to apologize to Chu. Chu came and deceived Duke Li, saying: 'In the battle of Yanling, Xi Zhi summoned Chu, intending to create disorder and establish the inner son Zhou. The meeting with the state was not prepared, therefore the matter was not accomplished.' Duke Li told Luan Shu. Luan Shu said: 'It probably has it! I wish the duke would try sending people to Zhou to secretly examine it.' Indeed, they sent Xi Zhi to Zhou. Luan Shu again sent the prince Zhou to meet Xi Zhi. Xi Zhi did not know that he was being betrayed. Duke Li verified the matter and believed it to be true. He then resented Xi Zhi and desired to kill him. In the eighth year, Duke Li went hunting and drank with his consort. Xi Zhi killed a pig and presented it. A eunuch seized it. Xi Zhi shot and killed the eunuch. The duke was angered and said: 'jizi deceives me!' He intended to execute the three Xi, but had not yet sent out the order. Xi Gou desired to attack the duke and said: 'Though I die, the duke will also be harmed.' Xi Zhi said: 'Faithfulness does not betray the lord; wisdom does not harm the people; courage does not create disorder. If I lose these three, who will be with me? I will only die!' In the twelfth month on renwu, the duke ordered Xu Tong to lead eight hundred troops to attack and kill the three Xi. Xu Tong then kidnapped Luan Shu and Zhonghang Yan at court and said: 'If we do not kill these two, trouble will certainly reach the duke.' The duke said: 'To suddenly kill three ministers—I cannot bear to do more.' He answered and said: 'The people will bear with the lord.' The duke did not listen, apologized to Luan Shu and the others for the crime of executing the Xi clan, and said: 'The grandees resume their positions.' The two men kowtowed and said: 'Most fortunate, most fortunate!' The duke made Xu Tong a minister. In the leap month on yimao, Duke Li toured the Jiang Li clan. Luan Shu and Zhonghang Yan with their faction attacked and captured Duke Li, imprisoned him, killed Xu Tong, and sent people to welcome Prince Zhou from Zhou and establish him. This was Duke Dao.
111
In Duke Dao's first year, in the first month on gengshen, Luan Shu and Zhonghang Yan assassinated Duke Li and buried him with one chariot. Duke Li was imprisoned for six days and died. Ten days after his death on gengwu, Zhi Ying welcomed Prince Zhou to come. They arrived at Jiang, cut a chicken to ally with the grandees, and established him. This was Duke Dao. On xinsi, he held court at the Wu Palace. In the second month, on yiyou, he took the throne.
112
Duke Dao Zhou's grandfather Jie was the youngest son of Duke Xiang of Jin. He could not be established as ruler and was styled Huan Shu. Huan Shu was the most loved. Huan Shu begot Hui Bo Tan, and Tan begot Duke Dao Zhou. When Zhou was established, he was fourteen years old. Duke Dao said: 'My grandfather and father both could not be established as rulers and avoided the troubles at Zhou, where they died as guests. I consider myself distant from the succession and hardly worthy to become lord. Now the grandees have not forgotten the intention of Dukes Wen and Xiang and have kindly established Huan Shu's successor. Relying on the spirit of the ancestral temple and the grandees, I have obtained the ability to serve Jin's sacrifices. How dare I not tremble? The grandees should also assist me!' He then expelled seven people who had not acted as subjects, restored old merits, applied virtue and favor, and gathered the descendants of the meritorious officials from Duke Wen's return. In autumn, they attacked Zheng. The Zheng army was defeated, after which they arrived at Chen.
113
使
In the third year, Jin convened a meeting with the feudal lords. Duke Dao asked the group of ministers for usable ones, and Qi Xi raised Xie Hu. Xie Hu was Xi's enemy. Asked again, he recommended his son Qiwu. The superior man said: 'Qi Xi can be called not partisan! Externally he raises without concealing his enemy, internally he raises without concealing his son.' Just as they were meeting the feudal lords, Duke Dao's younger brother Yang Gan disrupted the procession. Wei Jiang executed his charioteer. Duke Dao was angered. Some advised the duke, and the duke ultimately valued Jiang, entrusted him with governance, and made him pacify the Rong. The Rong greatly attached closely. In the eleventh year, Duke Dao said: 'Since I used Wei Jiang, I have nine times united the feudal lords and pacified the Rong and Di. This is Wei Zi's strength.' He granted him music. He declined three times before accepting it. In winter, Qin took our Li.
114
使
In the fourteenth year, Jin sent the six ministers to lead the feudal lords in attacking Qin. They crossed the Jing, greatly defeated the Qin army, reached Yulin, and departed.
115
In the fifteenth year, Duke Dao asked about governing the country from Shi Kuang. Shi Kuang said: 'Only benevolence and righteousness should be the foundation.' In winter, Duke Dao died, and his son Duke Ping Biao was established.
116
In Duke Ping's first year, they attacked Qi. Duke Ling of Qi battled at Mi Xia, and the Qi army was defeated and fled. Yan Ying said: 'The lord is also not courageous. Why not stop the battle?' He then departed. Jin pursued, then surrounded Linzi and burned and massacred its outer city completely. From Jiao in the east to Yi in the south, Qi walled its cities and defended. Jin then led the troops back.
117
In the sixth year, Duke Xiang of Lu attended court at Jin. Jin's Luan Cheng had a crime and fled to Qi. In the eighth year, Duke Zhuang of Qi secretly sent Luan Cheng to Qu Wo, with troops following him. The Qi troops ascended Taihang. Luan Cheng rebelled from within Quwo, attacked, and entered Jiang. Jiang was not prepared. Duke Ping desired suicide. Fan Xian Zi stopped the duke and with his followers attacked Cheng. Cheng was defeated and fled to Qu Wo. Quwo attacked Cheng. Cheng died, and they then extinguished the Luan clan lineage. Cheng was Luan Shu's grandson. His entry into Jiang had been plotted with the Wei clan. Duke Zhuang of Qi heard that Cheng was defeated, then returned, took Jin's Zhao Ge and departed, to repay the Lin Zi campaign.
118
In the tenth year, Qi's Cui Zhu assassinated his lord Duke Zhuang. Because Qi was in disorder, Jin attacked and defeated Qi at Gaotang, then departed, avenging the Taihang campaign.
119
使
In the fourteenth year, Wu's Yan Ling jizi came as an envoy and spoke with Zhao Wen Zi, Han Xuan Zi, and Wei Xian Zi. He said: 'Jin's governance will ultimately belong to these three houses.'
120
使
In the nineteenth year, Qi sent Yan Ying to Jin, where he spoke with Shuxiang. Shu Xiang said: 'Jin is in its final generation. The duke imposes heavy taxes for towers and ponds but neglects government. Power lies in private households. How can this endure for long?' Yan Zi assented to it.
121
In the twenty-second year, they attacked Yan. In the twenty-sixth year, Duke Ping died, and his son Duke Zhao Yi was established.
122
Duke Zhao died in the sixth year. The six ministers were strong, and the ducal chamber was low. His son Duke Qing Qu Ji was established.
123
In Duke Qing's sixth year, King Jing of Zhou died, and the king's sons contended for establishment. The Jin six ministers pacified the royal chamber's disorder and established King Jing.
124
使使
In the ninth year, the Lu Ji clan expelled their lord Duke Zhao, and Duke Zhao resided at Qian Hou. In the eleventh year, Wei and Song sent envoys requesting that Jin accept the lord of Lu. Ji Ping Zi privately bribed Fan Xian Zi. Xian Zi received it, then told the Jin lord and said: 'The Ji clan has no crime.' In the end, they did not accept the lord of Lu.
125
In the twelfth year, Jin's ancestral house Qi Xi's grandson and Shu Xiang's son were mutually disliked by the lord. The six ministers wished to weaken the ducal house, so they used the law to exterminate the clan completely. They divided its cities into ten counties, each appointing one of their sons as grandee. Jin became increasingly weak, while all six ministers grew powerful.
126
In the fourteenth year, Duke Qing died, and his son Duke dingwu was established. In Duke Ding's eleventh year, the Lu man Yang Hu fled to Jin, and Zhao Yang Jianzi gave him shelter. In the twelfth year, Kong Qiu became chief minister of Lu.
127
使
In the fifteenth year, Zhao Yang sent the Han Dan grandee Wu, but he was not trusted and desired to kill Wu. Wu, with Zhonghang Yin and Fan Ji She, personally attacked Zhao Yang. Yang fled and defended Jin Yang. Duke Ding surrounded Jin Yang. Xun Yue, Han Bu Xin, and Wei Chi were enemies with Fan and Zhonghang, so they shifted the troops to attack Fan and Zhonghang. Fan and Zhonghang rebelled. The Jin lord attacked them and defeated Fan and Zhonghang. Fan and Zhonghang fled to Zhao Ge and defended it. Han and Wei apologized to the lord of Jin on Zhao Yang’s behalf, and he was then pardoned and restored to office. In the twenty-second year, Jin defeated the Fan and Zhonghang clans, and the two sons fled to Qi.
128
In the thirtieth year, Duke Ding met with King Fu Chai of Wu at Huang Chi and contended for seniority. Zhao Yang followed at the time, and ultimately Wu was senior.
129
In the thirty-first year, Qi's Tian Chang assassinated his lord Duke Jian, and established Duke Jian's younger brother Ao as Duke Ping. In the thirty-third year, Kong Qiu died.
130
In the thirty-seventh year, Duke Ding died, and his son Duke Chu Zao was established.
131
In Duke Chu's seventeenth year, Zhi Bo, together with Zhao, Han, and Wei, divided the Fan and Zhonghang lands into their cities. Duke Chu was angered and told Qi and Lu, desiring to attack the four ministers with them. The four ministers feared, so they then counterattacked Duke Chu. Duke Chu fled to Qi and died on the road. Therefore, Zhi Bo then established Duke Zhao's great-grandson Jiao as the Jin lord. This was Duke Ai.
132
Duke Ai's grandfather Yong was the youngest son of Duke Zhao of Jin and was styled Dai Zi. Dai Zi begot Ji. Ji was good to Zhi Bo but died early. Therefore, Zhi Bo desired to completely annex Jin but did not dare, so he established Ji's son Jiao as the lord. At this time, all the governance of Jin was decided by Zhi Bo, and Duke Ai of Jin could not exercise any control over it. Zhi Bo then possessed the Fan and Zhonghang lands and was the strongest.
133
In Duke Ai's fourth year, Zhao Xiangzi, Han Kangzi, and Wei Huanzi together killed Zhi Bo and annexed all his lands.
134
In the eighteenth year, Duke Ai died, and his son Duke You Liu was established.
135
During the time of Duke You, Jin was afraid and instead attended court to the lords of Han, Zhao, and Wei. They possessed only Jiang and Quwo; all the rest passed into the hands of the three Jin.
136
In the fifteenth year, Marquis Wen of Wei was newly established. In the eighteenth year, Duke You was licentious with women. At night, he secretly left the city, and a thief killed Duke You. Marquis Wen of Wei used troops to punish the disorder in Jin and established Zhi, son of Duke You, as the lord. This was Duke Lie.
137
In Duke Lie's nineteenth year, King Wei Lie of Zhou granted Zhao, Han, and Wei all to be appointed as the feudal lords.
138
In the twenty-seventh year, Duke Lie died, and his son Duke Xiao Si was established. In Duke Xiao's ninth year, Marquis Wu of Wei was first established. He attacked the city of Han Dan but was not victorious and then departed. In the seventeenth year, Duke Xiao died, and his son Duke Jing Ju Jiu was established. This year was King Wei of Qi's first year.
139
In Duke Jing's second year, Marquis Wu of Wei, Marquis Ai of Han, and Marquis Jing of Zhao extinguished Jin's remnant and three-way divided the lands. Duke Jing was moved to become a commoner. Jin was absolutely not sacrificed to.
140
The Grand Historian said: Duke Wen of Jin was what the ancients called an enlightened lord. He fled and resided outside for nineteen years, in extreme distress and constraint. When he ascended the throne and performed rewards, he still forgot Jie Zi Tui. How much more so would arrogant lords? Duke Ling was already assassinated. His descendants Cheng and Jing brought severity. To Li was greatly harsh. The grandees feared execution, and calamity arose. After Duke Dao, it daily declined, and the six ministers monopolized power. Therefore, the way of the lord in controlling his ministers below. Indeed, it is not easy!
← Previous Chapter
Back to Chapters
Next Chapter →