Lord Wen of Wei asked Zhao for passage to attack Zhongshan. Lord Su of Zhao intended to refuse. Zhao Ke said: “Your judgment is wrong. If Wei fails to capture Zhongshan, its forces will be worn out and grow weak, making Zhao more influential. If Wei seizes Zhongshan, it cannot rule the land across Zhao’s territory. Thus Wei will fight the war, yet Zhao will gain the territory. You ought to grant the request.
If you agree with excessive delight, Wei will realize you seek profit and call off the campaign. You had better allow passage, and act as if you have no choice.”
Note
This text is excerpted from Han Feizi, Chapter: The Forest of Persuasions (Part I). Territorial location determines strategic advantages. A wise ruler can let rivals consume each other’s strength and seize benefits indirectly, while concealing true intentions to ensure the plan works.
Late Warring States Legalist thinker. He uses this story to illustrate geopolitical tactics.
Lord Wen of Wei
Ruler of Wei, who planned to launch a military campaign against Zhongshan.
Lord Su of Zhao
Monarch of Zhao, hesitant to grant passage to Wei’s army.
Zhao Ke
A wise minister of Zhao, adept at analyzing geopolitics and hidden interests.
Right of Passage
In ancient wars, armies often needed to march through other states. Granting or refusing passage was a crucial diplomatic and military decision.
Small states that grant passage to great powers rarely end well – history is full of such examples. Jin borrowed Yu’s territory to attack Guo, and ended up destroying both Guo and Yu. Qin borrowed Ju’s territory to attack Shu, and ended up destroying both Shu and Ju. These cases reveal a crucial lesson: a weak state must beware of the “borrowing passage to destroy a neighbor” trap when a great power requests passage. Granting a military corridor not only fails to guarantee security but may invite the wolf through the door.
Geopolitical Layout
Zhongshan was located between Wei and Zhao. A territory separated from the mother state could hardly be held for long, which is a key factor in this strategy.
Camouflage of Intent
Hiding one’s real purpose and acting reluctantly to prevent the opponent from detecting the scheme.
魏文侯借道於趙而攻中山，趙肅侯將不許，趙刻曰：「君過矣。魏攻中山而弗能取，則魏必罷，罷則魏輕，魏輕則趙重。魏拔中山，必不能越趙而有中山也，是用兵者魏也，而得地者趙也。君必許之。許之而大歡，彼將知君利之也，必將輟行。君不如借之道，示以不得已也。」
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