1
張儀者，魏人也。 始嘗與蘇秦俱事鬼谷先生，學術，蘇秦自以不及張儀。
Zhang Yi was a native of Wei. In his youth, he studied the arts of persuasion alongside Su Qin under Master Guigu of Ghost Valley. Su Qin always considered himself inferior to Zhang Yi.
2
張儀已學游說諸侯。 嘗從楚相飲，已而楚相亡璧，門下意張儀，曰：「儀貧無行，必此盜相君之璧。」 共執張儀，掠笞數百，不服，醳之。 其妻曰：「嘻！ 子毋讀書游說，安得此辱乎？」 張儀謂其妻曰：「視吾舌尚在不？」 其妻笑曰：「舌在也。」 儀曰：「足矣。」
Once Zhang Yi had mastered the arts of diplomatic persuasion, he traveled among the feudal lords. Once he drank with the prime minister of Chu. Later, the prime minister discovered that his precious jade disc was missing. His attendants suspected Zhang Yi, saying, "Zhang Yi is poor and of questionable character—he must have stolen the prime minister's jade disc." They seized Zhang Yi and flogged him several hundred times, but he refused to confess, so they branded him instead. His wife said, "Alas! If you hadn't studied books and traveled as a persuader, how would you have come to this humiliation?" Zhang Yi asked his wife, "Is my tongue still there?" His wife laughed and said, "It's still there." Zhang Yi replied, "That's enough."
3
蘇秦已說趙王而得相約從親，然恐秦之攻諸侯，敗約後負，念莫可使用於秦者，乃使人微感張儀曰：「子始與蘇秦善，今秦已當路，子何不往游，以求通子之願？」 張儀於是之趙，上謁求見蘇秦。 蘇秦乃誡門下人不為通，又使不得去者數日。 已而見之，坐之堂下，賜仆妾之食。 因而數讓之曰：「以子之材能，乃自令困辱至此。 吾寧不能言而富貴子，子不足收也。」 謝去之。 張儀之來也，自以為故人，求益，反見辱，怒，念諸侯莫可事，獨秦能苦趙，乃遂入秦。
After Su Qin had persuaded the King of Zhao and secured alliances with neighboring states for united action, he worried that Qin might attack the other lords and break the alliances. Thinking of who might be useful in Qin, he secretly sent someone to sound out Zhang Yi: "You were once close to Su Qin. Now Qin holds power—why not go there to seek your fortune?" Zhang Yi then traveled to Zhao and sought an audience with Su Qin. Su Qin ordered his attendants not to announce him, and kept him waiting for several days without letting him leave. Finally, when he received him, he seated Zhang Yi below the main platform and served him food meant for servants and concubines. Then he repeatedly rebuked him, saying, "With your talents and abilities, you've brought yourself to this state of destitution and humiliation. I could easily speak on your behalf and make you wealthy and honored, but you're not worth saving." He sent him away. Zhang Yi had come expecting to be treated as an old friend and receive assistance. Instead he was humiliated. Angry, he realized that no other lord would employ him—only Qin could challenge Zhao. So he entered Qin.
4
蘇秦已而告其舍人曰：「張儀，天下賢士，吾殆弗如也。 今吾幸先用，而能用秦柄者，獨張儀可耳。 然貧，無因以進。 吾恐其樂小利而不遂，故召辱之，以激其意。 子為我陰奉之。」 乃言趙王，發金幣車馬，使人微隨張儀，與同宿舍，稍稍近就之，奉以車馬金錢，所欲用，為取給，而弗告。 張儀遂得以見秦惠王。 惠王以為客卿，與謀伐諸侯。
Later, Su Qin told his attendants, "Zhang Yi is the most talented man in the world. I am no match for him. Fortunately, I was employed first. The only one who can wield Qin's power is Zhang Yi alone. But he is poor and has no means to advance himself. I feared he might be content with small gains and not achieve great things, so I summoned and humiliated him to stir his ambition. Secretly support him for me." He spoke to the King of Zhao, who provided gold, coins, chariots, and horses. Su Qin sent people to secretly follow Zhang Yi, share his lodging with him, gradually draw close to him, and provide him with chariots, horses, gold, and money—whatever he needed was supplied, without revealing who was behind it. Thus Zhang Yi was able to gain an audience with King Hui of Qin. King Hui appointed him as a guest minister and consulted with him on attacking the other feudal lords.
5
蘇秦之舍人乃辭去。 張儀曰：「賴子得顯，方且報德，何故去也？」 舍人曰：「臣非知君，知君乃蘇君。 蘇君憂秦伐趙敗從約，以為非君莫能得秦柄，故感怒君，使臣陰奉給君資，盡蘇君之計謀。 今君已用，請歸報。」 張儀曰：「嗟乎，此在吾術中而不悟，吾不及蘇君明矣！ 吾又新用，安能謀趙乎？ 為吾謝蘇君，蘇君之時，儀何敢言。 且蘇君在，儀寧渠能乎！」 張儀既相秦，為文檄告楚相曰：「始吾從若飲，我不盜而璧，若笞我。 若善守汝國，我顧且盜而城！」
Su Qin's attendants then departed. Zhang Yi said, "Thanks to you I have achieved prominence. I was just about to repay your kindness—why are you leaving?" The attendant said, "I don't know you—I know only Su Qin. Su Qin worried that Qin would attack Zhao and break the alliances. He believed that no one but you could control Qin's power, so he provoked you with anger and had me secretly support and provide for you, carrying out all of Su Qin's plans. Now that you are employed, let me return and report." Zhang Yi said, "Alas, this was within my calculations but I didn't realize it. I am not as perceptive as Su Qin! I have just been appointed—how could I possibly plot against Zhao? Please convey my apologies to Su Qin. As long as Su Qin lives, how would I dare speak of such matters? As long as Su Qin lives, how could I possibly rival him!" Once Zhang Yi became prime minister of Qin, he sent a formal declaration to the prime minister of Chu: "When I drank with you, I didn't steal your jade disc, yet you had me beaten. If you guard your state well, I might just steal your cities instead!"
6
苴蜀相攻擊，各來告急於秦。 秦惠王欲發兵以伐蜀，以為道險狹難至，而韓又來侵秦，秦惠王欲先伐韓，後伐蜀，恐不利，欲先伐蜀，恐韓襲秦之敝。 猶豫未能決。 司馬錯與張儀爭論於惠王之前，司馬錯欲伐蜀，張儀曰：「不如伐韓。」 王曰：「請聞其說。」
The rulers of Shu and Ba attacked each other and both sent urgent appeals to Qin for assistance. King Hui of Qin wanted to send troops to attack Shu, but the roads were dangerous and narrow, making them difficult to traverse. Meanwhile, Han was invading Qin. King Hui wanted to attack Han first, then Shu, but feared it would be disadvantageous. He wanted to attack Shu first, but worried that Han would attack Qin while it was weakened. He wavered and could not make up his mind. Sima Cuo and Zhang Yi debated before King Hui. Sima Cuo wanted to attack Shu; Zhang Yi said, "Better to attack Han." The king said, "Let me hear your reasoning."
7
儀曰：「親魏善楚，下兵三川，塞什谷之口，當屯留之道，魏絕南陽，楚臨南鄭，秦攻新城、宜陽，以臨二周之郊，誅周王之罪，侵楚、魏之地。 周自知不能救，九鼎寶器必出。 據九鼎，案圖籍，挾天子以令於天下，天下莫敢不聽，此王業也。 今夫蜀，西僻之國而戎翟之倫也，敝兵勞眾不足以成名，得其地不足以為利。 臣聞爭名者於朝，爭利者於市。 今三川、周室，天下之朝市也，而王不爭焉，顧爭於戎翟，去王業遠矣。」
Zhang Yi said, "Ally with Wei and befriend Chu. Send troops down to Sanchuan, block the Shigu pass, occupy the Tunliu road. Cut off Nanyang from Wei, have Chu threaten Nandun. Qin attacks Xincheng and Yiyang to approach the suburbs of the two Zhous. Punish the Zhou king's crimes, invade Chu and Wei territory. Zhou will realize it cannot save itself and will inevitably surrender the Nine Tripods and precious vessels. Seize the Nine Tripods, control the maps and registers, hold the Son of Heaven hostage to command the world—none would dare disobey. This is the work of a true king." "Now Shu is a remote western land inhabited by barbarians. Wasting troops and exhausting the people there would not bring fame; gaining its territory would bring no benefit. I have heard that those who compete for fame do so at court; those who compete for profit do so in the marketplace. Now Sanchuan and Zhou are the court and marketplace of the world. Yet Your Majesty does not compete there, instead competing with barbarians—that is far from true kingship."
8
司馬錯曰：「不然。 臣聞之，欲富國者務廣其地，欲彊兵者務富其民，欲王者務博其德，三資者備而王隨之矣。 今王地小民貧，故臣願先從事於易。 夫蜀，西僻之國也，而戎翟之長也，有桀紂之亂。 以秦攻之，譬如使豺狼逐群羊。 得其地足以廣國，取其財足以富民繕兵，不傷眾而彼已服焉。 拔一國而天下不以為暴，利盡西海而天下不以為貪，是我一舉而名實附也，而又有禁暴止亂之名。 今攻韓，劫天子，惡名也，而未必利也，又有不義之名，而攻天下所不欲，危矣。 臣請謁其故：周，天下之宗室也； 齊，韓之與國也。 周自知失九鼎，韓自知亡三川，將二國并力合謀，以因乎齊、趙而求解乎楚、魏，以鼎與楚，以地與魏，王弗能止也。 此臣之所謂危也。 不如伐蜀完。」
Sima Cuo said, "Not so. I have heard that those who wish to enrich their state must expand its territory; those who wish to strengthen their armies must enrich their people; those who wish to become kings must broaden their virtue. When these three are prepared, kingship will follow." Your Majesty's domain is limited and the people impoverished, so your minister wishes to begin with the easier tasks. Shu lies in remote western lands and leads the barbarians, beset by the same chaos as Jie and Zhou. For Qin to strike at it would be like unleashing wolves upon a flock of sheep. Taking its lands would broaden our realm; claiming its riches would prosper our people and strengthen our armies. Without depleting our forces, they would yield to us. Overthrowing one kingdom without earning the world's condemnation for brutality; profiting from the western seas without drawing accusations of greed—this single deed would unite reputation and reality, while gaining renown for curbing violence and halting disorder. Striking at Han would mean bullying the Son of Heaven—that invites infamy and dubious gains, while earning a reputation for wrongdoing. Assaulting what all under heaven rejects is perilous. Allow me to disclose the reasons: Zhou serves as the ancestral temple of all under heaven; Qi stands as Han's sworn ally. Zhou realizes it will forfeit the Nine Tripods; Han knows it will lose Sanchuan. The two kingdoms will unite their strength in secret plotting, seeking rescue through Qi and Zhao, offering the tripods to Chu and territories to Wei. Your Majesty will prove powerless to prevent this. This represents the peril I have been describing. Better by far to campaign against Shu and achieve completion.
9
惠王曰：「善，寡人請聽子。」 卒起兵伐蜀，十月，取之，遂定蜀，貶蜀王更號為侯，而使陳莊相蜀。 蜀既屬秦，秦以益彊，富厚，輕諸侯。
King Hui replied, 'Excellent counsel. I shall heed your words.' He ultimately mobilized troops to strike at Shu. Within ten months they captured it, brought Shu under control, reduced the king of Shu to marquis, and installed Chen Zhuang as chancellor of Shu. Once Shu came under Qin's dominion, Qin grew mightier still and more prosperous, holding the other feudal lords in contempt.
10
秦惠王十年，使公子華與張儀圍蒲陽，降之。 儀因言秦復與魏，而使公子繇質於魏。 儀因說魏王曰：「秦王之遇魏甚厚，魏不可以無禮。」 魏因入上郡、少梁，謝秦惠王。 惠王乃以張儀為相，更名少梁曰夏陽。
In the tenth year of King Hui's reign, he dispatched Prince Hua and Zhang Yi to encircle Puyang, which yielded to them. Zhang Yi then urged that Qin renew relations with Wei and send Prince You as hostage to Wei. Zhang Yi then addressed the King of Wei: 'The King of Qin deals with Wei most generously. Wei cannot afford to be ungracious.' Wei accordingly offered up Shangdun and Shaoliang as thanks to King Hui of Qin. King Hui therefore installed Zhang Yi as prime minister and rechristened Shaoliang as Xiayang.
11
儀相秦四歲，立惠王為王。 居一歲，為秦將，取陜。 筑上郡塞。
Zhang Yi served as Qin's prime minister for four years and helped establish King Hui as king. A year later, he commanded Qin's armies and captured Xie. He constructed defensive barriers in Shangdun.
12
其後二年，使與齊、楚之相會齧桑。 東還而免相，相魏以為秦，欲令魏先事秦而諸侯效之。 魏王不肯聽儀。 秦王怒，伐取魏之曲沃、平周，復陰厚張儀益甚。 張儀慚，無以歸報。 留魏四歲而魏襄王卒，哀王立。 張儀復說哀王，哀王不聽。 於是張儀陰令秦伐魏。 魏與秦戰，敗。
Two years afterward, he met with the prime ministers of Qi and Chu at Yaosang. Upon returning east, he was relieved of his premiership. He became prime minister of Wei in Qin's service, intending for Wei to submit to Qin first so that other lords would follow suit. The King of Wei would not heed Zhang Yi. The King of Qin grew furious and seized Wei's Quwo and Pingzhou. He covertly redoubled his patronage of Zhang Yi. Zhang Yi burned with shame, having no accomplishments to report. He tarried in Wei for four years until King Xiang of Wei passed away and King Ai took the throne. Zhang Yi once more urged King Ai, but he paid no heed. Thus Zhang Yi covertly commanded Qin to assault Wei. Wei battled Qin and suffered defeat.
13
明年，齊又來敗魏於觀津。 秦復欲攻魏，先敗韓申差軍，斬首八萬，諸侯震恐。 而張儀復說魏王曰：「魏地方不至千里，卒不過三十萬。 地四平，諸侯四通輻湊，無名山大川之限。 從鄭至梁二百餘里，車馳人走，不待力而至。 梁南與楚境，西與韓境，北與趙境，東與齊境，卒戍四方，守亭鄣者不下十萬。 梁之地勢，固戰場也。 梁南與楚而不與齊，則齊攻其東； 東與齊而不與趙，則趙攻其北； 不合於韓，則韓攻其西； 不親於楚，則楚攻其南：此所謂四分五裂之道也。
The following year, Qi once more vanquished Wei at Guanjin. Qin sought to strike Wei once more. First they routed Han's Shen Chai army, taking eighty thousand heads. The feudal lords trembled in fear. Zhang Yi once more addressed the King of Wei: 'Wei's domain measures barely a thousand li square, its soldiers numbering no more than three hundred thousand.' 'The terrain lies flat in all directions, with highways from the feudal lords meeting like spokes at a wheel's hub, lacking famed mountains or mighty rivers for defense.' 'From Zheng to Liang spans barely two hundred li—chariots gallop and men sprint, reaching their destination without strain.' 'Liang abuts Chu southward, Han westward, Zhao northward, Qi eastward. Soldiers garrison the frontiers on all sides, with no less than ten thousand men defending the watchtowers and ramparts.' 'Given Liang's strategic location, it is inherently a battleground.' 'Should Liang unite with Chu but not Qi, Qi will assault from the east;' 'Should it ally with Qi but not Zhao, Zhao will strike from the north;' 'If not allied with Han, Han will invade from the west;' 'If not intimate with Chu, Chu will assail from the south: this is what they call the road to being torn asunder.'
14
「且夫諸侯之為從者，將以安社稷尊主彊兵顯名也。 今從者一天下，約為昆弟，刑白馬以盟洹水之上，以相堅也。 而親昆弟同父母，尚有爭錢財，而欲恃詐偽反覆蘇秦之餘謀，其不可成亦明矣。
'Moreover, when the feudal lords enter alliances, it is to stabilize their altars of state, exalt their sovereigns, fortify their troops, and glorify their reputations.' 'Now the confederates unify the realm, pledging brotherhood, butchering white horses to forge covenants upon the Mian River to reinforce their solidarity.' 'Yet even blood brothers from the same womb quarrel over wealth and possessions. To depend on fraud and treachery, resurrecting the bankrupt stratagems of Su Qin—the futility of success is manifest.'
15
「大王不事秦，秦下兵攻河外，據卷、衍、［燕］、酸棗，劫衛取陽晉，則趙不南，趙不南而梁不北，梁不北則從道絕，從道絕則大王之國欲毋危不可得也。 秦折韓而攻梁，韓怯於秦，秦韓為一，梁之亡可立而須也。 此臣之所為大王患也。
'Should Your Majesty refuse to serve Qin, Qin will dispatch forces to assail the lands beyond the Yellow River, seize Juan, Yan, and Suzao, bully Wei and seize Yangjin. Then Zhao will not march south, and if Zhao does not march south, Wei will not advance north. If Wei does not advance north, the confederation's pathways will be severed. With the pathways severed, it will be impossible for Your Majesty's kingdom to escape peril.' 'Qin will break Han and assault Wei. Han cowers before Qin, so Qin and Han unite as one—Wei's annihilation can be anticipated instantly.' 'This is the dread I harbor for Your Majesty.'
16
「為大王計，莫如事秦。 事秦則楚、韓必不敢動； 無楚、韓之患，則大王高枕而臥，國必無憂矣。
'In planning for Your Majesty, nothing surpasses serving Qin.' 'By serving Qin, Chu and Han will assuredly not dare stir;' Free from the threats of Chu and Han, Your Majesty can rest easy on high pillows, and the state will assuredly know no anxiety.'
17
「且夫秦之所欲弱者莫如楚，而能弱楚者莫如梁。 楚雖有富大之名而實空虛； 其卒雖多，然而輕走易北，不能堅戰。 悉梁之兵南面而伐楚，勝之必矣。 割楚而益梁，虧楚而適秦，嫁禍安國，此善事也。 大王不聽臣，秦下甲士而東伐，雖欲事秦，不可得矣。
"Moreover, none does Qin wish to weaken more than Chu, yet none can weaken Chu better than Wei. Though Chu bears the reputation of wealth and greatness, its substance is hollow and void; Though its soldiers are numerous, they readily flee and easily defect northward, incapable of steadfast combat. Mobilizing all of Wei's forces to face south and campaign against Chu—victory is assured. 'Carve territories from Chu to enrich Wei, diminish Chu to benefit Qin, shift calamity to stabilize the realm—this constitutes excellent service.' 'Should Your Majesty disregard my counsel, Qin will dispatch armored warriors eastward to invade. Even if you then desire to serve Qin, it will prove unattainable.'
18
「且夫從人多奮辭而少可信，說一諸侯而成封侯，是故天下之游談士莫不日夜搤腕瞋目切齒以言從之便，以說人主。 人主賢其辯而牽其說，豈得無眩哉。
'Moreover, confederation proponents employ stirring rhetoric but offer scant reliability. Convincing a single feudal lord earns a marquisate—hence all itinerant debaters under heaven clench their wrists night and day, glower fiercely, and gnash their teeth to extol alliance advantages, enticing sovereigns.' 'Sovereigns prize their glibness and are captivated by their arguments—how can they avoid being bewildered?'
19
「臣聞之，積羽沈舟，群輕折軸，眾口鑠金，積毀銷骨，故願大王審定計議，且賜骸骨辟魏。」
'I have heard that accumulated feathers can sink a boat, gathered trifles can break an axle, many mouths can melt metal, accumulated slander can destroy bone. Therefore I wish Your Majesty to carefully consider your plans, and grant my old bones permission to withdraw from Wei.'
20
哀王於是乃倍從約而因儀請成於秦。 張儀歸，復相秦。 三歲而魏復背秦為從。 秦攻魏，取曲沃。 明年，魏復事秦。
King Ai therefore betrayed the alliance and through Zhang Yi petitioned Qin for peace. Zhang Yi returned home and resumed his premiership in Qin. Three years passed and Wei once more turned its back on Qin to form alliances. Qin assaulted Wei and captured Quwo. The following year, Wei once more submitted to Qin.
21
秦欲伐齊，齊楚從親，於是張儀往相楚。 楚懷王聞張儀來，虛上舍而自館之。 曰：「此僻陋之國，子何以教之？」 儀說楚王曰：「大王誠能聽臣，閉關絕約於齊，臣請獻商於之地六百里，使秦女得為大王箕帚之妾，秦楚娶婦嫁女，長為兄弟之國。 此北弱齊而西益秦也，計無便此者。」 楚王大說而許之。 群臣皆賀，陳軫獨弔之。 楚王怒曰：「寡人不興師發兵得六百里地，群臣皆賀，子獨弔，何也？」 陳軫對曰：「不然，以臣觀之，商於之地不可得而齊秦合，齊秦合則患必至矣。」 楚王曰：「有說乎？」 陳軫對曰：「夫秦之所以重楚者，以其有齊也。 今閉關絕約於齊，則楚孤。 秦奚貪夫孤國，而與之商於之地六百里？ 張儀至秦，必負王，是北絕齊交，西生患於秦也，而兩國之兵必俱至。 善為王計者，不若陰合而陽絕於齊，使人隨張儀。 茍與吾地，絕齊未晚也； 不與吾地，陰合謀計也。」 楚王曰：「願陳子閉口毋復言，以待寡人得地。」 乃以相印授張儀，厚賂之。 於是遂閉關絕約於齊，使一將軍隨張儀。
Qin desired to campaign against Qi. Since Qi and Chu were confederated, Zhang Yi proceeded to Chu to serve as its premier. King Huai of Chu learned of Zhang Yi's arrival and emptied the finest chambers to accommodate him himself. He said, 'This is an out-of-the-way rustic land—what wisdom do you bring to enlighten it?' Zhang Yi addressed the King of Chu: 'If Your Majesty will truly heed my counsel, seal your passes and sever pacts with Qi. I shall present the territory of Shangyu, six hundred li in extent, so that Qin maidens may serve as Your Majesty's humble attendants. Qin and Chu shall wed their sons and daughters, becoming fraternal realms for eternity.' 'This diminishes Qi northward while enriching Qin westward—no strategy could prove more advantageous.' The King of Chu was immensely delighted and consented. All the courtiers offered felicitations, but Chen Zhen alone expressed condolences. The King of Chu grew furious: 'I acquired six hundred li of territory without mobilizing armies or dispatching troops. All my ministers rejoice, yet you alone lament—what is the reason?' Chen Zhen responded: 'Not at all. In your minister's estimation, the territory of Shangyu cannot be secured, yet Qi and Qin will ally—calamity will surely descend.' The King of Chu asked, 'Do you have something to say?' Chen Zhen responded: 'Qin's esteem for Chu stems from Chu's alliance with Qi.' 'Now sealing the passes and severing ties with Qi isolates Chu.' 'Why would Qin desire a solitary kingdom and bestow upon it six hundred li of Shangyu territory?' 'Zhang Yi will return to Qin and assuredly deceive Your Majesty—this severs alliances with Qi northward and provokes enmity with Qin westward. The armies of both realms will surely advance in concert.' 'A wise strategy for Your Majesty would be to maintain covert concord while overtly rupturing with Qi, dispatching an envoy to accompany Zhang Yi.' 'Should they cede the territory, severing with Qi will not be untimely;' 'Should they withhold the territory, we preserve the clandestine partnership.' The King of Chu declared, 'I would have you seal your lips and cease speaking, awaiting my acquisition of the territory.' He bestowed the premier's seal upon Zhang Yi and lavished gifts upon him. Chu accordingly sealed its passes and renounced relations with Qi, dispatching a single commander to escort Zhang Yi.
22
張儀至秦，詳失綏墮車，不朝三月。 楚王聞之，曰：「儀以寡人絕齊未甚邪？」 乃使勇士至宋，借宋之符，北罵齊王。 齊王大怒，折節而下秦。 秦齊之交合，張儀乃朝，謂楚使者曰：「臣有奉邑六里，願以獻大王左右。」 楚使者曰：「臣受令於王，以商於之地六百里，不聞六里。」 還報楚王，楚王大怒，發兵而攻秦。 陳軫曰：「軫可發口言乎？ 攻之不如割地反以賂秦，與之并兵而攻齊，是我出地於秦，取償於齊也，王國尚可存。」 楚王不聽，卒發兵而使將軍屈丐擊秦。 秦齊共攻楚，斬首八萬，殺屈丐，遂取丹陽、漢中之地。 楚又復益發兵而襲秦，至藍田，大戰，楚大敗，於是楚割兩城以與秦平。
Zhang Yi arrived in Qin, feigning the loss of his reins and tumbling from his chariot, absenting himself from court for three months. The King of Chu learned of this and exclaimed, 'Does Zhang Yi believe my severance from Qi insufficient?' He dispatched valiant warriors to Song, borrowing Song's insignia, to journey north and revile the King of Qi. The King of Qi raged furiously and bent his pride to yield to Qin. With Qin and Qi united in alliance, Zhang Yi appeared at court and addressed the Chu envoy: 'Your servant possesses a fiefdom of six li—I wish to present it to Your Majesty's retainers.' The Chu envoy replied, 'Your servant received the king's command for six hundred li of Shangyu territory, not six li.' He returned and informed the King of Chu, who erupted in rage and mobilized forces to assault Qin. Chen Zhen inquired, 'May your servant now open his mouth to speak?' 'Assaulting Qin proves inferior to surrendering territory to appease them, combining our armies to strike at Qi—this surrenders land to Qin but exacts recompense from Qi. Your Majesty's realm can yet endure.' The King of Chu paid no heed and ultimately dispatched forces under General Qu Gai to strike at Qin. Qin and Qi jointly assaulted Chu, decapitating eighty thousand, slaying Qu Gai, and seizing the lands of Danyang and Hanzhong. Chu once more amassed additional forces to ambush Qin, advancing to Lantian. In a monumental clash, Chu suffered catastrophic defeat. Chu consequently relinquished two cities to reconcile with Qin.
23
秦要楚欲得黔中地，欲以武關外易之。 楚王曰：「不願易地，願得張儀而獻黔中地。」 秦王欲遣之，口弗忍言。 張儀乃請行。 惠王曰：「彼楚王怒子之負以商於之地，是且甘心於子。」 張儀曰：「秦彊楚弱，臣善靳尚，尚得事楚夫人鄭袖，袖所言皆從。 且臣奉王之節使楚，楚何敢加誅。 假令誅臣而為秦得黔中之地，臣之上願。」 遂使楚。 楚懷王至則囚張儀，將殺之。 靳尚謂鄭袖曰：「子亦知子之賤於王乎？」 鄭袖曰：「何也？」 靳尚曰：「秦王甚愛張儀而不欲出之，今將以上庸之地六縣賂楚，美人聘楚，以宮中善歌謳者為媵。 楚王重地尊秦，秦女必貴而夫人斥矣。 不若為言而出之。」 於是鄭袖日夜言懷王曰：「人臣各為其主用。 今地未入秦，秦使張儀來，至重王。 王未有禮而殺張儀，秦必大怒攻楚。 妾請子母俱遷江南，毋為秦所魚肉也。」 懷王後悔，赦張儀，厚禮之如故。
Qin coerced Chu into yielding Qianzhong territory, proposing to barter the lands beyond Wuguan. The King of Chu declared, 'I desire no land exchange—I want Zhang Yi and will surrender Qianzhong territory.' The King of Qin desired to dispatch him but could not bring himself to utter the words. Zhang Yi then requested to proceed. King Hui cautioned, 'That King of Chu rages at your deception regarding Shangyu territory—he will certainly satisfy his wrath upon you.' Zhang Yi replied, 'Qin is mighty while Chu is feeble. Your servant enjoys friendship with Jin Shang, who attends Lady Zheng Xiu of Chu. Whatever she commands is obeyed.' 'Moreover, your servant bears Your Majesty's insignia on mission to Chu—how would Chu dare impose punishment.' 'Even should they put me to death and thereby secure Qianzhong for Qin, that would fulfill my supreme desire.' He proceeded to Chu. The King of Chu imprisoned Zhang Yi upon his arrival and prepared to execute him. Jin Shang said to Zheng Xiu: 'Are you aware of your lowly status in the king's eyes?' Zheng Xiu asked, 'How so?' Jin Shang said: 'The King of Qin cherishes Zhang Yi dearly and is loath to surrender him. Now he offers six counties of Shangyong territory to entice Chu, dispatching beauties as betrothed brides, accompanied by palace singers as handmaidens.' 'The King of Chu prizes the territory and reveres Qin—Qin maidens will surely be exalted while you, my lady, will be discarded.' 'Better to intercede on his behalf and secure his release.' Zheng Xiu then day and night addressed King Huai: 'Each minister serves his own sovereign.' 'The territory has not yet passed to Qin, yet Qin dispatches Zhang Yi, demonstrating utmost reverence for the king.' 'The king shows no graciousness yet seeks to execute Zhang Yi—Qin will surely rage and assault Chu.' 'I implore you and my son to relocate south of the Yangtze, lest we become Qin's fish and flesh.' King Huai came to regret his actions, pardoned Zhang Yi, and bestowed upon him the same lavish treatment as before.
24
張儀既出，未去，聞蘇秦死，乃說楚王曰：「秦地半天下，兵敵四國，被險帶河，四塞以為固。 虎賁之士百餘萬，車千乘，騎萬匹，積粟如丘山。 法令既明，士卒安難樂死，主明以嚴，將智以武，雖無出甲，席卷常山之險，必折天下之脊，天下有後服者先亡。 且夫為從者，無以異於驅群羊而攻猛虎，虎之與羊不格明矣。 今王不與猛虎而與群羊，臣竊以為大王之計過也。
Zhang Yi had departed but not yet gone far when he learned of Su Qin's death. He then addressed the King of Chu: 'Qin commands half the realm, with forces matching four kingdoms, girded by perilous terrain and the Yellow River, fortified by four impregnable passes.' 'Boasting over a million fierce warriors, a thousand chariots, ten thousand cavalry, with grain stockpiled like mountain ranges.' 'Laws are lucid, soldiers embrace peril and welcome death with joy. The sovereign is enlightened yet stern, commanders wise and valiant. Even without deploying armor, Qin can sweep away the perils of Mount Chang and snap the world's spine. Those who yield belatedly shall perish first.' 'Moreover, forming confederations differs not at all from herding sheep to assail a ferocious tiger—the tiger and sheep cannot clash, that much is evident.' 'Now Your Majesty allies not with the ferocious tiger but with the herd of sheep—I humbly deem Your Majesty's strategy misguided.'
25
「凡天下彊國，非秦而楚，非楚而秦，兩國交爭，其勢不兩立。 大王不與秦，秦下甲據宜陽，韓之上地不通。 下河東，取成皋，韓必入臣，梁則從風而動。 秦攻楚之西，韓、梁攻其北，社稷安得毋危？
'Throughout the realm, the mighty kingdoms are either Qin or Chu—none others. Qin and Chu vie for supremacy, their strength permitting no coexistence.' 'Should Your Majesty not ally with Qin, Qin will dispatch armored warriors to seize Yiyang—Han's northern territories will be severed.' 'Then ford Hedong, capture Chenggao—Han will assuredly become vassals. Wei will yield like leaves in the wind.' 'Qin assaults Chu's western flank, Han and Wei strike its northern borders—how can the ancestral altars escape peril?'
26
「且夫從者聚群弱而攻至彊，不料敵而輕戰，國貧而數舉兵，危亡之術也。 臣聞之，兵不如者勿與挑戰，粟不如者勿與持久。 夫從人飾辯虛辭，高主之節，言其利不言其害，卒有秦禍，無及為已。 是故願大王之孰計之。
'Moreover, forming confederations means assembling feeble states to assault the mightiest, gauging not the foe but engaging rashly, depleting impoverished realms with ceaseless campaigns—this is the path to peril and ruin.' 'I have heard it said: do not provoke those with superior armies, do not wage protracted war with those possessing greater stores of grain.' 'Confederation proponents adorn their speech with hollow eloquence, bolstering the sovereign's determination, extolling advantages while concealing perils. Ultimately, Qin's calamity descends beyond remedy.' 'Therefore I beseech Your Majesty to ponder this matter thoroughly.'
27
「秦西有巴蜀，大船積粟，起於汶山，浮江已下，至楚三千餘里。 舫船載卒，一舫載五十人與三月之食，下水而浮，一日行三百餘里，里數雖多，然而不費牛馬之力，不至十日而距扜關。 扜關驚，則從境以東盡城守矣，黔中、巫郡非王之有。 秦舉甲出武關，南面而伐，則北地絕。 秦兵之攻楚也，危難在三月之內，而楚待諸侯之救，在半歲之外，此其勢不相及也。 夫（待）［恃］弱國之救，忘彊秦之禍，此臣所以為大王患也。
'Qin possesses Bashu to the west, with great vessels laden with grain, departing from Mount Wen, drifting down the Yangtze to reach Chu—spanning over three thousand li.' 'War junks transport troops—one junk carries fifty men with provisions for three months. Descending the current, they drift along, advancing three hundred li in a single day. Though the mileage is extensive, it spares neither oxen nor horses their toil. In under ten days they confront the Wu Pass.' 'Once the Wu Pass is thrown into alarm, all cities east of the frontier will man their defenses. Qianzhong and Wujun will cease to be the king's possessions.' 'Qin musters armored forces from Wuguan, turning southward to campaign—then the northern territories are severed.' 'When Qin launches an assault on Chu, peril arrives within three months. Chu awaiting rescue from the feudal lords takes over half a year—their circumstances cannot keep pace.' 'Depending on feeble kingdoms for salvation while neglecting mighty Qin's calamity—this is the dread I harbor for Your Majesty.'
28
「大王嘗與吳人戰，五戰而三勝，陣卒盡矣； 偏守新城，存民苦矣。 臣聞功大者易危，而民敝者怨上。 夫守易危之功而逆彊秦之心，臣竊為大王危之。
'Your Majesty once waged war against Wu, prevailing in three of five engagements—your vanguard soldiers were utterly depleted;' 'Defending Xincheng on the flank, the surviving populace endured grievous hardship.' 'I have heard it said that prodigious accomplishment readily invites peril, while weary folk harbor resentment toward their superiors.' 'Preserving accomplishment fraught with peril while thwarting mighty Qin's designs—I humbly harbor apprehension for Your Majesty.'
29
「且夫秦之所以不出兵函谷十五年以攻齊、趙者，陰謀有合天下之心。 楚嘗與秦構難，戰於漢中，楚人不勝，列侯執珪死者七十餘人，遂亡漢中。 楚王大怒，興兵襲秦，戰於藍田。 此所謂兩虎相搏者也。 夫秦楚相敝而韓魏以全制其後，計無危於此者矣。 願大王孰計之。
'Moreover, Qin's reason for not dispatching forces from Hangu Pass these fifteen years to assail Qi and Zhao is their covert design to unite the realm under one rule.' 'Chu once clashed with Qin at Hanzhong—Chu prevailed not, over seventy nobles bearing jade tablets perished, thus forfeiting Hanzhong.' 'The King of Chu raged furiously, mustered forces to ambush Qin, battling at Lantian.' 'This is what they call two tigers locked in combat.' 'While Qin and Chu wear each other down, Han and Wei seize the chance to dominate them from the rear—no strategy proves more perilous than this.' 'I beseech Your Majesty to deliberate upon this matter thoroughly.'
30
「秦下甲攻衛陽晉，必大關天下之匈。 大王悉起兵以攻宋，不至數月而宋可舉，舉宋而東指，則泗上十二諸侯盡王之有也。
'Qin deploys armored warriors to assault Wei's Yangjin, assuredly obstructing the realm's vital artery.' 'Should Your Majesty mobilize all forces to assail Song, in under several months Song can be captured. Capturing Song and directing forces eastward, then the twelve feudal lords along the Si River will all fall under the king's dominion.'
31
「凡天下而以信約從親相堅者蘇秦，封武安君，相燕，即陰與燕王謀伐破齊而分其地； 乃詳有罪出走入齊，齊王因受而相之； 居二年而覺，齊王大怒，車裂蘇秦於市。 夫以一詐偽之蘇秦，而欲經營天下，混一諸侯，其不可成亦明矣。
'Throughout the realm, Su Qin was he who employed reliable pacts to bind states as brethren in confederation, enfeoffed as Lord of Wuan, premier of Yan, yet secretly conspired with the King of Yan to invade and shatter Qi, dividing its territories;' 'He feigned committing a crime and fled to Qi. The King of Qi accepted him and appointed him prime minister;' 'After two years the truth came out. The King of Qi raged furiously and had Su Qin torn apart by chariots in the marketplace.' 'To employ one deceitful fraud like Su Qin and expect to manage the world, unite the feudal lords—the impossibility of success is manifest.'
32
「今秦與楚接境壤界，固形親之國也。 大王誠能聽臣，臣請使秦太子入質於楚，楚太子入質於秦，請以秦女為大王箕帚之妾，效萬室之都以為湯沐之邑，長為昆弟之國，終身無相攻伐。 臣以為計無便於此者。」
'Now Qin and Chu share borders and territories—they are naturally states that should be close.' 'If Your Majesty will truly heed my counsel, I shall arrange for the Qin crown prince to serve as hostage in Chu, and the Chu crown prince to serve as hostage in Qin. I shall present Qin maidens as Your Majesty's humble attendants, and cede a city of ten thousand households as Your bathing fief. Let us be fraternal realms forever, never assaulting one another for all our lives.' 'I deem no strategy more beneficial than this.'
33
於是楚王已得張儀而重出黔中地與秦，欲許之。 屈原曰：「前大王見欺於張儀，張儀至，臣以為大王烹之； 今縱弗忍殺之，又聽其邪說，不可。」 懷王曰：「許儀而得黔中，美利也。 後而倍之，不可。」 故卒許張儀，與秦親。
'Thus the King of Chu, having already secured Zhang Yi, was willing to part with Qianzhong territory to Qin and desired to agree to the terms.' 'Qu Yuan said: "The former king was deceived by Zhang Yi. Now that Zhang Yi has come, I believe Your Majesty should boil him alive;' 'Now if you cannot bear to kill him, at least do not listen to his crooked words—it would be unacceptable.' 'King Huai said: "To agree to Zhang Yi and gain Qianzhong—what a splendid profit.' 'To betray him afterward would be unacceptable.' 'Therefore they ultimately agreed to Zhang Yi's terms and formed intimate relations with Qin.'
34
張儀去楚，因遂之韓，說韓王曰：「韓地險惡山居，五穀所生，非菽而麥，民之食大抵［飯］菽［飯］藿羹。 一歲不收，民不饜糟糠。 地不過九百里，無二歲之食。 料大王之卒，悉之不過三十萬，而廝徒負養在其中矣。 除守徼亭鄣塞，見卒不過二十萬而已矣。 秦帶甲百餘萬，車千乘，騎萬匹，虎賁之士跿跔科頭貫頤奮戟者，至不可勝計。 秦馬之良，戎兵之眾，探前趹後蹄閒三尋騰者，不可勝數。 山東之士被甲蒙胄以會戰，秦人捐甲徒裼以趨敵，左挈人頭，右挾生虜。 夫秦卒與山東之卒，猶孟賁之與怯夫； 以重力相壓，猶烏獲之與嬰兒。 夫戰孟賁、烏獲之士以攻不服之弱國，無異垂千鈞之重於鳥卵之上，必無幸矣。
'Zhang Yi departed Chu and proceeded directly to Han, where he addressed the King of Han: "Han territory is perilous and harsh, suited for mountain dwelling. Of the five grains it produces, there are no beans or wheat—the people's food consists mainly of bean broth and kudzu soup.' 'If one year brings no harvest, the people go unfed on chaff and bran.' 'Its territory does not exceed nine hundred li, with no provisions for two years.' 'Estimating Your Majesty's troops, all told they do not exceed three hundred thousand, yet servants and baggage carriers are counted among them.' 'Excluding those guarding border towers and barriers, your actual fighting troops do not exceed two hundred thousand at most.' 'Qin fields over a million armored warriors, a thousand chariots, ten thousand cavalry mounts, and tiger-brave soldiers who squat and kneel, bareheaded, piercing chins and brandishing halberds—to the point they cannot be counted.' 'Qin's horses are superb, its barbarian troops numerous, those that probe forward and kick backward with hooves spanning three zhang in their leaps—cannot be counted.' 'Eastern warriors don armor and helmets to meet battle, while Qin soldiers cast off their armor and charge the enemy bare-chested, clutching severed heads in their left hands and dragging living captives with their right.' 'Qin's soldiers compared to eastern troops are like Meng Ben to a coward;' 'pressing with overwhelming force, like Wu Huo against an infant.' 'To deploy soldiers like Meng Ben and Wu Huo to attack unsubmissive weak states differs not at all from suspending a thousand jun weight above a bird's egg—surely there will be no survivors.'
35
「夫群臣諸侯不料地之寡，而聽從人之甘言好辭，比周以相飾也，皆奮曰『聽吾計可以彊霸天下』。 夫不顧社稷之長利而聽須臾之說，詿誤人主，無過此者。
'Ministers and feudal lords fail to assess their meager territories and listen to confederation advocates' sweet words and fine rhetoric, colluding to embellish one another, all excitedly declaring "Follow my plan and you can strengthen yourself to hegemonize the world.' 'To disregard the enduring interests of the altars of soil and grain and heed momentary persuasions, deceiving and misleading sovereigns—nothing exceeds this in gravity.'
36
「大王不事秦，秦下甲據宜陽，斷韓之上地，東取成皋、滎陽，則鴻臺之宮、桑林之苑非王之有也。 夫塞成皋，絕上地，則王之國分矣。 先事秦則安，不事秦則危。 夫造禍而求其福報，計淺而怨深，逆秦而順楚，雖欲毋亡，不可得也。
'If Your Majesty does not serve Qin, Qin will dispatch armored troops to occupy Yiyang, severing Han's upper territories, and eastward capture Chenggao and Xingyang—then the Hongtai Palace and Sanglin Park will no longer be yours.' 'If Chenggao is blocked and the upper lands severed, then Your Majesty's kingdom will be divided.' 'Serve Qin first and find security; do not serve Qin and court danger.' 'To create calamity and seek good fortune in return, with shallow planning and deep resentment, opposing Qin while favoring Chu—even if you wish not to perish, it will prove impossible.'
37
「故為大王計，莫如為秦。 秦之所欲莫如弱楚，而能弱楚者如韓。 非以韓能彊於楚也，其地勢然也。 今王西面而事秦以攻楚，秦王必喜。 夫攻楚以利其地，轉禍而說秦，計無便於此者。」
'Therefore, in planning for Your Majesty, nothing surpasses serving Qin.' 'Qin's greatest desire is to weaken Chu, and none can weaken Chu like Han.' 'Not because Han is stronger than Chu, but because the terrain makes it so.' 'If Your Majesty now faces west to serve Qin and attack Chu, the King of Qin will certainly be pleased.' 'Attacking Chu profits us with its territory, transforms calamity into pleasing Qin—no plan could be more advantageous than this.'
38
韓王聽儀計。 張儀歸報，秦惠王封儀五邑，號曰武信君。 使張儀東說齊湣王曰：「天下彊國無過齊者，大臣父兄殷眾富樂。 然而為大王計者，皆為一時之說，不顧百世之利。 從人說大王者，必曰『齊西有彊趙，南有韓與梁。 齊，負海之國也，地廣民眾，兵彊士勇，雖有百秦，將無柰齊何』。 大王賢其說而不計其實。 夫從人朋黨比周，莫不以從為可。 臣聞之，齊與魯三戰而魯三勝，國以危亡隨其後，雖有戰勝之名，而有亡國之實。 是何也？ 齊大而魯小也。 今秦之與齊也，猶齊之與魯也。 秦趙戰於河漳之上，再戰而趙再勝秦； 戰於番吾之下，再戰又勝秦。 四戰之後，趙之亡卒數十萬，邯鄲僅存，雖有戰勝之名而國已破矣。 是何也？ 秦彊而趙弱。
'The King of Han heeded Zhang Yi's strategy.' 'Zhang Yi returned and reported. King Hui of Qin enfeoffed him with five cities, styling him Lord Wuxin.' 'He sent Zhang Yi east to persuade King Min of Qi: "Among the world's strong states, none surpasses Qi. Your ministers, fathers, and elder brothers are numerous, wealthy, and content.' 'Yet those who plan for Your Majesty all speak of momentary gains, disregarding benefits for a hundred generations.' 'Confederation advocates persuading Your Majesty will certainly say: "Qi has mighty Zhao to the west, Han and Wei to the south.' '"Qi is a coastal state with vast territory, teeming populace, powerful armies, and valiant soldiers. Even with a hundred Qins, what could they do against Qi?"' 'Your Majesty admires their rhetoric but does not calculate the reality.' 'Confederation advocates form cliques and collude, none failing to deem alliance acceptable.' 'I have heard it said that Qi fought Lu three times and Lu prevailed three times, yet danger and extinction followed for the state. Though bearing the name of victory, it possessed the reality of a perished state.' 'Why is this?' 'Qi is great while Lu is small.' 'Now Qin's relation to Qi is like Qi's relation to Lu.' 'Qin and Zhao clashed along the He and Zhang rivers—in two engagements Zhao defeated Qin twice;' 'battled below Fanwu—in two more engagements again prevailed against Qin.' 'After four campaigns, Zhao's fallen soldiers numbered several hundred thousand. Handan barely endured. Though bearing victory's reputation, the kingdom was already shattered.' 'How is this?' 'Qin is mighty while Zhao is feeble.'
39
「今秦楚嫁女娶婦，為昆弟之國。 韓獻宜陽； 梁效河外； 趙入朝澠池，割河閒以事秦。 大王不事秦，秦驅韓梁攻齊之南地，悉趙兵渡清河，指博關，臨菑、即墨非王之有也。 國一日見攻，雖欲事秦，不可得也。 是故願大王孰計之也。」
'Now Qin and Chu wed their daughters and take brides, becoming fraternal realms.' 'Han tenders Yiyang;' 'Wei cedes Hedong;' 'Zhao attends court at Mianchi, surrenders Hejian to submit to Qin.' 'Should Your Majesty refuse to serve Qin, Qin will spur Han and Wei to assault Qi's southern territories, dispatch all Zhao forces to ford the Qing River, aim for Bo Pass—Linzi and Jimo will cease to be the king's possessions.' 'The kingdom attacked for a single day—even desiring to serve Qin afterward will prove unattainable.' 'Therefore I beseech Your Majesty to deliberate upon this thoroughly.'
40
齊王曰：「齊僻陋，隱居東海之上，未嘗聞社稷之長利也。」 乃許張儀。
The King of Qi declared: 'Qi is rustic and out-of-the-way, secluded beyond the eastern sea. I have never learned of the enduring advantages of the ancestral altars.' He consented to Zhang Yi's terms.
41
張儀去，西說趙王曰：「敝邑秦王使使臣效愚計於大王。 大王收率天下以賓秦，秦兵不敢出函谷關十五年。 大王之威行於山東，敝邑恐懼懾伏，繕甲厲兵，飾車騎，習馳射，力田積粟，守四封之內，愁居懾處，不敢動搖，唯大王有意督過之也。
Zhang Yi departed westward to address the King of Zhao: 'My humble state's King of Qin dispatched me to present foolish stratagems to Your Majesty.' 'Your Majesty rallied the realm to subdue Qin—Qin's armies dared not emerge from Hangu Pass for fifteen years.' 'Your Majesty's awe extended throughout Shandong. My humble state feared and cowered, mended armor, honed weapons, equipped chariots and cavalry, trained in riding and archery, toiled in the fields and stockpiled grain, defended within our four frontiers, dwelling anxiously in terror, not daring to budge—merely awaiting Your Majesty's inclination to chastise our transgressions.'
42
「今以大王之力，舉巴蜀，并漢中，包兩周，遷九鼎，守白馬之津。 秦雖僻遠，然而心忿含怒之日久矣。 今秦有敝甲凋兵，軍於澠池，願渡河踰漳，據番吾，會邯鄲之下，願以甲子合戰，以正殷紂之事，敬使使臣先聞左右。
'Now with Your Majesty's might, mobilize Bashu, incorporate Hanzhong, encompass the two Zhous, relocate the Nine Tripods, defend Baima Ford.' 'Qin, though distant, has long nurtured resentment and suppressed rage.' 'Now Qin, with battered armor and dulled weapons, has encamped at Mianchi. We desire to ford the Yellow River and cross the Zhang, seize Fanwu, rendezvous below Handan, and engage in battle on Jiazi day to rectify the affairs of Yin and Zhou. We respectfully dispatch an envoy to inform Your Majesty's retainers in advance.'
43
「凡大王之所信為從者恃蘇秦。 蘇秦熒惑諸侯，以是為非，以非為是，欲反齊國，而自令車裂於市。 夫天下之不可一亦明矣。 今楚與秦為昆弟之國，而韓梁稱為東藩之臣，齊獻魚鹽之地，此斷趙之右臂也。 夫斷右臂而與人鬬，失其黨而孤居，求欲毋危，豈可得乎？
'All those Your Majesty trusts as confederation advocates depend upon Su Qin.' 'Su Qin bewildered the feudal lords, calling right wrong and wrong right, desiring to subvert Qi and had himself ripped asunder by chariots in the marketplace.' That the world cannot be united is abundantly clear. 'Now Chu and Qin are fraternal realms, Han and Wei styled eastern vassals, Qi tenders fish and salt territories—this severs Zhao's right arm.' 'To sever one's right arm and battle others, forfeit allies and stand isolated—desiring freedom from peril, how can it be achieved?'
44
「今秦發三將軍：其一軍塞午道，告齊使興師渡清河，軍於邯鄲之東； 一軍軍成皋，驅韓梁軍於河外； 一軍軍於澠池。 約四國為一以攻趙，趙（服）［破］，必四分其地。 是故不敢匿意隱情，先以聞於左右。 臣竊為大王計，莫如與秦王遇於澠池，面相見而口相結，請案兵無攻。 願大王之定計。」
'Now Qin dispatches three generals: one army blocks Wudao, instructs the Qi envoy to mobilize troops and ford the Qing River, encamp east of Handan;' 'one army encamps at Chenggao, drives Han and Wei forces beyond the Yellow River;' 'one army encamps at Mianchi.' 'Conspires with four states to unite in assaulting Zhao. Zhao shattered, assuredly partition its territories in four.' 'Therefore not presuming to conceal our intentions or hide the situation, we first inform Your Majesty's retainers.' 'I humbly strategize for Your Majesty—nothing surpasses meeting the King of Qin at Mianchi, face-to-face and pledging mutual oaths, requesting that troops stand down without assault.' 'I beseech Your Majesty to settle upon a strategy.'
45
趙王曰：「先王之時，奉陽君專權擅勢，蔽欺先王，獨擅綰事，寡人居屬師傅，不與國謀計。 先王棄群臣，寡人年幼，奉祀之日新，心固竊疑焉，以為一從不事秦，非國之長利也。 乃且願變心易慮，割地謝前過以事秦。 方將約車趨行，適聞使者之明詔。」 趙王許張儀，張儀乃去。
The King of Zhao declared: 'During my father's reign, Lord Fengyang monopolized authority and influence, deceived my father, solely controlled affairs. I resided as crown prince under tutors, not participating in state deliberations.' 'My father neglected the ministers. I was young, newly performing ancestral rites, my heart secretly harbored doubts, believing that forming one alliance without serving Qin was not the state's enduring advantage.' 'I was about to transform my heart and reconsider, cede territory to atone for past transgressions and submit to Qin.' 'I was just preparing chariots to hasten there when I fortunately received the envoy's enlightened proclamation.' The King of Zhao consented to Zhang Yi's terms. Zhang Yi then departed.
46
北之燕，說燕昭王曰：「大王之所親莫如趙。 昔趙襄子嘗以其姊為代王妻，欲并代，約與代王遇於句注之塞。 乃令工人作為金斗，長其尾，令可以擊人。 與代王飲，陰告廚人曰：『即酒酣樂，進熱啜，反鬬以擊之。』 於是酒酣樂，進熱啜，廚人進斟，因反鬬以擊代王，殺之，王腦涂地。 其姊聞之，因摩笄以自刺，故至今有摩笄之山。 代王之亡，天下莫不聞。
He journeyed north to Yan, addressing King Zhao of Yan: 'None whom Your Majesty holds dear surpasses Zhao.' 'In former times, Zhao Xiangzi once gave his sister in marriage to the King of Dai, desiring to annex Dai, arranging to meet the King of Dai at the Guju pass.' 'He commanded artisans to fashion a gold ladle, elongating its handle so it could be used to strike people.' 'Feasting with the King of Dai, he secretly instructed the cook: "When wine flows freely and merriment peaks, present hot broth, then turn the ladle to strike him."' 'Thus when wine flowed copiously and revelry peaked, hot soup was presented. The cook advanced to pour, then turned the ladle to strike the King of Dai, killing him, his brains splattering the earth.' 'His sister heard of this and ground her hairpin to stab herself to death. Therefore, to this day there is Mount Moyaji.' 'The King of Dai's demise is known throughout the world.'
47
「夫趙王之很戾無親，大王之所明見，且以趙王為可親乎？ 趙興兵攻燕，再圍燕都而劫大王，大王割十城以謝。 今趙王已入朝澠池，效河閒以事秦。 今大王不事秦，秦下甲雲中、九原，驅趙而攻燕，則易水、長城非大王之有也。
'The King of Zhao's cruel treachery and lack of kin—Your Majesty clearly perceives this. Moreover, would you consider the King of Zhao someone to befriend?' 'Zhao mobilized troops to assault Yan, twice besieged the Yan capital and coerced Your Majesty, who ceded ten cities in apology.' 'Now the King of Zhao has already attended court at Mianchi, tendered Hejian in submission to Qin.' 'If Your Majesty does not serve Qin, Qin will dispatch armored troops from Yunzhong and Jiuyuan, spur Zhao to assault Yan, and then the Yi River and Great Wall will no longer belong to Your Majesty.'
48
「且今時趙之於秦猶郡縣也，不敢妄舉師以攻伐。 今王事秦，秦王必喜，趙不敢妄動，是西有彊秦之援，而南無齊趙之患，是故願大王孰計之。」
'Moreover, at present Zhao stands toward Qin like a commandery or county, not daring to rashly mobilize troops for conquest.' 'If Your Majesty serves Qin, the King of Qin will certainly rejoice, Zhao will not dare to move rashly—this means to the west you have mighty Qin's support, to the south no troubles from Qi and Zhao. Therefore I beseech Your Majesty to deliberate carefully.'
49
燕王曰：「寡人蠻夷僻處，雖大男子裁如嬰兒，言不足以采正計。 今上客幸教之，請西面而事秦，獻恒山之尾五城。」 燕王聽儀。 儀歸報，未至咸陽而秦惠王卒，武王立。 武王自為太子時不說張儀，及即位，群臣多讒張儀曰：「無信，左右賣國以取容。 秦必復用之，恐為天下笑。」 諸侯聞張儀有卻武王，皆畔衡，復合從。
The King of Yan declared: 'I am a barbarian dwelling in remote isolation—though a grown man, my wisdom is but that of an infant, my words insufficient to adopt sound strategy.' 'Now this honored guest has fortunately instructed me—I beg to face west and serve Qin, offering five cities at the foot of Mount Hengshan.' The King of Yan heeded Zhang Yi. Zhang Yi returned and reported. Before reaching Xianyang, King Hui of Qin died and King Wu ascended the throne. King Wu, from his days as crown prince, disliked Zhang Yi. Upon ascending the throne, his ministers frequently slandered Zhang Yi: 'He has no trustworthiness, betrays the state on all sides to curry favor.' 'Qin will certainly employ him again, fearing the world's ridicule.' The feudal lords, learning that Zhang Yi had offended King Wu, all betrayed the alliance and reformed their confederation.
50
秦武王元年，群臣日夜惡張儀未已，而齊讓又至。 張儀懼誅，乃因謂秦武王曰：「儀有愚計，願效之。」 王曰：「柰何？」 對曰：「為秦社稷計者，東方有大變，然後王可以多割得地也。 今聞齊王甚憎儀，儀之所在，必興師伐之。 故儀願乞其不肖之身之梁，齊必興師而伐梁。 梁齊之兵連於城下而不能相去，王以其閒伐韓，入三川，出兵函谷而毋伐，以臨周，祭器必出。 挾天子，按圖籍，此王業也。」 秦王以為然，乃具革車三十乘，入儀之梁。 齊果興師伐之。 梁哀王恐。 張儀曰：「王勿患也，請令罷齊兵。」 乃使其舍人馮喜之楚，借使之齊，謂齊王曰：「王甚憎張儀； 雖然，亦厚矣王之託儀於秦也！」 齊王曰：「寡人憎儀，儀之所在，必興師伐之，何以託儀？」 對曰：「是乃王之託儀也。 夫儀之出也，固與秦王約曰：『為王計者，東方有大變，然後王可以多割得地。 今齊王甚憎儀，儀之所在，必興師伐之。 故儀願乞其不肖之身之梁，齊必興師伐之。 齊梁之兵連於城下而不能相去，王以其閒伐韓，入三川，出兵函谷而無伐，以臨周，祭器必出。 挾天子，案圖籍，此王業也。』 秦王以為然，故具革車三十乘而入之梁也。 今儀入梁，王果伐之，是王內罷國而外伐與國，廣鄰敵以內自臨，而信儀於秦王也。 此臣之所謂『託儀』也。」 齊王曰：「善。」 乃使解兵。
In the first year of King Wu of Qin, the ministers' day and night animosity toward Zhang Yi had not ceased, when Qi's rebuke arrived once more. Zhang Yi, fearing execution, then addressed King Wu of Qin: 'I have a foolish stratagem—I wish to present it.' The king asked, 'What is it?' He replied: 'In planning for Qin's altars of soil and grain, when there is great upheaval in the east, then Your Majesty can carve out and gain much territory.' 'Now I hear the King of Qi greatly detests me—wherever I am, he will certainly mobilize troops to attack.' 'Therefore I wish to beg permission for my unworthy self to go to Liang—Qi will certainly mobilize troops and attack Liang.' 'With Liang and Qi's troops locked in battle beneath the city walls and unable to disengage, Your Majesty can exploit the opportunity to attack Han, enter the Sanchuan region, emerge troops from Hangu Pass without battle, confront Zhou directly—the sacrificial vessels will certainly be surrendered.' 'Holding the Son of Heaven hostage and controlling the maps and registers—this is the enterprise of a true king.' The King of Qin deemed this correct, then prepared thirty chariots and sent Zhang Yi to Liang. Qi indeed mobilized troops and attacked Liang. King Ai of Liang grew fearful. Zhang Yi declared: 'Your Majesty need not worry—I shall arrange to halt the Qi troops.' He then dispatched his retainer Feng Xi to Chu, using that as a pretext to go to Qi, where he addressed the King of Qi: 'Your Majesty greatly detests Zhang Yi;' 'Nevertheless, it also shows how deeply Your Majesty trusts Zhang Yi with Qin!' The King of Qi declared: 'I detest Zhang Yi—wherever he is, I will certainly mobilize troops to attack him. Why would I trust Zhang Yi?' He replied: 'This is precisely Your Majesty's trust in Zhang Yi.' 'When Zhang Yi departed, he firmly agreed with the King of Qin: "In planning for Your Majesty, when there is great upheaval in the east, then Your Majesty can carve out and gain much territory.' 'Now the King of Qi greatly detests Zhang Yi—wherever he is, he will certainly mobilize troops to attack him.' 'Therefore I wish to beg permission for my unworthy self to go to Liang—Qi will certainly mobilize troops and attack it.' 'With Qi and Liang's troops locked in battle beneath the city walls and unable to disengage, Your Majesty can exploit the opportunity to attack Han, enter the Sanchuan region, emerge troops from Hangu Pass without battle, confront Zhou directly—the sacrificial vessels will certainly be surrendered.' 'Holding the Son of Heaven hostage and controlling the maps and registers—this is the enterprise of a true king.' The King of Qin deemed this correct, therefore prepared thirty chariots and sent him to Liang. 'Now Zhang Yi has entered Liang—if Your Majesty indeed attacks it, this exhausts the state within while attacking allied nations without, broadens neighboring enemies while facing peril within, and demonstrates trust in Zhang Yi to the King of Qin.' 'This is what your minister means by 'trusting Zhang Yi.' The King of Qi declared: 'Excellent.' He then ordered the troops to stand down.
51
張儀相魏一歲，卒於魏也。
Zhang Yi served as prime minister of Wei for one year and died there.
52
陳軫者，游說之士。 與張儀俱事秦惠王，皆貴重，爭寵。 張儀惡陳軫於秦王曰：「軫重幣輕使秦楚之閒，將為國交也。 今楚不加善於秦而善軫者，軫自為厚而為王薄也。 且軫欲去秦而之楚，王胡不聽乎？」 王謂陳軫曰：「吾聞子欲去秦之楚，有之乎？」 軫曰：「然。」 王曰：「儀之言果信矣。」 軫曰：「非獨儀知之也，行道之士盡知之矣。 昔子胥忠於其君而天下爭以為臣，曾參孝於其親而天下願以為子。 故賣仆妾不出閭巷而售者，良仆妾也； 出婦嫁於鄉曲者，良婦也。 今軫不忠其君，楚亦何以軫為忠乎？ 忠且見棄，軫不之楚何歸乎？」 王以其言為然，遂善待之。
Chen Zhen was a master of diplomatic persuasion. Together with Zhang Yi, he served King Hui of Qin. Both were honored and influential, vying for the king's favor. Zhang Yi slandered Chen Zhen to the King of Qin: 'Zhen carries heavy bribes and lightly mediates between Qin and Chu, intending to broker alliances for other states.' 'Now Chu shows no greater favor toward Qin yet favors Zhen—this means Zhen enriches himself while impoverishing Your Majesty.' 'Moreover, Zhen wishes to depart Qin and go to Chu—why doesn't Your Majesty permit it?' The king addressed Chen Zhen: 'I have heard that you wish to depart Qin and go to Chu—is this true?' Zhen replied: 'Yes.' The king declared: 'Zhang Yi's words have indeed proven trustworthy.' Zhen declared: 'It is not only Zhang Yi who knows this—all itinerant persuaders understand it.' 'In former times, Wu Zixu was loyal to his lord and the world vied to take him as minister; Zeng Shen was filial to his parents and the world wished to have him as son.' 'Therefore, when selling servants who find buyers without leaving the alleys and lanes, these are good servants;' 'divorced women who remarry in the villages and hamlets—these are good women.' 'Now if Zhen is not loyal to his lord, why would Chu value Zhen as loyal?' 'Even loyalty meets rejection—if Zhen does not go to Chu, where can he turn?' The king deemed his words correct and treated him with favor.
53
居秦期年，秦惠王終相張儀，而陳軫奔楚。 楚未之重也，而使陳軫使於秦。 過梁，欲見犀首。 犀首謝弗見。 軫曰：「吾為事來，公不見軫，軫將行，不得待異日。」 犀首見之。 陳軫曰：「公何好飲也？」 犀首曰：「無事也。」 曰：「吾請令公厭事可乎？」 曰：「柰何？」 曰：「田需約諸侯從親，楚王疑之，未信也。 公謂於王曰：『臣與燕、趙之王有故，數使人來，曰：「無事何不相見」，願謁行於王。』 王雖許公，公請毋多車，以車三十乘，可陳之於庭，明言之燕、趙。」 燕、趙客聞之，馳車告其王，使人迎犀首。 楚王聞之大怒，曰：「田需與寡人約，而犀首之燕、趙，是欺我也。」 怒而不聽其事。 齊聞犀首之北，使人以事委焉。 犀首遂行，三國相事皆斷於犀首。 軫遂至秦。
He remained in Qin for one year. King Hui of Qin ultimately appointed Zhang Yi as prime minister, whereupon Chen Zhen fled to Chu. Chu did not value him highly but sent Chen Zhen as envoy to Qin. Passing through Liang, he wished to meet Xi Shou. Xi Shou declined and refused to see him. Zhen declared: 'I have come on official business. If you do not see me, I shall depart and cannot wait for another day.' Xi Shou then met with him. Chen Zhen asked: 'Why do you enjoy drinking so much?' Xi Shou replied: 'No particular reason.' He asked: 'May I arrange for you to have your fill of affairs?' He asked: 'How so?' He explained: 'Tian Xu has allied the feudal lords in confederation, but the King of Chu suspects this and does not believe.' Tell the king: "Your minister has old ties with the kings of Yan and Zhao. They have repeatedly sent messengers saying, 'Why not meet if there are no affairs?' I wish to request permission to travel from Your Majesty."' 'Though the king permits you, request not many chariots—thirty chariots will suffice, arranged in the courtyard, and openly declare your destination to Yan and Zhao.' The Yan and Zhao envoys heard of this, galloped their chariots to inform their kings, who sent emissaries to welcome Xi Shou. The King of Chu heard of this and flew into a great rage: 'Tian Xu made covenant with me, yet Xi Shou goes to Yan and Zhao—this is deceiving me!' In his anger, he refused to heed their affairs. Qi learned of Xi Shou's journey north and sent emissaries to entrust affairs to him. Xi Shou then departed, and all affairs among the three states were decided by Xi Shou. Zhen then arrived in Qin.
54
韓魏相攻，期年不解。 秦惠王欲救之，問於左右。 左右或曰救之便，或曰勿救便，惠王未能為之決。 陳軫適至秦，惠王曰：「子去寡人之楚，亦思寡人不？」 陳軫對曰：「王聞夫越人莊舄乎？」 王曰：「不聞。」 曰：「越人莊舄仕楚執珪，有頃而病。 楚王曰：『舄故越之鄙細人也，今仕楚執珪，貴富矣，亦思越不？』 中謝對曰：『凡人之思故，在其病也。 彼思越則越聲，不思越則楚聲。』 使人往聽之，猶尚越聲也。 今臣雖棄逐之楚，豈能無秦聲哉！」 惠王曰：「善。 今韓魏相攻，期年不解，或謂寡人救之便，或曰勿救便，寡人不能決，願子為子主計之餘，為寡人計之。」 陳軫對曰：「亦嘗有以夫卞莊子刺虎聞於王者乎？ 莊子欲刺虎，館豎子止之，曰：『兩虎方且食牛，食甘必爭，爭則必鬬，鬬則大者傷，小者死，從傷而刺之，一舉必有雙虎之名。』 卞莊子以為然，立須之。 有頃，兩虎果鬬，大者傷，小者死。 莊子從傷者而刺之，一舉果有雙虎之功。 今韓魏相攻，期年不解，是必大國傷，小國亡，從傷而伐之，一舉必有兩實。 此猶莊子刺虎之類也。 臣主與王何異也。」 惠王曰：「善。」 卒弗救。 大國果傷，小國亡，秦興兵而伐，大剋之。 此陳軫之計也。
Han and Wei waged war against each other for a full year without resolution. King Hui of Qin wished to aid them and consulted his attendants. His attendants disagreed—some said aiding them was advantageous, others said not aiding was advantageous. King Hui was unable to decide. Chen Zhen had just arrived in Qin when King Hui asked: 'You departed my Chu—do you still think of me?' Chen Zhen replied: 'Has Your Majesty heard of Zhuang Xi of Yue?' The king replied: 'I have not.' He said: 'The man of Yue, Zhuang Xi, served Chu and held the jade scepter. After a time, he fell ill.' 'The King of Chu said: "Xi was originally a lowly rustic from Yue. Now he serves Chu and holds the jade scepter—he is noble and wealthy. Does he still think of Yue?"' Zhong Xie replied: 'All men think of their homeland when they are ill.' 'If he thinks of Yue, he speaks in Yue dialect; if he does not think of Yue, he speaks in Chu dialect.' They sent someone to listen, and he still spoke in Yue dialect.' 'Now though your minister was banished and pursued to Chu, how could I not speak with Qin accent!' King Hui declared: 'Excellent.' 'Now Han and Wei wage war against each other without resolution for a full year. Some say aiding them is advantageous, others say not aiding is advantageous. I cannot decide. I wish you, in addition to planning for your own lord, would also plan for me.' Chen Zhen replied: 'Has Your Majesty ever heard of Bian Zhuangzi stabbing tigers?' 'Zhuangzi wished to stab tigers. A stable boy stopped him, saying: "Two tigers are just now eating a cow. When they taste the sweetness, they will certainly fight. When they fight, the larger will be injured and the smaller will die. Follow the injured one and stab it—in one stroke you will gain the fame of slaying two tigers."' Bian Zhuangzi deemed this correct and stood waiting.' After a time, the two tigers indeed fought. The larger was injured, the smaller died.' Zhuangzi followed the injured one and stabbed it—in one stroke he achieved the merit of slaying two tigers.' 'Now Han and Wei wage war without resolution for a full year—this will certainly injure the greater state and destroy the lesser. Follow the injured one and attack—in one stroke you will gain two territories.' This is much like Zhuangzi stabbing tigers.' Your minister's lord and Your Majesty are no different.' King Hui declared: 'Excellent.' In the end, they did not provide aid. The greater state was indeed injured, the lesser perished. Qin mobilized troops and attacked, achieving great conquests. This was Chen Zhen's stratagem.
55
犀首者，魏之陰晉人也，名衍，姓公孫氏。 與張儀不善。
Xi Shou was a man of Yinjin in Wei, named Yan, of the Gongsun clan. He was not on good terms with Zhang Yi.
56
張儀為秦之魏，魏王相張儀。 犀首弗利，故令人謂韓公叔曰：「張儀已合秦魏矣，其言曰『魏攻南陽，秦攻三川』。 魏王所以貴張子者，欲得韓地也。 且韓之南陽已舉矣，子何不少委焉以為衍功，則秦魏之交可錯矣。 然則魏必圖秦而棄儀，收韓而相衍。」 公叔以為便，因委之犀首以為功。 果相魏。 張儀去。
Zhang Yi served Qin by going to Wei. The King of Wei appointed Zhang Yi as prime minister. Xi Shou was not pleased, so he sent someone to tell Han Gongshu: 'Zhang Yi has already allied Qin and Wei. His words are: "Wei will attack Nanyang, Qin will attack Sanchuan."' 'The reason the King of Wei honors Master Zhang is that he wishes to gain Han territory.' 'Moreover, Han's Nanyang has already been surrendered. Why not yield a small portion to make it Yan's merit? Then the friendship between Qin and Wei can be disrupted.' 'Then Wei will certainly plot against Qin and abandon Yi, reclaim Han territory and appoint Yan as prime minister.' Gongshu deemed it advantageous, therefore yielded the territory to Xi Shou to make it his merit. He indeed became prime minister of Wei. Zhang Yi departed.
57
義渠君朝於魏。 犀首聞張儀復相秦，害之。 犀首乃謂義渠君曰：「道遠不得復過，請謁事情。」 曰：「中國無事，秦得燒掇焚杅君之國； 有事，秦將輕使重幣事君之國。」 其後五國伐秦。 會陳軫謂秦王曰：「義渠君者，蠻夷之賢君也，不如賂之以撫其志。」 秦王曰：「善。」 乃以文繡千純，婦女百人遺義渠君。 義渠君致群臣而謀曰：「此公孫衍所謂邪？」 乃起兵襲秦，大敗秦人李伯之下。
The Lord of Yiqu attended court in Wei. Xi Shou learned that Zhang Yi had again become prime minister of Qin and resented it. Xi Shou then addressed the Lord of Yiqu: 'The road is far and I cannot pass this way again. Allow me to request affairs.' He said: 'When the Central States are at peace, Qin can burn and plunder your domain;' 'when there are affairs, Qin will lightly dispatch heavy bribes to serve your domain.' Afterward, five states attacked Qin. Just then Chen Zhen addressed the King of Qin: 'The Lord of Yiqu is a worthy ruler among the barbarians. It would be better to bribe him and soothe his ambitions.' The King of Qin declared: 'Excellent.' They then sent a thousand bolts of embroidered silk and a hundred women to the Lord of Yiqu. The Lord of Yiqu assembled his ministers and consulted them: 'Is this what Gongsun Yan spoke of?' He then mobilized troops to attack Qin, greatly defeating the Qin forces under Li Bo.
58
張儀已卒之後，犀首入相秦。 嘗佩五國之相印，為約長。
After Zhang Yi had died, Xi Shou entered to serve as prime minister of Qin. He once wore the prime minister's seal of five states and served as leader of alliances.
59
太史公曰：三晉多權變之士，夫言從衡彊秦者大抵皆三晉之人也。 夫張儀之行事甚於蘇秦，然世惡蘇秦者，以其先死，而儀振暴其短以扶其說，成其衡道。 要之，此兩人真傾危之士哉！
The Grand Historian remarks: The Three Jin states produced many masters of stratagem and change. Those who spoke of vertical and horizontal alliances to strengthen Qin were for the most part all men of the Three Jin. Zhang Yi's conduct of affairs greatly surpassed Su Qin's, yet the world detested Su Qin because he died first, while Yi exposed and denounced his faults to support his own doctrines, completing the way of horizontal alliances. In sum, these two men were truly masters of perilous stratagems!