Biography of Lord Mengchang

孟嘗君名文，姓田氏。文之父曰靖郭君田嬰。田嬰者，齊威王少子而齊宣王庶弟也。田嬰自威王時任職用事，與成侯鄒忌及田忌將而救韓伐魏。成侯與田忌爭寵，成侯賣田忌。田忌懼，襲齊之邊邑，不勝，亡走。會威王卒，宣王立，知成侯賣田忌，乃復召田忌以為將。宣王二年，田忌與孫臏、田嬰俱伐魏，敗之馬陵，虜魏太子申而殺魏將龐涓。宣王七年，田嬰使於韓、魏，韓、魏服於齊。嬰與韓昭侯、魏惠王會齊宣王東阿南，盟而去。明年，復與梁惠王會甄。是歲，梁惠王卒。宣王九年，田嬰相齊。齊宣王與魏襄王會徐州而相王也。楚威王聞之，怒田嬰。明年，楚伐敗齊師於徐州，而使人逐田嬰。田嬰使張丑說楚威王，威王乃止。田嬰相齊十一年，宣王卒，湣王即位。即位三年，而封田嬰於薛。

Lord Mengchang's name was Wen, and his surname was Tian. Wen's father was called Lord Jingguo, Tian Ying. Tian Ying was King Wei of Qi's youngest son and King Xuan of Qi's half-brother. Tian Ying held office and handled affairs from King Wei's time, and with Lord Cheng Zou Ji and Tian Ji as generals, they saved Han and attacked Wei. Lord Cheng contended with Tian Ji for favor, and Lord Cheng betrayed Tian Ji. Tian Ji was afraid, attacked Qi's border cities, did not succeed, and fled. Just as King Wei died and King Xuan ascended, knowing that Lord Cheng had betrayed Tian Ji, he summoned Tian Ji again to serve as general. In King Xuan's second year, Tian Ji together with Sun Bin and Tian Ying attacked Wei, defeated them at Ma Ling, captured Wei's crown prince Shen, and killed Wei's general Pang Juan. In King Xuan's seventh year, Tian Ying was envoy to Han and Wei, and Han and Wei submitted to Qi. Ying met with Marquis Zhao of Han and King Hui of Wei at Dong'e south with King Xuan of Qi, formed an alliance, and departed. The next year, he again met King Hui of Liang at Zhen. This year, King Hui of Liang died. In King Xuan's ninth year, Tian Ying became chancellor of Qi. King Xuan of Qi and King Xiang of Wei met at Xuzhou and mutually declared themselves kings. When King Wei of Chu heard this, he was angry with Tian Ying. The next year, Chu attacked and defeated Qi forces at Xuzhou, and sent men to pursue Tian Ying. Tian Ying sent Zhang Chou to persuade King Wei of Chu, and King Wei then stopped. Tian Ying served as chancellor of Qi for eleven years. King Xuan died, and King Min ascended the throne. After three years on the throne, he enfeoffed Tian Ying at Xue.

初，田嬰有子四十餘人。其賤妾有子名文，文以五月五日生。嬰告其母曰：「勿舉也。」其母竊舉生之。及長，其母因兄弟而見其子文於田嬰。田嬰怒其母曰：「吾令若去此子，而敢生之，何也？」文頓首，因曰：「君所以不舉五月子者，何故？」嬰曰：「五月子者，長與戶齊，將不利其父母。」文曰：「人生受命於天乎？將受命於戶邪？」嬰默然。文曰：「必受命於天，君何憂焉。必受命於戶，則可高其戶耳，誰能至者！」嬰曰：「子休矣。」

Originally, Tian Ying had over forty sons. His lowly concubine bore a son named Wen, and Wen was born on the fifth day of the fifth month. Ying told the mother: 'Do not raise him.' His mother secretly raised him and gave birth to him. When he grew up, his mother used his brothers as an excuse to present her son Wen to Tian Ying. Tian Ying angrily berated his mother: 'I commanded you to abandon this child, yet you dared to give birth to him. Why?' Wen kowtowed and said: 'My lord, why do you not raise children born in the fifth month?' Ying said: 'Children born in the fifth month grow up to be as tall as the door, which will bring harm to their parents.' Wen said: 'Does a person's life receive its mandate from Heaven?' Or does it receive its mandate from the door?' Ying fell silent. Wen say: Must receive mandate from heaven, ruler what worry. If one must receive mandate from the door, then just raise the door higher—who can reach it!' Ying said: 'Enough, my son.'

久之，文承閒問其父嬰曰：「子之子為何？」曰：「為孫。」「孫之孫為何？」曰：「為玄孫。」「玄孫之孫為何？」曰：「不能知也。」文曰：「君用事相齊，至今三王矣，齊不加廣而君私家富累萬金，門下不見一賢者。文聞將門必有將，相門必有相。今君後宮蹈綺縠而士不得（短）［裋］褐，仆妾餘粱肉而士不厭糟糠。今君又尚厚積餘藏，欲以遺所不知何人，而忘公家之事日損，文竊怪之。」於是嬰乃禮文，使主家待賓客。賓客日進，名聲聞於諸侯。諸侯皆使人請薛公田嬰以文為太子，嬰許之。嬰卒，謚為靖郭君。而文果代立於薛，是為孟嘗君。

After a long time, Wen took the opportunity to ask his father Ying: 'What is a son's son called?' He said: 'A grandson.' 'What is a grandson's grandson called?' He said: 'A great-grandson.' 'What is a great-grandson's grandson called?' He said: 'I cannot know.' Wen say: Jun handle affairs chancellor Qi, to now three kings, Qi not add broad yet ruler private family rich accumulate ten thousand gold, gate below not see one worthy. Wen heard that a general's house must have generals, and a chancellor's house must have chancellors. Now my lord's rear palace treads on silk and satin while scholars cannot obtain coarse cloth; servants and concubines have leftover fine grains and meats while scholars are not sated with bran and chaff. Now my lord moreover still accumulates thick stores of surplus, wishing to leave them to some unknown person, while forgetting that the affairs of the public house daily deteriorate. Wen secretly finds this strange.' Thereupon Ying treated Wen with courtesy and had him manage the household to receive guests. Guests came daily, and his reputation was heard among the feudal lords. All the feudal lords sent men to request that Lord Xue Tian Ying make Wen his heir, and Ying agreed. Ying died and was posthumously named Lord Jingguo. And Wen indeed succeeded to the position at Xue, becoming Lord Mengchang.

孟嘗君在薛，招致諸侯賓客及亡人有罪者，皆歸孟嘗君。孟嘗君舍業厚遇之，以故傾天下之士。食客數千人，無貴賤一與文等。孟嘗君待客坐語，而屏風後常有侍史，主記君所與客語，問親戚居處。客去，孟嘗君已使使存問，獻遺其親戚。孟嘗君曾待客夜食，有一人蔽火光。客怒，以飯不等，輟食辭去。孟嘗君起，自持其飯比之。客慚，自剄。士以此多歸孟嘗君。孟嘗君客無所擇，皆善遇之。人人各自以為孟嘗君親己。

Lord Mengchang at Xue recruited and attracted guests from the feudal lords as well as fugitives who had committed crimes, and they all came to belong to Lord Mengchang. Lord Mengchang housed them and treated them generously, and for this reason drew to himself the scholars of the world. His retainers numbered several thousand, and he treated them all equally regardless of noble or lowly status. When Lord Mengchang received guests and sat speaking with them, behind the screen there was always an attendant scribe who recorded what the lord said to the guest and inquired about the guest's relatives and dwelling places. When a guest departed, Lord Mengchang had already sent messengers to visit and inquire after the guest's relatives and to present them with gifts. Lord Mengchang once received guests for a night meal, and there was one person who blocked the firelight. The guest grew angry because the rice portions were unequal, stopped eating, and left. Lord Mengchang rose and personally held his rice portion to compare it. The guest was ashamed and committed suicide. Many scholars came to belong to Lord Mengchang for this reason. Lord Mengchang made no distinctions among his guests, treating them all well. Each person considered himself personally close to Lord Mengchang.

秦昭王聞其賢，乃先使涇陽君為質於齊，以求見孟嘗君。孟嘗君將入秦，賓客莫欲其行，諫，不聽。蘇代謂曰：「今旦代從外來，見木禺人與土禺人相與語。木禺人曰：『天雨，子將敗矣。』土禺人曰：『我生於土，敗則歸土。今天雨，流子而行，未知所止息也。』今秦，虎狼之國也，而君欲往，如有不得還，君得無為土禺人所笑乎？」孟嘗君乃止。

King Zhao of Qin heard of his worthiness, and first sent Lord Jingyang as hostage to Qi to seek an audience with Lord Mengchang. Lord Mengchang was about to enter Qin, but his guests did not wish him to go, remonstrated with him, but he did not listen. Su Dai said: 'This morning Dai came from outside and saw a wooden puppet and an earthen puppet speaking to each other. The wooden puppet said: 'If heaven rains, you will be ruined.' The earthen puppet said: 'I was born from earth, and if ruined, I return to earth. Now if heaven rains, it will wash you away, and I don't know where you will find rest.' Now Qin, tiger wolf country, ruler wish go, if have not obtain return, ruler obtain no for earth puppet person laughed? Lord Mengchang then stopped.

齊湣王二十五年，復卒使孟嘗君入秦，昭王即以孟嘗君為秦相。人或說秦昭王曰：「孟嘗君賢，而又齊族也，今相秦，必先齊而後秦，秦其危矣。」於是秦昭王乃止。囚孟嘗君，謀欲殺之。孟嘗君使人抵昭王幸姬求解。幸姬曰：「妾願得君狐白裘。」此時孟嘗君有一狐白裘，直千金，天下無雙，入秦獻之昭王，更無他裘。孟嘗君患之，遍問客，莫能對。最下坐有能為狗盜者，曰：「臣能得狐白裘。」乃夜為狗，以入秦宮臧中，取所獻狐白裘至，以獻秦王幸姬。幸姬為言昭王，昭王釋孟嘗君。孟嘗君得出，即馳去，更封傳，變名姓以出關。夜半至函谷關。秦昭王後悔出孟嘗君，求之已去，即使人馳傳逐之。孟嘗君至關，關法雞鳴而出客，孟嘗君恐追至，客之居下坐者有能為雞鳴，而雞齊鳴，遂發傳出。出如食頃，秦追果至關，已後孟嘗君出，乃還。始孟嘗君列此二人於賓客，賓客盡羞之，及孟嘗君有秦難，卒此二人拔之。自是之後，客皆服。

In the twenty-fifth year of King Min of Qi, they finally sent Lord Mengchang into Qin again, and King Zhao immediately made Lord Mengchang chancellor of Qin. Person or advise Qin Zhao King: Meng Chang Jun worthy, moreover Qi clan, now chancellor Qin, certainly first Qi after Qin, Qin its danger. Thereupon King Zhao of Qin stopped. They imprisoned Lord Mengchang and plotted to kill him. Lord Mengchang sent someone to bribe King Zhao's favored concubine to seek his release. Favored concubine say: Concubine wish obtain ruler fox white fur coat. At this time Lord Mengchang had a white fox fur coat worth a thousand in gold, unmatched in the world, which he had presented to King Zhao upon entering Qin, and he had no other furs. Lord Mengchang was troubled by this and asked all his guests extensively, but none could answer. Among those seated lowest was one who could act as a dog thief, who said: 'I can obtain the white fox fur coat.' He then pretended to be a dog at night and entered the Qin palace storehouse, took the presented white fox fur coat, and offered it to the Qin king's favored concubine. The favored concubine spoke on his behalf to King Zhao, and King Zhao released Lord Mengchang. Lord Mengchang obtained release and immediately galloped away, changed his passport seals, changed his name and surname to pass through the border. At midnight he arrived at Hangu Pass. King Zhao of Qin afterward regretted releasing Lord Mengchang. He sought him but he had already gone, so he sent men galloping with passports to pursue him. Lord Mengchang arrived at the pass, where the pass law was that guests emerged at cockcrow. Lord Mengchang feared pursuit would arrive, so among his guests seated lowest was one who could imitate chicken crowing, and the chickens all crowed together, whereupon they issued the passport and emerged. They emerged about the time it takes to eat a meal. The Qin pursuers indeed arrived at the pass, but already after Lord Mengchang had emerged, so they returned. Originally Lord Mengchang ranked these two among his guests, and all the guests were ashamed of them. When Lord Mengchang had difficulty in Qin, these two finally pulled him out. From this time on, all the guests submitted.

孟嘗君過趙，趙平原君客之。趙人聞孟嘗君賢，出觀之，皆笑曰：「始以薛公為魁然也，今視之，乃眇小丈夫耳。」孟嘗君聞之，怒。客與俱者下，斫擊殺數百人，遂滅一縣以去。

Lord Mengchang passed through Zhao, and Lord Pingyuan of Zhao hosted him as a guest. The people of Zhao heard Lord Mengchang was worthy and came out to view him. They all laughed, saying: 'Originally we took Lord Xue to be outstanding, but now seeing him, he is just a small, short fellow.' Lord Mengchang heard this and grew angry. The guests who were with him dismounted and hacked and attacked, killing several hundred people, then they wiped out one county and departed.

齊湣王不自得，以其遣孟嘗君。孟嘗君至，則以為齊相，任政。

King Min of Qi was not pleased with himself because he had sent Lord Mengchang. When Lord Mengchang arrived, he made him chancellor of Qi and entrusted him with governing.

孟嘗君怨秦，將以齊為韓、魏攻楚，因與韓、魏攻秦，而借兵食於西周。蘇代為西周謂曰：「君以齊為韓、魏攻楚九年，取宛、葉以北以彊韓、魏，今復攻秦以益之。韓、魏南無楚憂，西無秦患，則齊危矣。韓、魏必輕齊畏秦，臣為君危之。君不如令敝邑深合於秦，而君無攻，又無借兵食。君臨函谷而無攻，令敝邑以君之情謂秦昭王曰『薛公必不破秦以彊韓、魏。其攻秦也，欲王之令楚王割東國以與齊，而秦出楚懷王以為和』。君令敝邑以此惠秦，秦得無破而以東國自免也，秦必欲之。楚王得出，必德齊。齊得東國益彊，而薛世世無患矣。秦不大弱，而處三晉之西，三晉必重齊。」薛公曰：「善。」因令韓、魏賀秦，使三國無攻，而不借兵食於西周矣。是時，楚懷王入秦，秦留之，故欲必出之。秦不果出楚懷王。

Lord Mengchang resented Qin and planned to use Qi to attack Chu for Han and Wei, then joined with Han and Wei to attack Qin, borrowing troops and provisions from Western Zhou. Su Dai, on behalf of Western Zhou, advised him: 'My lord used Qi to attack Chu for Han and Wei for nine years, taking Wan and north of Ye to strengthen Han and Wei. Now you attack Qin again to benefit them further. If Han and Wei have no worries from Chu in the south and no troubles from Qin in the west, then Qi will be in danger.' Han and Wei will certainly scorn Qi and fear Qin. I, your minister, consider this dangerous for you. My lord should better have my humble state form deep alliances with Qin, while you do not attack, and moreover do not borrow troops and provisions. You face Hangu Pass and do not attack. Have my humble state convey to King Zhao of Qin with your sentiments: 'Lord Xue will certainly not break Qin to strengthen Han and Wei. In attacking Qin, he wishes you to command the King of Chu to divide the eastern territories to give to Qi, and Qin to release King Huai of Chu for peace.' My lord commands my humble state to favor Qin with this, so Qin may obtain without being broken and give the eastern territories to save itself. Qin will certainly desire it. If the King of Chu obtains release, he will certainly be grateful to Qi. Qi obtains the eastern territories and becomes even stronger, while Xue will be without worries for generations. Qin will not be greatly weakened, and dwelling west of the Three Jin, the Three Jin will certainly value Qi.' Lord Xue said: 'Good.' Thereupon he had Han and Wei congratulate Qin, causing the three states to cease attacking, and he no longer borrowed troops and provisions from Western Zhou. At this time, King Huai of Chu had entered Qin, and Qin detained him, so they wished certainly to release him. Qin did not in fact release King Huai of Chu.

孟嘗君相齊，其舍人魏子為孟嘗君收邑入，三反而不致一入。孟嘗君問之，對曰：「有賢者，竊假與之，以故不致入。」孟嘗君怒而退魏子。居數年，人或毀孟嘗君於齊湣王曰：「孟嘗君將為亂。」及田甲劫湣王，湣王意疑孟嘗君，孟嘗君乃奔。魏子所與粟賢者聞之，乃上書言孟嘗君不作亂，請以身為盟，遂自剄宮門以明孟嘗君。湣王乃驚，而蹤跡驗問，孟嘗君果無反謀，乃復召孟嘗君。孟嘗君因謝病，歸老於薛。湣王許之。

Lord Mengchang was chancellor of Qi. His retainer Wei Zi collected city revenues for Lord Mengchang, and three times he returned without bringing a single revenue. Lord Mengchang questioned him, and he replied: 'There is a worthy person, so I secretly lent it to him, and for this reason did not bring the revenue.' Lord Mengchang grew angry and dismissed Wei Zi. Dwell several years, person or slander Meng Chang Jun at Qi Min King: Meng Chang Jun will chaos. When Tian Jia kidnapped King Min, King Min suspected Lord Mengchang in his mind, so Lord Mengchang fled. The worthy person to whom Wei Zi had given grain heard this, and presented a petition stating that Lord Mengchang did not make rebellion, requesting to pledge his body as guarantee, then committed suicide at the palace gate to vindicate Lord Mengchang. King Min was then shocked, and he traced and verified the matter. Lord Mengchang indeed had no rebellious plans, so he summoned Lord Mengchang again. Lord Mengchang thereupon pleaded illness and returned to retire in Xue. King Min permitted it.

其後，秦亡將呂禮相齊，欲困蘇代。代乃謂孟嘗君曰：「周最於齊，至厚也，而齊王逐之，而聽親弗相呂禮者，欲取秦也。齊、秦合，則親弗與呂禮重矣。有用，齊、秦必輕君。君不如急北兵，趨趙以和秦、魏，收周最以厚行，且反齊王之信，又禁天下之變。齊無秦，則天下集齊，親弗必走，則齊王孰與為其國也！」於是孟嘗君從其計，而呂禮嫉害於孟嘗君。

Afterward, Lü Li, a general who had fled Qin, became chancellor of Qi and wished to distress Su Dai. Dai then tell Meng Chang Jun: Zhou most at Qi, to thick, yet Qi King pursue him, listen close Fu not chancellor Lu Li, wish take Qin. If Qi and Qin unite, then your closeness will not be as heavy as Lü Li's. If he is employed, Qi and Qin will certainly scorn you. My lord should better urgently move north with troops, hasten to Zhao to make peace with Qin and Wei, collect Zhou Zui to enrich your conduct, moreover restore the King of Qi's trust, and again prohibit changes in the world. Qi no Qin, then world gather Qi, close Fu certainly flee, then Qi King who with make his country! Thereupon Lord Mengchang followed his plan, but Lü Li envied and harmed Lord Mengchang.

孟嘗君懼，乃遺秦相穰侯魏冉書曰：「吾聞秦欲以呂禮收齊，齊，天下之彊國也，子必輕矣。齊秦相取以臨三晉，呂禮必并相矣，是子通齊以重呂禮也。若齊免於天下之兵，其讎子必深矣。子不如勸秦王伐齊。齊破，吾請以所得封子。齊破，秦畏晉之彊，秦必重子以取晉。晉國敝於齊而畏秦，晉必重子以取秦。是子破齊以為功，挾晉以為重；是子破齊定封，秦、晉交重子。若齊不破，呂禮復用，子必大窮。」於是穰侯言於秦昭王伐齊，而呂禮亡。

Lord Mengchang was afraid, so he sent a letter to Qin chancellor Marquis Rang Wei Ran: 'I hear Qin wishes to use Lü Li to collect Qi. Qi is a strong country of the world—you will certainly be scorned. If Qi and Qin mutually take to face the Three Jin, Lü Li will certainly hold both chancellorships. This is you connecting through Qi to make Lü Li heavy.' If Qi escapes the world's soldiers, its enmity toward you will certainly be deep.' You should better advise the King of Qin to attack Qi. When Qi is broken, I will request to enfeoff you with what is obtained.' When Qi is broken, Qin will fear Jin's strength, and Qin will certainly value you to take Jin. Jin will be exhausted by Qi and fear Qin, so Jin will certainly value you to take Qin. Thus you break Qi for merit, and hold Jin for weight; Thus you break Qi and fix enfeoffments, and Qin and Jin will mutually value you. If Qi is not broken and Lü Li is employed again, you will certainly be greatly impoverished.' Thereupon Marquis Rang spoke to King Zhao of Qin to attack Qi, and Lü Li perished.

後齊湣王滅宋，益驕，欲去孟嘗君。孟嘗君恐，乃如魏。魏昭王以為相，西合於秦、趙，與燕共伐破齊。齊湣王亡在莒，遂死焉。齊襄王立，而孟嘗君中立於諸侯，無所屬。齊襄王新立，畏孟嘗君，與連和，復親薛公。文卒，謚為孟嘗君。諸子爭立，而齊魏共滅薛。孟嘗絕嗣無後也。

Afterward King Min of Qi extinguished Song and became even more arrogant, wishing to remove Lord Mengchang. Lord Mengchang was afraid, so he went to Wei. King Zhao of Wei made him chancellor, united in the west with Qin and Zhao, and together with Yan attacked and broke Qi. King Min of Qi fled to Ju, and died there. King Xiang of Qi ascended, and Lord Mengchang stood neutral among the feudal lords, belonging to none. King Xiang of Qi had newly ascended and feared Lord Mengchang, so he connected in peace and again grew close to Lord Xue. Wen died, and was posthumously named Lord Mengchang. The various sons contended to ascend, and Qi and Wei together extinguished Xue. Mengchang cut off his posterity and had no descendants.

初，馮驩聞孟嘗君好客，躡蹻而見之。孟嘗君曰；「先生遠辱，何以教文也？」馮驩曰：「聞君好士，以貧身歸於君。」孟嘗君置傳舍十日，孟嘗君問傳舍長曰：「客何所為？」答曰：「馮先生甚貧，猶有一劍耳，又蒯緱。彈其劍而歌曰『長鋏歸來乎，食無魚』。」孟嘗君遷之幸舍，食有魚矣。五日，又問傳舍長。答曰：「客復彈劍而歌曰『長鋏歸來乎，出無輿』。」孟嘗君遷之代舍，出入乘輿車矣。五日，孟嘗君復問傳舍長。舍長答曰：「先生又嘗彈劍而歌曰『長鋏歸來乎，無以為家』。」孟嘗君不悅。

Originally, Feng Huan heard that Lord Mengchang loved guests, and stepped in his shoes to see him. Lord Mengchang said: 'Sir has come from afar, what will you teach Wen?' Feng Huan say: Hear ruler good scholar, with poor body belong ruler. Lord Mengchang lodged him in the guest house for ten days, then asked the guest house manager: 'What is the guest doing?' He replied: 'Master Feng is very poor, he only has one sword, and moreover sings songs. He strums his sword and sings: 'Long sword, come back! There's no fish to eat.' Lord Mengchang moved him to the favored quarters, and he had fish to eat. After five days, he again asked the guest house manager. He replied: 'The guest again strums his sword and sings: "Long sword, come back! There's no carriage to go out in."' Lord Mengchang moved him to the upper quarters, and he rode in a carriage when going in and out. After five days, Lord Mengchang again asked the guest house manager. The house manager replied: 'The gentleman again once strummed his sword and sang: "Long sword, come back! There's no family to make."' Lord Mengchang was displeased.

居朞年，馮驩無所言。孟嘗君時相齊，封萬戶於薛。其食客三千人。邑入不足以奉客，使人出錢於薛。歲餘不入，貸錢者多不能與其息，客奉將不給。孟嘗君憂之，問左右：「何人可使收債於薛者？」傳舍長曰：「代舍客馮公形容狀貌甚辯，長者，無他伎能，宜可令收債。」孟嘗君乃進馮驩而請之曰：「賓客不知文不肖，幸臨文者三千餘人，邑入不足以奉賓客，故出息錢於薛。薛歲不入，民頗不與其息。今客食恐不給，願先生責之。」馮驩曰；「諾。」辭行，至薛，召取孟嘗君錢者皆會，得息錢十萬。乃多釀酒，買肥牛，召諸取錢者，能與息者皆來，不能與息者亦來，皆持取錢之券書合之。齊為會，日殺牛置酒。酒酣，乃持券如前合之，能與息者，與為期；貧不能與息者，取其券而燒之。曰：「孟嘗君所以貸錢者，為民之無者以為本業也；所以求息者，為無以奉客也。今富給者以要期，貧窮者燔券書以捐之。諸君彊飲食。有君如此，豈可負哉！」坐者皆起，再拜。

After dwelling there a year, Feng Huan said nothing. Lord Mengchang was then chancellor of Qi, and was enfeoffed with ten thousand households at Xue. He had three thousand retainers. The city revenues were insufficient to serve the guests, so he had people lend money at Xue. After more than a year there was no income, and many of the borrowers could not pay their interest, so the guests' provisions were about to run out. Lord Mengchang worried about this and asked his attendants: 'Who can be sent to collect the debts at Xue?' The guest house manager said: 'The guest in the upper quarters, Master Feng, has a dignified appearance and manner, is an elder, and has no other special skills. He would be suitable for collecting debts.' Lord Mengchang then summoned Feng Huan and requested of him: 'The guests do not know that Wen is unworthy, and fortunately more than three thousand have come to Wen. The city revenues are insufficient to serve the guests, so I lent money at interest in Xue. Xue brings no income, and the people do not pay interest.' Now the guests' food may not be sufficient. I wish you, sir, to collect it.' Feng Huan said: 'Very well.' He took his leave and went to Xue, summoned all who had taken Lord Mengchang's money and they all assembled, obtaining ten thousand in interest money. Then he brewed much wine, bought fat cattle, summoned all who had taken the money—those who could pay interest all came, those who could not pay interest also came—and they all held their money-taking contracts to verify them. Together they made a gathering, each day killing cattle and setting out wine. When the wine was at its height, he then held the contracts and verified them as before. For those who could pay interest, he set a period; for the poor who could not pay interest, he took their contracts and burned them. He said: 'Lord Mengchang's reason for lending money was to provide capital for those people who had none to establish their livelihood; his reason for seeking interest was that he had nothing to serve guests with.' Now for those who are rich and well-off, we set periods; for the poor, we burn the contracts to relieve them. All of you, eat and drink your fill.' Have ruler like this, how can negative! All those seated rose and bowed twice.

孟嘗君聞馮驩燒券書，怒而使使召驩。驩至，孟嘗君曰：「文食客三千人，故貸錢於薛。文奉邑少，而民尚多不以時與其息，客食恐不足，故請先生收責之。聞先生得錢，即以多具牛酒而燒券書，何？」馮驩曰：「然。不多具牛酒即不能畢會，無以知其有餘不足。有餘者，為要期。不足者，雖守而責之十年，息愈多，急，即以逃亡自捐之。若急，終無以償，上則為君好利不愛士民，下則有離上抵負之名，非所以厲士民彰君聲也。焚無用虛債之券，捐不可得之虛計，令薛民親君而彰君之善聲也，君有何疑焉！」孟嘗君乃拊手而謝之。

Lord Mengchang heard that Feng Huan had burned the contracts, grew angry, and sent a messenger to summon Huan. When Huan arrived, Lord Mengchang said: 'Wen has three thousand retainers, so I lent money at Xue. Wen's enfeoffed city gives little revenue, and many people still do not pay their interest on time. I fear the guests' food will be insufficient, so I asked you, sir, to collect and demand it. I heard that as soon as you, sir, obtained the money, you prepared much beef and wine and burned the contracts. Why?' Feng Huan said: 'Yes. If I did not prepare much beef and wine, I could not complete the gathering and would have no way to know who had surplus and who was insufficient. For those with surplus, I set periods. For those insufficient, even if I guarded and demanded it for ten years, the interest would accumulate more, and when urgent, they would flee and destroy themselves. If pressed, they would ultimately have no way to repay. Above, it would make you seem to love profit and not love scholars and people; below, it would create a reputation for abandoning superiors and resisting debts. This is not how to encourage scholars and people and make your reputation bright.' Burn no use empty debt contract, donate cannot obtain empty plan, make Xue people close ruler bright ruler good sound, ruler have what doubt! Lord Mengchang then clapped his hands and thanked him.

齊王惑於秦、楚之毀，以為孟嘗君名高其主而擅齊國之權，遂廢孟嘗君。諸客見孟嘗君廢，皆去。馮驩曰：「借臣車一乘，可以入秦者，必令君重於國而奉邑益廣，可乎？」孟嘗君乃約車幣而遣之。馮驩乃西說秦王曰：「天下之游士馮軾結靷西入秦者，無不欲彊秦而弱齊；馮軾結靷東入齊者，無不欲彊齊而弱秦。此雄雌之國也，勢不兩立為雄，雄者得天下矣。」秦王跽而問之曰：「何以使秦無為雌而可？」馮驩曰：「王亦知齊之廢孟嘗君乎？」秦王曰：「聞之。」馮驩曰：「使齊重於天下者，孟嘗君也。今齊王以毀廢之，其心怨，必背齊；背齊入秦，則齊國之情，人事之誠，盡委之秦，齊地可得也，豈直為雄也！君急使使載幣陰迎孟嘗君，不可失時也。如有齊覺悟，復用孟嘗君，則雌雄之所在未可知也。」秦王大悅，乃遣車十乘黃金百鎰以迎孟嘗君。馮驩辭以先行，至齊，說齊王曰：「天下之游士馮軾結靷東入齊者，無不欲彊齊而弱秦者；馮軾結靷西入秦者，無不欲彊秦而弱齊者。夫秦齊雄雌之國，秦彊則齊弱矣，此勢不兩雄。今臣竊聞秦遣使車十乘載黃金百鎰以迎孟嘗君。孟嘗君不西則已，西入相秦則天下歸之，秦為雄而齊為雌，雌則臨淄、即墨危矣。王何不先秦使之未到，復孟嘗君，而益與之邑以謝之？孟嘗君必喜而受之。秦雖彊國，豈可以請人相而迎之哉！折秦之謀，而絕其霸彊之略。」齊王曰：「善。」乃使人至境候秦使。秦使車適入齊境，使還馳告之，王召孟嘗君而復其相位，而與其故邑之地，又益以千戶。秦之使者聞孟嘗君復相齊，還車而去矣。

The King of Qi was confused by the slander from Qin and Chu, thinking that Lord Mengchang's reputation surpassed his lord and he monopolized Qi's power, so he deposed Lord Mengchang. When the various guests saw that Lord Mengchang had been deposed, they all left. Feng Huan say: Borrow minister carriage one ride, can enter Qin, certainly make ruler heavy at country serve city more broad, can? Lord Mengchang then prepared carriages and gifts and sent him away. Feng Huan then west advise Qin King: World travel scholars Feng Ju tie rein west enter Qin, no not wish strong Qin weak Qi; Feng Ju, tying his reins and going east into Qi, wished to strengthen Qi and weaken Qin. These are male and female countries. The power cannot have two standing as male; the male will obtain the world.' Qin King kneel ask: What make Qin no be female can? Feng Huan say: King also know Qi waste Meng Chang Jun? Qin King said: Hear. Feng Huan said: Make Qi heavy at world, Meng Chang Lord. Now Qi King and slander waste him, his heart resent, certainly back Qi; Back Qi enter Qin, then Qi country emotion, person affairs sincere, all entrust Qin, Qi land could obtain, how only was male! My lord should urgently send a messenger loaded with gifts to secretly welcome Lord Mengchang. You cannot lose this opportunity. If Qi awakens and employs Lord Mengchang again, then who will be male and who female cannot be known.' The King of Qin was greatly pleased, and sent ten carriages and a hundred yi of gold to welcome Lord Mengchang. Feng Huan leave and first go, arrive Qi, advise Qi King: World travel scholars Feng Ju tie rein east enter Qi, no did not wish strong Qi weak Qin; Feng Ju, tying his reins and going west into Qin, wished to strengthen Qin and weaken Qi. Now Qin and Qi are male and female countries. If Qin is strong, then Qi is weak. This power cannot have two males. Now I have heard in private that Qin has sent messengers with ten carriages and a hundred measures of gold to welcome Lord Mengchang. If Lord Mengchang does not go west, that is one thing; but if he goes west to become the Chancellor of Qin, the whole world will turn to him. Qin will become the dominant 'male' power while Qi becomes the subordinate 'female' power. If Qi is subordinate, then Linzi and Jimo will be in grave danger. King what did not wasfore Qin messenger did not arrive, restore Meng Chang Lord, moreover give him city thank? Lord Mengchang will certainly be pleased and accept it. Qin though strong country, how could and please person chancellor welcome him! This will thwart Qin’s schemes and sever their strategy for hegemonic dominance." Qi King said: Good. So he sent someone to the border to wait for the messengers from Qin. Just as the Qin envoys' carriages crossed into Qi, a messenger raced back to report the news. The King immediately summoned Lord Mengchang, restored him to the chancellorship, returned his former lands, and even increased his fief by another thousand households. Upon hearing that Lord Mengchang had been restored to power in Qi, the Qin envoys turned their carriages around and departed.

自齊王毀廢孟嘗君，諸客皆去。後召而復之，馮驩迎之。未到，孟嘗君太息嘆曰：「文常好客，遇客無所敢失，食客三千有餘人，先生所知也。客見文一日廢，皆背文而去，莫顧文者。今賴先生得復其位，客亦有何面目復見文乎？如復見文者，必唾其面而大辱之。」馮驩結轡下拜。孟嘗君下車接之，曰：「先生為客謝乎？」馮驩曰：「非為客謝也，為君之言失。夫物有必至，事有固然，君知之乎？」孟嘗君曰：「愚不知所謂也。」曰：「生者必有死，物之必至也；富貴多士，貧賤寡友，事之固然也。君獨不見夫（朝）趣市［朝］者乎？明旦，側肩爭門而入；日暮之後，過市朝者掉臂而不顧。非好朝而惡暮，所期物忘其中。今君失位，賓客皆去，不足以怨士而徒絕賓客之路。願君遇客如故。」孟嘗君再拜曰：「敬從命矣。聞先生之言，敢不奉教焉。」

Ever since the King of Qi had disgraced and dismissed Lord Mengchang, his many retainers had all abandoned him. When he was finally recalled and restored to office, only Feng Huan was there to welcome him back. Not arrive, Meng Chang Lord sigh: Wen often good guest, meet guest no dare lose, eat guests three thousand more people, mister know. "When the retainers saw me dismissed that day, they all turned their backs and left, not one of them sparing me a second thought." Now rely mister obtain restore position, guests also had what face again see Wen? "If I ever see any of them again, I will spit in their faces and humiliate them!" Feng Huan dropped his reins and bowed low. Meng Chang Lord descend carriage meet him, said: Mister for guests thank? Feng Huan said: Not for guests thank, for jun words lose. Things had must arrive, affairs had certainly so, jun know? Meng Chang Lord said: Foolish did not know so called. Say: Live must had die, things must arrive; "Wealth and status attract many, while poverty and low station find few friends. This is simply the way of the world." Lord alone did not see rush market morning? "At dawn, people jostle shoulder-to-shoulder, competing to enter the marketplace." "But after sunset, those passing by the market swing their arms and do not spare it a glance." "It is not that they love the morning and loathe the evening; it is only that what they were looking for can no longer be found there." "Now that you have lost your position and your retainers have left, there is no reason to resent them or to needlessly close the door to future guests." "I hope you will continue to treat your guests just as you always have." Meng Chang Lord twice bow: Respect from command. "After hearing your words, how could I dare not follow your counsel?"

太史公曰：吾嘗過薛，其俗閭里率多暴桀子弟，與鄒、魯殊。問其故，曰：「孟嘗君招致天下任俠，姦人入薛中蓋六萬餘家矣。」世之傳孟嘗君好客自喜，名不虛矣。

Grand Historian said: I once pass Xue, its custom alley rate many fierce strong son younger brother, and Zou Lu different. Ask its reason, said: Meng Chang Lord recruit attract world wasar knight, evil person enter Xue among cover six thousand more families. The tradition that Lord Mengchang delighted in hospitality was indeed no empty reputation.

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