Chapter 5: The Prelude to the Great Battle

Page 1/3

When envoys from Zheng arrived in Chen, Duke Huan of Chen paid them no mind. His younger brother, Chen Tuo, advised, “Maintaining good relations with neighboring states is the way to secure peace. We should not refuse their visit.” The duke replied, “Zheng is cunning and untrustworthy; this peace offer might be a trap.” Thus, he refused to receive the envoys.

The envoys reported back to Duke Zhuang of Zheng, who furiously declared, “Chen relies only on Song and Wei. Wei has just quelled internal strife and cannot spare itself. I shall first attack Song, then punish Chen to avenge past humiliations.” Minister Ji Zu cautioned, “Your Majesty, do not rush. Chen’s refusal to receive envoys shows disdain for us. We might display our military strength to assert our presence; perhaps Chen will then seek peace.” Duke Zhuang agreed and sent border troops to feign a hunt, raiding Chen’s borders and seizing over a hundred carts of men, women, and goods.

Duke Huan of Chen was suddenly awakened.

Upon hearing this, Duke Huan realized Chen was a small state and no match for Zheng. To secure peace, he must improve relations with Zheng. He summoned his ministers for counsel. Chen Tuo proposed, “Since Zheng sent envoys before, we should reciprocate. With sincerity, we can surely form friendly ties.” The ministers agreed, and Duke Huan sent Chen Tuo as envoy to Zheng.

Duke Zhuang of Zheng gave Chen Tuo a grand reception. He apologized, saying, “I failed to discipline my troops, causing them to trespass. I have reprimanded them. Here are all the people and goods taken, plus a hundred carts of grain as apology. May Zheng and Chen forever be friends and never attack each other.” After the banquet, Crown Prince Ji Hu personally escorted Chen Tuo and the grain carts back to Chen, who then accompanied Ji Hu home. From then on, Chen and Zheng were at peace.

In Lu, Minister Ji Yufu loved wealth. After receiving lavish gifts from Zheng, he praised Zheng often before Duke Yin of Lu, advocating friendship between Lu and Zheng. Relations improved accordingly.

Duke Zhuang asked Minister Ji Zu, “Chen is settled, Lu claims friendship. Can we now attack Song?” Ji Zu replied, “Song is a noble and powerful state; even the Zhou king treats it as a guest. We must wait for the right moment.” Although impatient, Duke Zhuang trusted Ji Zu’s counsel. For over twenty years, Ji Zu had taught him the Book of Changes, often citing the lizard’s trait: “A lizard lies quietly on yellow earth—not dozing, but watching intently, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.”

While waiting, Duke Zhuang allied with Qi, far east by the sea. Qi’s ruler, Duke Xi, descended from the founding hero Jiang Taigong. The two rulers met at Stone Gate. Duke Zhuang praised, “Jiang Taigong endured hardship in youth, patiently awaited opportunity, and at eighty found a wise lord to help King Wu of Zhou overthrow Shang. His achievement is foremost.” Duke Xi praised Zheng, “Though late to rise, your state progresses fast. I’ve heard you value learning and kinship. Meeting you now is long overdue.” They bonded deeply, sealing alliance by smearing blood on lips from a slain chicken and sheep—a blood oath making them brothers. Duke Xi, younger by years, addressed Duke Zhuang as elder brother; they pledged mutual support. During the feast, Duke Xi asked, “Has Crown Prince Ji Hu wed?” Duke Zhuang said no. Duke Xi offered, “My beloved daughter is young but betrothal can be arranged. If you agree, she will marry Ji Hu when grown.” Duke Zhuang gratefully accepted.

Placing peonies in the Yellow River.

Back home, Duke Zhuang told Ji Hu of the proposal. Ji Hu replied, “Marriage should be between equals. Zheng is a minor state with low rank; Qi is greater and noble. I dare not overreach.” Duke Zhuang said, “Qi proposed this, not us. Marrying Qi would give support in times of trouble. Why refuse?” Ji Hu said, “A true man strives on his own, not relying on connections.” Duke Zhuang smiled, pleased with his son’s ambition, and did not press further.

Qi envoys heard Ji Hu’s refusal and reported to Duke Xi, who admired Duke Zhuang’s vision and was not offended. He said, “Ji Hu is indeed a modest gentleman. My daughter is still young; we’ll postpone the marriage.”

Cold northern winds stripped the locust trees bare, their stark branches against the clear blue sky. Winter had come. According to Zhou ritual, lords presented seasonal tributes differently: spring with court ceremonies, summer with ancestral rites, autumn with official visits, and winter with audience ceremonies. Though Zhou royal authority waned, after suffering invasions from five states, Zheng recognized the importance of good relations with Zhou. Thus, with rich gifts, Duke Zhuang and Minister Ji Zu traveled to Luoyang to visit King Huan of Zhou.

Duke Ji Heijian knew King Huan resented Zheng but understood the state could not be attacked now. So he advised the king to suppress his anger and treat Duke Zhuang respectfully to encourage other lords. The king verbally agreed but, recalling Zheng’s seizure of wheat and rice, greeted Duke Zhuang with sarcasm: “How was your harvest this year?” Duke Zhuang replied, “Thanks to Your Majesty’s blessings, the weather was favorable.” The king sneered, “Good. Then the wheat near Wenyi and rice near Luoyang can stay with me. Ha ha.” The court ministers laughed, but Ji Heijian glared silently. Duke Zhuang sensed the king’s spite and chose silence, bowing and departing. No banquet was given, no gifts returned, only ten carts of rice sent mockingly.

Duke Zhuang was furious and sought to return the rice. Ji Zu counseled, “The emperor’s gift is a sign of favor. Refusing it would signal a rift between Zhou and Zheng, undermining Zheng’s prestige and interests.” While they deliberated, Ji Heijian arrived with two carts of fine silk and warmly conversed with Duke Zhuang. He joked, “North of Luoyang lies the Yellow River, as does north of Xinzheng. Come spring, I’ll place peonies in the river; soon, you shall receive them.” Peonies, with their charming shape and bright colors, symbolized genuine affection. Duke Zhuang laughed, “We are all Ji family and children of the Yellow River—friends, indeed!” They shared hearty laughter.

What was Ji Heijian’s intention?

After Ji Heijian left, Duke Zhuang asked Ji Zu, “What was his purpose?” Ji Zu answered, “He saw the king’s coldness and came to make amends. The silks he gave will be useful.” Duke Zhuang asked how. Ji Zu explained, “Your visit to the king is known to all lords. We’ll divide the silks into ten parts, place them on ten carts with the rice, and announce these are gifts from the king. We’ll claim the king, displeased with Song’s failure to pay tribute, has ordered us to punish Song. This will rally the states to follow us. Any who refuse will be deemed disobedient. Song, though mighty, cannot resist the emperor’s command and collective force.” Duke Zhuang clapped Ji Zu’s shoulder, praising, “Wise counsel! The time to attack Song has finally come!”

Leaving Luoyang, Duke Zhuang spread word of Song’s disloyalty. All believed it true. The news reached Duke Shang of Song, who, alarmed, secretly contacted other states seeking to defuse the crisis. Duke Zhuang asked Ji Zu for advice. Ji Zu said, “Your Majesty can use the emperor’s order to coordinate a joint attack on Song. Qi will surely respond. Qi and Lu share borders and have long intermarried; Qi’s plans will have Lu’s support. Minister Ji Yufu of Lu, having accepted our gifts, will advise the duke to set aside past grievances and join. As for Cai, Wei, and Xu, some may not join but should be informed for legitimacy.” Duke Zhuang followed this plan. Qi and Zheng’s alliance meant Duke Xi sent his brother Jiang Zhongnian with 300 chariots. Zheng promised to share conquered Song lands with Lu, who, tempted, agreed. Duke Yin of Lu appointed Ji Yufu as general with 200 chariots to assist Zheng. Duke Zhuang exercised royal authority to mobilize Zhou troops, leading Zheng forces to attack Song, meeting Qi and Lu armies as planned. The allied forces advanced swiftly.

Duke Shang of Song, upon learning of the invasion, turned pale and summoned his commander Kong Fu Jia. Kong reported, “I sent scouts to Luoyang but heard no imperial order to attack Song. Zheng has forged the emperor’s command, mobilizing troops and deceiving Qi and Lu. We must complain to Zhou and find another way to fend off the invaders without battle.” Duke Shang listened carefully. Kong continued, “Except for Qi and Lu, most states remain neutral or support us. Chen made peace with Zheng and will not aid us but won’t provoke Zheng. Cai and Wei once fought Zheng with us; now we should renew ties and resist Zheng together. Zheng’s army is in Song; the homeland is vulnerable. Send envoys to Wei requesting a light attack on Zheng. Zheng’s army must then retreat, breaking their siege.” Duke Shang approved and sent Kong to Wei.

Page 2/3

That night, Kong Fu Jia secretly arrived in Wei with Song’s prized bronze tripod adorned with coiled serpent patterns, nearly a man’s height and crafted of fine copper—an unparalleled masterpiece. Wei’s Duke Xuan fondled the tripod delightedly and agreed to attack Zheng, dispatching Right Minister Chou with Kong to surprise Zheng’s capital Xinzheng via a secret path.

Upon news of the Song-Wei advance, Zheng Crown Prince Ji Hu and Minister Ji Zu ordered city defenses. The allied forces attacked for days without success. Kong told Chou, “Surprise attacks must be quick and decisive. If prolonged, Zheng’s main forces will come to aid, and we might be trapped. Let’s borrow passage through Dai and withdraw safely. When we leave Zheng, Zheng will leave Song.” Chou agreed and sought passage from Dai.

Dai, located in today’s Lankao County, was newly established under the third ruler Duke Shu Qingfu. Misjudging, he suspected the allied forces aimed to attack Dai, so he closed the gates and fortified defenses. Kong and Chou were angered and camped ten miles away, repeatedly assaulting the city. Both sides suffered losses, stalemated. Kong urgently requested reinforcements from Cai.

Meanwhile, Duke Zhuang’s allied forces captured Gaocheng and Fangcheng in Song and prepared to strike the capital Suiyang when a plea from Crown Prince Ji Hu arrived. After reading it, Duke Zhuang ordered a retreat. Qi’s Jiang Zhongnian and Lu’s Ji Yufu questioned, “Why withdraw when victory is near?” Duke Zhuang calmly replied, “I act on the emperor’s order. With Qi and Lu’s help, we have punished Song sufficiently. Qi and Lu may keep Gaocheng and Fangcheng.” Jiang demurred modestly, so Duke Zhuang offered both cities to Lu, who greedily accepted.

Fearing Xinzheng’s safety, Duke Zhuang hastened back. Mid-journey, he received another letter from Ji Hu stating Xinzheng was relieved and Song-Wei forces had moved to attack Dai. Duke Zhuang smiled, “Kong Fu Jia was brilliant once, foolish now. Song is distracted; no more trouble ahead. Let us use their plan against them.” He dispatched four commanders—Prince Ji Lü, Gongsun Jidu, and ministers Ying Kaoshu and Gao Qumi—each leading troops secretly to Dai. Gao Qumi, tall, strong, and cunning, was a prized minister.

While Song-Wei-Cai forces besieged Dai, expecting quick victory, news came that Zheng’s troops led by Ji Lü had entered the city. Kong exclaimed, “Dai was nearly ours, but Zheng’s reinforcements arrived—what now?” Chou said, “Let’s observe before acting.” Suddenly, Zheng banners filled the walls. Ji Lü, fully armed, shouted from the battlements, “Thanks for your help, brothers. Zheng has retaken Dai!” The plan had succeeded: Ji Lü feigned aid but seized Dai effortlessly. Duke Shu Qingfu fled with his family.

Kong and Chou were furious and declared war on Zheng. Zheng sent a challenge. They arranged battle for the next day.

That night, as Song, Wei, and Cai rested, Zheng’s Gongsun Jidu, Ying Kaoshu, and Gao Qumi launched a surprise attack. The allied forces were thrown into chaos; Chou was killed, Kong barely escaped. Many troops and chariots were captured.

Under dark clouds, Kong lamented, “War has its rules. Our rites forbid fighting without agreement, pursuing fleeing commanders, killing elderly or wounded soldiers. Zheng has broken these; it is maddening!” Yet he pondered, “Without rites, people perish; without rites, affairs fail; without rites, nations collapse. Some selfish men trample these for gain—Duke Zhuang is one of them.”

War is ruthless; while one side mourns, the other celebrates. Zheng’s triumphant army returned laden with spoils. Duke Zhuang held a grand feast, toasting his soldiers. Raising his cup, he said, “By the grace of our ancestors and your fierce fighting, our renown spreads. Tell me, among all lords, where shall I stand?” The men hailed him as hegemon—a leader among lords during the Zhou dynasty’s decline. Duke Zhuang beamed, but only Minister Ying Kaoshu remained silent. The duke fixed his gaze on him. Ying Kaoshu warned, “Your Majesty, do not grow proud. You claim the emperor’s order to punish Song, but only Qi and Lu have responded; others have not. Worse, Cai and Wei side with Song. Please reconsider.” Duke Zhuang smiled, “You are right. Song, Wei, and Cai have suffered punishment. Now I wish to punish the states that did not join. Where should we strike first?” Ying Kaoshu advised, “Xu borders Zheng; accuse it of disobedience, then attack with Qi and Lu. Before Xu, strike the small neighboring state of Sheng. After conquering Sheng, its lands and people will go to Qi and Lu; after Xu, to Zheng.” Duke Zhuang agreed eagerly.

A beautiful maiden.

The next day, Duke Zhuang sent envoys to inform Qi and Lu of the campaign plans against Sheng and Xu. Both agreed, dispatching Jiang Zhongnian and Ji Yufu with troops to attack Sheng, aided by Zheng’s Prince Ji Lü. The three states quickly conquered Sheng (near today’s Ningyang, Shandong). Qi and Lu rejoiced.

On the way home, Ji Lü suddenly fell ill and died. Duke Zhuang mourned deeply and generously cared for his family. Ji Lü had been senior minister. Duke Zhuang considered appointing Gao Qumi, but Crown Prince Ji Hu privately warned, “Gao Qumi is greedy and cruel; he must not be trusted.” Ji Hu’s brother Ji Wen was present. The duke heeded Ji Hu, appointing Ji Zu as senior minister and Gao Qumi as deputy to manage affairs.

“Mountains have fu su trees, marshes have lotus flowers. I do not see Jidu, only a scoundrel appears.”

A beautiful maiden walked among fu su trees and lotus ponds, singing of longing and sorrow. Jidu referred to Gongsun Jidu, a peerless warrior and handsome man admired by many maidens. Hearing he would hunt nearby, the maiden traveled many miles to see him. Yet, she found neither him nor his soldiers. Disappointed, she was accosted by a brash youth but managed to escape. Singing mournfully, she wandered the mountain path.

Gongsun Jidu was busy training troops, preparing to attack Xu, not hunting. Near departure, Duke Zhuang and ministers performed ancestral rites and reviewed troops. Duke Zhuang had a special maoyu flag made for himself. According to Zhou ritual, flags bore specific symbols: the emperor’s bore sun and moon; lords’ bore dragons; soldiers’ bore bears and tigers. No flag was to be misused. The maoyu was a kind of dragon.

Duke Zhuang placed the heavy maoyu flag atop a copper-adorned war chariot. He declared, “Whoever can carry this flag as easily as walking normally shall be appointed vanguard and given this chariot.” A warrior stepped forward—a black-faced, thick-bearded man with large eyes: newly appointed minister Xia Shuying. With one hand, he lifted the flagpole, stepped forward three paces, back three, then returned it. Soldiers cheered. Shuying shouted for his charioteer. Before he could take the chariot, minister Ying Kaoshu stepped forth, waving the flag vigorously. Onlookers were amazed. Duke Zhuang praised, “A true warrior! Give him the chariot and vanguard post.” Before the duke finished, young Gongsun Jidu appeared, shouting at Ying Kaoshu, “You can wave the flag, but can I not? Keep the chariot!” Ying Kaoshu fled with flag and chariot. Jidu, frustrated, grabbed his halberd to pursue but was stopped by Duke Zhuang.

Ducking a spear is easy; evading a hidden arrow, not so.

Gongsun Jidu was talented and handsome, from the royal clan. Admired and envied by many, he grew arrogant, often competing with Ying Kaoshu. The flag dispute deepened his resentment.

Page 3/3

Duke Zhuang, wise and understanding the importance of morale, praised the three warriors before the troops and gifted chariots to Xia Shuying and Gongsun Jidu. Ying Kaoshu, Shuying, and Jidu each thanked and withdrew.

In 712 BCE, Duke Zhuang cited Xu’s disobedience to the Zhou king to ally with Qi and Lu in an attack, agreeing the first to capture Xu’s capital would divide its lands. To thank Zheng’s help against Sheng, Dukes Xi of Qi and Yin of Lu personally led troops. Duke Zhuang, eager for Xu’s lands, led forces to Xu’s capital Xucheng (today’s Xuchang, Henan). Xu was a Zhou-fiefdom under the Jiang clan, ruled by Duke Zhuang of Xu, who withstood siege fiercely. Yet, surrounded by Zheng, Qi, and Lu from three sides, the city’s fall was inevitable.

On the third afternoon of siege, amid a fierce assault, Minister Ying Kaoshu, carrying Duke Zhuang’s maoyu flag, braved spears to scale the wall. Before steadying himself, an arrow struck him from behind, and he fell. Unknown to many, Gongsun Jidu, jealous of Ying Kaoshu’s glory, secretly shot the arrow.

As Ying Kaoshu fell, Minister Xia Shuying rushed up, took the maoyu flag, and leapt onto the wall, shouting, “Brothers, charge!” Seeing the flag atop Xucheng’s walls, Zheng troops surged forward. A breach was made. Seeing defeat, Duke Zhuang of Xu led citizens to escape, vanishing from history.

Dukes Zhuang, Xi, and Yin entered Xu’s palace to discuss division. Duke Xi praised Zheng’s selflessness in attacking Song and Sheng and suggested all Xu lands be given to Zheng. Duke Yin agreed. Suddenly, Xu minister Baili burst in with a child, weeping, “Though Xu disobeyed Zhou’s lords, it does not deserve extinction. Please show mercy.” Baili was known for loyalty and integrity across states. Moved, the three rulers listened. Duke Zhuang asked, “Who is the child?” Baili answered, “Xu’s lord’s younger brother, Jiang Xinchen.” Duke Zhuang continued, “He is clever and lively.” Though intent on annexing Xu, Duke Zhuang feared losing virtue and offending other lords. He proposed, “Xinchen shall live east of Xu; we will send Gongsun Ji Huo to dwell west.” The rulers agreed, and Baili accepted, bowing with Xinchen.

Mysterious sorcery.

After victory, Duke Zhuang rewarded soldiers and honored the fallen. Remembering Ying Kaoshu’s courage, he held a grand funeral. Afterward, he addressed troops: “Ying Kaoshu was struck while facing the enemy, yet the fatal arrow came from behind. Was he killed by foes or our own?” The soldiers were silent. Duke Zhuang cited the Book of Songs: “Heaven’s eyes are clear, watching our comings and goings.” He vowed to seek justice. When he asked Xia Shuying, who was second to scale the wall, Shuying admitted he saw no one shoot. Others likewise were uncertain. Duke Zhuang declared, “It’s easier to dodge a visible spear than a hidden arrow. Ying Kaoshu was killed by one of our own. We must find the killer to comfort his spirit.”

In troubled times, people consult shamans. Since Emperor Shun’s era, shamans have existed—Shun appointed his son as leader of Wu Xian, who taught salt production through ritualistic boiling and prayer. The Zhou court valued shamans as officials. Duke Zhuang summoned one to curse Ying Kaoshu’s murderer.

The shaman took a live chicken, chanting spells until the bird froze motionless—unmoving despite being touched or frightened. He invited the soldiers to pass by, watching the chicken’s eyes. If the eyes opened, that person was the killer. Everyone was awestruck, believing the magic. In reality, the shaman knew any chicken could be made to freeze this way.

A maiden requests to accompany in burial.

Belief in magic was absolute then. As the soldiers passed, one was visibly terrified—Gongsun Jidu. His eyes seemed to see Ying Kaoshu’s accusing hand and the spirits of departed lords rebuking him for betrayal. His blood vessels bulged; he shouted and drew his sword, killing himself.

Duke Zhuang remained calm, having deduced the murderer. Yet he concealed the truth to preserve the court’s honor and spared Jidu’s family from blame.

On Jidu’s burial day, a young, beautiful maiden arrived, requesting to be buried alongside him. At the time, human sacrifice was practiced among nobles to accompany the deceased’s spirit—usually wives, servants, or slaves. This maiden, secretly in love with Jidu, wished to join him in death since she could not be his wife in life. Minister Ji Zu, aware of the delicate matter, asked Xia Shuying, “Between appearance and character, which weighs more?” Shuying, a warrior, replied, “I only know battle, not women’s hearts.” Ji Zu laughed.

To honor Ying Kaoshu, Duke Zhuang built a temple in his homeland, Ying Valley—the Ying Minister Temple, also called the Pure Filiality Temple. Duke Zhuang led officials in worship, inspiring loyalty.

Returning from Ying Valley to Xinzheng, Duke Zhuang learned of an invasion from Xi, a state about 500 li away, ruled by the Ji clan. When Duke Zhuang summoned states against Song, he had neglected to send envoys to Xi. He remarked, “Xi is small and weak; not worth the effort.” This reached Duke Ai Hou of Xi, who was enraged. He drilled troops and planned to attack Zheng to assert Xi’s status.

In 712 BCE, Xi attacked Zheng but was swiftly defeated. Minister Ji Zu observed, “Xi erred by ignoring virtue, overestimating strength, failing to ally with Xi’s friends and Zheng’s enemies, and not justifying its war. Such mistakes invite defeat. Xi’s downfall is near.”

Page 3/3