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The tragedy of King Huai of Chu [Warring States]
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King Wu of Qin, still haunted by Zhang Yi’s earlier counsel to seize Han state. In 307 BCE, he launched a bold campaign. His general Gan Mao captured Han’s Yiyang city (in modern Henan), opening the path to the heart of ancient China.
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The Master of Deceit: Zhang Yi [Warring States]
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After the collapse of Su Qin’s Vertical Alliance (Hezong), a new threat emerged to Qin’s ambition: the alliance between Qi and Chu, the two most powerful eastern states. United, they could block Qin’s path to unification.
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Su Qin vs. Zhang Yi: Alliances vs. Division [Warring States]
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In 338 BCE, Duke Xiao of Qin fell gravely ill and died. His son ascended the throne as King Huiwen of Qin.
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The rise of the orator: Su Qin [Warring States]
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During the Warring States period, after Shang Yang’s sweeping reforms, Qin transformed from a marginal western state into the most powerful military and administrative machine in China. Its centralized governance, merit-based army, and booming economy made it a looming threat to the six eastern states – Han, Zhao, Wei, Qi, Chu, and Yan.
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The feigned madness of Sun Bin [Warring States]
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During the Warring States period, Wei, once the strongest among the “Three Jins” (Wei, Zhao, Han), watched with alarm as Qin surged ahead under Shang Yang’s reforms. Determined not to be left behind, King Hui of Wei followed Duke Xiao of Qin’s example: he offered lavish rewards to attract brilliant minds from across the…