Lord Zhi (Zhi Bo) planned to conquer the State of Qiu You (Qiuyou or Chouyou), yet rugged mountain paths blocked troop access. He cast a huge bell as a gift for Qiu You’s monarch, who was overjoyed and ordered roads cleared to receive the bell.
Minister Chizhang Manzhi warned: “Refuse it. Such costly tribute is how small states serve powerful ones. Now the mighty state sends lavish gifts; troops will surely follow behind the gift. Never admit the bell.”
The ruler ignored the warning and prepared for its entry. Chizhang Manzhi shortened his cart hubs for swift carriage and fled to Qi. Seven months later, Qiu You fell to Lord Zhi’s invasion.
Note
Unusual generous presents from powerful rivals are often a trap; craving trivial gains blinds rulers to lurking military danger and leads to ruin.
Late Warring States Legalist, uses this historic incident to warn rulers against coveting petty gifts from powerful foes.
Lord Zhi (Zhi Bo)
Powerful lord of Jin, schemed to annex Qiu You state (Chouyou) by a deceptive gift.
Monarch of Chouyou
Greedy small-state ruler misled by the giant bell.
Chizhang Manzhi
Farsighted minister who foresaw invasion and fled early to Qi.
Warring States annexation stratagem
Gifting bulky oversized artifacts was a classic ploy to force weak kingdoms to build access roads for invading troops.
Ancient tributary etiquette norm
In pre-Qin interstate custom, small states presented treasures to large powers, reverse gift-giving from big nations was abnormal and suspicious.
Shortened cart hub
Cutting cart hubs down was an ancient method to make vehicles travel faster over rough terrain for urgent escape.
知伯将伐仇由，而道难不通，乃铸大钟遗仇由之君。仇由之君大说，除道将内之。赤章曼枝曰：“不可。此小之所以事大也，而今也大以来，卒必随之，不可内也。”仇由之君不听，遂内之。赤章曼枝因断毂而驱，至于齐，七月而仇由亡矣。
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