Biographies of Fan Sui and Cai Ze

范睢者，魏人也，字叔。游說諸侯，欲事魏王，家貧無以自資，乃先事魏中大夫須賈。

Fan Sui was a man of Wei, courtesy name Shu. He traveled among the feudal lords as a persuader, hoping to serve the King of Wei. But being poor and unable to support himself, he first served Xu Jia, the central grand master of Wei.

須賈為魏昭王使於齊，范睢從。留數月，未得報。齊襄王聞睢辯口，乃使人賜睢金十斤及牛酒，睢辭謝不敢受。須賈知之，大怒，以為睢持魏國陰事告齊，故得此饋，令睢受其牛酒，還其金。既歸，心怒睢，以告魏相。魏相，魏之諸公子，曰魏齊。魏齊大怒，使舍人笞擊睢，折脅摺齒。睢詳死，即卷以簀，置廁中。賓客飲者醉，更溺睢，故僇辱以懲後，令無妄言者。睢從簀中謂守者曰：「公能出我，我必厚謝公。」守者乃請出棄簀中死人。魏齊醉，曰：「可矣。」范睢得出。後魏齊悔，復召求之。魏人鄭安平聞之，乃遂操范睢亡，伏匿，更名姓曰張祿。

When Xu Jia served as envoy from King Zhao of Wei to Qi, Fan Sui accompanied him. They remained for several months without receiving any response. King Xiang of Qi heard of Sui's eloquent speech and sent emissaries to present him with ten jin of gold along with beef and wine. Sui declined with thanks, not daring to accept. Xu Jia learned of this and flew into a rage, believing that Sui had betrayed Wei's secrets to Qi and thus received these gifts. He ordered Sui to accept the beef and wine but return the gold. Upon returning home, he remained furious with Sui and reported the matter to the Wei chancellor. The Wei chancellor was one of Wei's royal princes, named Wei Qi. Wei Qi flew into a rage and ordered his retainers to cane Sui, breaking his ribs and knocking out his teeth. Sui feigned death, so they rolled him in a mat and placed him in the latrine. The drinking guests got drunk and further urinated on Sui, deliberately humiliating him to deter others and ensure no one dared speak rashly again. From within the mat Sui told the guard: 'If you can release me, I will certainly reward you generously.' The guard then requested permission to dispose of the dead man wrapped in the mat. Wei Qi, being drunk, said: 'Very well.' Fan Sui escaped. Later Wei Qi regretted his actions and sent people to summon him again. A Wei native named Zheng Anping heard of this and led Fan Sui in flight. They hid themselves and changed his name to Zhang Lu.

當此時，秦昭王使謁者王稽於魏。鄭安平詐為卒，侍王稽。王稽問：「魏有賢人可與俱西游者乎？」鄭安平曰：「臣里中有張祿先生，欲見君，言天下事。其人有仇，不敢晝見。」王稽曰：「夜與俱來。」鄭安平夜與張祿見王稽。語未究，王稽知范睢賢，謂曰：「先生待我於三亭之南。」與私約而去。

Around this time, King Zhao of Qin dispatched the usher Wang Ji to Wei. Zheng Anping disguised himself as a common soldier to serve Wang Ji. Wang Ji inquired: 'Are there any worthy men in Wei who might journey west with me?' Zheng Anping replied: 'There lives a Master Zhang Lu in my village who wishes to meet you and speak of matters under heaven. This man has enemies and cannot risk meeting in broad daylight.' Wang Ji said: 'Bring him under cover of night.' That night, Zheng Anping brought Zhang Lu to meet Wang Ji. Before their conversation had concluded, Wang Ji recognized Fan Sui's talents and said: 'Master, await me south of the three pavilions.' They reached a secret understanding and left.

王稽辭魏去，過載范睢入秦。至湖，望見車騎從西來。范睢曰：「彼來者為誰？」王稽曰：「秦相穰侯東行縣邑。」范睢曰：「吾聞穰侯專秦權，惡內諸侯客，此恐辱我，我寧且匿車中。」有頃，穰侯果至，勞王稽，因立車而語曰：「關東有何變？」曰：「無有。」又謂王稽曰：「謁君得無與諸侯客子俱來乎？無益，徒亂人國耳。」王稽曰：「不敢。」即別去。范睢曰：「吾聞穰侯智士也，其見事遲，鄉者疑車中有人，忘索之。」於是范睢下車走，曰：「此必悔之。」行十餘里，果使騎還索車中，無客，乃已。王稽遂與范睢入咸陽。

Wang Ji took his leave of Wei and set out, bringing Fan Sui along into Qin territory. Upon reaching Hu, they spotted a procession of carriages and horsemen approaching from the west. Fan Sui asked: 'Who comes there?' Wang Ji explained: 'It is Lord Rang, Qin's chancellor, making his rounds through the eastern counties.' Fan Sui said: 'I understand Lord Rang holds Qin's power in his grip and detests hosting visitors from other states. This could bring me humiliation. I'd best conceal myself in the carriage for the moment.' Shortly after, Lord Rang arrived as expected. He exchanged greetings with Wang Ji, then stood beside the carriage and inquired: 'What news from east of the pass?' He replied: 'None at all.' He then asked Wang Ji: 'Usher, did you by chance bring any visitors from other states along with you? They serve no useful purpose; they merely sow chaos in people's kingdoms.' Wang Ji said: 'I would never dare.' With that, he departed. Fan Sui said: 'I understand Lord Rang to be a man of wisdom, but his perceptions are slow. Just now he suspected someone was hiding in the carriage yet forgot to have it searched.' At this, Fan Sui leaped from the carriage and ran, exclaiming: 'He will surely come to regret this.' After traveling more than ten li, sure enough Lord Rang sent horsemen back to search the carriage. Finding no one inside, they gave up the pursuit. Wang Ji then proceeded to Xianyang with Fan Sui.

已報使，因言曰：「魏有張祿先生，天下辯士也。曰『秦王之國危於累卵，得臣則安。然不可以書傳也』。臣故載來。」秦王弗信，使舍食草具。待命歲餘。

Having already made his report to the king, Wang Ji then said: 'Wei has a Master Zhang Lu, one of the world's most eloquent scholars. He declares: 'Your Majesty's kingdom is in peril like a stack of eggs; with me as minister, it will be secure. Yet this counsel cannot be committed to writing.' That is why I have brought him here.' The King of Qin remained skeptical and had Fan Sui housed in humble quarters where he ate fodder mixed with straw. He awaited his summons for over a year.

當是時，昭王已立三十六年。南拔楚之鄢郢，楚懷王幽死於秦。秦東破齊。湣王嘗稱帝，後去之。數困三晉。厭天下辯士，無所信。

At this time, King Zhao had reigned for thirty-six years. To the south, Qin captured Ying and Yiling from Chu. King Huai of Chu was imprisoned and died in Qin. Qin smashed Qi in the east. King Min once proclaimed himself emperor, but later renounced the title. He repeatedly placed the three Jin states in dire straits. He grew weary of the world's eloquent persuaders and trusted none of them.

穰侯，華陽君，昭王母宣太后之弟也；而涇陽君、高陵君皆昭王同母弟也。穰侯相，三人者更將，有封邑，以太后故，私家富重於王室。及穰侯為秦將，且欲越韓、魏而伐齊綱壽，欲以廣其陶封。范睢乃上書曰：

Lord Rang and Lord Huayang were younger brothers of King Zhao's mother, Queen Xuan. Lord Jingyang and Lord Gaoling were King Zhao's full brothers by the same mother. Lord Rang served as chancellor while these three took turns as generals and held fief cities. Thanks to the Queen Mother's influence, their private fortunes outweighed the royal treasury. When Lord Rang became Qin's general, he also sought to bypass Han and Wei to attack Qi's Gangshou, hoping to enlarge his fief of Tao. Fan Sui then presented a memorial:

臣聞明主立政，有功者不得不賞，有能者不得不官，勞大者其祿厚，功多者其爵尊，能治眾者其官大。故無能者不敢當職焉，有能者亦不得蔽隱。使以臣之言為可，願行而益利其道；以臣之言為不可，久留臣無為也。語曰：「庸主賞所愛而罰所惡；明主則不然，賞必加於有功，而刑必斷於有罪。」今臣之胸不足以當椹質，而要不足以待斧鉞，豈敢以疑事嘗試於王哉！雖以臣為賤人而輕辱，獨不重任臣者之無反復於王邪？

I have heard that enlightened rulers establish governance where merit demands reward, ability demands appointment, great labor brings generous salaries, abundant merit brings exalted rank, and skill in governing multitudes brings high office. Thus the incompetent dare not assume positions, while the capable must not be concealed or hidden away. If Your Majesty deems my words acceptable, I wish to put them into practice and further the beneficial way. If Your Majesty finds my words unacceptable, detaining me longer serves no purpose. As the proverb states: 'Common rulers reward their favorites and punish their enemies; Enlightened rulers do not act this way—rewards must be given to those with merit, punishments must be applied to those with crimes.' Now my chest is not broad enough for the executioner's block, my waist not sturdy enough to await the axe. How would I dare test doubtful matters on Your Majesty! Though Your Majesty regards me as a lowly person and casually humiliates me, do you not value that those who recommend ministers to you show unwavering loyalty to Your Majesty?

且臣聞周有砥砨，宋有結綠，梁有縣藜，楚有和樸，此四寶者，土之所生，良工之所失也，而為天下名器。然則聖王之所棄者，獨不足以厚國家乎？

Furthermore, I have heard that Zhou possesses whetstones, Song has knotted jade, Liang has hanging smartweed, Chu has harmonious catalpa—these four treasures are born from the earth, lost by master craftsmen, yet become renowned vessels throughout the world. Then are the things that sage kings have cast aside alone insufficient to strengthen the state?

臣聞善厚家者取之於國，善厚國者取之於諸侯。天下有明主則諸侯不得擅厚者，何也？為其割榮也。良醫知病人之死生，而聖主明於成敗之事，利則行之，害則捨之，疑則少嘗之，雖舜禹復生，弗能改已。語之至者，臣不敢載之於書，其淺者又不足聽也。意者臣愚而不概於王心邪？亡其言臣者賤而不可用乎？自非然者，臣願得少賜游觀之閒，望見顏色。一語無效，請伏斧質。

I have heard that those skilled at enriching their families take from the state, those skilled at enriching the state take from the feudal lords. When the world has an enlightened ruler, why do the feudal lords not dare monopolize wealth? Because they would divide up their glory. A skilled physician knows whether a patient will live or die, a sage ruler is clear about matters of success and failure—benefit then act, harm then abandon, doubt then test cautiously, even if Shun and Yu were reborn, they could not change what has already been done. Words that are too extreme I dare not commit to writing; those that are too shallow are again unworthy of attention. Perhaps I am foolish and do not align with Your Majesty's intentions? Or is there no one who recommends ministers who is lowly and cannot be employed? If this is not the case, I wish to receive a small grant of leisure for strolling and viewing, to behold Your Majesty's countenance. If a single word proves ineffective, I beg to submit myself to the axe and executioner's block.

於是秦昭王大說，乃謝王稽，使以傳車召范睢。

King Zhao of Qin was greatly pleased and apologized to Wang Ji, then sent a relay carriage to summon Fan Sui.

於是范睢乃得見於離宮，詳為不知永巷而入其中。王來而宦者怒，逐之，曰：「王至！」范睢繆為曰：「秦安得王？秦獨有太后、穰侯耳。」欲以感怒昭王。昭王至，聞其與宦者爭言，遂延迎，謝曰：「寡人宜以身受命久矣，會義渠之事急，寡人旦暮自請太后；今義渠之事已，寡人乃得受命。竊閔然不敏，敬執賓主之禮。」范睢辭讓。是日觀范睢之見者，群臣莫不灑然變色易容者。

Fan Sui was thus granted an audience in the detached palace, feigning ignorance of the Yong Alley and entering it. The king arrived, but the eunuch was angry and drove Fan Sui away, saying: 'The king arrives!' Fan Sui deliberately said: 'the state of Qin how get king? The state of Qin alone has Taihou, Rang Hou.' He wished to provoke King Zhao to anger. King Zhao arrived and heard Fan Sui disputing with the eunuch. He prolonged the welcome and apologized: 'I should have received your command in person long ago, but urgent matters with Yiqu intervened. I begged the Queen Mother morning and evening; Now that Yiqu matters are resolved, I can finally receive your command.' Secretly I pity my insensitivity. I respectfully observe the rites between host and guest.' Fan Sui declined with modesty. Those ministers who observed Fan Sui's audience that day all changed color and countenance in shock.

秦王屏左右，宮中虛無人。秦王跽而請曰：「先生何以幸教寡人？」范睢曰：「唯唯。」有閒，秦王復跽而請曰：「先生何以幸教寡人？」范睢曰：「唯唯。」若是者三。秦王跽曰：「先生卒不幸教寡人邪？」范睢曰：「非敢然也。臣聞昔者呂尚之遇文王也，身為漁父而釣於渭濱耳。若是者，交疏也。已說而立為太師，載與俱歸者，其言深也。故文王遂收功於呂尚而卒王天下。鄉使文王疏呂尚而不與深言，是周無天子之德，而文武無與成其王業也。今臣羈旅之臣也，交疏於王，而所願陳者皆匡君之事，處人骨肉之閒，願效愚忠而未知王之心也。此所以王三問而不敢對者也。臣非有畏而不敢言也。臣知今日言之於前而明日伏誅於後，然臣不敢避也。大王信行臣之言，死不足以為臣患，亡不足以為臣憂，漆身為厲被髪為狂不足以為臣恥。且以五帝之聖焉而死，三王之仁焉而死，五伯之賢焉而死，烏獲、任鄙之力焉而死，成荊、孟賁、王慶忌、夏育之勇焉而死。死者，人之所必不免也。處必然之勢，可以少有補於秦，此臣之所大願也，臣又何患哉！伍子胥橐載而出昭關，夜行晝伏，至於陵水，無以糊其口，厀行蒲伏，稽首肉袒，鼓腹吹篪，乞食於吳市，卒興吳國，闔閭為伯。使臣得盡謀如伍子胥，加之以幽囚，終身不復見，是臣之說行也，臣又何憂？箕子、接輿漆身為厲，被髪為狂，無益於主。假使臣得同行於箕子，可以有補於所賢之主，是臣之大榮也，臣有何恥？臣之所恐者，獨恐臣死之後，天下見臣之盡忠而身死，因以是杜口裹足，莫肯鄉秦耳。足下上畏太后之嚴，下惑於姦臣之態，居深宮之中，不離阿保之手，終身迷惑，無與昭姦。大者宗廟滅覆，小者身以孤危，此臣之所恐耳。若夫窮辱之事，死亡之患，臣不敢畏也。臣死而秦治，是臣死賢於生。」秦王跽曰：「先生是何言也！夫秦國辟遠，寡人愚不肖，先生乃幸辱至於此，是天以寡人慁先生而存先王之宗廟也。寡人得受命於先生，是天所以幸先王，而不棄其孤也。先生柰何而言若是！事無小大，上及太后，下至大臣，願先生悉以教寡人，無疑寡人也。」范睢拜，秦王亦拜。

The King of Qin dismissed all attendants; the palace was empty. The state of Qin king knelt begged: 'Master what fortunate teach Guaren?' Fan Sui said: 'Yes, yes.' Had interval, the state of Qin king again knelt begged: 'Master what fortunate teach Guaren?' Fan Sui said: 'Yes, yes.' This happened three times. The state of Qin king knelt said: 'Master finally not fortunate teach Guaren?' Fan Sui said: 'I would not dare so. I have heard that when Lü Shang encountered King Wen of old, he was but a fisherman casting his line on the banks of the Wei River. Such encounters create distant relationships. Once persuaded, he was established as grand master and taken home in a carriage—such were the depths of his counsel. Thus King Wen reaped the benefits from Lü Shang and ultimately became ruler of all under heaven. Had King Wen distanced Lü Shang without deep conversation, Zhou would lack the virtue of a true Son of Heaven, and Wen and Wu would never have completed their royal enterprise. Now I am but a fettered wanderer, distantly acquainted with Your Majesty, yet I desire to rectify all the affairs of the state. Though situated among the king's closest kin, I wish to offer my foolish loyalty but cannot fathom Your Majesty's heart. This is why Your Majesty has asked three times and I dared not respond. I am not afraid to speak—I simply dare not speak. I know that speaking today may bring execution tomorrow, yet I dare not avoid speaking. If Your Majesty trusts and implements my words, death cannot trouble me, exile cannot sadden me, painting my body like a leper or letting my hair go wild like a madman cannot shame me. Even the holiness of the Five Emperors ends in death, the benevolence of the Three Kings ends in death, the worthiness of the Five Hegemons ends in death, the strength of Wu Huo and Ren Bi ends in death, the bravery of Cheng Jing, Meng Ben, Wang Qingji, and Xia Yu ends in death. Death is what no one can avoid. Placed in an inevitable position, I can still offer some small benefit to Qin. This is my great wish—what worries do I have! Wu Zixu carried his belongings and fled through Zhaoguan, traveling by night and hiding by day until he reached Ling Water. With nothing to fill his mouth, he crawled on his knees, bowed his head and bared his flesh, drummed his belly and played the xiao flute, begging for food in Wu's marketplace. In the end he raised up the state of Wu, making Helü a hegemon. If I could exhaust my plans like Wu Zixu, even if imprisoned in darkness and never seen again for life, my counsel would be implemented—what sorrow would I have? Ji Zi and Jie Yu painted their bodies like lepers and let their hair go wild like madmen, but brought no benefit to their lords. Suppose I could accompany Ji Zi and bring benefit to a worthy lord—that would be my great honor. What shame would I have? What I fear is only that after my death, the world will see my utter loyalty and death, and because of this they will shut their mouths and bind their feet, none willing to come to Qin. Your Excellency fears the Queen Mother's severity above, and below is confused by treacherous ministers' appearances. Dwelling in the deep palace, never leaving the wet nurses' hands, lifetime confused, none to illuminate the treachery. At worst the ancestral temples would be extinguished and overturned, at least Your Majesty's person would be isolated and in danger—this is what I fear. As for matters of poverty and humiliation, dangers of death and life, I dare not fear them. If I die and Qin is orderly, this means my death is better than life.' The King of Qin knelt and said: 'Master, what words are these! Qin is distant and remote, I am foolish and unworthy, yet Master has fortunately condescended to come here—this is heaven presenting Master to me to preserve the previous kings' ancestral temples. I get to receive commands from Master—this is heaven's fortune for the previous kings, not abandoning their orphan. How can Master speak like this! Matters whether small or great, from the Queen Mother above to ministers below, I wish Master to teach me all, do not doubt me.' Fan Sui bowed, the King of Qin also bowed.

范睢曰：「大王之國，四塞以為固，北有甘泉、谷口，南帶涇、渭，右隴、蜀，左關、阪，奮擊百萬，戰車千乘，利則出攻，不利則入守，此王者之地也。民怯於私鬬而勇於公戰，此王者之民也。王并此二者而有之。夫以秦卒之勇，車騎之眾，以治諸侯，譬若施韓盧而搏蹇兔也，霸王之業可致也，而群臣莫當其位。至今閉關十五年，不敢窺兵於山東者，是穰侯為秦謀不忠，而大王之計有所失也。」秦王跽曰：「寡人願聞失計。」

Fan Sui said: 'Your Majesty's state is solid with four barriers, north has Ganquan and Gukou, south girds Jing and Wei, right has Long and Shu, left has Guan and Ban, can rouse a million strikers, thousand war chariots, favorable then attack out, unfavorable then guard within—this is a king's territory. The people are cowardly in private fights but brave in public wars—this is a king's people. Your Majesty combines both of these. With Qin's troops' bravery and chariots and riders' multitude, to govern the feudal lords, it is like applying Han Lu to attack a lame rabbit—the hegemon and king's enterprise can be achieved, yet the ministers none match their positions. To this day closing the pass for fifteen years, not daring to spy with troops in Shandong—this is Lord Rang planning disloyally for Qin, while Your Majesty's plans have some loss.' The King of Qin knelt and said: 'I wish to hear of the loss in plans.'

然左右多竊聽者，范睢恐，未敢言內，先言外事，以觀秦王之俯仰。因進曰：「夫穰侯越韓、魏而攻齊綱壽，非計也。少出師則不足以傷齊，多出師則害於秦。臣意王之計，欲少出師而悉韓、魏之兵也，則不義矣。今見與國之不親也，越人之國而攻，可乎？其於計疏矣。且昔齊湣王南攻楚，破軍殺將，再辟地千里，而齊尺寸之地無得焉者，豈不欲得地哉，形勢不能有也。諸侯見齊之罷獘，君臣之不和也，興兵而伐齊，大破之。士辱兵頓，皆咎其王，曰：『誰為此計者乎？』王曰：『文子為之。』大臣作亂，文子出走。攻齊所以大破者，以其伐楚而肥韓、魏也。此所謂借賊兵而齎盜糧者也。王不如遠交而近攻，得寸則王之寸也，得尺亦王之尺也。今釋此而遠攻，不亦繆乎！且昔者中山之國地方五百里，趙獨吞之，功成名立而利附焉，天下莫之能害也。今夫韓、魏，中國之處而天下之樞也，王其欲霸，必親中國以為天下樞，以威楚、趙。楚彊則附趙，趙彊則附楚，楚、趙皆附，齊必懼矣。齊懼，必卑辭重幣以事秦。齊附而韓、魏因可虜也。」昭王曰：「吾欲親魏久矣，而魏多變之國也，寡人不能親。請問親魏柰何？」對曰：「王卑詞重幣以事之；不可，則割地而賂之；不可，因舉兵而伐之。」王曰：「寡人敬聞命矣。」乃拜范睢為客卿，謀兵事。卒聽范睢謀，使五大夫綰伐魏，拔懷。後二歲，拔邢丘。

However, there were many secretly listening on left and right. Fan Sui feared and did not dare speak of inner matters first, instead spoke of outer affairs to observe the King of Qin's responses. He then advanced and said: 'Lord Rang crossing Han and Wei to attack Qi's Gangshou is not a good plan. Few troops sent then insufficient to harm Qi, many troops sent then harmful to Qin. My intention is that Your Majesty's plan wishes to send few troops but use all of Han and Wei's troops, which would be unrighteous. Now seeing that allied states are not close, crossing others' states to attack—is this acceptable? This plan is flawed. Moreover, in the past King Min of Qi attacked south to Chu, broke armies and killed generals, repeatedly expanded territory by a thousand li, yet Qi obtained not a foot of land. Was it not that he wished to gain land? The situation and position did not allow it. The feudal lords saw Qi's exhaustion and weariness, the ruler and ministers' disharmony, raised troops and attacked Qi, greatly breaking it. Scholars humiliated, troops weary, all blamed their king, saying: 'Who made this plan?' The king said: 'Wen Zi did it.' Ministers made chaos, Wen Zi fled out. The reason attacking Qi led to great defeat was because attacking Chu fattened Han and Wei. This is what they call borrowing a thief's troops and carrying a robber's grain. Your Majesty should make distant alliances and attack nearby—every inch gained becomes Your Majesty's inch, every foot gained becomes Your Majesty's foot. Now abandoning this strategy and attacking distant targets—is this not utterly misguided! Moreover, in the past the state of Zhongshan spanned five hundred li of territory. Zhao alone swallowed it whole, achieving merit and establishing reputation with benefits attached. None in the world could harm it. Now consider Han and Wei—they occupy the central states and form the pivot of the world. If Your Majesty wishes to become hegemon, you must personally cultivate the central states as the world's pivot, using this to awe Chu and Zhao. When Chu grows strong, attach to Zhao; when Zhao grows strong, attach to Chu. Once both Chu and Zhao are attached, Qi will certainly fear. If Qi fears, it will certainly offer humble words and heavy tribute to serve Qin. Once Qi attaches, Han and Wei can consequently be taken captive.' King Zhao said: 'I wish to visit Wei in person for a long time, but Wei is a changeable state. Your servant cannot go in person.' May I ask how to visit Wei in person?' He replied: 'Your Majesty's humble words and heavy gifts are what I serve.' If that fails, cede land and bribe them; If that still fails, raise troops and attack them.' The king said: 'I respectfully receive your command.' Thus he appointed Fan Sui as guest minister to plan military affairs. In the end he followed Fan Sui's plan, sending Grand Master Wan of the fifth rank to attack Wei and capture Huai. Two years later, he captured Xingqiu.

客卿范睢復說昭王曰：「秦韓之地形，相錯如繡。秦之有韓也，譬如木之有蠹也，人之有心腹之病也。天下無變則已，天下有變，其為秦患者孰大於韓乎？王不如收韓。」昭王曰：「吾固欲收韓，韓不聽，為之柰何？」對曰：「韓安得無聽乎？王下兵而攻滎陽，則鞏、成皋之道不通；北斷太行之道，則上黨之師不下。王一興兵而攻滎陽，則其國斷而為三。夫韓見必亡，安得不聽乎？若韓聽，而霸事因可慮矣。」王曰：「善。」且欲發使於韓。

Guest minister Fan Sui again advised King Zhao: 'The topography of Qin and Han interlocks like embroidery. Qin having Han is like wood having a borer, a person having a heart and abdomen illness. If the world has no change then stop, if the world has change, what will be Qin's greater affliction than Han? Your Majesty should take Han.' King Zhao said: 'I indeed wish to take Han, but Han won't listen—what can be done?' He replied: 'How can Han not listen? If Your Majesty sends troops to attack Xingyang, then the roads to Gong and Chenggao will be blocked; If northward you cut the Taihang roads, then Shangdang's troops cannot come down. If Your Majesty raises troops and attacks Xingyang once, then its state will be cut and divided into three. Han seeing it will certainly perish, how can it not listen? If Han listens, then hegemon matters can consequently be considered.' The king said: 'Good.' Moreover he wished to send an envoy to Han.

范睢日益親，復說用數年矣，因請閒說曰：「臣居山東時，聞齊之有田文，不聞其有王也；聞秦之有太后、穰侯、華陽、高陵、涇陽，不聞其有王也。夫擅國之謂王，能利害之謂王，制殺生之威之謂王。今太后擅行不顧，穰侯出使不報，華陽、涇陽等擊斷無諱，高陵進退不請。四貴備而國不危者，未之有也。為此四貴者下，乃所謂無王也。然則權安得不傾，令安得從王出乎？臣聞善治國者，乃內固其威而外重其權。穰侯使者操王之重，決制於諸侯，剖符於天下，政適伐國，莫敢不聽。戰勝攻取則利歸於陶，國獘御於諸侯；戰敗則結怨於百姓，而禍歸於社稷。《詩》曰『木實繁者披其枝，披其枝者傷其心；大其都者危其國，尊其臣者卑其主』。崔杼、淖齒管齊，射王股，擢王筋，縣之於廟梁，宿昔而死。李兌管趙，囚主父於沙丘，百日而餓死。今臣聞秦太后、穰侯用事，高陵、華陽、涇陽佐之，卒無秦王，此亦淖齒、李兌之類也。且夫三代所以亡國者，君專授政，縱酒馳騁弋獵，不聽政事。其所授者，妒賢嫉能，御下蔽上，以成其私，不為主計，而主不覺悟，故失其國。今自有秩以上至諸大吏，下及王左右，無非相國之人者。見王獨立於朝，臣竊為王恐，萬世之後，有秦國者非王子孫也。」昭王聞之大懼，曰：「善。」於是廢太后，逐穰侯、高陵、華陽、涇陽君於關外。秦王乃拜范睢為相。收穰侯之印，使歸陶，因使縣官給車牛以徙，千乘有餘。到關，關閱其寶器，寶器珍怪多於王室。

Fan Sui increasingly grew close, and had been advising for several years, thus he requested a private audience and said: 'When I dwelt in Shandong, I heard that Qi had Tian Wen but not that it had a king; I heard that Qin had the Queen Mother, Lord Rang, Huayang, Gaoling, Jingyang, but not that it had a king. Monopolizing the state is called a king, being able to benefit and harm is called a king, controlling the might of life and death is called a king. Now the Queen Mother monopolizes actions without regard, Lord Rang goes on missions without reporting, Huayang, Jingyang and others attack and cut without taboo, Gaoling advances and retreats without requesting permission. Four nobles complete and the state not in danger—there has never been such a thing. To be beneath these four nobles is what is called having no king. Then how can authority not incline, how can commands come from the king? I have heard that those who are good at governing states solidify their might within and weight their authority without. Lord Rang's envoys grasp the king's weight, decide matters among the feudal lords, divide tallies throughout the world, politics suitable for attacking states, none dare not listen. Battle victories and conquests then profits return to Tao, state exhaustion defended against the feudal lords; Battle defeats then tie resentment to the common people, and calamity returns to the ancestral temples. The Book of Odes says 'wood with dense fruit peels its branches, peeling its branches injures its heart; Greatening cities endangers the state, honoring ministers humbles the lord.' Cui Zhu and Nao Chi managed Qi, shot the king's thigh, plucked the king's sinews, hung him from the temple beam, and he died overnight. Li Kui managed Zhao, imprisoned Lord Father at Shaqiu, and he starved to death after a hundred days. Now I have heard that Qin's Queen Mother and Lord Rang employ affairs, with Gaoling, Huayang, Jingyang assisting them, in the end there is no Qin king—this is also of the class of Nao Chi and Li Kui. Moreover, the reason the Three Dynasties perished their states was that the lords specialized in granting politics, indulged in wine, raced about hunting, did not listen to political affairs. Those they granted were jealous of the worthy and hated the able, controlled below and screened above to complete their private interests, did not plan for the lord, and the lord did not awaken, thus they lost their state. Now from those with rank above to the various grand officials, down to the king's left and right, none are not the chancellor's people. Seeing the king alone stand in court, I secretly fear for the king—ten thousand generations later, those who have Qin will not be the king's sons and grandsons.' King Zhao heard this and was greatly frightened, saying: 'Good.' Thus he abolished the Queen Mother, drove Lord Rang, Gaoling, Huayang, Jingyang Jun outside the pass. The King of Qin then appointed Fan Sui as chancellor. He took Lord Rang's seal, made him return to Tao, and moreover had county officials provide chariots and oxen for his transport—a thousand chariots and more. When they arrived at the pass, the pass officials inspected his treasures—his treasures were precious and strange, many more than the royal house.

秦封范睢以應，號為應侯。當是時，秦昭王四十一年也。

Qin sealed Fan Sui with Ying, calling him Ying Hou. At this time, it was the forty-first year of Qin King Zhao.

范睢既相秦，秦號曰張祿，而魏不知，以為范睢已死久矣。魏聞秦且東伐韓、魏，魏使須賈於秦。范睢聞之，為微行，敝衣閒步之邸，見須賈。須賈見之而驚曰：「范叔固無恙乎！」范睢曰：「然。」須賈笑曰：「范叔有說於秦邪？」曰：「不也。睢前日得過於魏相，故亡逃至此，安敢說乎！」須賈曰：「今叔何事？」范睢曰「臣為人庸賃。」須賈意哀之，留與坐飲食，曰：「范叔一寒如此哉！」乃取其一綈袍以賜之。須賈因問曰：「秦相張君，公知之乎？吾聞幸於王，天下之事皆決於相君。今吾事之去留在張君。孺子豈有客習於相君者哉？」范睢曰：「主人翁習知之。唯睢亦得謁，睢請為見君於張君。」須賈曰：「吾馬病，車軸折，非大車駟馬，吾固不出。」范睢曰：「願為君借大車駟馬於主人翁。」

Fan Sui had already become chancellor of Qin, and Qin called him Zhang Lu, but Wei did not know, considering that Fan Sui had died long ago. Wei heard that Qin was about to attack Han and Wei to the east, so Wei sent Xu Jia to Qin. Fan Sui heard this and traveled in secret, dressed in ragged clothes, and leisurely strolled into the hostel to see Xu Jia. Xu Jia saw him and was startled, saying: 'Uncle Fan, are you indeed unharmed!' Fan Sui said: 'Yes.' Xu Jia laughed and said: 'Uncle Fan, do you have persuasion in Qin?' Said: 'Not so. Sui previously offended the Wei chancellor, thus fled and escaped to here, how dare I advise!' Xu Jia said: 'Now Uncle, what are you doing?' Fan Sui said: 'I am a hired laborer for others.' Xu Jia pitied him, had him stay and sit to eat and drink, saying: 'Uncle Fan, are you so cold as this!' He then took one of his silk robes and granted it to him. Xu Jia then asked: 'Qin Chancellor Zhang Jun, do you know him? I have heard he is favored by the king, and all world matters are decided by Chancellor Jun. Now whether my matter succeeds or fails depends on Zhang Jun. How could a young man like me have a guest familiar with Chancellor Jun?' Fan Sui said: 'The host master is familiar with him. Only if Sui also gets an audience, Sui will request to see Jun at Zhang Jun.' Xu Jia said: 'My horse is ill, the carriage axle is broken, without a great carriage and four horses, I certainly won't go out.' Fan Sui said: 'I wish to borrow a great carriage and four horses for you from the host master.'

范睢歸取大車駟馬，為須賈御之，入秦相府。府中望見，有識者皆避匿。須賈怪之。至相舍門，謂須賈曰：「待我，我為君先入通於相君。」須賈待門下，持車良久，問門下曰：「范叔不出，何也？」門下曰：「無范叔。」須賈曰：「鄉者與我載而入者。」門下曰：「乃吾相張君也。」須賈大驚，自知見賣，乃肉袒厀行，因門下人謝罪。於是范睢盛帷帳，待者甚眾，見之。須賈頓首言死罪，曰：「賈不意君能自致於青雲之上，賈不敢復讀天下之書，不敢復與天下之事。賈有湯鑊之罪，請自屏於胡貉之地，唯君死生之！」范睢曰：「汝罪有幾？」曰：「擢賈之發以續賈之罪，尚未足。」范睢曰：「汝罪有三耳。昔者楚昭王時而申包胥為楚卻吳軍，楚王封之以荊五千戶，包胥辭不受，為丘墓之寄於荊也。今睢之先人丘墓亦在魏，公前以睢為有外心於齊而惡睢於魏齊，公之罪一也。當魏齊辱我於廁中，公不止，罪二也。更醉而溺我，公其何忍乎？罪三矣。然公之所以得無死者，以綈袍戀戀，有故人之意，故釋公。」乃謝罷。入言之昭王，罷歸須賈。

Fan Sui returned and took a great carriage and four horses, drove it for Xu Jia, and entered the Qin chancellor's residence. In the residence, those who saw him and recognized him all hid themselves. Xu Jia was surprised by this. Arriving at the chancellor's residence gate, he told Xu Jia: 'Wait for me, I will enter first to announce you to the chancellor.' Xu Jia waited at the gate, held the carriage for a long time, asked the gatekeeper: 'Why hasn't Uncle Fan come out?' The gatekeeper said: 'There is no Uncle Fan.' Xu Jia said: 'The one who just entered with me in the carriage.' The gatekeeper said: 'That is our Chancellor Zhang Jun.' Xu Jia was greatly startled, realized he had been tricked, then bared his flesh and crawled on his knees, apologizing for his crime through the gatekeeper. Thus Fan Sui set up abundant curtains and tents, with attendants very numerous, and saw him. Xu Jia knocked his head and confessed his death crime, saying: 'Jia did not expect Jun could achieve the azure clouds above, Jia dares not again read the world's books, dares not again participate in the world's matters. Jia has the crime of the boiling cauldron, please screen myself at the land of the Hu and Mo, only Jun's life and death!' Fan Sui said: 'How many crimes do you have?' Said: 'Pluck Jia's hair to continue Jia's crimes, not yet sufficient.' Fan Sui said: 'You have three crimes only. In the past when King Zhao of Chu was in power, Shen Baoxu for Chu repelled the Wu army, the Chu king sealed him with five thousand households in Jing, but Shen Baoxu declined to accept, because his ancestral mounds were entrusted in Jing. Now Sui's ancestors' mounds and tombs are also in Wei, before you considered Sui to have disloyalty toward Qi and slandered Sui to Wei Qi—this is your crime one. When Wei Qi humiliated me in the latrine, you did not stop him—this is crime two. Moreover, drunk, he urinated on me—how could you bear this? This is crime three. However, the reason you got to not die is because of the lingering silk robe, having old friend's intent, thus I released you.' Thus he thanked and dismissed. He entered and spoke to King Zhao, dismissed and returned Xu Jia.

須賈辭於范睢，范睢大供具，盡請諸侯使，與坐堂上，食飲甚設。而坐須賈於堂下，置莝豆其前，令兩黥徒夾而馬食之。數曰：「為我告魏王，急持魏齊頭來！不然者，我且屠大梁。」須賈歸，以告魏齊。魏齊恐，亡走趙。匿平原君所。

Xu Jia took leave of Fan Sui, Fan Sui greatly provided utensils, completely invited the feudal lords' envoys, had them sit in the hall above, food and drink abundantly set. Yet seated Xu Jia in the hall below, placed bean stalks before him, commanded two tattooed convicts to flank and horse-feed him. He scolded saying: 'For me tell the Wei king, urgently bring Wei Qi's head! If not, I will moreover butcher Daliang.' Xu Jia returned and told Wei Qi. Wei Qi feared, fled and ran to Zhao. Hid at Lord Pingyuan's place.

范睢既相，王稽謂范睢曰：「事有不可知者三，有不柰何者亦三。宮車一日晏駕，是事之不可知者一也。君卒然捐館舍，是事之不可知者二也。使臣卒然填溝壑，是事之不可知者三也。宮車一日晏駕，君雖恨於臣，無可柰何。君卒然捐館舍，君雖恨於臣，亦無可柰何。使臣卒然填溝壑，君雖恨於臣，亦無可柰何。」范睢不懌，乃入言於王曰：「非王稽之忠，莫能內臣於函谷關；非大王之賢聖，莫能貴臣。今臣官至於相，爵在列侯，王稽之官尚止於謁者，非其內臣之意也。」昭王召王稽，拜為河東守，三歲不上計。又任鄭安平，昭王以為將軍。范睢於是散家財物，盡以報所嘗困戹者。一飯之德必償，睚眥之怨必報。

Fan Sui having already become chancellor, Wang Ji told Fan Sui: 'Matters have three that cannot be known, there are also three that cannot be helped.' A palace carriage being one day late in departing—this is one matter that cannot be known in advance. A lord suddenly abandoning his residence—this is the second matter that cannot be known in advance. Make minister suddenly fill ditch moat—this is the third matter that cannot be known in advance. Palace carriage one day late start, lord though hate minister, no can how. Lord suddenly abandon dwelling, lord though hate minister, also no can how. Make minister suddenly fill ditch moat, lord though hate minister, also no can how.' Fan Sui not pleased, then entered spoke king: 'Not Wang Ji loyalty, none able inner minister at Hangu Pass; Not great king worthy sage, none able noble minister. Now minister office to chancellor, rank in lie hou, Wang Ji office still stop at ye zhe, not his inner minister intent.' Zhao Wang summoned Wang Ji, appointed Hedong guard, three years not submit accounts. Again entrusted Zheng Anping, Zhao Wang considered general. Fan Sui then scattered family wealth goods, all with repay once distressed him. One meal virtue certainly repay, glare enmity certainly report.

范睢相秦二年，秦昭王之四十二年，東伐韓少曲、高平，拔之。

Fan Sui chancellor Qin two years, Qin Zhao Wang forty two year, east attacked Han Shao Qu, Gao Ping, captured.

秦昭王聞魏齊在平原君所，欲為范睢必報其仇，乃詳為好書遺平原君曰；「寡人聞君之高義，願與君為布衣之友，君幸過寡人，寡人願與君為十日之飲。」平原君畏秦，且以為然，而入秦見昭王。昭王與平原君飲數日，昭王謂平原君曰：「昔周文王得呂尚以為太公，齊桓公得管夷吾以為仲父，今范君亦寡人之叔父也。范君之仇在君之家，願使人歸取其頭來；不然，吾不出君於關。」平原君曰：「貴而為交者，為賤也；富而為交者，為貧也。夫魏齊者，勝之友也，在，固不出也，今又不在臣所。」昭王乃遺趙王書曰：「王之弟在秦，范君之仇魏齊在平原君之家。王使人疾持其頭來；不然，吾舉兵而伐趙，又不出王之弟於關。」趙孝成王乃發卒圍平原君家，急，魏齊夜亡出，見趙相虞卿。虞卿度趙王終不可說，乃解其相印，與魏齊亡，閒行，念諸侯莫可以急抵者，乃復走大梁，欲因信陵君以走楚。信陵君聞之，畏秦，猶豫未肯見，曰：「虞卿何如人也？」時侯嬴在旁，曰：「人固未易知，知人亦未易也。夫虞卿躡屩檐簦，一見趙王，賜白璧一雙，黃金百鎰；再見，拜為上卿；三見，卒受相印，封萬戶侯。當此之時，天下爭知之。夫魏齊窮困過虞卿，虞卿不敢重爵祿之尊，解相印，捐萬戶侯而閒行。急士之窮而歸公子，公子曰『何如人』。人固不易知，知人亦未易也！」信陵君大慚，駕如野迎之。魏齊聞信陵君之初難見之，怒而自剄。趙王聞之，卒取其頭予秦。秦昭王乃出平原君歸趙。

Qin Zhao Wang heard Wei Qi at Ping Yuan Jun place, wished for Fan Sui certainly avenge enmity, then detailed as good letter sent Ping Yuan Jun said; 'I have heard of Your Lord's noble character and wish to be friends with you as commoners. If you would graciously visit me, I would like to share ten days of drinking with you.' Lord Pingyuan feared Qin, and moreover considered it correct, thus entered Qin to see King Zhao. King Zhao drank with Lord Pingyuan for several days, then King Zhao told Lord Pingyuan: 'Formerly King Wen of Zhou obtained Lü Shang as his Tai Gong, Duke Huan of Qi obtained Guan Zhong as his Zhong Fu, now Fan Jun is also my uncle. Fan Jun's enemy is in Your Lord's house—I wish to send people back to take his head; If not, I will not let you leave the pass.' Lord Pingyuan said: 'When noble people make friends, it is for the sake of lowliness; When rich people make friends, it is for the sake of poverty. Wei Qi is Sheng's friend—if he were here, I certainly would not give him up, but now he is not in my residence.' King Zhao then sent a letter to King Zhao saying: 'Your Majesty's younger brother is in Qin, Fan Jun's enemy Wei Qi is in Lord Pingyuan's house. Your Majesty, send people to urgently bring his head here; If not, I will raise troops and attack Zhao, and again not let your younger brother leave the pass.' King Xiaocheng of Zhao then sent troops to surround Lord Pingyuan's house. It became urgent, Wei Qi fled out at night and saw Zhao's chancellor Yu Qing. Yu Qing measured that the King of Zhao could ultimately not be persuaded, thus he untied his chancellor seal and fled with Wei Qi, traveling in secret. He thought that none of the feudal lords could be urgently reached, thus he again ran to Daliang, wishing to use Lord Xinling to flee to Chu. Lord Xinling heard this, feared Qin, hesitated and was not willing to see them, saying: 'What kind of person is Yu Qing?' At the time Hou Ying was at the side, saying: 'People are certainly not easy to know, and knowing people is also not easy. Yu Qing stepped in shoes and wore an eaves hat, one meeting with the King of Zhao, granted a pair of white jade disks, one hundred yi of yellow gold; Second meeting, appointed as upper minister; Third meeting, finally received the chancellor seal, sealed as ten thousand household hou. At this time, the world contended to know him. Wei Qi's poverty and distress surpassed Yu Qing's, yet Yu Qing dared not value the honor of rank and salary, untied his chancellor seal, abandoned his ten thousand household hou status and traveled in secret. When a scholar in urgent poverty returned to the crown prince, the crown prince said 'What kind of person is he?' People are certainly not easy to know, and knowing people is also not easy!' Lord Xinling was greatly ashamed, drove wildly to welcome him. Wei Qi heard that Lord Xinling initially found it difficult to see him, became angry and cut his own throat. The King of Zhao heard this and finally took his head and gave it to Qin. King Zhao of Qin then let Lord Pingyuan out to return to Zhao.

昭王四十三年，秦攻韓汾陘，拔之，因城河上廣武。

In King Zhao's forty-third year, Qin attacked Han's Fenxing, captured it, and thus walled Guangwu on the upper river.

後五年，昭王用應侯謀，縱反閒賣趙，趙以其故，令馬服子代廉頗將。秦大破趙於長平，遂圍邯鄲。已而與武安君白起有隙，言而殺之。任鄭安平，使擊趙。鄭安平為趙所圍，急，以兵二萬人降趙。應侯席槁請罪。秦之法，任人而所任不善者，各以其罪罪之。於是應侯罪當收三族。秦昭王恐傷應侯之意，乃下令國中：「有敢言鄭安平事者，以其罪罪之。」而加賜相國應侯食物日益厚，以順適其意。後二歲，王稽為河東守，與諸侯通，坐法誅。而應侯日益以不懌。

Five years later, King Zhao used Ying Hou's plan, released rebel spies to sell Zhao, and Zhao because of this sent Ma Fu Zi to replace Lian Po as general. Qin greatly broke Zhao at Changping, then surrounded Handan. Thereafter he had a rift with Lord Wu'an Bai Qi, spoke against him and had him killed. Entrusted Zheng Anping, made him attack Zhao. Zheng Anping was surrounded by Zhao, became urgent, and with twenty thousand troops surrendered to Zhao. Lord Ying sat on straw and begged for punishment. Qin's law: entrust a person yet the entrusted one is not good, each punish him with his crime. Thus Lord Ying's crime should confiscate the three clans. King Zhao of Qin feared harming Lord Ying's intentions, so he issued an order throughout the state: 'Anyone who dares to speak of Zheng Anping's affairs will be punished with the same crime.' Yet he increased the grants to Chancellor Lord Ying of food and daily provisions, becoming even more generous to comply with and adapt to his intentions. Two years later, Wang Ji as Hedong guard communicated with the various lords, sat under the law and was executed. Yet Lord Ying increasingly was displeased.

昭王臨朝嘆息，應侯進曰：「臣聞『主憂臣辱，主辱臣死』。今大王中朝而憂，臣敢請其罪。」昭王曰：「吾聞楚之鐵劍利而倡優拙。夫鐵劍利則士勇，倡優拙則思慮遠。夫以遠思慮而御勇士，吾恐楚之圖秦也。夫物不素具，不可以應卒，今武安君既死，而鄭安平等畔，內無良將而外多敵國，吾是以憂。」欲以激勵應侯。應侯懼，不知所出。蔡澤聞之，往入秦也。

King Zhao faced the court and sighed, Lord Ying advanced and said: 'I have heard 'lord worries, minister is shamed; lord is shamed, minister dies'.' Now Your Majesty worries in the middle of court, I dare request my crime.' King Zhao said: 'I have heard that Chu's iron swords are sharp yet their actors are clumsy. When iron swords are sharp then scholars are brave, when actors are clumsy then thoughts are far. With far-reaching thoughts to govern brave scholars, I fear Chu plans against Qin. Things not prepared in advance cannot respond to emergencies, now Lord Wu'an has already died, and Zheng Anping and others have rebelled, within there are no good generals and without there are many enemy states, this is why I worry.' Wished to stimulate and encourage Lord Ying. Lord Ying feared, did not know what to do. Cai Ze heard this and went to enter Qin.

蔡澤者，燕人也。游學干諸侯小大甚眾，不遇。而從唐舉相，曰：「吾聞先生相李兌，曰『百日之內持國秉』，有之乎？」曰：「有之。」曰：「若臣者何如？」唐舉孰視而笑曰：「先生曷鼻，巨肩，魋顏，蹙齃，膝攣。吾聞聖人不相，殆先生乎？」蔡澤知唐舉戲之，乃曰：「富貴吾所自有，吾所不知者壽也，願聞之。」唐舉曰：「先生之壽，從今以往者四十三歲。」蔡澤笑謝而去，謂其御者曰：「吾持粱刺齒肥，躍馬疾驅，懷黃金之印，結紫綬於要，揖讓人主之前，食肉富貴，四十三年足矣。」去之趙，見逐。之韓、魏，遇奪釜鬲於涂。聞應侯任鄭安平、王稽皆負重罪於秦，應侯內慚，蔡澤乃西入秦。

Cai Ze was a Yan person. He wandered and studied, petitioned various lords small and great very many, but was not met with. He followed Tang Ju the chancellor and said: 'I have heard that Master divined for Li Kui, saying "within a hundred days he will hold the state's authority", is this true?' He said: 'It is.' He said: 'What about one like me?' Tang Ju carefully observed and laughed, saying: 'Master has what nose, great shoulders, snub face, wrinkled teeth, bent knees. I have heard that the holy do not divine physiognomy, is it nearly Master?' Cai Ze knew that Tang Ju was playing with him, then said: 'Richness and nobility I possess myself, what I do not know is longevity, I wish to hear of it.' Tang Ju said: 'Master's longevity, from now going forward, is forty-three years.' Cai Ze laughed, thanked him and left, telling his charioteer: 'I will hold the liang skewer for teeth fat, leap horses and drive swiftly, embrace the yellow gold seal, tie the purple ribbon at my waist, bow and yield before the lords, eat meat and be rich and noble—forty-three years is sufficient.' He went to Zhao and was driven away. Went to Han and Wei, met with robbery of pots and tripods on the road. Heard that Ying Hou had entrusted Zheng Anping and Wang Ji, both of whom bore heavy crimes in Qin, Ying Hou was internally ashamed, and Cai Ze then went west to enter Qin.

將見昭王，使人宣言以感怒應侯曰：「燕客蔡澤，天下雄俊弘辯智士也。彼一見秦王，秦王必困君而奪君之位。」應侯聞，曰：「五帝三代之事，百家之說，吾既知之，眾口之辯，吾皆摧之，是惡能困我而奪我位乎？」使人召蔡澤。蔡澤入，則揖應。應侯固不快，及見之，又倨，應侯因讓之曰：「子嘗宣言欲代我相秦，寧有之乎？」對曰：「然。」應侯曰：「請聞其說。」蔡澤曰：「吁，君何見之晚也！夫四時之序，成功者去。夫人生百體堅彊，手足便利，耳目聰明而心聖智，豈非士之願與？」應侯曰：「然。」蔡澤曰：「質仁秉義，行道施德，得志於天下，天下懷樂敬愛而尊慕之，皆願以為君王，豈不辯智之期與？」應侯曰：「然。」蔡澤復曰：「富貴顯榮，成理萬物，使各得其所；性命壽長，終其天年而不夭傷；天下繼其統，守其業，傳之無窮；名實純粹，澤流千里，世世稱之而無絕，與天地終始：豈道德之符而聖人所謂吉祥善事者與？」應侯曰：「然。」

About to see King Zhao, he had people declare to anger Lord Ying: 'Yan guest Cai Ze is a heroic, outstanding, greatly eloquent and wise scholar of the world. He one meeting with the Qin king, the Qin king will certainly distress you and seize your position.' Lord Ying heard and said: 'Matters of the five emperors and three dynasties, sayings of the hundred schools, I already know them all, debates of crowds' mouths, I have crushed them all—how could he distress me and seize my position?' He had people summon Cai Ze. Cai Ze entered and bowed to Ying. Lord Ying was originally displeased, and when he saw him, was arrogant again, Lord Ying thus reproached him: 'You once declared you wished to replace me as chancellor of Qin—do you have this?' He replied: 'Yes.' Lord Ying said: 'Please hear the reasoning.' Cai Ze said: 'Alas, why has Your Lordship seen this so late! The sequence of the four seasons—successful ones depart. A person's life with hundred body parts firm and strong, hands and feet convenient, ears and eyes intelligent and heart sage and wise—is this not the scholar's wish?' Lord Ying said: 'Yes.' Cai Ze said: 'Substantial benevolence grasping righteousness, walking the way and applying virtue, getting will in the world, the world cherishing happiness revering loving honoring admiring it, all wishing to make it lord and king—is this not the period of eloquence and wisdom?' Lord Ying said: 'Yes.' Cai Ze again said: 'Richness nobility illustrious honor, completing the principle of ten thousand things, making each get their place;' Life and longevity long, ending their natural span without premature injury; The world continues their unified rule, guards their enterprise, transmits it without end; Name and reality pure, favor flowing a thousand li, generations praising it without cessation, ending and beginning with heaven and earth: is this not the tally of morality and what the holy call auspicious good matters?' Lord Ying said: 'Yes.'

蔡澤曰：「若夫秦之商君，楚之吳起，越之大夫種，其卒然亦可願與？」應侯知蔡澤之欲困己以說，復謬曰：「何為不可？夫公孫鞅之事孝公也，極身無貳慮，盡公而不顧私；設刀鋸以禁姦邪，信賞罰以致治；披腹心，示情素，蒙怨咎，欺舊友，奪魏公子卬，安秦社稷，利百姓，卒為秦禽將破敵，攘地千里。吳起之事悼王也，使私不得害公，讒不得蔽忠，言不取茍合，行不取茍容，不為危易行，行義不辟難，然為霸主彊國，不辭禍凶。大夫種之事越王也，主雖困辱，悉忠而不解，主雖絕亡，盡能而弗離，成功而弗矜，貴富而不驕怠。若此三子者，固義之至也，忠之節也。是故君子以義死難，視死如歸；生而辱不如死而榮。士固有殺身以成名，雖義之所在，雖死無所恨。何為不可哉？」

Cai Ze said: 'As for Qin's Shang Jun, Chu's Wu Qi, Yue's Da Fu Zhong—their ends, can they also be wished for?' Lord Ying knew that Cai Ze wished to distress him with persuasion, and again deliberately said: 'Why not possible?' Gongsun Yang's service to Duke Xiao: he exerted himself without divided thoughts, exhausted the public without regarding the private; He set up knife and saw to prohibit adultery and evil, believed in rewards and punishments to achieve governance; He exposed his innermost thoughts, showed his true feelings, bore resentment and blame, deceived old friends, seized Wei's Crown Prince Ang, secured Qin's altars and soil, benefited the hundred surnames, and finally for Qin captured generals broke enemies, expanded land a thousand li. Wu Qi's service to King Dao: he made private not harm public, slander not conceal loyalty, words not take casual agreement, conduct not take casual accommodation, not change conduct for danger, righteous actions not avoid difficulty, thus became hegemon lord of strong state, not declining calamity or misfortune. Da Fu Zhong's service to the King of Yue: though his lord was distressed and humiliated, he was completely loyal without slackening, though his lord was severed and perished, he exhausted his abilities without leaving, successful without arrogance, noble and rich without pride and indolence. Like these three persons, certainly the extreme of righteousness, the principle of loyalty. Thus the gentleman dies difficulties with righteousness, views death as returning home; Living humiliated is not equal to dying honored. The scholar certainly has killing the body to complete fame, though righteousness is located there, though dying has no regret. What makes it impossible?'

蔡澤曰：「主聖臣賢，天下之盛福也；君明臣直，國之福也；父慈子孝，夫信妻貞，家之福也。故比干忠而不能存殷，子胥智而不能完吳，申生孝而晉國亂。是皆有忠臣孝子，而國家滅亂者，何也？無明君賢父以聽之，故天下以其君父為僇辱而憐其臣子。今商君、吳起、大夫種之為人臣，是也；其君，非也。故世稱三子致功而不見德，豈慕不遇世死乎？夫待死而後可以立忠成名，是微子不足仁，孔子不足聖，管仲不足大也。夫人之立功，豈不期於成全邪？身與名俱全者，上也。名可法而身死者，其次也。名在僇辱而身全者，下也。」於是應侯稱善。

Cai Ze said: 'Lord sage minister worthy, world's great fortune;' Lord enlightened minister upright, state's fortune;' Father kind son filial, husband faithful wife chaste, family's fortune.' Thus Bi Gan loyal yet could not preserve Yin, Zi Xu wise yet could not complete Wu, Shen Sheng filial yet Jin state chaotic.' These all had loyal ministers and filial sons, yet the states extinguished and were chaotic—what is the reason?' No enlightened lord or worthy father to listen to them, thus the world humiliates their lords and fathers and pities their ministers and sons.' Now as for Shang Jun, Wu Qi, Da Fu Zhong being ministers, they were right;' Their lords, were wrong.' Thus the world praises the three for achieving merit but does not see virtue—would they wish to not meet the world and die?' To wait for death and then establish loyalty and complete fame—this means Wei Zi was insufficiently benevolent, Confucius insufficiently sage, Guan Zhong insufficiently great.' A person's establishing merit, is it not hoped for completeness?' Body and name both complete—the highest.' Name can be modeled and body dies—the next.' Name in humiliation and body complete—the lowest.'' At this, Lord Ying praised it as good.

蔡澤少得閒，因曰：「夫商君、吳起、大夫種，其為人臣盡忠致功則可願矣，閎夭事文王，周公輔成王也，豈不亦忠聖乎？以君臣論之，商君、吳起、大夫種其可願孰與閎夭、周公哉？」應侯曰：「商君、吳起、大夫種弗若也。」蔡澤曰：「然則君之主慈仁任忠，惇厚舊故，其賢智與有道之士為膠漆，義不倍功臣，孰與秦孝公、楚悼王、越王乎？」應侯曰：「未知何如也。」蔡澤曰：「今主親忠臣，不過秦孝公、楚悼王、越王，君之設智，能為主安危修政，治亂彊兵，批患折難，廣地殖穀，富國足家，彊主，尊社稷，顯宗廟，天下莫敢欺犯其主，主之威蓋震海內，功彰萬里之外，聲名光輝傳於千世，君孰與商君、吳起、大夫種？」應侯曰：「不若。」蔡澤曰：「今主之親忠臣不忘舊故不若孝公、悼王、句踐，而君之功績愛信親幸又不若商君、吳起、大夫種，然而君之祿位貴盛，私家之富過於三子，而身不退者，恐患之甚於三子，竊為君危之。語曰『日中則移，月滿則虧』。物盛則衰，天地之常數也。進退盈縮，與時變化，聖人之常道也。故『國有道則仕，國無道則隱』。聖人曰『飛龍在天，利見大人』。『不義而富且貴，於我如浮雲』。今君之怨已讎而德已報，意欲至矣，而無變計，竊為君不取也。且夫翠、鵠、犀、象，其處勢非不遠死也，而所以死者，惑於餌也。蘇秦、智伯之智，非不足以辟辱遠死也，而所以死者，惑於貪利不止也。是以聖人制禮節欲，取於民有度，使之以時，用之有止，故志不溢，行不驕，常與道俱而不失，故天下承而不絕。昔者齊桓公九合諸侯，一匡天下，至於葵丘之會，有驕矜之志，畔者九國。吳王夫差兵無敵於天下，勇彊以輕諸侯，陵齊晉，故遂以殺身亡國。夏育、太史噭叱呼駭三軍，然而身死於庸夫。此皆乘至盛而不返道理，不居卑退處儉約之患也。夫商君為秦孝公明法令，禁姦本，尊爵必賞，有罪必罰，平權衡，正度量，調輕重，決裂阡陌，以靜生民之業而一其俗，勸民耕農利土，一室無二事，力田稸積，習戰陳之事，是以兵動而地廣，兵休而國富，故秦無敵於天下，立威諸侯，成秦國之業。功已成矣，而遂以車裂。楚地方數千里，持戟百萬，白起率數萬之師以與楚戰，一戰舉鄢郢以燒夷陵，再戰南并蜀漢。又越韓、魏而攻彊趙，北阬馬服，誅屠四十餘萬之眾，盡之于長平之下，流血成川，沸聲若雷，遂入圍邯鄲，使秦有帝業。楚、趙天下之彊國而秦之仇敵也，自是之後，楚、趙皆懾伏不敢攻秦者，白起之勢也。身所服者七十餘城，功已成矣，而遂賜劍死於杜郵。吳起為楚悼王立法，卑減大臣之威重，罷無能，廢無用，損不急之官，塞私門之請，一楚國之俗，禁游客之民，精耕戰之士，南收楊越，北并陳、蔡，破橫散從，使馳說之士無所開其口，禁朋黨以勵百姓，定楚國之政，兵震天下，威服諸侯。功已成矣，而卒枝解。大夫種為越王深謀遠計，免會稽之危，以亡為存，因辱為榮，墾草入邑，辟地殖穀，率四方之士，專上下之力，輔句踐之賢，報夫差之讎，卒擒勁吳。令越成霸。功已彰而信矣，句踐終負而殺之。此四子者，功成不去，禍至於此。此所謂信而不能詘，往而不能返者也。范蠡知之，超然辟世，長為陶朱公。君獨不觀夫博者乎？或欲大投，或欲分功，此皆君之所明知也。今君相秦，計不下席，謀不出廊廟，坐制諸侯，利施三川，以實宜陽，決羊腸之險，塞太行之道，又斬范、中行之涂，六國不得合從，棧道千里，通於蜀漢，使天下皆畏秦，秦之欲得矣，君之功極矣，此亦秦之分功之時也。如是而不退，則商君、白公、吳起、大夫種是也。吾聞之，『鑒於水者見面之容，鑒於人者知吉與凶』。書曰『成功之下，不可久處』。四子之禍，君何居焉？君何不以此時歸相印，讓賢者而授之，退而巖居川觀，必有伯夷之廉，長為應侯。世世稱孤，而有許由、延陵季子之讓，喬松之壽，孰與以禍終哉？即君何居焉？忍不能自離，疑不能自決，必有四子之禍矣。《易》曰『亢龍有悔』，此言上而不能下，信而不能詘，往而不能自返者也。願君孰計之！」應侯曰：「善。吾聞『欲而不知（止）［足］，失其所以欲；有而不知（足）［止］，失其所以有』。先生幸教，睢敬受命。』於是乃延入坐，為上客。

Cai Ze having a brief moment of leisure, thus said: 'As for Shang Jun, Wu Qi, Da Fu Zhong, their being ministers exhausting loyalty and achieving merit can certainly be wished for, Hong Yao serving King Wen, Zhou Gong assisting King Cheng—were they not also loyal and sage? In terms of lord and minister, Shang Jun, Wu Qi, Da Fu Zhong—their being wished for, who compares to Hong Yao and Zhou Gong?' Lord Ying said: 'Shang Jun, Wu Qi, Da Fu Zhong do not compare.' Cai Ze said: 'In that case, Your Lordship's ruler is kind and benevolent, employs the loyal, sincere and generous with old acquaintances, his worthy and wise stick with men of the way like glue and lacquer, righteousness does not betray merit ministers—who compares to Duke Xiao of Qin, King Dao of Chu, King of Yue?' Lord Ying said: 'I do not know how it compares.' Cai Ze said: 'Now as for personally employing loyal ministers, not exceeding Duke Xiao of Qin, King Dao of Chu, King of Yue, Your Lordship's establishing wisdom, able to secure danger for the ruler, repair politics, govern chaos and strengthen troops, ward off calamity and break difficulties, broaden land and plant grain, enrich the state and suffice the family, strengthen the ruler, honor the altars and soil, illustrious the ancestral temple, the world none dare deceive or offend the ruler, the ruler's might covers and shakes within the seas, merit spreads ten thousand li beyond, sound and name glory transmit to a thousand generations—Your Lordship who compares to Shang Jun, Wu Qi, Da Fu Zhong?' Lord Ying said: 'Not comparable.' Cai Ze said: 'Now as for personally employing loyal ministers and not forgetting old acquaintances, not comparable to Duke Xiao, King Dao, Gou Jian, yet Your Lordship's merit achievements, love trust and personal favor again not comparable to Shang Jun, Wu Qi, Da Fu Zhong, however Your Lordship's salary and position noble and flourishing, private family's wealth exceeds the three, yet body not retreating—I fear the calamity will exceed the three, I secretly consider it dangerous for Your Lordship.' The saying goes 'when the sun reaches midday it shifts, when the moon is full it wanes'. Things flourish then decline—this is the constant principle of heaven and earth. Advance and retreat, wax and wane, changing with time—this is the constant way of the sage. Thus 'when the state has the way then serve, when the state has no way then hide'. The sage said 'flying dragon in heaven, benefit in seeing the great man'. 'Not righteous yet rich and noble—to me like floating clouds'. Now Your Lordship's resentments have been avenged and virtues repaid, intentions have reached their limit, yet no change of plans—I secretly consider it unwise for Your Lordship. Moreover, the green pheasant, swan, rhino, elephant—their positions were not far from death, yet the reason they died was confusion from bait. Su Qin and Zhi Bo's wisdom was not insufficient to avoid humiliation and far death, yet the reason they died was confusion from greedy profit without stopping. Thus the sage establishes ritual to section desires, takes from the people with measure, makes them use it with timing, uses it with limit, thus will not overflow, conduct not arrogant, constantly with the way together not lose, thus the world receives without cessation. Formerly Duke Huan of Qi nine times united the feudal lords, once corrected the world, to the Kui Qiu meeting, had arrogant proud will, rebels nine states. King Fu Chai of Wu had troops unmatched in the world, brave strong and slighted the feudal lords, overbore Qi and Jin, thus finally with killing the body perished the state. Xia Yu and Tai Shi Hao shouted and called frightening the three armies, however body died at a common fellow. These all rode extreme flourishing and did not return to reason, not dwelt in humble retreat place frugal thrift calamity. Shang Jun for Duke Xiao of Qin clarified law commands, prohibited adultery root, honored rank certainly rewarded, have crime certainly punished, leveled balances, corrected measures, adjusted light heavy, broke open paths, to quiet give birth people enterprise unify custom, encouraged people plow farm profit soil, one room no two matters, exerted field stored grain, practiced battle array matters, thus troops move land broad, troops rest state rich, thus Qin no enemy world, established might feudal lords, completed Qin state enterprise. Merit already complete, yet finally cart torn apart. Chu territory several thousand li, held spears a million, Bai Qi led several ten thousand troops to battle Chu, one battle took Yan Ying burned Yi Ling, second battle south annexed Shu Han. Again crossed Han, Wei attacked strong Zhao, north pitted Ma Fu, executed slaughtered forty plus ten thousand crowd, exhausted at Chang Ping below, flow blood become river, boil sound like thunder, then entered surround Handan, make Qin have imperial enterprise. Chu, Zhao world's strong states yet Qin's enemy, from this after, Chu, Zhao all awed submit dare not attack Qin, Bai Qi's might. Body what subdued seventy plus cities, merit already complete, yet finally granted sword died at Du You. Wu Qi for King Dao of Chu established law, humbled reduced ministers authority heavy, dismissed no ability, abolished no use, reduced not urgent officials, blocked private gate requests, unified Chu state custom, prohibited traveler people, refined plow battle scholars, south collected Yang Yue, north combined Chen, Cai, broke horizontal scattered vertical, made gallop persuade scholars none open mouth, prohibited cliques encourage hundred surnames, settled Chu state politics, troops shook world, might subdued feudal lords. Merit already complete, yet finally branch torn apart. Da Fu Zhong for the King of Yue deeply planned far strategy, avoided Kuaiji's danger, with perishing as preserving, because humiliation as honor, cleared grass entered cities, opened land planted grain, led four directions' scholars, monopolized up down strength, assisted Gou Jian's worthiness, reported Fu Cha's enmity, finally captured strong Wu. Made Yue complete hegemon. Merit already manifest and trusted, Gou Jian finally turned against and killed him. These four persons, merit complete not go, calamity arrived at this. This is called believe yet cannot yield, go yet cannot self return. Fan Li knew this, transcendently left the world, long as Tao Zhu Gong. Your Lordship alone does not observe the gambler? Some wish big bets, some wish divide merit, these all Your Lordship clearly knows. Now Your Lordship chancellors Qin, plans not descend the mat, strategies not out the hall temple, sit control feudal lords, benefits extend three rivers, to fill Yi Yang, decide Yang Chang danger, block Taihang way, again cut Fan, Zhong Xing road, six states not able unite vertical, stack path thousand li, through Shu Han, make world all fear Qin, Qin desires got, Your Lordship merit extreme, this also Qin divide merit time. Like this and not retreat, then Shang Jun, Bai Qi, Wu Qi, Da Fu Zhong are it. I have heard, 'mirror in water sees face's appearance, mirror in person knows auspicious and inauspicious'. The Book says 'below success, cannot long dwell'. Four persons' calamity, Your Lordship what dwells? Your Lordship why not at this time return the chancellor seal, yield to worthy ones and grant it, retreat and dwell in rocks observe rivers, must have Bo Yi's purity, long as Ying Hou. Generations praise the orphan, having Xu You, Yanling Ji Zi's yielding, Qiao Song's longevity, who compares with ending in calamity? Then Your Lordship what dwells? Bearing cannot self separate, doubting cannot self decide, certainly have four persons' calamity. The Yi says 'high dragon has regret', this speaks of ascending cannot descend, believing cannot yield, going cannot self return. Wish Your Lordship carefully consider it!' Lord Ying said: 'Good. I have heard 'desiring yet not knowing sufficiency, lose what one desires;' Having yet not knowing sufficiency, lose what one has'. Master fortunate to teach, Sui respectfully receives command.'' At this then prolonged invited enter sit, as upper guest.

後數日，入朝，言於秦昭王曰：「客新有從山東來者曰蔡澤，其人辯士，明於三王之事，五伯之業，世俗之變，足以寄秦國之政。臣之見人甚眾，莫及，臣不如也。臣敢以聞。」秦昭王召見，與語，大說之，拜為客卿。應侯因謝病請歸相印。昭王彊起應侯，應侯遂稱病甐。范睢免相，昭王新說蔡澤計畫，遂拜為秦相，東收周室。

Later several days, entered court, spoke to Qin Zhao Wang: 'Guest newly has one coming from Shandong called Cai Ze, that person eloquent scholar, enlightened on three kings' matters, five hegemons' enterprise, world custom changes, sufficient to entrust Qin state's politics. Minister's seeing persons very many, none equals, minister not equal. Minister dares to report.'' Qin Zhao Wang summoned and saw, spoke with, greatly delighted, appointed as guest minister. Lord Ying because claimed illness requested return chancellor seal. King Zhao strongly raised Lord Ying, Lord Ying thus claimed illness and lay down. Fan Sui dismissed chancellor, King Zhao newly delighted with Cai Ze's plans, thus appointed as Qin chancellor, east took Zhou room.

蔡澤相秦數月，人或惡之，懼誅，乃謝病歸相印，號為綱成君。居秦十餘年，事昭王、孝文王、莊襄王。卒事始皇帝，為秦使於燕，三年而燕使太子丹入質於秦。

Cai Ze chancellor Qin several months, people or hated him, feared execution, then claimed illness returned chancellor seal, numbered as Gang Cheng Jun. Dwelt Qin ten plus years, served Zhao Wang, Xiao Wen Wang, Zhuang Xiang Wang. Finally served Shi Huang Di, as Qin envoy to Yan, three years Yan made crown prince Dan enter hostage Qin.

太史公曰：韓子稱「長袖善舞，多錢善賈」，信哉是言也！范睢、蔡澤世所謂一切辯士，然游說諸侯至白首無所遇者，非計策之拙，所為說力少也。及二人羈旅入秦，繼踵取卿相，垂功於天下者，固彊弱之勢異也。然士亦有偶合，賢者多如此二子，不得盡意，豈可勝道哉！然二子不困緦惡能激乎？

Grand Historian said: Han Zi praised 'long sleeves good dance, many money good trade', believe this words! Fan Sui, Cai Ze world what called all capable eloquent scholars, however persuade various lords to white head none meet, not strategy clumsy, what do persuade strength little. When two persons fettered traveled entered Qin, successive took minister chancellor, hung merit world, certainly strong weak situation different. However scholar also have coincidental meet, worthy many like these two persons, not get exhaust intent, how can win speak! However, if these two gentlemen were not trapped in distress, how could they be stimulated?

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