Chapter 45: Winning Victories in the Council Chamber

In the century following Guan Zhong, Qi produced another chancellor of equal renown: Yan Ying. Born during a turbulent era in the state of Qi, Yan Ying successively served three rulers—Duke Ling, Duke Zhuang, and Duke Jing—and lived through two major court upheavals incited by Cui Zhu and Qing Feng.

During the mid-Spring and Autumn period, constant warfare plagued the land. The state of Jin, a former hegemon of the alliance, harbored ambitions to attack Qi. Prior to any military action, Jin dispatched an official named Fan Zhao to the capital of Qi to gather detailed intelligence. Duke Jing hosted a banquet in honor of Fan Zhao. After several rounds of drinks and courses, Fan Zhao, feigning intoxication, asked Duke Jing to offer him a toast. Duke Jing instructed an attendant to pass the cup he was using to Fan Zhao, who took it and drained it in a single gulp.

Yan Ying observed this exchange closely. The moment Fan Zhao finished his drink, Yan Ying cried out sharply, "Quickly discard that cup! How can a sovereign and a subject exchange drinking vessels? This violates the rites and shows the utmost disrespect to my ruler!" Fan Zhao had indeed intended this gesture as a probe to gauge the reaction of the people of Qi, yet this subtle stratagem was promptly seen through by Yan Ying.

Upon returning to his home state, Fan Zhao reported to the Marquis of Jin that the time was not right to attack Qi. The state possessed a wise and brilliant minister like Yan Ying, and launching a rash campaign offered no guarantee of victory. After weighing the matter repeatedly, the Marquis of Jin concluded that Fan Zhao's assessment was sound and abandoned the plan to invade Qi. This event gave rise to the idiom: "repelling the enemy across the wine vessels."

Yan Ying’s diplomatic wisdom extended far beyond this incident. During a mission to the state of Chu, shortly after entering the guesthouse prepared for him, Yan Ying engaged in a fierce debate with the Chu officials who had come to greet him. A junior minister of Chu took the initiative to challenge Yan Ying: "I have a question that perplexes me. Since the founding of Qi, it has possessed tens of thousands of troops and vast wealth, making it a major power that no one could overlook. Yet, why was it only during the time of Duke Huan of Qi that the state briefly dominated the Central Plains, while today it is unable to lead the various feudal lords? Given your esteemed intelligence, Chancellor Yan, engineering the rise of Qi once more should be more than effortless, and yet instead you have come to form an alliance with us, Chu. I truly do not understand this."

Yan Ying replied, "Those who understand the shifts of circumstance are heroes. Ever since the Son of Heaven of the Zhou dynasty was reduced to a mere figurehead, the feudal states have engaged in endless annual warfare. The reason Qi was able to dominate the Central Plains was primarily due to the mandate of Heaven, with human efforts playing a secondary role. Moreover, a man of such great talent and vision as Duke Wen of Jin also endured exile; Duke Mu of Chu—correction, Qin—exercised hegemony over the Rong tribes of the west, and his national power reached its zenith, yet because his descendants lacked literary and martial brilliance, his state's power gradually declined."

"As for your state of Chu, ever since King Zhuang of Chu, you have frequently been harassed by Wu and Jin, weighed down by perpetual warfare. Can it be said that only our state of Qi has grown weak? Our alliance with you today is motivated solely by the desire for friendly relations between neighboring states. As an official of Chu, how could you ask such an unpolished question?"

The junior minister was left speechless. At this point, a senior minister stepped forward with a disgruntled and challenging tone: "Internal chaos has plagued Qi continuously, with many ministers dying for their rulers. Yet you, holding the august position of chancellor, neither suppress the rebellious subjects nor die to demonstrate your loyalty to your sovereign. Do you not feel utterly ashamed?"

Yan Ying retorted sternly, "These are merely trivial matters; those who achieve great things do not let themselves be constrained by minor details. To lay down one's life for a ruler, that ruler must first be one who dies for the foundation of the state. If the sovereign is a foolish and dissolute tyrant, why should a minister die for him? In my view, those who died were utterly foolish. The reason I remained calm and composed is not because I am greedy for power and position, but in order to stay and welcome a new, wise sovereign. If everyone abandoned the court, who would assist the new ruler? Who would revitalize the state? Internal rebellion has occurred in every state; has your state of Chu never experienced it?"

The senior minister had nothing to say. At this juncture, another person stepped out and remarked, "Since antiquity, men of grand vision and towering talent have always possessed imposing physiques and dignified appearances. Yet you, Chancellor Yan, are short and slight in stature, a mere smooth-talking rhetorician devoid of true capability. Do you not feel ashamed of such a fraudulent reputation?"

"A hammer may be small yet weigh a thousand catties; an oar may be long yet still be submerged by water. King Zhou of Shang possessed an imposing appearance, yet he was the ruler who brought his state to ruin. Although I lack the ability to surpass them and feel deeply ashamed to occupy the post of chancellor, I am not engaging in a mere war of words with you. Since you posed a question to me, did you expect me to remain silent?"

Yan Ying's successive retorts left his opponents with no room to maneuver. Quick-witted and eloquent, Yan Ying was an exceptional diplomat. Within the court, he was a benevolent statesman who repeatedly offered remonstrances to the rulers of Qi and assisted them in state administration. Duke Ling, Duke Zhuang, and Duke Jing all placed immense trust in him. Sima Qian compared him to Guan Zhong in the *Records of the Grand Historian*.

Yan Ying treated scholars with courtesy and loved the common people as if they were his own children, championing Guan Zhong's principle that "to reform and bring peace to the world, one must begin with a love for the people." Yan Ying steadfastly maintained that "no intent is loftier than loving the people, and no conduct is more virtuous than bringing joy to the people." Whenever severe famines occurred, Yan Ying distributed his own household grain to the disaster victims and advised the ruler to open the granaries for relief, earning him the deep affection of the common populace.

During the turbulent and war-torn Spring and Autumn period, Yan Ying stood as a representative of the peace faction. When Qi prepared to launch an attack on Lu, he remonstrated with Duke Jing, advising him to "show propriety toward Lu to appease our resentment, and release our captives to manifest our virtue." Duke Jing ultimately accepted Yan Ying's counsel and refrained from sending troops against Lu.

As a veteran statesman who served through three reigns in Qi, Yan Ying was upright, honest, and incorruptible. In governance, he consistently adhered to the philosophy that "incorruptibility is the foundation of government and the master of virtue." He never sought private gains for his own clan, nor did he ever accept gifts from subordinates. At times, he even distributed his own salary to impoverished citizens living in hardship. Yan Ying led a simple life, consuming coarse grains and plain fare, wearing garments of coarse black cloth, and dwelling in a humble residence situated in a noisy, narrow alley near the market—a place deemed unlivable by others.

Yan Ying possessed a modest and harmonious temperament. Confucius evaluated him thus: "Without asserting his own rightness to refute the errors of others, he used gentle words to avoid calamity—how righteous!" This reflected his modesty and magnanimity. Naturally optimistic and indifferent to fame and wealth, Yan Ying held an indifferent attitude toward death. He believed that death comes to everyone alike, regardless of whether one is a villain or a person of virtue, a pauper or a high official; birth, aging, illness, and death constitute a natural law. Therefore, utilizing one's limited time to accomplish more for the state and the common people was, in Yan Ying's view, the most meaningful endeavor possible.

Later generations compiled the *Spring and Autumn Annals of Master Yan* for Yan Ying. This book records the thoughts, words, and deeds of Yan Ying during the Spring and Autumn period, making it one of China's earliest collections of short discourses. The content primarily documents conversations between Yan Ying and the rulers of Qi, as well as events from his tenure in office. Written in vivid and concise language, it portrays Yan Ying's image with remarkable spirit. The fables contained within the book largely center around Yan Ying, featuring complete plots, distinct themes, and sharp satire, offering great assistance and inspiration to later generations in diplomatic relations and interpersonal conduct.

Sima Rangju was originally of the Tian lineage, a descendant of Tian Wan. During the reign of Duke Jing of Qi, the states of Jin and Yan respectively dispatched forces to invade Qi's territory. Jin attacked the cities of Zhen and Dong'a in Qi, while Yan raised an army to encroach upon Qi's lands situated south of the Yellow River. Confronted by these invaders, the Qi army suffered successive defeats. Duke Jing grew deeply anxious, distressed by the lack of a grand general capable of commanding thousands of troops and horses.

At this juncture, Chancellor Yan Rangju—correction, Chancellor Yan Ying—recommended Tian Rangju, who was then a commoner, to Duke Jing. Yan Ying said, "Although Tian Rangju is of humble origin, he possesses both literary and martial strategies. He is capable of making all officers and soldiers accept his command and instilling fear in the enemy. I hope you will employ him." Duke Jing felt that the person recommended by Yan Ying could not be mistaken, and accordingly issued an imperial decree to summon Tian Rangju.

During their audience, Duke Jing and Tian Rangju discussed matters of military strategy and state affairs. Tian Rangju spoke with eloquence, analyzing the affairs of the realm with precision and thoroughness, which greatly pleased Duke Jing. The duke immediately appointed him as a general, commanding an army to fight against Jin and Yan. Seeing that the ruler held him in such high regard, Tian Rangju modestly stated, "My status is extremely humble, yet I have suddenly been elevated to the rank of general, positioned above senior ministers. I fear that the troops will not submit to my command, and the common people will harbor doubts. If I fail to establish my authority within the army, it will be difficult to unite all the officers and soldiers, leaving us without absolute certainty of victory in battle."

Duke Jing asked, "What do you propose to do?"

Tian Rangju replied, "I hope you will dispatch a favored and trusted close minister to serve as my military supervisor; only then can we set out on the campaign." This actually coincided with Duke Jing's own wishes. Dispatching a trusted confidant to the army served two purposes: first, it maintained the sovereign's prestige within the forces, and second, it acted as a personal spy to report on the situation within the camp. Thus, Duke Jing readily agreed to Tian Rangju's request and appointed his favored official, Zhuang Jia, as the supervisor.

After bidding farewell to Duke Jing, Tian Rangju met with Zhuang Jia and agreed upon the time and place for their rendezvous on the following day. When the next day arrived, Tian Rangju went early to the previously designated military gate, erecting a wooden post for timing and setting up a water clock specifically to await Zhuang Jia. Accustomed to relying on Duke Jing's favor, Zhuang Jia was arrogant, extravagant, and accustomed to lording over others. He did not take the position of military supervisor seriously, believing himself to be a principal leader of the army whom everyone else had to obey. Consequently, before his departure, Zhuang Jia indulged in feasting and merrymaking with friends and relatives who had come to see him off, completely losing track of time.

By midday, seeing that Zhuang Jia had yet to arrive, Tian Rangju angrily kicked over the water clock, knocked down the timing post, and returned to the camp to inspect and reorganize the troops, establishing numerous military regulations on the spot. By the time all preparations were complete, nightfall was approaching. Only then did Zhuang Jia arrive leisurely at the military gate. When Tian Rangju asked why he was so late, Zhuang Jia dismissively explained that friends and relatives had come to bid him farewell, which caused the delay.

Tian Rangju declared sternly, "As a military commander, from the very moment one receives the order, one must forget personal friendships, family ties, and all affairs that impede military operations. Military commands take precedence over all else. Once battle is joined, one must even forget one's own life."

"At present, Jin and Yan are continuously harassing our territory, on the verge of penetrating deep into our borders, and domestic unrest has yet to be quelled. The soldiers on the front lines have been bleeding in battle for a long time; the sovereign cannot eat or sleep in peace, and the lives of all the people in the realm rest upon us. How can you be delayed simply because your relatives and friends came to see you off?"

With that, Tian Rangju summoned the military judge and asked him what penalty military law prescribed for those who arrived late. The judge replied, "They should be beheaded." Hearing this, Zhuang Jia grew terrified and sent men galloping swiftly to report to Duke Jing in order to save his life. However, before the messenger could return, Tian Rangju had Zhuang Jia beheaded in accordance with military law. Seeing that Tian Rangju had executed the military supervisor personally appointed by the sovereign, the entire army, from top to bottom, was deeply shaken.

Not long after, the messenger returned holding the sovereign's special token for royal pardon and exemption from death, driving his chariot straight into the military camp. Rangju declared, "When a general is away in the field, orders from the sovereign may be disregarded." He then turned to the military judge and asked, "What does military law prescribe for driving a chariot at rapid speed through the military camp without authorization?" The judge answered, "Military law dictates decapitation."

The messenger was stricken with terror upon hearing this. However, Tian Rangju said, "He is an envoy sent by the sovereign, and cannot be put to death." Accordingly, he beheaded the charioteer, killed the horse on the leftmost side, and broke the left pillar of the chariot. This action further stunned all the officers and soldiers. Tian Rangju instructed the envoy to return and report to Duke Jing, after which the main army began its march toward the front lines.

Throughout the march, Tian Rangju showed utmost care and concern for all officers and soldiers. When the soldiers set up camp, he took the lead and worked alongside everyone; when they dug wells and built stoves, he helped fetch water and kindle fires. Whenever a soldier fell ill during the march, he not only inquired about their condition but also arranged specifically for medical personnel to tend to them, providing medicine and care. In short, Tian Rangju personally attended to every matter in the camp, big or small, offering comfort to all.

Moreover, Tian Rangju was utterly selfless. He frequently took the rations allocated to himself and used them to treat the wounded, the sick, and soldiers distinguished in combat, while consuming meager portions himself. Refusing any special privileges, he distributed food equally just like the common soldiers. Consequently, Tian Rangju won the highest devotion and loyalty of the officers and men throughout the army.

On this day, the entire army readied its equipment and prepared for battle. Even soldiers suffering from illness requested to go to the front lines to fight courageously for their country. Upon witnessing the fierce combat capability and soaring morale of the Qi army, the forces of Jin had no choice but to retreat. Learning that the Qi army possessed such a wise and martial commander, the state of Yan similarly ordered its troops to withdraw north of the Yellow River. Tian Rangju commanded his officers and men to pursue the Yan forces with all their might, and after a few engagements, the Qi army recovered its previously lost territories and returned in triumph.

Before the army even reached the capital, Tian Rangju lifted the state of military preparedness, rescinded the regulations and commands previously established, and entered the capital only after taking a solemn oath and concluding an alliance. Upon receiving news of the sweeping victory at the front, Duke Jing was overjoyed. He led civil and military officials outside the city to welcome the army, arranged the grandest welcoming ceremony for them, and rewarded the officers and soldiers of the three armies.

Upon returning to the royal palace, Duke Jing granted a special audience to Tian Rangju and appointed him as the Grand Minister of War (*Da Sima*). Thereafter, people respectfully referred to Tian Rangju as Sima Rangju.

As the Tian family's status grew more prominent day by day in Qi, it aroused the jealousy of other noble clans. Lineages such as the Gao, Bao, and Guo families maliciously slandered and framed Tian Rangju before Duke Jing, producing a severely detrimental impact. Believing the slanderous words, Duke Jing stripped Tian Rangju of his official post. Grievously depressed, Tian Rangju fell ill and died.

Later on, King Wei of Qi instructed scholars to study the various "Sima Art of War" treatises composed from antiquity down to their own time, compiling and summarizing them while incorporating the military strategies established by Tian Rangju into a single volume entitled *The Sima Rangju Art of War*. Sima Qian praised the *Sima Art of War* highly in the *Records of the Grand Historian*, considering it grand, expansive, and unfathomably profound.