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Feasting the enemy to save a nation [Spring & Autumn]
This article tells the remarkable story of Xian Gao, a humble cattle merchant who single-handedly saved the State of Zheng from invasion in 627 BCE. When he discovered the Qin army marching to attack his unprepared nation, Xian Gao impersonated an envoy and presented the Qin general, Meng Mingshi, with twelve oxen to feign…
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The art of strategic persuasion: Zhu Zhiwu [Spring & Autumn]
This article analyzes the diplomatic triumph of Zhu Zhiwu, a minister of Zheng, during the joint siege by Jin and Qin in 630 BCE. It details how Zhu Zhiwu single-handedly persuaded Duke Mu of Qin to withdraw by exposing the hidden threat posed by his ally, Duke Wen of Jin. The narrative highlights Zhu…
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Zhu Zhiwu dissuades the Qin Army [Spring & Autumn]
This article recounts the diplomatic masterpiece of Zhu Zhiwu in 630 BCE, who single-handedly saved the State of Zheng from a joint siege by Qin and Jin. Facing the Qin army, the elderly minister was lowered by rope over the city walls to meet Duke Mu of Qin. Through masterful rhetoric, he argued that…
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Battle of Chengpu: The rise of Duke Wen of Jin [Spring & Autumn]
This article chronicles the rise of Duke Wen of Jin, a pivotal figure of the Spring and Autumn period. It details his nineteen years of exile, his strategic return to power, and his restoration of King Xiang of Zhou, which earned him imperial favor. The narrative culminates in the Battle of Chengpu (632 BCE),…
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From exile to hegemon: Duke Wen of Jin [Spring & Autumn]
This article chronicles the epic journey of Duke Wen of Jin (Ji Chong’er), one of China’s Five Hegemons. It details his nineteen years of exile, marked by humiliation – such as begging for food at Wulu – and the fierce loyalty of his retainers. The narrative highlights his diplomatic promise to “retreat three she”…
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Tragic Idealism of Duke Xiang of Song [Spring & Autumn]
This article examines the tragic reign of Duke Xiang of Song, a cautionary figure from the Spring and Autumn period. It recounts his fatal adherence to “chivalrous” warfare during the Battle of the Hong River (638 BCE), where he refused to attack the Chu army while crossing the river or forming ranks, citing benevolence.…