1
蘇秦者，東周雒陽人也。 東事師於齊，而習之於鬼谷先生。
Su Qin was a native of Luoyang in the Eastern Zhou. In the east, he studied in Qi as a disciple and was instructed by Master Guigu of Ghost Valley.
2
出游數歲，大困而歸。 兄弟嫂妹妻妾竊皆笑之，曰：「周人之俗，治產業，力工商，逐什二以為務。 今子釋本而事口舌，困，不亦宜乎！」 蘇秦聞之而慚，自傷，乃閉室不出，出其書遍觀之。 曰：「夫士業已屈首受書，而不能以取尊榮，雖多亦奚以為！」 於是得《周書》陰符，伏而讀之。 期年，以出揣摩，曰：「此可以說當世之君矣。」 求說周顯王。 顯王左右素習知蘇秦，皆少之。 弗信。
After wandering for several years, he returned home in dire poverty. His brothers, sisters-in-law, wife, and concubines all laughed at him behind his back, saying, "The custom among Zhou people is to manage estates, work in crafts and trade, and pursue double profits as their occupation. Now you abandon fundamentals and busy yourself with mere talk. That you're impoverished—isn't this only natural?" Su Qin heard their words and was filled with shame. Wounded in spirit, he shut himself in his room and refused to come out. He brought out all his books and studied them exhaustively. He said to himself, "A scholar who has already bowed his head to receive instruction in the classics, yet cannot use them to gain honor and glory—what good are they, no matter how many?" He then obtained the Zhou Book of the Hidden Talisman. Lying prostrate, he studied it intently. A year passed. Emerging from seclusion, he tested his theories and declared, "With this, I can persuade the rulers of our time." He sought an audience to persuade King Xian of Zhou. King Xian's attendants, long acquainted with Su Qin, all looked down on him. They did not believe in him.
3
乃西至秦。 秦孝公卒。 說惠王曰：「秦四塞之國，被山帶渭，東有關河，西有漢中，南有巴蜀，北有代馬，此天府也。 以秦士民之眾，兵法之教，可以吞天下，稱帝而治。」 秦王曰：「毛羽未成，不可以高蜚； 文理未明，不可以并兼。」 方誅商鞅，疾辯士，弗用。
He then traveled west to Qin. But Duke Xiao of Qin had already passed away. He persuaded King Hui, saying, "Qin is a land of four natural barriers, backed by mountains and fronting the Wei River. To the east it has the passes and Yellow River, to the west Hanzhong, to the south Ba and Shu, to the north the horses of Dai. This is a heavenly storehouse. With Qin's multitude of scholars and commoners, and its instruction in the arts of war, it can swallow the world, proclaim itself emperor, and rule all under heaven." King Hui of Qin replied, "When feathers and down are not yet formed, one cannot fly high; when patterns and veins are not yet clear, one cannot annex others." At that very moment, they were executing Shang Yang and hated all debaters. Su Qin was not employed.
4
乃東之趙。 趙肅侯令其弟成為相，號奉陽君。 奉陽君弗說之。
He then traveled east to Zhao. King Su of Zhao appointed his younger brother Cheng as prime minister, giving him the title Lord Fengyang. Lord Fengyang did not favor Su Qin.
5
去游燕，歲餘而後得見。 說燕文侯曰：「燕東有朝鮮、遼東，北有林胡、樓煩，西有雲中、九原，南有♀、易水，地方二千餘里，帶甲數十萬，車六百乘，騎六千匹，粟支數年。 南有碣石、鴈門之饒，北有棗栗之利，民雖不佃作而足於棗栗矣。 此所謂天府者也。
Su Qin departed to travel to Yan. More than a year passed before he obtained an audience. He persuaded King Wen of Yan, saying, "Yan has Chaoxian and Liaodong to the east, Linhu and Loufan to the north, Yunzhong and Jiuyuan to the west, and the Ji and Yi Rivers to the south. Its territory spans more than two thousand square li, with several hundred thousand armored troops, six hundred chariots, six thousand cavalry horses, and grain supplies sufficient for several years. To the south it has the wealth of Jieshi and Yanmen; to the north, the bounty of dates and chestnuts. The people need not till the fields—dates and chestnuts alone suffice them. This is what is called a heavenly storehouse."
6
「夫安樂無事，不見覆軍殺將，無過燕者。 大王知其所以然乎？ 夫燕之所以不犯寇被甲兵者，以趙之為蔽其南也。 秦趙五戰，秦再勝而趙三勝。 秦趙相斃，而王以全燕制其後，此燕之所以不犯寇也。 且夫秦之攻燕也，踰雲中、九原，過代、上谷，彌地數千里，雖得燕城，秦計固不能守也。 秦之不能害燕亦明矣。 今趙之攻燕也，發號出令，不至十日而數十萬之軍軍於東垣矣。 渡嘑沱，涉易水，不至四五日而距國都矣。 故曰秦之攻燕也，戰於千里之外； 趙之攻燕也，戰於百里之內。 夫不憂百里之患而重千里之外，計無過於此者。 是故願大王與趙從親，天下為一，則燕國必無患矣。」
"Moreover, in peace and contentment without troubles, in not seeing armies routed and generals slain, none surpass Yan. Does Your Majesty know the reason for this?" The reason Yan does not suffer from bandits and armored troops is that Zhao serves as a shield to the south. In five battles between Qin and Zhao, Qin won twice but Zhao won three times. Qin and Zhao exhaust each other, while Your Majesty, with Yan intact, controls their rear. This is why Yan does not suffer from bandits. Moreover, when Qin attacks Yan, it must cross Yunzhong and Jiuyuan, pass through Dai and Shanggu, traversing thousands of li of territory. Even if Qin captures Yan cities, by its own calculations it certainly cannot hold them. That Qin cannot harm Yan is abundantly clear. Now when Zhao attacks Yan, it issues orders and commands, and in less than ten days, hundreds of thousands of troops are encamped at Dongyuan. They cross the Zhuodu and ford the Yi River, and in no more than four or five days they threaten the capital itself. Therefore it is said that when Qin attacks Yan, the battle is fought a thousand li away; When Zhao attacks Yan, the battle is fought within a hundred li. To not worry about danger a hundred li away while prizing security a thousand li distant—no strategy surpasses this. Therefore I wish Your Majesty to ally closely with Zhao, unite the world as one, and then Yan will certainly be without danger."
7
文侯曰：「子言則可，然吾國小，西迫彊趙，南近齊，齊、趙彊國也。 子必欲合從以安燕，寡人請以國從。」
King Wen replied, "Your words are persuasive, but my state is small, pressed from the west by mighty Zhao and bordering Qi to the south. Qi and Zhao are powerful states. If you wish to form a vertical alliance to secure Yan, I will commit my entire state to following you."
8
於是資蘇秦車馬金帛以至趙。 而奉陽君已死，即因說趙肅侯曰：「天下卿相人臣及布衣之士，皆高賢君之行義，皆願奉教陳忠於前之日久矣。 雖然，奉陽君而君不任事，是以賓客游士莫敢自盡於前者。 今奉陽君捐館舍，君乃今復與士民相親也，臣故敢進其愚慮。
The king then provided Su Qin with chariots, horses, gold, and silk for his journey to Zhao. Lord Fengyang had already died, so Su Qin took advantage of this to persuade King Su of Zhao, saying, "All the officials, ministers, and common scholars throughout the world esteem Your Majesty's conduct and righteousness. They have long wished to offer their teachings and demonstrate their loyalty before you. However, because Lord Fengyang handled affairs and Your Majesty did not, the guest officials and wandering scholars dared not exhaust themselves in service before you. Now that Lord Fengyang has passed away, Your Majesty once again draws close to scholars and the people. Therefore I dare to advance my foolish thoughts.
9
「竊為君計者，莫若安民無事，且無庸有事於民也。 安民之本，在於擇交，擇交而得則民安，擇交而不得則民終身不安。 請言外患：齊秦為兩敵而民不得安，倚秦攻齊而民不得安，倚齊攻秦而民不得安。 故夫謀人之主，伐人之國，常苦出辭斷絕人之交也。 願君慎勿出於口。 請別白黑所以異，陰陽而已矣。 君誠能聽臣，燕必致旃裘狗馬之地，齊必致魚鹽之海，楚必致橘柚之園，韓、魏、中山皆可使致湯沐之奉，而貴戚父兄皆可以受封侯。 夫割地包利，五伯之所以覆軍禽將而求也； 封侯貴戚，湯武之所以放弒而爭也。 今君高拱而兩有之，此臣之所以為君願也。
"In my humble opinion for Your Majesty's consideration, nothing is better than pacifying the people and avoiding troubles. Moreover, there is no need to impose affairs upon the people. The foundation of pacifying the people lies in choosing alliances. Choose correctly and the people will be secure; choose incorrectly and the people will be insecure for life. Permit me to speak of external dangers: With Qi and Qin as two enemies, the people cannot be secure. To rely on Qin to attack Qi leaves the people insecure; to rely on Qi to attack Qin leaves the people insecure. Therefore, when plotting against others' rulers and attacking others' states, one always suffers from issuing words that break others' alliances. I wish Your Majesty to be careful not to let such words escape your lips. Permit me to distinguish black and white—the difference is only yin and yang. If Your Lordship can truly listen to your minister, Yan will certainly send the lands of felt robes, furs, dogs, and horses; Qi will certainly send the seas of fish and salt; Chu will certainly send the orchards of oranges and pomelos; Han, Wei, and Zhongshan can all be made to send offerings for hot water baths, and all your noble relatives, fathers, and elder brothers can receive enfeoffments as marquises. Dividing land and securing benefits—this is what the Five Hegemons overturned armies and captured generals to seek; Enfeoffing marquises and honoring relatives—this is what Tang and Wu exiled and killed to contend for. Now Your Lordship, with folded arms, has both—this is the reason your minister wishes for Your Lordship.
10
「今大王與秦，則秦必弱韓、魏； 與齊，則齊必弱楚、魏。 魏弱則割河外，韓弱則效宜陽，宜陽效則上郡絕，河外割則道不通，楚弱則無援。 此三策者，不可不孰計也。
'Now if Your Majesty allies with Qin, then Qin will certainly weaken Han and Wei; If you ally with Qi, then Qi will certainly weaken Chu and Wei. If Wei weakens, it will cede the lands beyond the Yellow River; if Han weakens, it will surrender Yiyang. If Yiyang is surrendered, then Shang Commandery will be cut off; if the lands beyond the Yellow River are ceded, then the roads will not pass through. If Chu weakens, it will have no aid. These three strategies cannot fail to be carefully calculated.
11
「夫秦下軹道，則南陽危； 劫韓包周，則趙氏自操兵； 據衛取卷，則齊必入朝秦。 秦欲已得乎山東，則必舉兵而向趙矣。 秦甲渡河踰漳，據番吾，則兵必戰於邯鄲之下矣。 此臣之所為君患也。
'If Qin descends the Zhi Road, then Nanyang will be endangered; If Qin coerces Han and surrounds Zhou, then the Zhao clan will personally handle troops; If Qin occupies Wei and takes Juan, then Qi must enter the court of Qin. If Qin desires to obtain Shandong, it must raise troops and turn toward Zhao. If Qin armor crosses the Yellow River and surpasses the Zhang, occupying Fanwu, then troops must battle below Handan. This is the reason your minister worries for Your Lordship.
12
「當今之時，山東之建國莫彊於趙。 趙地方二千餘里，帶甲數十萬，車千乘，騎萬匹，粟支數年。 西有常山，南有河漳，東有清河，北有燕國。 燕固弱國，不足畏也。 秦之所害於天下者莫如趙，然而秦不敢舉兵伐趙者，何也？ 畏韓、魏之議其後也。 然則韓、魏，趙之南蔽也。 秦之攻韓、魏也，無有名山大川之限，稍蠶食之，傅國都而止。 韓、魏不能支秦，必入臣於秦。 秦無韓、魏之規，則禍必中於趙矣。 此臣之所為君患也。
'At the present time, among the established states of Shandong, none is stronger than Zhao. Zhao's territory spans more than two thousand square li, with several hundred thousand armored troops, a thousand chariots, ten thousand cavalry horses, and grain sufficient for several years. To the west it has Chang Mountain, to the south the Yellow River and Zhang, to the east the Qing River, and to the north the state of Yan. Yan is certainly a weak state, not worth fearing. Among those whom Qin harms in the world, none compares to Zhao, yet Qin dares not raise troops to attack Zhao. Why is this? It fears that Han and Wei will attack its rear. Thus Han and Wei are Zhao's southern shield. When Qin attacks Han and Wei, there are no famous mountains or great rivers to limit it. It gradually nibbles away at them, approaching their national capitals and then stops. Han and Wei cannot withstand Qin and must become ministers to Qin. If Qin lacks the monitoring of Han and Wei, then calamity must strike Zhao. This is the reason your minister worries for Your Lordship.
13
「臣聞堯無三夫之分，舜無咫尺之地，以有天下； 禹無百人之聚，以王諸侯； 湯武之士不過三千，車不過三百乘，卒不過三萬，立為天子：誠得其道也。 是故明主外料其敵之彊弱，內度其士卒賢不肖，不待兩軍相當而勝敗存亡之機固已形於胸中矣，豈揜於眾人之言而以冥冥決事哉！
'Your minister has heard that Yao had no portion for three men, Shun had no land the size of a foot or inch, yet they possessed the world; Yu had no gathering of a hundred men, yet he became king of the feudal lords; Tang and Wu had soldiers not exceeding three thousand, chariots not exceeding three hundred, and troops not exceeding thirty thousand, yet they were established as Sons of Heaven: truly they obtained the Way. Therefore enlightened rulers externally measure the strength and weakness of their enemies, internally assess whether their soldiers are worthy or unworthy. Without waiting for the two armies to confront each other, the mechanisms of victory, defeat, survival, and extinction are already formed in their chests. How can they be obscured by the words of the crowd and decide affairs in darkness!
14
「臣竊以天下之地圖案之，諸侯之地五倍於秦，料度諸侯之卒十倍於秦，六國為一，并力西鄉而攻秦，秦必破矣。 今西面而事之，見臣於秦。 夫破人之與破於人也，臣人之與臣於人也，豈可同日而論哉！
'Your minister has secretly examined the maps of the world's lands: the feudal lords' lands are five times Qin's, their troops ten times Qin's. If the six states unite as one and combine their strength to face west and attack Qin, Qin must surely be broken. Now we face west and serve them, appearing as ministers in Qin. Now breaking others versus being broken by others, ministering to others versus being ministered to by others—how can these be discussed on the same day!
15
「夫衡人者，皆欲割諸侯之地以予秦。 秦成，則高臺榭，美宮室，聽竽瑟之音，前有樓闕軒轅，後有長姣美人，國被秦患而不與其憂。 是故夫衡人日夜務以秦權恐愒諸侯以求割地，故願大王孰計之也。
'Those who engage in horizontal alliances all desire to divide the feudal lords' lands to give to Qin. If Qin succeeds, then they build high towers and terraces, beautiful palaces, and listen to the sounds of reed pipes and zithers. In front they have tower gates and carriages; in the rear, tall and beautiful women. The states suffer Qin's calamities without the Qin sharing their worries. Therefore those who engage in horizontal alliances strive day and night with Qin's authority to frighten and threaten the feudal lords to seek the ceding of land. Therefore I wish Your Majesty to carefully calculate this.
16
「臣聞明主絕疑去讒，屏流言之跡，塞朋黨之門，故尊主廣地彊兵之計臣得陳忠於前矣。 故竊為大王計，莫如一韓、魏、齊、楚、燕、趙以從親，以畔秦。 令天下之將相會於洹水之上，通質，刳白馬而盟。 要約曰：『秦攻楚，齊、魏各出銳師以佐之，韓絕其糧道，趙涉河漳，燕守常山之北。 秦攻韓魏，則楚絕其後，齊出銳師而佐之，趙涉河漳，燕守雲中。 秦攻齊，則楚絕其後，韓守城皋，魏塞其道，趙涉河漳、博關，燕出銳師以佐之。 秦攻燕，則趙守常山，楚軍武關，齊涉勃海，韓、魏皆出銳師以佐之。 秦攻趙，則韓軍宜陽，楚軍武關，魏軍河外，齊涉清河，燕出銳師以佐之。 諸侯有不如約者，以五國之兵共伐之。』 六國從親以賓秦，則秦甲必不敢出於函谷以害山東矣。 如此，則霸王之業成矣。」
'Your minister has heard that enlightened rulers cut off doubts and remove slanderers, block the tracks of rumors, and close the doors of factions. Therefore the plans to honor the lord, broaden lands, and strengthen troops allow your minister to demonstrate loyalty before you. Therefore in secretly planning for Your Majesty, nothing is better than uniting Han, Wei, Qi, Chu, Yan, and Zhao to form a close alliance and rebel against Qin. Order the world's generals and ministers to meet above the Huan River, exchange hostages, cut open a white horse, and form a covenant. The covenant states: 'If Qin attacks Chu, Qi and Wei will each send elite troops to aid it; Han will cut its grain routes; Zhao will ford the Yellow River and Zhang; Yan will guard north of Chang Mountain. If Qin attacks Han or Wei, then Chu will cut its rear; Qi will send elite troops to aid it; Zhao will ford the Yellow River and Zhang; Yan will guard Yunzhong. If Qin attacks Qi, then Chu will cut its rear; Han will guard Chenggao; Wei will block its roads; Zhao will ford the Yellow River, Zhang, and Bo Pass; Yan will send elite troops to aid it. If Qin attacks Yan, then Zhao will guard Chang Mountain; Chu will deploy troops at Wu Pass; Qi will ford the Bohai; Han and Wei will both send elite troops to aid it. If Qin attacks Zhao, then Han will deploy troops at Yiyang; Chu at Wu Pass; Wei beyond the Yellow River; Qi will ford the Qing River; Yan will send elite troops to aid it. If any of the feudal lords does not follow the covenant, the five states will together attack them.' If the six states form a close alliance to oppose Qin, then Qin's armored troops will certainly not dare emerge from Hangu Pass to harm Shandong. In this way, the enterprise of becoming hegemon and king will be accomplished."
17
趙王曰：「寡人年少，立國日淺，未嘗得聞社稷之長計也。 今上客有意存天下，安諸侯寡人敬以國從。」 乃飾車百乘，黃金千溢，白璧百雙，錦繡千純，以約諸侯。
The King of Zhao said: 'I am young and my state was established not long ago. I have never heard the long-term plans for the state. Now this honored guest has the intention to preserve the world and secure the feudal lords. I respectfully follow with my state.' He then adorned a hundred chariots, a thousand yi of gold, a hundred pairs of white jade, and a thousand bolts of brocade to make a pact with the feudal lords.
18
是時周天子致文武之胙於秦惠王。 惠王使犀首攻魏，禽將龍賈，取魏之雕陰，且欲東兵。 蘇秦恐秦兵之至趙也，乃激怒張儀，入之于秦。
At this time, the Zhou Son of Heaven sent the sacrificial meats of Wen and Wu to King Hui of Qin. King Hui sent Xi Shou to attack Wei, captured the general Long Jia, took Wei's Diaoyin, and moreover wished to deploy troops eastward. Su Qin feared that Qin troops would come to Zhao, so he provoked and angered Zhang Yi, bringing him into Qin.
19
於是說韓宣王曰：「韓北有鞏、成皋之固，西有宜陽、商阪之塞，東有宛、穰、洧水，南有陘山，地方九百餘里，帶甲數十萬，天下之彊弓勁弩皆從韓出。 谿子、少府時力、距來者，皆射六百步之外。 韓卒超足而射，百發不暇止，遠者括蔽洞胸，近者鏑弇心。 韓卒之劍戟皆出於冥山、棠谿、墨陽、合賻、鄧師、宛馮、龍淵、太阿，皆陸斷牛馬，水截鵠鴈，當敵則斬堅甲鐵幕，革抉跋芮，無不畢具。 以韓卒之勇，被堅甲，蹠勁弩，帶利劍，一人當百，不足言也。 夫以韓之勁與大王之賢，乃西面事秦，交臂而服，羞社稷而為天下笑，無大於此者矣。 是故願大王孰計之。
Then he persuaded King Xuan of Han, saying: 'Han to the north has the stronghold of Gong and Chenggao, to the west the passes of Yiyang and Shangban, to the east Wan, Rang, and the Wei River, to the south Mount Xiong. Its territory spans more than nine hundred square li, with several hundred thousand armored troops. All the world's strong bows and stout crossbows come from Han. Xizi, Shaofu Shili, and Julai—all can shoot beyond six hundred paces. Han troops can shoot while running extraordinarily fast—a hundred shots without pause. The distant ones' arrows cover and pierce the chest; the near ones' arrowheads hit the heart. The swords and halberds of Han troops all come from Ming Mountain, Tangxi, Moyang, Hecun, Dengshi, Wanping, Longyuan, and Tai'e. On land they can cut through cows and horses; on water they can sever swans and geese. When facing the enemy, they chop through firm armor and iron screens, pull leather and overturn horses—nothing is not completely prepared. With the courage of Han troops, donning firm armor, stepping with stout crossbows, belting sharp swords—one man can take on a hundred. It is not worth mentioning. Given Han's strength and Your Majesty's wisdom, to face west and serve Qin, crossing arms in submission, shaming the state and becoming the world's laughingstock—nothing is greater than this shame. Therefore I wish Your Majesty to carefully calculate this.
20
「大王事秦，秦必求宜陽、成皋。 今茲效之，明年又復求割地。 與則無地以給之，不與則棄前功而受後禍。 且大王之地有盡而秦之求無已，以有盡之地而逆無已之求，此所謂市怨結禍者也，不戰而地已削矣。 臣聞鄙諺曰：『寧為雞口，無為牛後。』 今西面交臂而臣事秦，何異於牛後乎？ 夫以大王之賢，挾彊韓之兵，而有牛後之名，臣竊為大王羞之。」
'If Your Majesty serves Qin, Qin will certainly seek Yiyang and Chenggao. This year you cede them land, next year they will again seek to divide your territory. If you give land, you will have no territory left to supply them; if you don't give land, you will abandon your previous achievements and receive later calamities. Moreover, Your Majesty's lands have limits but Qin's demands have no end. To oppose endless demands with limited lands—this is what is called buying resentment and tying calamity. Without battle, your lands will already be reduced. Your minister has heard the proverb: 'Better to be a chicken's head than a cow's rear.' Now to face west, cross arms, and serve Qin as ministers—how is this different from being a cow's rear? Given Your Majesty's wisdom and the strong Han troops you command, to have the name of a cow's rear—your minister is secretly ashamed for Your Majesty."
21
於是韓王勃然作色，攘臂瞋目，按劍仰天太息曰； 「寡人雖不肖，必不能事秦。 今主君詔以趙王之教，敬奉社稷以從。」
Then the King of Han suddenly changed color, rolled up his sleeves, glared with his eyes, pressed his sword, faced heaven, and sighed deeply, saying: 'Though I am unworthy, I certainly cannot serve Qin. Now my lord summons me with the teaching of the King of Zhao, and I respectfully offer my state to follow.'
22
又說魏襄王曰：「大王之地，南有鴻溝、陳、汝南、許、郾、昆陽、召陵、舞陽、新都、新郪，東有淮、潁、煑棗、無胥，西有長城之界，北有河外、卷、衍、酸棗，地方千里。 地名雖小，然而田舍廬廡之數，曾無所芻牧。 人民之眾，車馬之多，日夜行不絕，輷輷殷殷，若有三軍之眾。 臣竊量大王之國不下楚。 然衡人怵王交彊虎狼之秦以侵天下，卒有秦患，不顧其禍。 夫挾彊秦之勢以內劫其主，罪無過此者。 魏，天下之彊國也； 王，天下之賢王也。 今乃有意西面而事秦，稱東藩，筑帝宮，受冠帶，祠春秋，臣竊為大王恥之。
Again he persuaded King Xiang of Wei, saying: 'Your Majesty's lands to the south have Honggou, Chen, Runan, Xu, Yan, Kunyang, Zhaoling, Wuyang, Xindu, and Xinju; to the east they have the Huai, Ying, Zhuzao, and Wuxu; to the west they have the bounds of the Great Wall; to the north they have lands beyond the Yellow River, Juan, Yan, and Suanzhao. The territory spans a thousand li. Though the place names are small, the number of farmhouses and cottages never lacks for fodder or pasturage. The multitude of people, the many chariots and horses—their travel day and night never ceases, rumbling and prosperous, as if there were the multitude of three armies. Your minister secretly measures Your Majesty's state as not below Chu. Yet the balancers frighten Your Majesty into allying with the strong tiger-wolf Qin to invade the world. In the end they bring Qin calamities without considering their disasters. To grasp the power of strong Qin and internally coerce their lord—there is no crime greater than this. Wei is the world's strong state; Your Majesty is the world's worthy king. Now you have the intention to face west and serve Qin, call yourself an eastern fief, build an emperor's palace, receive the hat and belt, sacrifice in spring and autumn—your minister is secretly ashamed for Your Majesty.
23
「臣聞越王句踐戰敝卒三千人，禽夫差於干遂； 武王卒三千人，革車三百乘，制紂於牧野：豈其士卒眾哉，誠能奮其威也。 今竊聞大王之卒，武士二十萬，蒼頭二十萬，奮擊二十萬，廝徒十萬，車六百乘，騎五千匹。 此其過越王句踐、武王遠矣，今乃聽於群臣之說而欲臣事秦。 夫事秦必割地以效實，故兵未用而國已虧矣。 凡群臣之言事秦者，皆姦人，非忠臣也。 夫為人臣，割其主之地以求外交，偷取一時之功而不顧其後，破公家而成私門，外挾彊秦之勢以內劫其主，以求割地，願大王孰察之。
'Your minister has heard that King Goujian of Yue, with battle-worn troops of three thousand, captured Fuchai at Gansui; King Wu, with troops of three thousand and leather chariots of three hundred, controlled Zhou at Muye. Was it that their soldiers were many? Truly they could exert their awe. Now your minister has secretly heard that Your Majesty's troops include two hundred thousand martial soldiers, two hundred thousand blue-heads, two hundred thousand aroused strikers, one hundred thousand servants, six hundred chariots, and five thousand cavalry horses. This surpasses King Goujian of Yue and King Wu by far. Now you listen to your ministers' words and desire to serve Qin as ministers. To serve Qin, one must divide and cede land as proof. Therefore, before troops are even used, the state is already deficient. All ministers who speak of serving Qin are traitors, not loyal ministers. To be a minister and divide their lord's land to seek foreign alliances, stealing momentary merit without considering the aftermath, breaking the public family to establish private gates, externally grasping strong Qin's power to internally coerce their lord, seeking to divide land—I wish Your Majesty to carefully examine this.
24
「《周書》曰：『綿綿不絕，蔓蔓柰何？ 豪氂不伐，將用斧柯。』 前慮不定，後有大患，將柰之何？ 大王誠能聽臣，六國從親，專心并力壹意，則必無彊秦之患。 故敝邑趙王使臣效愚計，奉明約，在大王之詔詔之。」
'The Zhou Book says: "Continuous without breaking, creeping—what to do?" Brambles not cut, one will use the axe handle. Forward considerations undecided, later there will be great calamity—what to do? If Your Majesty can truly listen to your minister, the six states form a close alliance, devote themselves together and unite their intentions, then there will certainly be no calamity from strong Qin. Therefore the King of Zhao from my humble city sends your minister to present my foolish plan and offer this clear covenant. It awaits Your Majesty's command."
25
魏王曰：「寡人不肖，未嘗得聞明教。 今主君以趙王之詔詔之，敬以國從。」
The King of Wei said: 'I am unworthy and have never obtained clear teaching. Now my lord commands it with the King of Zhao's decree, and I respectfully follow with my state.'
26
因東說齊宣王曰：「齊南有泰山，東有瑯邪，西有清河，北有勃海，北所謂四塞之國也。 齊地方二千餘里，帶甲數十萬，粟如丘山。 三軍之良，五家之兵，進如鋒矢，戰如雷霆，解如風雨。 即有軍役，未嘗倍泰山，絕清河，涉勃海也。 臨菑之中七萬戶，臣竊度之，不下戶三男子，三七二十一萬，不待發於遠縣，而臨菑之卒固已二十一萬矣。 臨菑甚富而實，其民無不吹竽鼓瑟，彈琴擊筑，鬬雞走狗，六博蹋鞠者。 臨菑之涂，車轂擊，人肩摩，連衽成帷，舉袂成幕，揮汗成雨，家殷人足，志高氣揚。 夫以大王之賢與齊之彊，天下莫能當。 今乃西面而事秦，臣竊為大王羞之。
Then he went east and persuaded King Xuan of Qi, saying: 'Qi to the south has Mount Tai, to the east has Langya, to the west has the Qing River, to the north has the Bohai Sea—it is what is called a country of four natural barriers. Qi's territory spans more than two thousand square li, with several hundred thousand armored troops and grain piled up like hills and mountains. The excellence of its three armies, the troops of its five families—advancing like sharp arrows, battling like thunder, dispersing like wind and rain. Even when it has military campaigns, it never has to go over Mount Tai, cross the Qing River, or ford the Bohai Sea. In the midst of Linzi there are seventy thousand households. Your minister secretly estimates that there are not fewer than three men per household—three times seven is twenty-one thousand. Without needing to mobilize from distant counties, the troops of Linzi alone are already two hundred ten thousand. Linzi is very rich and substantial. Its people are all engaged in blowing reed pipes and drumming se strings, plucking qins and striking zhuz, cockfighting and dog racing, liubo games and kickball. On Linzi's roads, chariot hubs strike together, people's shoulders rub against each other. Connected hems form curtains, raised sleeves form tents, waved sweat forms rain. Families are prosperous and people are full, ambitions are high and spirits proud. Given Your Majesty's wisdom and Qi's strength, none in the world can match it. Now you face west and serve Qin—your minister is secretly ashamed for Your Majesty.
27
「且夫韓、魏之所以重畏秦者，為與秦接境壤界也。 兵出而相當，不出十日而戰勝存亡之機決矣。 韓、魏戰而勝秦，則兵半折，四境不守； 戰而不勝，則國已危亡隨其後。 是故韓、魏之所以重與秦戰，而輕為之臣也。 今秦之攻齊則不然。 倍韓、魏之地，過衛陽晉之道，徑乎亢父之險，車不得方軌，騎不得比行，百人守險，千人不敢過也。 秦雖欲深入，則狼顧，恐韓、魏之議其後也。 是故恫疑虛猲，驕矜而不敢進，則秦之不能害齊亦明矣。
'Moreover, the reason Han and Wei heavily fear Qin is that they border Qin's territory. Troops emerge and confront each other, and within ten days the mechanisms of victory, defeat, survival, and extinction are decided. If Han and Wei battle and defeat Qin, then half their troops will be destroyed and their four borders will not be defended; If they battle but do not win, then the state's danger and extinction will follow. Therefore Han and Wei heavily battle Qin while lightly becoming ministers. Now Qin's attack on Qi is not so. It doubles through Han and Wei lands, passes the roads of Wei, Yangjin, goes directly through the dangers of Kangfu. Chariots cannot travel parallel tracks, cavalry cannot ride side by side. If a hundred men guard the dangers, a thousand dare not pass. Though Qin wishes to penetrate deeply, it will look back like a wolf, fearing that Han and Wei will attack its rear. Therefore frightened and doubtful, making empty threats, arrogant and not daring to advance—then that Qin cannot harm Qi is also abundantly clear.
28
「夫不深料秦之無柰齊何，而欲西面而事之，是群臣之計過也。 今無臣事秦之名而有彊國之實，臣是故願大王少留意計之。」
'Not deeply calculating that Qin can do nothing to Qi, yet desiring to face west and serve it—this is the ministers' plan being wrong. Now without the name of ministering to Qin but having the reality of a strong state, your minister therefore wishes Your Majesty to pay a little attention and calculate this.'
29
齊王曰：「寡人不敏，僻遠守海，窮道東境之國也，未嘗得聞餘教。 今足下以趙王詔詔之，敬以國從。」
The King of Qi said: 'I am not intelligent, remote and defending the sea, a country of poor roads on the eastern border. I have never obtained your remaining teachings. Now Your Excellency commands it with the King of Zhao's decree, and I respectfully follow with my state.'
30
乃西南說楚威王曰：「楚，天下之彊國也； 王，天下之賢王也。 西有黔中、巫郡，東有夏州、海陽，南有洞庭、蒼梧，北有陘塞、郇陽，地方五千餘里，帶甲百萬，車千乘，騎萬匹，粟支十年。 此霸王之資也。 夫以楚之彊與王之賢，天下莫能當也。 今乃欲西面而事秦，則諸侯莫不西面而朝於章臺之下矣。
Then he went southwest and persuaded King Wei of Chu, saying: 'Chu is the world's strong state; Your Majesty is the world's worthy king. To the west it has Qianzhong and Wu Commandery, to the east Xiazhou and Haiyang, to the south Dongting and Cangwu, to the north Xiong Pass and Xunyang. Its territory spans more than five thousand square li, with a hundred thousand armored troops, a thousand chariots, ten thousand cavalry horses, and grain sufficient for ten years. This is the stuff of which hegemon-kings are made. Given Chu's strength and Your Majesty's wisdom, none in the world can match it. Now if you desire to face west and serve Qin, then the feudal lords will all face west and court at the base of Zhangtai.
31
「秦之所害莫如楚，楚彊則秦弱，秦彊則楚弱，其勢不兩立。 故為大王計，莫如從親以孤秦。 大王不從［親］，秦必起兩軍，一軍出武關，一軍下黔中，則鄢郢動矣。
'None whom Qin harms compares to Chu. If Chu is strong, then Qin is weak; if Qin is strong, then Chu is weak. Their power cannot coexist. Therefore in planning for Your Majesty, nothing is better than forming a close alliance to isolate Qin. If Your Majesty does not form a close alliance, Qin will certainly raise two armies—one army emerging from Wu Pass, one army descending through Qianzhong—then Yan and Ying will be shaken.
32
「臣聞治之其未亂也，為之其未有也。 患至而後憂之，則無及已。 故願大王蚤孰計之。
'Your minister has heard: govern when not yet chaotic, prepare when not yet existent. Worry about calamity only after it arrives, then there is no time. Therefore I wish Your Majesty to calculate this early and carefully.
33
「大王誠能聽臣，臣請令山東之國奉四時之獻，以承大王之明詔，委社稷，奉宗廟，練士厲兵，在大王之所用之。 大王誠能用臣之愚計，則韓、魏、齊、燕、趙、衛之妙音美人必充後宮，燕、代橐駝良馬必實外廄。 故從合則楚王，衡成則秦帝。 今釋霸王之業，而有事人之名，臣竊為大王不取也。
'If Your Majesty can truly listen to your minister, your minister will make the Shandong states offer the tributes of the four seasons to receive Your Majesty's clear commands, entrust their state altars, maintain their ancestral temples, train their soldiers and temper their troops, to be used at Your Majesty's discretion. If Your Majesty can truly use your minister's foolish plan, then the wonderful musicians and beauties of Han, Wei, Qi, Yan, Zhao, and Wei will certainly fill the rear palace, and the camels and good horses of Yan and Dai will certainly fill the outer stables. Therefore if the alliance is formed, then Chu becomes king; if the balance succeeds, then Qin becomes emperor. Now to abandon the enterprise of becoming hegemon and king, while having the name of serving people—your minister secretly does not approve for Your Majesty.
34
「夫秦，虎狼之國也，有吞天下之心。 秦，天下之仇讎也。 衡人皆欲割諸侯之地以事秦，此所謂養仇而奉讎者也。 夫為人臣，割其主之地以外交彊虎狼之秦，以侵天下，卒有秦患，不顧其禍。 夫外挾彊秦之威以內劫其主，以求割地，大逆不忠，無過此者。 故從親則諸侯割地以事楚，衡合則楚割地以事秦，此兩策者相去遠矣，二者大王何居焉？ 故敝邑趙王使臣效愚計，奉明約，在大王詔之。」
'Qin is a state of tigers and wolves, with the heart to swallow the world. Qin is the enemy of the world. Balancers all desire to divide the feudal lords' lands to serve Qin—this is what is called nourishing the enemy and serving the foe. To be a minister and divide their lord's land to externally ally with the strong tiger-wolf Qin, invading the world, and finally bring Qin calamities without considering the disaster. To externally grasp the awe of strong Qin and internally coerce their lord, seeking to divide lands—great rebellion and disloyalty, none is greater than this. Therefore if you form an alliance, the feudal lords will divide lands to serve Chu; if you unite in balance, Chu will divide lands to serve Qin. These two strategies are far apart—which of the two does Your Majesty choose? Therefore the King of Zhao from my humble city sends your minister to present my foolish plan and offer this clear covenant. It awaits Your Majesty's command."
35
楚王曰：「寡人之國西與秦接境，秦有舉巴蜀并漢中之心。 秦，虎狼之國，不可親也。 而韓、魏迫於秦患，不可與深謀，與深謀恐反人以入於秦，故謀未發而國已危矣。 寡人自料以楚當秦，不見勝也； 內與群臣謀，不足恃也。 寡人臥不安席，食不甘味，心搖搖然如縣旌而無所終薄。 今主君欲一天下，收諸侯，存危國，寡人謹奉社稷以從。」
The King of Chu said: 'My state to the west borders Qin, and Qin has the heart to raise Ba and Shu and annex Hanzhong. Qin is a state of tigers and wolves, and cannot be befriended. Han and Wei are pressed by Qin's calamities and cannot make deep plans with us. To make deep plans with them would fear that people rebel and enter Qin. Therefore, before plans are even issued, the state is already in danger. I calculate for myself that with Chu matching Qin, I do not see victory; To plan internally with my ministers is not sufficient to rely on. I lie uneasily on my mat, my food lacks sweetness. My heart shakes like a hanging banner and finds no place to settle. Now my lord wishes to unite the world, gather the feudal lords, and preserve endangered states. I respectfully offer my state to follow.'
36
於是六國從合而并力焉。 蘇秦為從約長，并相六國。
Then the six states formed an alliance and united their strength. Su Qin became the chief of the alliance pact and concurrently served as chancellor of the six states.
37
北報趙王，乃行過雒陽，車騎輜重，諸侯各發使送之甚眾，疑於王者。 周顯王聞之恐懼，除道，使人郊勞。 蘇秦之昆弟妻嫂側目不敢仰視，俯伏侍取食。 蘇秦笑謂其嫂曰：「何前倨而後恭也？」 嫂委蛇蒲服，以面掩地而謝曰：「見季子位高金多也。」 蘇秦喟然嘆曰：「此一人之身，富貴則親戚畏懼之，貧賤則輕易之，況眾人乎！ 且使我有雒陽負郭田二頃，吾豈能佩六國相印乎！」 於是散千金以賜宗族朋友。 初，蘇秦之燕，貸人百錢為資，乃得富貴，以百金償之。 遍報諸所嘗見德者。 其從者有一人獨未得報，乃前自言。 蘇秦曰：「我非忘子。 子之與我至燕，再三欲去我易水之上，方是時，我困，故望子深，是以後子。 子今亦得矣。」
He reported north to the King of Zhao, then passed through Luoyang with chariots, cavalry, and baggage. The feudal lords each sent envoys to send him off in great numbers, resembling a king. King Xian of Zhou heard of it and was fearful. He cleared the roads and sent people to welcome him in the suburbs. Su Qin's brothers, wife, and sisters-in-law glanced sidelong and dared not look up. They bowed low and served him food. Su Qin laughed and said to his sister-in-law: 'Why were you arrogant before but respectful now?' His sister-in-law crawled and knelt, covering her face with the ground as she apologized: 'I see that Ji Zi has a high position and much gold.' Su Qin sighed deeply and said: 'This single person—when rich and noble, relatives fear him; when poor and humble, they despise him. How much more so with the crowd!' 'Moreover, if I had two qing of suburban fields in Luoyang, how could I wear the chancellor seals of the six states!' Then he scattered a thousand jin to reward his clan relatives and friends. Initially, when Su Qin went to Yan, he borrowed a hundred cash as capital. Then he obtained wealth and nobility, and repaid with a hundred jin. He comprehensively repaid all those who had once shown him kindness. Among his followers, there was one person who alone had not received repayment. He then came forward and spoke for himself. Su Qin said: 'I have not forgotten you. You came with me to Yan and repeatedly wanted to leave me above the Yi River. At that time, I was distressed, so I hoped deeply in you, which is why I repaid you late. You now also obtain.'
38
蘇秦既約六國從親，歸趙，趙肅侯封為武安君，乃投從約書於秦。 秦兵不敢闚函谷關十五年。
After Su Qin had made the pact of the six states to form an alliance, he returned to Zhao. King Su of Zhao enfeoffed him as Lord Wu'an, then threw the alliance pact document at Qin. Qin troops dared not spy on Hangu Pass for fifteen years.
39
其後秦使犀首欺齊、魏，與共伐趙，欲敗從約。 齊、魏伐趙，趙王讓蘇秦。 蘇秦恐，請使燕，必報齊。 蘇秦去趙而從約皆解。
Afterward, Qin sent Xi Shou to deceive Qi and Wei, and together with them attacked Zhao, desiring to break the alliance pact. Qi and Wei attacked Zhao, and the King of Zhao blamed Su Qin. Su Qin was fearful and requested to be sent as envoy to Yan, saying he must repay Qi. When Su Qin left Zhao, all the alliance pacts dissolved.
40
秦惠王以其女為燕太子婦。 是歲，文侯卒，太子立，是為燕易王。 易王初立，齊宣王因燕喪伐燕，取十城。 易王謂蘇秦曰：「往日先生至燕，而先王資先生見趙，遂約六國從。 今齊先伐趙，次至燕，以先生之故為天下笑，先生能為燕得侵地乎？」 蘇秦大慚，曰：「請為王取之。」
King Hui of Qin gave his daughter as wife to the Yan crown prince. This year, Marquis Wen died. The crown prince was established, and this was King Yi of Yan. When King Yi was newly established, King Xuan of Qi took advantage of Yan's mourning to attack Yan and took ten cities. King Yi said to Su Qin: 'In former days, when you came to Yan, the former king funded you to see Zhao, and thus you made the pact of the six states to ally.' Now Qi first attacked Zhao, then came to Yan, and because of you, sir, has become the world's laughingstock. Can you obtain the invaded lands back for Yan?' Su Qin was greatly ashamed and said: 'Please allow me to take it back for Your Majesty.'
41
蘇秦見齊王，再拜，俯而慶，仰而弔。 齊王曰：「是何慶弔相隨之速也？」 蘇秦曰：「臣聞饑人所以饑而不食烏喙者，為其愈充腹而與餓死同患也。 今燕雖弱小，即秦王之少婿也。 大王利其十城而長與彊秦為仇。 今使弱燕為鴈行而彊秦敝其後，以招天下之精兵，是食烏喙之類也。」 齊王愀然變色曰：「然則柰何？」 蘇秦曰：「臣聞古之善制事者，轉禍為福，因敗為功。 大王誠能聽臣計，即歸燕之十城。 燕無故而得十城，必喜； 秦王知以己之故而歸燕之十城，亦必喜。 此所謂棄仇讎而得石交者也。 夫燕、秦俱事齊，則大王號令天下，莫敢不聽。 是王以虛辭附秦，以十城取天下。 此霸王之業也。」 王曰：「善。」 於是乃歸燕之十城。
Su Qin saw the King of Qi, bowed twice, bent low to congratulate, raised up to condole. The King of Qi said: 'What is this of congratulations and condolences following so quickly?' Su Qin said: 'Your minister has heard that a hungry person remains hungry and does not eat crow's beak poison because though it fills the stomach, it is the same calamity as starving to death.' Now Yan, though weak and small, is the young son-in-law of the King of Qin. Your Majesty profits from its ten cities while being a long-term enemy of strong Qin. Now to make weak Yan the vanguard like a goose formation while strong Qin exhausts its rear, thereby attracting the world's elite troops—this is of the same class as eating crow's beak poison.' The King of Qi was worried and changed color, saying: 'Then what should be done?' Su Qin said: 'Your minister has heard that the ancients who were good at managing affairs turned calamity into fortune and used defeat to achieve merit. If Your Majesty can truly listen to your minister's plan, then return Yan's ten cities. Yan will obtain ten cities without reason and will certainly be happy; The King of Qin will know that Yan's ten cities were returned because of him and will also certainly be happy. This is what is called abandoning an enemy and obtaining a friendship as solid as stone. If Yan and Qin both serve Qi, then Your Majesty's commands to the world will be such that none dare not listen. This is Your Majesty attaching Qin with empty words and taking the world with ten cities. This is the enterprise of becoming hegemon and king.' The king said: 'Good.' Then they returned Yan's ten cities.
42
人有毀蘇秦者曰：「左右賣國反覆之臣也，將作亂。」 蘇秦恐得罪歸，而燕王不復官也。 蘇秦見燕王曰：「臣，東周之鄙人也，無有分寸之功，而王親拜之於廟而禮之於廷。 今臣為王卻齊之兵而［攻］得十城，宜以益親。 今來而王不官臣者，人必有以不信傷臣於王者。 臣之不信，王之福也。 臣聞忠信者，所以自為也； 進取者，所以為人也。 且臣之說齊王，曾非欺之也。 臣棄老母於東周，固去自為而行進取也。 今有孝如曾參，廉如伯夷，信如尾生。 得此三人者以事大王，何若？」 王曰：「足矣。」 蘇秦曰：「孝如曾參，義不離其親一宿於外，王又安能使之步行千里而事弱燕之危王哉？ 廉如伯夷，義不為孤竹君之嗣，不肯為武王臣，不受封侯而餓死首陽山下。 有廉如此，王又安能使之步行千里而行進取於齊哉？ 信如尾生，與女子期於梁下，女子不來，水至不去，抱柱而死。 有信如此，王又安能使之步行千里卻齊之彊兵哉？ 臣所謂以忠信得罪於上者也。」 燕王曰：「若不忠信耳，豈有以忠信而得罪者乎？」 蘇秦曰：「不然。 臣聞客有遠為吏而其妻私於人者，其夫將來，其私者憂之，妻曰『勿憂，吾已作藥酒待之矣』。 居三日，其夫果至，妻使妾舉藥酒進之。 妾欲言酒之有藥，則恐其逐主母也，欲勿言乎，則恐其殺主父也。 於是乎詳僵而棄酒。 主父大怒，笞之五十。 故妾一僵而覆酒，上存主父，下存主母，然而不免於笞，惡在乎忠信之無罪也？ 夫臣之過，不幸而類是乎！」 燕王曰：「先生復就故官。」 益厚遇之。
There were those who slandered Su Qin, saying: 'He is a treacherous minister who sells out his country and turns back on his word. He will make rebellion.' Su Qin feared that he would return having committed a crime, and the King of Yan would not restore his office. Su Qin saw the King of Yan and said: 'Your subject is a lowly person from Eastern Zhou, without an inch of merit, yet Your Majesty personally bowed to him at the temple and ritualized him at court. Now your subject has repelled Qi's troops for Your Majesty and obtained ten cities. It should increase our closeness. Now I come and Your Majesty does not office me, there must be those who use disbelief to injure your subject to Your Majesty. Your subject's lack of faith is Your Majesty's blessing. Your minister has heard that loyalty and faith are done for oneself; advancing and taking is done for others. Moreover, your minister's persuasion of the King of Qi has never been to deceive him. Your minister abandoned his old mother in Eastern Zhou and certainly left to do for himself and pursue advancement. Now suppose there were those as filial as Zeng Shen, as clean as Bo Yi, as faithful as Wei Sheng. If you obtained these three to serve Your Majesty, how would that be?' The king said: 'That would be sufficient.' Su Qin said: 'One as filial as Zeng Shen, whose righteousness does not allow him to leave his parents one night outside—how could Your Majesty make him walk a thousand li to serve the endangered king of weak Yan?' One as clean as Bo Yi, whose righteousness did not allow him to become heir to the Lord of Guzhu, would not serve as minister to King Wu, would not accept enfeoffment as marquise and starved to death below Shouyang Mountain. One so clean—how could Your Majesty make him walk a thousand li to pursue advancement in Qi? One as faithful as Wei Sheng, who made an appointment with a woman beneath a bridge, and when the woman did not come, water arrived but he did not leave, embracing the pillar and dying. One so faithful—how could Your Majesty make him walk a thousand li to repel Qi's strong troops? This is what your minister calls getting into trouble with superiors because of loyalty and faith.' The King of Yan said: 'If you are not loyal and faithful, then fine—but how can one get into trouble because of loyalty and faith?' Su Qin said: 'Not so. Your minister has heard of a traveler who went far away to become an official, but his wife was privately involved with another man. When her husband was about to return, her lover became worried. The wife said, 'Don't worry, I have already prepared poisoned wine to await him.' After three days, her husband indeed arrived. The wife had her concubine raise the poisoned wine and present it to him. The concubine wished to speak of the poison in the wine, but feared that would result in her mistress being driven out. If she did not speak, she feared that her master would be killed. Therefore she pretended to go stiff and dropped the wine. The master became greatly angry and caned her fifty strokes. Therefore I stiffened my body and overturned the wine, preserving my master above and my mistress below, yet I could not avoid the cane. Where then is the innocence of loyalty and faithfulness? My subject's error unfortunately is similar to this!' The King of Yan said: 'Sir, return to your former office.' He treated him even more generously.
43
易王母，文侯夫人也，與蘇秦私通。 燕王知之，而事之加厚。 蘇秦恐誅，乃說燕王曰：「臣居燕不能使燕重，而在齊則燕必重。」 燕王曰：「唯先生之所為。」 於是蘇秦詳為得罪於燕而亡走齊，齊宣王以為客卿。
King Yi's mother, who was Marquis Wen's consort, had a private affair with Su Qin. The King of Yan knew of it, yet treated him even more generously. Su Qin feared execution, so he advised the King of Yan, saying: 'Your subject dwelling in Yan cannot make Yan important, but in Qi, Yan will certainly become important.' The King of Yan said: 'Do as you, sir, see fit.' Then Su Qin pretended to commit a crime in Yan and fled to Qi. King Xuan of Qi made him a guest qing.
44
齊宣王卒，湣王即位，說湣王厚葬以明孝，高宮室大苑囿以明得意，欲破敝齊而為燕。 燕易王卒，燕噲立為王。 其後齊大夫多與蘇秦爭寵者，而使人刺蘇秦，不死，殊而走。 齊王使人求賊，不得。 蘇秦且死，乃謂齊王曰：「臣即死，車裂臣以徇於市，曰『蘇秦為燕作亂於齊』，如此則臣之賊必得矣。」 於是如其言，而殺蘇秦者果自出，齊王因而誅之。 燕聞之曰：「甚矣，齊之為蘇生報仇也！」
King Xuan of Qi died, and King Min ascended the throne. Su Qin advised King Min to have thick burials to show filial piety, build high palaces and great parks to show satisfaction, desiring to break and exhaust Qi to benefit Yan. King Yi of Yan died, and Yan Kuai was established as king. Afterward, many Qi grand masters who contended for favor with Su Qin sent someone to stab Su Qin. He did not die, but was wounded and fled. The King of Qi sent people to seek the assassin, but could not find him. Su Qin, about to die, then told the King of Qi: 'When your subject dies, cart-tear my body and parade it through the market, saying "Su Qin made rebellion in Qi for Yan." In this way, your subject's assassin will certainly be found.' Then they did as he said, and the one who killed Su Qin indeed came forward himself. The King of Qi then executed him. Yan heard of it and said: 'How extreme! Qi avenges Su Qin even after his death!'
45
蘇秦既死，其事大泄。 齊後聞之，乃恨怒燕。 燕甚恐。 蘇秦之弟曰代，代弟蘇厲，見兄遂，亦皆學。 及蘇秦死，代乃求見燕王，欲襲故事。 曰：「臣，東周之鄙人也。 竊聞大王義甚高，鄙人不敏，釋鉏耨而干大王。 至於邯鄲，所見者絀於所聞於東周，臣竊負其志。 及至燕廷，觀王之群臣下吏，王，天下之明王也。」 燕王曰：「子所謂明王者何如也？」 對曰：「臣聞明王務聞其過，不欲聞其善，臣請謁王之過。 夫齊、趙者，燕之仇讎也； 楚、魏者，燕之援國也。 今王奉仇讎以伐援國，非所以利燕也。 王自慮之，此則計過，無以聞者，非忠臣也。」 王曰：「夫齊者固寡人之讎，所欲伐也，直患國敝力不足也。 子能以燕伐齊，則寡人舉國委子。」 對曰：「凡天下戰國七，燕處弱焉。 獨戰則不能，有所附則無不重。 南附楚，楚重； 西附秦，秦重； 中附韓、魏，韓、魏重。 且茍所附之國重，此必使王重矣。 今夫齊，長主而自用也。 南攻楚五年，畜聚竭； 西困秦三年，士卒罷敝； 北與燕人戰，覆三軍，得二將。 然而以其餘兵南面舉五千乘之大宋，而包十二諸侯。 此其君欲得，其民力竭，惡足取乎！ 且臣聞之，數戰則民勞，久師則兵敝矣。」 燕王曰：「吾聞齊有清濟、濁河可以為固，長城、鉅防足以為塞，誠有之乎？」 對曰：「天時不與，雖有清濟、濁河，惡足以為固！ 民力罷敝，雖有長城、鉅防，惡足以為塞！ 且異日濟西不師，所以備趙也； 河北不師，所以備燕也。 今濟西河北盡已役矣，封內敝矣。 夫驕君必好利，而亡國之臣必貪於財。 王誠能無羞從子母弟以為質，寶珠玉帛以事左右，彼將有德燕而輕亡宋，則齊可亡已。」 燕王曰：「吾終以子受命於天矣。」 燕乃使一子質於齊。 而蘇厲因燕質子而求見齊王。 齊王怨蘇秦，欲囚蘇厲。 燕質子為謝，已遂委質為齊臣。
After Su Qin died, his affairs were greatly revealed. Qi afterward heard of it and then hated and was angry at Yan. Yan was very fearful. Su Qin's younger brother was called Dai, and Dai's younger brother was Su Li. Seeing their elder brother's success, they all studied as well. When Su Qin died, Dai then sought to see the King of Yan, desiring to continue the old affairs. He said: 'Your subject is a lowly person from Eastern Zhou. I have secretly heard that Your Majesty's righteousness is very high. This lowly person is not intelligent, but has abandoned hoe and sickle to approach Your Majesty.' Arriving at Handan, what I saw was inferior to what I heard in Eastern Zhou. Your subject secretly bore his ambition. Arriving at the Yan court and observing Your Majesty's ministers and officials—Your Majesty is the world's bright king.' The King of Yan said: 'What is this bright king you speak of like?' He replied: 'Your minister has heard that enlightened kings strive to hear their errors, not desiring to hear their good. Your minister requests to report Your Majesty's errors. Now Qi and Zhao are Yan's enemies; Chu and Wei are Yan's supporting states. Now Your Majesty serves enemies to attack supporting states—this is not the way to benefit Yan. Your Majesty should consider this yourself—this is a mistaken plan. Those who do not speak of it to hear are not loyal ministers.' The king said: 'Qi is certainly my enemy, and I desire to attack it. I only suffer from my state being depleted and strength insufficient. If you can use Yan to attack Qi, then I will entrust my whole state to you.' He replied: 'In all the world there are seven warring states, and Yan dwells in weakness among them. Fighting alone it cannot, but if it has attachments, then none will not become important. Attaching south to Chu, Chu becomes important; Attaching west to Qin, Qin becomes important; Attaching centrally to Han and Wei, Han and Wei become important. Moreover, if the state attached to becomes important, this will certainly make Your Majesty important. Now as for Qi, it has a long-standing ruler who uses himself. Attacking south to Chu for five years, stores are exhausted; Exhausting west to Qin for three years, soldiers are tired and depleted; Battling north with Yan people, overturning three armies, obtaining two generals. Yet with its remaining troops facing south, raising the great Song of five thousand chariots, surrounding the twelve feudal lords. This—its ruler desires to obtain it, but its people's strength is exhausted. How is it sufficient to take? Moreover, your minister has heard that frequent battles then people labor, long campaigns then troops are depleted.' The King of Yan said: 'I have heard that Qi has the Qingji and Zhuhe that can be solid, the Great Wall and Jufang sufficient to be barriers. Is this truly so?' He replied: 'Heaven's timing does not help. Though there are Qingji and Zhuhe, how are they sufficient to be solid? People's strength is tired and depleted. Though there are the Great Wall and Jufang, how are they sufficient to be barriers? Moreover, in former days, the west of Ji did not campaign, which was to prepare for Zhao; Hebei did not campaign, which was to prepare for Yan. Now the west of Ji and Hebei are all already in service, within the borders depleted. Now arrogant rulers certainly love profit, while ministers of perishing states are certainly greedy for wealth. If Your Majesty can truly without shame take your mother's younger brother as hostage and treasure pearls, jade, and silks to serve the left and right, they will have virtue toward Yan and lightly perish Song, then Qi can already perish.' The King of Yan said: 'I finally receive the command of Heaven with you.' Yan then sent one son as hostage to Qi. Su Li, because of the Yan hostage son, sought to see the King of Qi. The King of Qi resented Su Qin and wished to imprison Su Li. The Yan hostage son apologized, and then submitted as hostage to become a Qi minister.
46
燕相子之與蘇代婚，而欲得燕權，乃使蘇代侍質子於齊。 齊使代報燕，燕王噲問曰：「齊王其霸乎？」 曰：「不能。」 曰：「何也？」 曰：「不信其臣。」 於是燕王專任子之，已而讓位，燕大亂。 齊伐燕，殺王噲、子之。 燕立昭王，而蘇代、蘇厲遂不敢入燕，皆終歸齊，齊善待之。
The Yan chancellor Zi Zhi was married to Su Dai and desired to obtain Yan's power. He then made Su Dai attend the hostage in Qi. Qi made Dai report to Yan. King Kuai of Yan asked: 'Will the King of Qi become hegemon?' He said: 'Cannot.' He said: 'Why?' He said: 'He does not trust his ministers.' Then the King of Yan specially employed Zi Zhi. Afterward he yielded the position, and Yan fell into great chaos. Qi attacked Yan and killed Wang Kuai and Zi Zhi. Yan established King Zhao, and Su Dai and Su Li then dared not enter Yan. They all finally returned to Qi, and Qi treated them well.
47
蘇代過魏，魏為燕執代。 齊使人謂魏王曰：「齊請以宋地封涇陽君，秦必不受。 秦非不利有齊而得宋地也，不信齊王與蘇子也。 今齊魏不和如此其甚，則齊不欺秦。 秦信齊，齊秦合，涇陽君有宋地，非魏之利也。 故王不如東蘇子，秦必疑齊而不信蘇子矣。 齊秦不合，天下無變，伐齊之形成矣。」 於是出蘇代。 代之宋，宋善待之。
Su Dai passed through Wei, and Wei arrested Dai for Yan. Qi sent a person to tell the King of Wei: 'Qi requests to enfeoff Lord Jingyang with Song lands. Qin will certainly not accept. Qin is not disadvantaged by having Qi and obtaining Song lands—it does not trust the King of Qi and the Su sons.' Now that Qi and Wei are not harmonious to such an extreme degree, then Qi does not deceive Qin. If Qin trusts Qi and Qi and Qin unite, then Lord Jingyang will have Song territory, which is not to Wei's benefit. Therefore Your Majesty should rather send Su Zi east. Qin will certainly suspect Qi and not trust Su Zi. Qi and Qin will not unite. The world will have no changes, and the form for attacking Qi will be completed.' Then they released Su Dai. Dai went to Song, and Song treated him well.
48
齊伐宋，宋急，蘇代乃遺燕昭王書曰：
Qi attacked Song. Song was urgent, and Su Dai then sent King Zhao of Yan a book saying:
49
夫列在萬乘而寄質於齊，名卑而權輕； 奉萬乘助齊伐宋，民勞而實費； 夫破宋，殘楚淮北，肥大齊，讎彊而國害：此三者皆國之大敗也。 然且王行之者，將以取信於齊也。 齊加不信於王，而忌燕愈甚，是王之計過矣。 夫以宋加之淮北，彊萬乘之國也，而齊并之，是益一齊也。 北夷方七百里，加之以魯、衛，彊萬乘之國也，而齊并之，是益二齊也。 夫一齊之彊，燕猶狼顧而不能支，今以三齊臨燕，其禍必大矣。
'To be listed among the ten thousand chariots while sending hostages to Qi makes one's name low and power light; To support the ten thousand chariots and aid Qi in attacking Song causes the people to labor and substance to be costly; To break Song, damage Chu's north of the Huai, fatten great Qi, make the enemy strong and harm the state—these three are all great defeats for the state. Yet Your Majesty does it in order to obtain trust from Qi. Qi will add to its lack of trust in Your Majesty, and will be even more jealous of Yan—this is Your Majesty's mistaken plan. To add Song to Chu's north of the Huai makes a strong state of ten thousand chariots, and if Qi annexes it, this increases Qi by one Qi. The northern Yi are a region of seven hundred li square. Add Lu and Wei to it, and it becomes a strong state of ten thousand chariots. If Qi annexes it, this increases Qi by two Qis. With the strength of one Qi, Yan still looks back like a wolf and cannot withstand. Now with three Qis facing Yan, its calamity will certainly be great.'
50
雖然，智者舉事，因禍為福，轉敗為功。 齊紫，敗素也，而賈十倍； 越王句踐棲於會稽，復殘彊吳而霸天下：此皆因禍為福，轉敗為功者也。
'Although, the wise raise affairs by turning calamity into fortune and defeat into merit. Qi purple is defeated plain, yet its price is ten times; King Goujian of Yue dwelt at Kuaiji, then again damaged strong Wu and became hegemon of the world—these are all those who turned calamity into fortune and defeat into merit.'
51
今王若欲因禍為福，轉敗為功，則莫若挑霸齊而尊之，使使盟於周室，焚秦符，曰「其大上計，破秦； 其次，必長賓之」。 秦挾賓以待破，秦王必患之。 秦五世伐諸侯，今為齊下，秦王之志茍得窮齊，不憚以國為功。 然則王何不使辯士以此言說秦王曰：「燕、趙破宋肥齊，尊之為之下者，燕、趙非利之也。 燕、趙不利而勢為之者，以不信秦王也。 然則王何不使可信者接收燕、趙，令涇陽君、高陵君先於燕、趙？ 秦有變，因以為質，則燕、趙信秦。 秦為西帝，燕為北帝，趙為中帝，立三帝以令於天下。 韓、魏不聽則秦伐之，齊不聽則燕、趙伐之，天下孰敢不聽？ 天下服聽，因驅韓、魏以伐齊，曰『必反宋地，歸楚淮北』。 反宋地，歸楚淮北，燕、趙之所利也； 并立三帝，燕、趙之所願也。 夫實得所利，尊得所願，燕、趙棄齊如脫屣矣。 今不收燕、趙，齊霸必成。 諸侯贊齊而王不從，是國伐也； 諸侯贊齊而王從之，是名卑也。 今收燕、趙，國安而名尊； 不收燕、趙，國危而名卑。 夫去尊安而取危卑，智者不為也。」 秦王聞若說，必若刺心然。 則王何不使辯士以此若言說秦？ 秦必取，齊必伐矣。
'Now if Your Majesty wishes to turn calamity into fortune and defeat into merit, then nothing is better than provoking Qi to become hegemon and honoring it, sending envoys to form alliances at the Zhou house, burning Qin tallies, saying "Its great upper plan is to break Qin; next, it must treat it as a long-term guest."' Qin will grasp the guest and await breaking it. The King of Qin will certainly be worried by it. Qin for five generations has attacked the feudal lords. Now it is below Qi. If the King of Qin's ambition obtains exhausting Qi, he will not fear using the state as merit. Then why does Your Majesty not send eloquent speakers to advise the King of Qin with these words: 'Yan and Zhao break Song and fatten Qi, honoring it as below them. Yan and Zhao do not profit from it. Yan and Zhao do not profit from it, yet their power does it because they do not trust the King of Qin. Then why does Your Majesty not send trustworthy ones to receive Yan and Zhao, making Lord Jingyang and Lord Gaoling go first to Yan and Zhao?' If Qin has changes, they can be used as hostages, then Yan and Zhao will trust Qin. Qin becomes Western Emperor, Yan becomes Northern Emperor, Zhao becomes Central Emperor. Establish three emperors to command the world.' If Han and Wei do not listen, Qin will attack them; if Qi does not listen, Yan and Zhao will attack it. Who in the world would dare not to listen? The world will submit and listen. Then drive Han and Wei to attack Qi, saying 'We must return Song lands and return Chu's north of the Huai.' Returning Song lands and returning Chu's north of the Huai is what Yan and Zhao profit from; together establishing three emperors is what Yan and Zhao wish for.' In reality obtaining what profits them, in honor obtaining what they wish, Yan and Zhao will abandon Qi like casting off shoes. Now if Yan and Zhao are not collected, Qi's hegemony will certainly be completed. If the feudal lords assist Qi and Your Majesty does not follow, this means the state is attacked; if the feudal lords assist Qi and Your Majesty follows, this means the name is low. Now collecting Yan and Zhao makes the state secure and the name honored; not collecting Yan and Zhao makes the state endangered and the name low. To abandon honored security and take endangered lowliness—the wise do not do this.' When the King of Qin hears such words, he will certainly be like having his heart stabbed. Then why does Your Majesty not send eloquent speakers to advise Qin with these such words? Qin will certainly take it, Qi will certainly be attacked.
52
夫取秦，厚交也； 伐齊，正利也。 尊厚交，務正利，聖王之事也。
Taking Qin is thick friendship; attacking Qi is correct profit. Honoring thick friendship and striving for correct profit—these are the affairs of sage kings.'
53
燕昭王善其書，曰：「先人嘗有德蘇氏，子之之亂而蘇氏去燕。 燕欲報仇於齊，非蘇氏莫可。」 乃召蘇代，復善待之，與謀伐齊。 竟破齊，湣王出走。
King Zhao of Yan approved of his book and said: 'My ancestors once had virtue toward the Su clan. When Zi Zhi's chaos occurred, the Su clan left Yan. Yan wishes to repay enmity to Qi. None other than the Su clan can do it.' Then he summoned Su Dai, treated him well again, and planned with him to attack Qi. In the end they broke Qi, and King Min fled.
54
久之，秦召燕王，燕王欲往，蘇代約燕王曰：「楚得枳而國亡，齊得宋而國亡，齊、楚不得以有枳、宋而事秦者，何也？ 則有功者，秦之深讎也。 秦取天下，非行義也，暴也。 秦之行暴，正告天下。
After a long time, Qin summoned the King of Yan. The King of Yan wished to go. Su Dai warned the King of Yan, saying: 'Chu obtained Zhi and the state perished; Qi obtained Song and the state perished. Why could Qi and Chu not, by having Zhi and Song, serve Qin? Those who have merit are Qin's deep enemies. Qin takes the world not by practicing righteousness, but by violence. Qin's practice of violence is correctly warning the world.'
55
「告楚曰：『蜀地之甲，乘船浮於汶，乘夏水而下江，五日而至郢。 漢中之甲，乘船出於巴，乘夏水而下漢，四日而至五渚。 寡人積甲宛東下隨，智者不及謀，勇土不及怒，寡人如射隼矣。 王乃欲待天下之攻函谷，不亦遠乎！』 楚王為是故，十七年事秦。
'It warned Chu saying: 'The armor of Shu lands, riding boats floating on the Wen, riding summer waters down the Jiang, in five days arriving at Ying. The armor of Hanzhong, riding boats emerging from Ba, riding summer waters down the Han, in four days arriving at Wuzhu. I store armor east of Wan down to Sui. The wise will not have time to plan, the brave soldiers will not have time to be angry. I will be like shooting a falcon. Your Majesty desires to await the world's attack on Hangu—isn't that far off!' The King of Chu served Qin for seventeen years because of this reason.
56
「秦正告韓曰：『我起乎少曲，一日而斷大行。 我起乎宜陽而觸平陽，二日而莫不盡繇。 我離兩周而觸鄭，五日而國舉。』 韓氏以為然，故事秦。
'Qin correctly warned Han saying: 'I rise at Shaoqu and in one day break Daxing. I rise at Yiyang and touch Pingyang, in two days none are not all conscripted. I leave the two Zhous and touch Zheng, in five days the state is raised.' The Han clan considered it correct, and thus served Qin.
57
「秦正告魏曰：『我舉安邑，塞女戟，韓氏太原卷。 我下軹，道南陽，封冀，包兩周。 乘夏水，浮輕舟，錟弩在前，錟戈在後，決滎口，魏無大梁； 決白馬之口，魏無外黃、濟陽； 決宿胥之口，魏無虛、頓丘。 陸攻則擊河內，水攻則滅大梁。』 魏氏以為然，故事秦。
'Qin correctly warned Wei saying: 'I raise at Anyi, block Nvji, the Han clan Taiyuan curls. I descend at Zhi, road to Nanyang, seal Ji, surround the two Zhous. Riding summer waters, floating light boats, strong crossbows in front, strong halberds in rear, breaking Yingkou—Wei has no Daliang; breaking Baima mouth—Wei has no Waihuang, Jiyang; breaking Suxu mouth—Wei has no Xu, Dunqiu. Land attack then strikes Henan, water attack then extinguishes Daliang.' The Wei clan considered it correct, and thus served Qin.
58
「秦欲攻安邑，恐齊救之，則以宋委於齊。 曰：『宋王無道，為木人以（寫）［象］寡人，射其面。 寡人地絕兵遠，不能攻也。 王茍能破宋有之，寡人如自得之。』 已得安邑，塞女戟，因以破宋為齊罪。
'Qin desired to attack Anyi, but feared Qi would save it, so entrusted Song to Qi. Saying: 'The King of Song is without the Way. He made a wooden person to imitate me and shot its face. My lands are cut off and troops far away. I cannot attack it. If Your Majesty can break Song and have it, I will be like having obtained it myself.' Already obtained Anyi, blocked Nvji, and thus made breaking Song into Qi's crime.
59
「秦欲攻韓，恐天下救之，則以齊委於天下。 曰：『齊王四與寡人約，四欺寡人，必率天下以攻寡人者三。 有齊無秦，有秦無齊，必伐之，必亡之。』 已得宜陽、少曲，致藺、［離］石，因以破齊為天下罪。
'Qin desired to attack Han, but feared the world would save it, so entrusted Qi to the world. Saying: 'The King of Qi made four pacts with me, four times deceived me. Three times he must lead the world to attack me. If there is Qi there is no Qin, if there is Qin there is no Qi—I must attack it, I must cause its perishing.' Already obtained Yiyang and Shaoqu, sent Lin and Lishi, and thus made breaking Qi into the world's crime.
60
「秦欲攻魏重楚，則以南陽委於楚。 曰：『寡人固與韓且絕矣。 殘均陵，塞鄳阸，茍利於楚，寡人如自有之。』 魏棄與國而合於秦，因以塞鄳阸為楚罪。
'Qin desired to attack Wei and strengthen Chu, so entrusted Nanyang to Chu. Saying: 'I certainly have already cut relations with Han. Damage Junling, block Dong'e. If it profits Chu, I will be like having it myself.' Wei abandoned its allied states and united with Qin, and thus made blocking Dong'e into Chu's crime.
61
「兵困於林中，重燕、趙，以膠東委於燕，以濟西委於趙。 已得講於魏，至公子延，因犀首屬行而攻趙。
'Troops were trapped in Linzhong, strengthening Yan and Zhao, entrusting Jiaodong to Yan, entrusting Jixi to Zhao. Already obtained peace with Wei, arrived at Gongzi Yan, and because of Xi Shou continuing on attacked Zhao.
62
「兵傷於譙石，而遇敗於陽馬，而重魏，則以葉、蔡委於魏。 已得講於趙，則劫魏，［魏］不為割。 困則使太后弟穰侯為和，嬴則兼欺舅與母。
'Troops were injured at Qiaoshi, and encountered defeat at Yangma, and strengthened Wei, then entrusted Ye and Cai to Wei. Already obtained peace with Zhao, then coerced Wei, but Wei would not cede. When trapped, then make the Empress Dowager's younger brother Lord Rang make peace; when winning, then together deceive uncle and mother.
63
「適燕者曰『以膠東』，適趙者曰『以濟西』，適魏者曰『以葉、蔡』，適楚者曰『以塞鄳阸』，適齊者曰『以宋』，此必令言如循環，用兵如刺蜚，母不能制，舅不能約。
To those going to Yan they say 'with Jiaodong,' to those going to Zhao they say 'with Jixi,' to those going to Wei they say 'with Ye and Cai,' to those going to Chu they say 'with blocking Dong'e,' to those going to Qi they say 'with Song.' This must make words like a cycle, use troops like stabbing flies. Mother cannot control, uncle cannot bind.
64
「龍賈之戰，岸門之戰，封陵之戰，高商之戰，趙莊之戰，秦之所殺三晉之民數百萬，今其生者皆死秦之孤也。 西河之外，上雒之地，三川晉國之禍，三晉之半，秦禍如此其大也。 而燕、趙之秦者，皆以爭事秦說其主，此臣之所大患也。」
'The battle of Longjia, the battle of Anmen, the battle of Fengling, the battle of Gaoshang, the battle of Zhaozhuang—Qin has killed several hundred thousand of the San Jin people. Now their living are all orphans who died to Qin. Outside Xiheng, the lands of Shangluo, the calamity of the Sanchuan Jin states—half of the San Jin—Qin's calamity is so great. Yet those in Yan and Zhao who go to Qin all strive to serve Qin and persuade their lords—this is my subject's great worry.'
65
燕昭王不行。 蘇代復重於燕。
King Zhao of Yan did not do it. Su Dai again became important in Yan.
66
燕使約諸侯從親如蘇秦時，或從或不，而天下由此宗蘇氏之從約。 代、厲皆以壽死，名顯諸侯。
Yan sent envoys to make pacts with the feudal lords for a united alliance like in Su Qin's time. Some followed and some did not, but from this the world came to venerate the Su clan's alliance pact. Dai and Li all died of longevity, their names manifest among the feudal lords.
67
太史公曰：蘇秦兄弟三人，皆游說諸侯以顯名，其術長於權變。 而蘇秦被反閒以死，天下共笑之，諱學其術。 然世言蘇秦多異，異時事有類之者皆附之蘇秦。 夫蘇秦起閭閻，連六國從親，此其智有過人者。 吾故列其行事，次其時序，毋令獨蒙惡聲焉。
The Grand Historian said: The three Su Qin brothers all traveled persuading the feudal lords to manifest their names. Their arts were long in power and change. Yet Su Qin suffered counter-espionage and died. The world together laughed at him and avoided studying his arts. Yet the world speaks of Su Qin as having many strange things. Affairs from strange times that have similarities are all attached to Su Qin. Now Su Qin rose from humble doors and connected the six states in alliance. This was his wisdom surpassing people. I therefore list his conduct and affairs, sequence his chronological order, so as not to let him alone bear an evil reputation.