Han and Zhao fell into armed conflict. The lord of Han asked Wei for troops: “Lend us soldiers to attack Zhao.” Marquis Wen of Wei replied: “Zhao is my brotherly ally; I cannot grant your request.” Later Zhao sought troops to invade Han, and the marquis said: “Han is also my brotherly ally, so I dare not help you.”
Both kingdoms left resentfully without military aid. Afterward they realized Marquis Wen had kept peace between them, and both came to pay homage to Wei’s court.
Note
Neutrality and peacemaking instead of fanning conflicts help a state gain respect and regional leadership.
Late Warring States Legalist, uses the anecdote to illustrate wise sovereign’s diplomatic governance.
Marquis Wen of Wei
Famous founding ruler of Wei, first of the early Warring States hegemons.
Rulers of Han and Zhao
Two feudal lords caught in mutual warfare.
Brotherly alliance
A common pre-Warring-States interstate covenant to mark friendly diplomatic ties among vassal states.
Early Warring States geopolitics
Marquis Wen secured Wei’s dominant position by mediating conflicts instead of taking sides in wars.
Tributary homage
Vassal lords visiting another monarch’s court symbolized acknowledging its superior standing.
韓、趙相與為難。韓子索兵於魏，曰：「願借師以伐趙。」魏文侯曰：「寡人與趙兄弟，不可以從。」趙又索兵以攻韓，文侯曰：「寡人與韓兄弟，不敢從。」二國不得兵，怒而反。已乃知文侯以搆於己，乃皆朝魏。
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