1
廉頗者，趙之良將也。 趙惠文王十六年，廉頗為趙將伐齊，大破之，取陽晉，拜為上卿，以勇氣聞於諸侯。 藺相如者，趙人也，為趙宦者令繆賢舍人。
Lian Po was Zhao's good general. Zhao Hui Wen Wang's sixteenth year, Lian Po as Zhao general attacked Qi, greatly defeated it, took Yangjin, appointed as upper minister, known for bravery among the feudal lords. Lin Xiangru was a Zhao person, served as retainer to Zhao eunuch commander Miao Xian.
2
趙惠文王時，得楚和氏璧。 秦昭王聞之，使人遺趙王書，願以十五城請易璧。 趙王與大將軍廉頗諸大臣謀：欲予秦，秦城恐不可得，徒見欺； 欲勿予，即患秦兵之來。 計未定，求人可使報秦者，未得。 宦者令繆賢曰：「臣舍人藺相如可使。」 王問：「何以知之？」 對曰：「臣嘗有罪，竊計欲亡走燕，臣舍人相如止臣，曰：『君何以知燕王？』 臣語曰：『臣嘗從大王與燕王會境上，燕王私握臣手，曰「願結友」。 以此知之，故欲往。』 相如謂臣曰：『夫趙彊而燕弱，而君幸於趙王，故燕王欲結於君。 今君乃亡趙走燕，燕畏趙，其勢必不敢留君，而束君歸趙矣。 君不如肉袒伏斧質請罪，則幸得脫矣。』 臣從其計，大王亦幸赦臣。 臣竊以為其人勇士，有智謀，宜可使。」 於是王召見，問藺相如曰：「秦王以十五城請易寡人之璧，可予不？」 相如曰：「秦彊而趙弱，不可不許。」 王曰：「取吾璧，不予我城，柰何？」 相如曰：「秦以城求璧而趙不許，曲在趙。 趙予璧而秦不予趙城，曲在秦。 均之二策，寧許以負秦曲。」 王曰：「誰可使者？」 相如曰：「王必無人，臣願奉璧往使。 城入趙而璧留秦； 城不入，臣請完璧歸趙。」 趙王於是遂遣相如奉璧西入秦。
During Zhao Hui Wen Wang's time, obtained Chu's He Shi Bi. Qin Zhao Wang heard this, sent people to send Zhao Wang a letter, wishing to exchange fifteen cities for the bi. Zhao Wang consulted with grand general Lian Po and various ministers: wishing to give to Qin, feared Qin's cities could not be obtained, would only be deceived; Wishing not to give, then worried about Qin's troops coming. Plan not decided, sought someone who could be sent to reply to Qin, not obtained. Eunuch commander Miao Xian said: 'My retainer Lin Xiangru can be sent.' The king asked: 'How do you know?' Replied: 'I once had crime, secretly planned to flee to Yan, my retainer Xiangru stopped me, saying: "How do you know the Yan king?"' I told him: 'I once accompanied the great king and Yan king to meet at the border, Yan king privately grasped my hand, saying "wish to form friendship".' With this I know it, thus wished to go.' Xiangru told me: 'Zhao is strong and Yan weak, and you are favored by Zhao king, thus Yan king wishes to form alliance with you. Now you flee Zhao and go to Yan, Yan fears Zhao, the situation certainly would not dare keep you, and would bind you and return you to Zhao.' You should rather bare your body and lie on the executioner's block pleading for punishment, then you might fortunately escape.' I followed his plan, and the great king fortunately pardoned me. I secretly think this person is a brave warrior, has wisdom and strategy, suitably can be sent.' Thus the king summoned and saw, asked Lin Xiangru: 'Qin king with fifteen cities requests exchange my bi, can give or not?' Xiangru said: 'Qin strong Zhao weak, cannot not allow.' King said: 'Take my bi, not give me cities, what to do?' Xiangru said: 'Qin with cities seeks bi but Zhao does not allow, the wrong is in Zhao. Zhao gives bi but Qin does not give Zhao cities, the wrong is in Qin. Equal the two strategies, better allow to bear Qin's wrong.' King said: 'Who can be sent?' Xiangru said: 'If the king has no one, I wish to carry the bi and go make the mission. Cities enter Zhao and bi stays in Qin; Cities not enter, I request intact bi return to Zhao.' Zhao king thus then sent Xiangru carry bi west enter Qin.
3
秦王坐章臺見相如，相如奉璧奏秦王。 秦王大喜，傳以示美人及左右，左右皆呼萬歲。 相如視秦王無意償趙城，乃前曰：「璧有瑕，請指示王。」 王授璧，相如因持璧卻立，倚柱，怒髪上沖冠，謂秦王曰：「大王欲得璧，使人發書至趙王，趙王悉召群臣議，皆曰『秦貪，負其彊，以空言求璧，償城恐不可得』。 議不欲予秦璧。 臣以為布衣之交尚不相欺，況大國乎！ 且以一璧之故逆彊秦之驩，不可。 於是趙王乃齋戒五日，使臣奉璧，拜送書於庭。 何者？ 嚴大國之威以修敬也。 今臣至，大王見臣列觀，禮節甚倨； 得璧，傳之美人，以戲弄臣。 臣觀大王無意償趙王城邑，故臣復取璧。 大王必欲急臣，臣頭今與璧俱碎於柱矣！」 相如持其璧睨柱，欲以擊柱。 秦王恐其破璧，乃辭謝固請，召有司案圖，指從此以往十五都予趙。 相如度秦王特以詐詳為予趙城，實不可得，乃謂秦王曰：「和氏璧，天下所共傳寶也，趙王恐，不敢不獻。 趙王送璧時，齋戒五日，今大王亦宜齋戒五日，設九賓於廷，臣乃敢上璧。」 秦王度之，終不可彊奪，遂許齋五日，舍相如廣成傳。 相如度秦王雖齋，決負約不償城，乃使其從者衣褐，懷其璧，從徑道亡，歸璧于趙。
Qin king sat Zhangtai saw Xiangru, Xiangru carried bi presented to Qin king. Qin king greatly delighted, passed it to show the beauties and attendants, attendants all called ten thousand years. Xiangru saw Qin king had no intention to repay Zhao cities, thus went forward said: 'Bi has flaw, please show to king.' King gave bi, Xiangru thus held bi retreated stood, leaned against pillar, angry hair upward rushed crown, told Qin king: 'Great king wishes get bi, sent people sent letter to Zhao king, Zhao king all summoned ministers discussed, all said "Qin greedy, relies on its strength, with empty words seeks bi, repay cities feared cannot obtain".' Discussed not wished give Qin bi. I think even commoner friendships still not deceive each other, moreover great states! Moreover for one bi's sake offend strong Qin's happiness, cannot. Thus Zhao king then purified and fasted five days, made minister carry bi, bowed sent letter in courtyard. Why? Revered great state's might to cultivate respect. Now minister arrived, great king saw minister in gallery, ritual propriety very arrogant; Got bi, passed it to beauties, to mock and tease minister. Minister sees great king has no intention repay Zhao king cities, thus minister again takes bi. Great king if must force minister, minister head now with bi together smash on pillar!' Xiangru held his bi glared at pillar, wished to strike pillar. Qin king feared he would break bi, thus apologized and firmly requested, summoned officials laid out map, pointed from this onward fifteen prefectures give Zhao. Xiangru measured Qin king especially with deception pretended give Zhao cities, really could not obtain, thus told Qin king: 'He Shi bi, world all transmitted treasure, Zhao king feared, not dared not offer. Zhao king send bi time, purified fasted five days, now great king also should purify fast five days, set nine honors in court, minister then dares offer bi.' Qin king measured it, ultimately could not forcibly take, thus allowed purify five days, lodged Xiangru Guangcheng inn. Xiangru measured Qin king though purified, decided would break agreement not repay cities, thus made his followers wear coarse clothing, hide bi, from shortcut path fled, returned bi to Zhao.
4
秦王齋五日後，乃設九賓禮於廷，引趙使者藺相如。 相如至，謂秦王曰：「秦自繆公以來二十餘君，未嘗有堅明約束者也。 臣誠恐見欺於王而負趙，故令人持璧歸，閒至趙矣。 且秦彊而趙弱，大王遣一介之使至趙，趙立奉璧來。 今以秦之彊而先割十五都予趙，趙豈敢留璧而得罪於大王乎？ 臣知欺大王之罪當誅，臣請就湯鑊，唯大王與群臣孰計議之。」 秦王與群臣相視而嘻。 左右或欲引相如去，秦王因曰：「今殺相如，終不能得璧也，而絕秦趙之驩，不如因而厚遇之，使歸趙，趙王豈以一璧之故欺秦邪！」 卒廷見相如，畢禮而歸之。
Qin king purified five days after, then set nine honors ceremony in court, led Zhao envoy Lin Xiangru. Xiangru arrived, told Qin king: 'Qin since Mu Gong twenty plus lords, never had firm clear agreements.' I sincerely feared be deceived by king and fail Zhao, thus had person carry bi return, already arrived Zhao. Moreover Qin strong Zhao weak, great king sent one single envoy to Zhao, Zhao immediately carried bi came. Now with Qin's strength first cut fifteen prefectures give Zhao, Zhao how dare keep bi and offend great king? I know deceiving great king crime deserves execution, I request go to cauldron, only great king and ministers carefully discuss it.' Qin king with ministers looked at each other and laughed. Attendants some wished lead Xiangru away, Qin king thus said: 'Now kill Xiangru, ultimately cannot get bi, and cut off Qin Zhao friendship, better therefore generously treat him, let return Zhao, Zhao king how would for one bi sake deceive Qin!' Finally court audience Xiangru, completed ceremony returned him.
5
相如既歸，趙王以為賢大夫使不辱於諸侯，拜相如為上大夫。 秦亦不以城予趙，趙亦終不予秦璧。
Xiangru having returned, Zhao king considered him worthy great official envoy not disgraced among feudal lords, appointed Xiangru as upper great official. Qin also not with cities give Zhao, Zhao also ultimately not give Qin bi.
6
其後秦伐趙，拔石城。 明年，復攻趙，殺二萬人。
Later, Qin attacked Zhao and captured Shicheng. The following year, Qin attacked Zhao again, killing twenty thousand men.
7
秦王使使者告趙王，欲與王為好會於西河外澠池。 趙王畏秦，欲毋行。 廉頗、藺相如計曰：「王不行，示趙弱且怯也。」 趙王遂行，相如從。 廉頗送至境，與王訣曰：「王行，度道里會遇之禮畢，還，不過三十日。 三十日不還，則請立太子為王。 以絕秦望。」 王許之，遂與秦王會澠池。 秦王飲酒酣，曰：「寡人竊聞趙王好音，請奏瑟。」 趙王鼓瑟。 秦御史前書曰「某年月日，秦王與趙王會飲，令趙王鼓瑟」。 藺相如前曰：「趙王竊聞秦王善為秦聲，請奏盆缻秦王，以相娛樂。」 秦王怒，不許。 於是相如前進缻，因跪請秦王。 秦王不肯擊缻。 相如曰：「五步之內，相如請得以頸血濺大王矣！」 左右欲刃相如，相如張目叱之，左右皆靡。 於是秦王不懌，為一擊缻。 相如顧召趙御史書曰「某年月日，秦王為趙王擊缻」。 秦之群臣曰：「請以趙十五城為秦王壽」。 藺相如亦曰：「請以秦之咸陽為趙王壽。」 秦王竟酒，終不能加勝於趙。 趙亦盛設兵以待秦，秦不敢動。
The Qin king sent an envoy to inform the Zhao king, proposing a friendly summit meeting at Mianchi Pool outside the west river. The Zhao king feared Qin and wanted to decline. Lian Po and Lin Xiangru counseled: 'If the king doesn't go, it will show Zhao as weak and cowardly.' So the Zhao king went, accompanied by Xiangru. Lian Po escorted him to the border and bade farewell, saying: 'Your Majesty goes. Considering the distance and protocol of the meeting, you should return within thirty days at most. If you don't return in thirty days, I beg you to establish the crown prince as king. To dash Qin's hopes.' The king agreed, and thus met with the Qin king at Mianchi Pool. The Qin king, drunk on wine, said: 'I hear the Zhao king loves music. Please play the zither.' The Zhao king played the zither. The Qin scribe stepped forward and recorded: 'On such-and-such date, the Qin king and Zhao king met and drank together, commanding the Zhao king to play the zither.' Lin Xiangru stepped forward and said: 'The Zhao king hears that the Qin king is skilled in Qin music. Please strike the chime stones for the Qin king to provide mutual entertainment.' The Qin king flew into a rage and refused. Thus Xiangru stepped forward with the chime stones and knelt to request the Qin king. The Qin king refused to strike the chime stones. Xiangru said: 'Within five paces, I beg to spatter Your Majesty with the blood from my neck!' The attendants wanted to stab Xiangru, but Xiangru glared and berated them, and the attendants all retreated in fear. Thus the Qin king, displeased, reluctantly struck the chime stones once. Xiangru turned and summoned the Zhao scribe to record: 'On such-and-such date, the Qin king struck the chime stones for the Zhao king.' Qin's ministers said: 'Please offer fifteen Zhao cities in congratulations to the Qin king.' Lin Xiangru also said: 'Please offer Qin's Xianyang in congratulations to the Zhao king.' The Qin king finished the wine, but ultimately could gain no advantage over Zhao. Zhao also massed troops in readiness for Qin, and Qin dared not make a move.
8
既罷歸國，以相如功大，拜為上卿，位在廉頗之右。 廉頗曰：「我為趙將，有攻城野戰之大功，而藺相如徒以口舌為勞，而位居我上，且相如素賤人，吾羞，不忍為之下。」 宣言曰：「我見相如，必辱之。」 相如聞，不肯與會。 相如每朝時，常稱病，不欲與廉頗爭列。 已而相如出，望見廉頗，相如引車避匿。 於是舍人相與諫曰：「臣所以去親戚而事君者，徒慕君之高義也。 今君與廉頗同列，廉君宣惡言而君畏匿之，恐懼殊甚，且庸人尚羞之，況於將相乎！ 臣等不肖，請辭去。」 藺相如固止之，曰：「公之視廉將軍孰與秦王？」 曰：「不若也。」 相如曰：「夫以秦王之威，而相如廷叱之，辱其群臣，相如雖駑，獨畏廉將軍哉？ 顧吾念之，彊秦之所以不敢加兵於趙者，徒以吾兩人在也。 今兩虎共鬬，其勢不俱生。 吾所以為此者，以先國家之急而後私讎也。」 廉頗聞之，肉袒負荊，因賓客至藺相如門謝罪。 曰：「鄙賤之人，不知將軍寬之至此也。」 卒相與驩，為刎頸之交。
After the banquet ended and they returned home, because of Xiangru's great merit, he was appointed upper minister, ranking above Lian Po. Lian Po said: 'I am Zhao's general with great merits from attacking cities and fighting in the field, yet Lin Xiangru has only labored with words, yet ranks above me. Moreover, Xiangru was originally a lowly person. I am ashamed and cannot bear to be beneath him.' He declared: 'When I see Xiangru, I will certainly humiliate him.' Xiangru heard this and refused to meet with him. Whenever court was held, Xiangru would often claim illness, not wishing to contend in rank with Lian Po. Soon after, when Xiangru went out and spotted Lian Po from afar, he steered his carriage aside to avoid him. Thus his retainers together admonished him: 'We who left our families to serve you did so only because we admired your noble righteousness. Now you and Lian Po hold the same rank, yet he proclaims vile words and you fearfully hide from him. Your fear is extreme! Even common people would be ashamed of this, much less generals and ministers!' We are unworthy and request to take our leave.' Lin Xiangru firmly stopped them and said: 'Gentlemen, in your view, how does General Lian compare to the Qin king?' They replied: 'He is not as formidable.' Xiangru said: 'With all the Qin king's power, I berated him in his own court and humiliated his ministers. Though I am lowly, would I alone fear General Lian?' But I consider this: the only reason mighty Qin dares not attack Zhao is because we two men are here. Now if two tigers fight, they cannot both survive. The reason I do this is to put the nation's crisis before private grudges.' When Lian Po heard this, he bared his back, carried thorns on his shoulders, and went through the guests to Lin Xiangru's gate to apologize. He said: 'This base and lowly person did not know the general's magnanimity extended to this degree.' In the end they were reconciled and became friends who would die for each other.
9
是歲，廉頗東攻齊，破其一軍。 居二年，廉頗復伐齊幾，拔之。 後三年，廉頗攻魏之防陵、安陽，拔之。 後四年，藺相如將而攻齊，至平邑而罷。 其明年，趙奢破秦軍閼與下。
That year, Lian Po attacked Qi to the east and defeated one of their armies. Two years later, Lian Po again attacked the Qi city of Ji and captured it. Three years later, Lian Po attacked Wei's Fangling and Anyang and captured them. Four years later, Lin Xiangru led troops to attack Qi, reaching Pingyi before halting. The following year, Zhao She defeated the Qin army at Yan.
10
趙奢者，趙之田部吏也。 收租稅而平原君家不肯出趙，奢以法治之，殺平原君用事者九人。 平原君怒，將殺奢。 奢因說曰：「君於趙為貴公子，今縱君家而不奉公則法削，法削則國弱，國弱則諸侯加兵，諸侯加兵是無趙也，君安得有此富乎？ 以君之貴，奉公如法則上下平，上下平則國彊，國彊則趙固，而君為貴戚，豈輕於天下邪？」 平原君以為賢，言之於王。 王用之治國賦，國賦大平，民富而府庫實。
Zhao She was a tax collector in Zhao. While collecting taxes, he found that Lord Pingyuan's household refused to pay Zhao's taxes. She enforced the law and executed nine of Lord Pingyuan's influential retainers. Lord Pingyuan was furious and wanted to kill him. She then persuaded him: 'You are a noble lord in Zhao. If you indulge your household and don't serve the public, the law will be weakened. Weakened law means a weak state, and a weak state invites attacks from other lords. When other lords attack, Zhao will perish. How then could you maintain your wealth?' With your noble status, if you serve the public according to the law, superiors and inferiors will be equal. Equal superiors and inferiors means a strong state, and a strong state secures Zhao. As a noble relative, would you be insignificant in the world?' Lord Pingyuan considered him worthy and recommended him to the king. The king employed him to manage state finances, and revenues became very fair. The people grew wealthy and the treasuries filled.
11
秦伐韓，軍於閼與。 王召廉頗而問曰：「可救不？」 對曰：「道遠險狹，難救。」 又召樂乘而問焉，樂乘對如廉頗言。 又召問趙奢，奢對曰：「其道遠險狹，譬之猶兩鼠鬬於穴中，將勇者勝。」 王乃令趙奢將，救之。
Qin attacked Han and positioned their army at Yan. The king summoned Lian Po and asked: 'Can we save them?' He replied: 'The road is long and treacherous. It would be difficult to save them.' He then summoned Yue Cheng and asked him the same question. Yue Cheng replied just as Lian Po had. Then he summoned Zhao She and asked him. She replied: 'The road is long and treacherous, like two rats fighting in a hole - the braver general will win.' The king then ordered Zhao She to lead troops and save them.
12
兵去邯鄲三十里，而令軍中曰：「有以軍事諫者死。」 秦軍軍武安西，秦軍鼓譟勒兵，武安屋瓦盡振。 軍中候有一人言急救武安，趙奢立斬之。 堅壁，留二十八日不行，復益增壘。 秦閒來入，趙奢善食而遣之。 閒以報秦將，秦將大喜曰：「夫去國三十里而軍不行，乃增壘，閼與非趙地也。」 趙奢既已遣秦閒，卷甲而趨之，二日一夜至，今善射者去閼與五十里而軍。 軍壘成，秦人聞之，悉甲而至。 軍士許歷請以軍事諫，趙奢曰：「內之。」 許歷曰：「秦人不意趙師至此，其來氣盛，將軍必厚集其陣以待之。 不然，必敗。」 趙奢曰：「請受令。」 許歷曰：「請就鈇質之誅。」 趙奢曰：「胥後令邯鄲。」 許歷復請諫，曰：「先據北山上者勝，後至者敗。」 趙奢許諾，即發萬人趨之。 秦兵後至，爭山不得上，趙奢縱兵擊之，大破秦軍。 秦軍解而走，遂解閼與之圍而歸。
The troops had marched thirty li from Handan when he ordered the army: 'Anyone who offers military advice will be executed.' The Qin army camped west of Wuan. The Qin troops beat their drums, roared battle cries, and prepared for battle, causing all the roof tiles in Wuan to shake. An officer in the army urged urgently to save Wuan, but Zhao She immediately executed him. He strengthened the defensive walls and remained there twenty-eight days without advancing, further reinforcing the fortifications. A Qin spy came to infiltrate, but Zhao She fed him well and sent him on his way. The spy reported back to the Qin general, who was greatly delighted and said: 'They've marched thirty li from their capital yet don't advance. They're just reinforcing fortifications. Yan isn't even Zhao territory!' Once Zhao She had sent the Qin spy away, he had his troops roll up their armor and march swiftly. They arrived in two days and one night, and he ordered the best archers to camp fifty li from Yan. Once the fortifications were complete, the Qin forces heard of it and advanced with all their troops in full armor. Soldier Xu Li requested to offer military advice. Zhao She said: 'Bring him in.' Xu Li said: 'The Qin did not expect Zhao troops to arrive here. They come with high morale and spirit. General, you must concentrate your forces densely to meet them. Otherwise, we will surely be defeated.' Zhao She said: 'I accept your advice.' Xu Li said: 'Please have me executed for offering unsolicited advice.' Zhao She said: 'Wait until after the battle. Then I'll report it to Handan.' Xu Li again requested to offer advice: 'Whoever occupies the north mountain summit first will win; those who arrive later will be defeated.' Zhao She agreed and immediately dispatched ten thousand men to hurry there. The Qin troops arrived later and fought to ascend the mountain but could not. Zhao She unleashed his troops to attack them and routed the Qin army. The Qin army retreated in defeat, thus lifting the siege of Yan and withdrawing.
13
趙惠文王賜奢號為馬服君，以許歷為國尉。 趙奢於是與廉頗、藺相如同位。
Zhao Hui Wen Wang granted Zhao She the title Lord Ma Fu and appointed Xu Li as state defender. Thus Zhao She held the same rank as Lian Po and Lin Xiangru.
14
後四年，趙惠文王卒，子孝成王立。 七年，秦與趙兵相距長平，時趙奢已死，而藺相如病甐，趙使廉頗將攻秦，秦數敗趙軍，趙軍固壁不戰。 秦數挑戰，廉頗不肯。 趙王信秦之閒。 秦之閒言曰：「秦之所惡，獨畏馬服君趙奢之子趙括為將耳。」 趙王因以括為將，代廉頗。 藺相如曰：「王以名使括，若膠柱而鼓瑟耳。 括徒能讀其父書傳，不知合變也。」 趙王不聽，遂將之。
Four years later, Zhao Hui Wen Wang died and his son, King Xiao Cheng, ascended the throne. In the seventh year, Qin and Zhao forces confronted each other at Changping. By this time Zhao She had died and Lin Xiangru was gravely ill. Zhao sent Lian Po to lead the attack on Qin, but Qin repeatedly defeated Zhao's forces. The Zhao army fortified their position and refused to fight. Qin repeatedly issued challenges, but Lian Po refused to engage. The Zhao king believed Qin's spies. Qin's spies spread word: 'What Qin truly fears is only that Lord Ma Fu's son, Zhao Kuo, might be appointed general.' The Zhao king therefore appointed Zhao Kuo as general to replace Lian Po. Lin Xiangru said: 'Your Majesty is appointing Zhao Kuo based on reputation alone. It's like gluing the pegs of a zither and trying to play it. Zhao Kuo can only recite his father's books and commentaries by rote. He doesn't know how to adapt to changing circumstances.' The Zhao king would not listen and appointed him general anyway.
15
趙括自少時學兵法，言兵事，以天下莫能當。 嘗與其父奢言兵事，奢不能難，然不謂善。 括母問奢其故，奢曰：「兵，死地也，而括易言之。 使趙不將括即已，若必將之，破趙軍者必括也。」 及括將行，其母上書言於王曰：「括不可使將。」 王曰：「何以？」 對曰：「始妾事其父，時為將，身所奉飯飲而進食者以十數，所友者以百數，大王及宗室所賞賜者盡以予軍吏士大夫，受命之日，不問家事。 今括一旦為將，東向而朝，軍吏無敢仰視之者，王所賜金帛，歸藏於家，而日視便利田宅可買者買之。 王以為何如其父？ 父子異心，願王勿遣。」 王曰：「母置之，吾已決矣。」 括母因曰：「王終遣之，即有如不稱，妾得無隨坐乎？」 王許諾。
From a young age, Zhao Kuo studied military strategy and spoke of military affairs, believing no one in the world could match him. He often discussed military affairs with his father Zhao She, who could not refute him, but did not consider it good. Zhao Kuo's mother asked Zhao She the reason. He said: 'War is a matter of life and death, yet Zhao Kuo speaks of it lightly. If Zhao doesn't appoint Zhao Kuo as general, fine. But if they must appoint him, the one who destroys Zhao's army will certainly be Zhao Kuo himself.' When Zhao Kuo was about to depart, his mother submitted a letter to the king saying: 'Zhao Kuo cannot be made a general.' The king asked: 'Why?' She replied: 'When I first served his father as general, he personally brought food and drink to feed dozens of men, befriended hundreds, gave all the king's and royal family's rewards to army officers and gentlemen. On the day he received orders, he never asked about family matters. Now Zhao Kuo suddenly becomes general, faces east to receive court visits, army officers don't dare look up at him. He takes the king's rewards of gold and silk, returns home to store them, and daily looks for profitable fields and houses to buy. In your opinion, how does he compare to his father? Father and son have different hearts. I beg you not to send him.' The king said: 'Mother, let it go. I have already decided.' Zhao Kuo's mother then said: 'If the king insists on sending him, and if he proves unworthy, may I not be implicated?' The king promised.
16
趙括既代廉頗，悉更約束，易置軍吏。 秦將白起聞之，縱奇兵，詳敗走，而絕其糧道，分斷其軍為二，士卒離心。 四十餘日，軍餓，趙括出銳卒自博戰，秦軍射殺趙括。 括軍敗，數十萬之眾遂降秦，秦悉阬之。 趙前後所亡凡四十五萬。 明年，秦兵遂圍邯鄲，歲餘，幾不得脫。 賴楚、魏諸侯來救，乃得解邯鄲之圍。 趙王亦以括母先言，竟不誅也。
Once Zhao Kuo replaced Lian Po, he changed all the regulations and replaced the army officers. Qin general Bai Qi heard this and unleashed surprise troops. He pretended to be defeated and flee, cutting their grain supply routes and dividing their army into two. The soldiers' morale collapsed. After forty-plus days, the army was starving. Zhao Kuo led elite troops out to fight personally, and the Qin army shot and killed Zhao Kuo. Zhao Kuo's army was defeated, and the several hundred thousand troops surrendered to Qin. Qin buried them all alive. Zhao lost a total of 450,000 men before and after. The next year, Qin troops surrounded Handan. After more than a year, they almost couldn't escape. Thanks to Chu and Wei lords coming to their rescue, they were able to lift the siege of Handan. The Zhao king, because of Zhao Kuo's mother's earlier warning, ultimately did not execute her.
17
自邯鄲圍解五年，而燕用栗腹之謀，曰「趙壯者盡於長平，其孤未壯」，舉兵擊趙。 趙使廉頗將，擊，大破燕軍於鄗，殺栗腹，遂圍燕。 燕割五城請和，乃聽之。 趙以尉文封廉頗為信平君，為假相國。
Five years after the Handan siege was lifted, Yan followed Li Fu's strategy, saying 'Zhao's strong men were all exhausted at Changping, their orphans are not yet grown,' and raised troops to attack Zhao. Zhao sent Lian Po as general. He attacked, routed the Yan army at Hao, killed Li Fu, and surrounded Yan. Yan ceded five cities and requested peace, and Zhao accepted. Zhao enfeoffed Lian Po as Lord Xin Ping with Wei Wen, and made him acting prime minister.
18
廉頗之免長平歸也，失勢之時，故客盡去。 及復用為將，客又復至。 廉頗曰：「客退矣！」 客曰：「吁！ 君何見之晚也？ 夫天下以市道交，君有勢，我則從君，君無勢則去，此固其理也，有何怨乎？」 居六年，趙使廉頗伐魏之繁陽，拔之。
When Lian Po was dismissed from Changping and returned home, during his time out of power, all his old guests left him. When he was again appointed general, the guests came back again. Lian Po said: 'The guests have left!' The guest said: 'Alas! Why do you only realize this now?' The world associates like the marketplace. When you have power, I follow you. When you have no power, I leave. This is simply the principle of things. Why resent it?' Six years later, Zhao sent Lian Po to attack Wei's Fanyang and captured it.
19
趙孝成王卒，子悼襄王立，使樂乘代廉頗。 廉頗怒，攻樂乘，樂乘走。 廉頗遂奔魏之大梁。 其明年，趙乃以李牧為將而攻燕，拔武遂、方城。
Zhao Xiao Cheng Wang died, and his son King Dao Xiang ascended the throne. He sent Yue Cheng to replace Lian Po. Lian Po was furious and attacked Yue Cheng, who fled. Lian Po then fled to Wei's Daxiang. The next year, Zhao appointed Li Mu as general to attack Yan, capturing Wu Sui and Fang Cheng.
20
廉頗居梁久之，魏不能信用。 趙以數困於秦兵，趙王思復得廉頗，廉頗亦思復用於趙。 趙王使使者視廉頗尚可用否。 廉頗之仇郭開多與使者金，令毀之。 趙使者既見廉頗，廉頗為之一飯斗米，肉十斤，被甲上馬，以示尚可用。 趙使還報王曰：「廉將軍雖老，尚善飯，然與臣坐，頃之三遺矢矣。」 趙王以為老，遂不召。
Lian Po lived in Liang for a long time, but Wei could not find employment for him. Zhao was repeatedly troubled by Qin troops. The Zhao king longed to have Lian Po again, and Lian Po also longed to be employed by Zhao once more. The Zhao king sent an envoy to see if Lian Po was still usable. Lian Po's enemy Guo Kai gave much gold to the envoy and ordered him to slander Lian Po. The Zhao envoy, having seen Lian Po, watched as Lian Po ate a dou of rice and ten jin of meat in one meal, then donned his armor and mounted his horse, to show he was still usable. The Zhao envoy returned and reported to the king: 'General Lian is old, but he still eats well. However, while sitting with me, he defecated three times in a moment.' The Zhao king considered him too old and did not summon him.
21
楚聞廉頗在魏，陰使人迎之。 廉頗一為楚將，無功，曰：「我思用趙人。」 廉頗卒死于壽春。
Chu heard Lian Po was in Wei and secretly sent people to welcome him. Lian Po once became a Chu general but achieved no merit. He said: 'I long to use Zhao troops.' Lian Po finally died in Shouchun.
22
李牧者，趙之北邊良將也。 常居代鴈門，備匈奴。 以便宜置吏，市租皆輸入莫府，為士卒費。 日擊數牛饗士，習射騎，謹烽火，多閒諜，厚遇戰士。 為約曰：「匈奴即入盜，急入收保，有敢捕虜者斬。」 匈奴每入，烽火謹，輒入收保，不敢戰。 如是數歲，亦不亡失。 然匈奴以李牧為怯，雖趙邊兵亦以為吾將怯。 趙王讓李牧，李牧如故。 趙王怒，召之，使他人代將。
Li Mu was Zhao's excellent northern border general. He often resided in Dai and Yanmen, preparing against the Xiongnu. He appointed officials as needed and had all market rents enter the commander's residence to fund the soldiers' expenses. Daily he slaughtered several oxen to feast the soldiers, practiced archery and riding, was careful with beacon fires, employed many secret spies, and generously treated the warriors. He made a rule: 'When the Xiongnu enter to raid, urgently gather and protect the people. Anyone who dares capture captives will be executed.' Whenever the Xiongnu entered, the beacon fires were carefully lit, and the people gathered for protection without daring to fight. Like this for several years, with no losses or defeats. However, the Xiongnu considered Li Mu cowardly, and even Zhao's border troops thought their general was cowardly. The Zhao king rebuked Li Mu, but Li Mu continued as before. The Zhao king grew angry, summoned him back, and had someone else replace him as general.
23
歲餘，匈奴每來，出戰。 出戰，數不利，失亡多，邊不得田畜。 復請李牧。 牧杜門不出，固稱疾。 趙王乃復彊起使將兵。 牧曰：「王必用臣，臣如前，乃敢奉令。」 王許之。
Over a year, whenever the Xiongnu came, they went out to fight. When they went out to fight, they were defeated several times, with heavy losses. The border regions could no longer farm or herd. They again requested Li Mu. Li Mu shut his door and refused to come out, firmly claiming illness. The Zhao king then strongly insisted on raising him to lead troops again. Li Mu said: 'If the king must use me, then I must do things as before before I dare accept orders.' The king agreed.
24
李牧至，如故約。 匈奴數歲無所得。 終以為怯。 邊士日得賞賜而不用，皆願一戰。 於是乃具選車得千三百乘，選騎得萬三千匹，百金之士五萬人，彀者十萬人，悉勒習戰。 大縱畜牧，人民滿野。 匈奴小入，詳北不勝，以數千人委之。 單于聞之，大率眾來入。 李牧多為奇陳，張左右翼擊之，大破殺匈奴十餘萬騎。 滅襜襤，破東胡，降林胡，單于奔走。 其後十餘歲，匈奴不敢近趙邊城。
When Li Mu arrived, he followed the old agreement. For several years the Xiongnu gained nothing. They ultimately considered him cowardly. The border soldiers received daily rewards but were not used in battle, so all wished for one fight. Thus he fully selected 1,300 chariots, 13,000 cavalry horses, 50,000 elite warriors worth a hundred gold each, and 100,000 archers. All were prepared and drilled in battle. He greatly released livestock and let the people fill the fields. When a small Xiongnu force entered, they pretended to be defeated northward and abandoned several thousand men to them. When the Chanyu heard this, he led his great host to invade. Li Mu arranged many surprise formations, extended left and right wings to attack them, and routed the Xiongnu, killing over 100,000 cavalry. He extinguished the Chanlan, defeated the Donghu, subjugated the Linhu, and the Chanyu fled in defeat. For over ten years thereafter, the Xiongnu dared not approach Zhao's border cities.
25
趙悼襄王元年，廉頗既亡入魏，趙使李牧攻燕，拔武遂、方城。 居二年，龐煖破燕軍，殺劇辛。 後七年，秦破殺趙將扈輒於武遂，斬首十萬。 趙乃以李牧為大將軍，擊秦軍於宜安，大破秦軍，走秦將桓齮。 封李牧為武安君。 居三年，秦攻番吾，李牧擊破秦軍，南距韓、魏。
In the first year of Zhao King Dao Xiang, after Lian Po had fled to Wei, Zhao sent Li Mu to attack Yan and captured Wu Sui and Fang Cheng. Two years later, Pang Juan defeated the Yan army and killed Ju Xin. Seven years later, Qin defeated and killed Zhao general Hu Zhe at Wu Sui, taking ten thousand heads. Zhao then appointed Li Mu as grand general. He attacked the Qin army at Yi An, routed them, and put Qin general Huan Yi to flight. Li Mu was enfeoffed as Lord Wu An. Three years later, Qin attacked Fan Wu. Li Mu struck and defeated the Qin army, confronting Han and Wei to the south.
26
趙王遷七年，秦使王翦攻趙，趙使李牧、司馬尚御之。 秦多與趙王寵臣郭開金，為反閒，言李牧、司馬尚欲反。 趙王乃使趙蔥及齊將顏聚代李牧。 李牧不受命，趙使人微捕得李牧，斬之。 廢司馬尚。 後三月，王翦因急擊趙，大破殺趙蔥，虜趙王遷及其將顏聚，遂滅趙。
In the seventh year of Zhao King Qian, Qin sent Wang Jian to attack Zhao. Zhao sent Li Mu and Sima Shang to defend against him. Qin gave much gold to Zhao king's favorite minister Guo Kai to act as a reverse spy, claiming that Li Mu and Sima Shang wished to rebel. The Zhao king then sent Zhao Cong and Qi general Yan Ju to replace Li Mu. Li Mu refused the orders. Zhao sent people to secretly arrest and behead him. Sima Shang was dismissed. Three months later, Wang Jian urgently attacked Zhao, routed and killed Zhao Cong, captured King Qian of Zhao and his general Yan Ju, thus destroying Zhao.
27
太史公曰：知死必勇，非死者難也，處死者難。 方藺相如引璧睨柱，及叱秦王左右，勢不過誅，然士或怯懦而不敢發。 相如一奮其氣，威信敵國，退而讓頗，名重太山，其處智勇，可謂兼之矣！
Grand Historian says: One who knows death will come must be brave. It is not difficult not to die; it is difficult to face death. When Lin Xiangru drew the bi and glared at the pillar, and berated the Qin king's attendants, the situation meant no more than execution. Yet some scholars are cowardly and dare not act. Xiangru exerted his spirit once, awed and earned the trust of an enemy state. He retreated and yielded to Lian Po, his name heavier than Mount Tai. His handling of wisdom and bravery can be said to combine them all!