Qi launched an attack on Song. Song sent Zangsunzi south to seek aid from Chu. The King of Chu was delighted and readily promised to send troops. Nevertheless, Zangsunzi returned with a heavy heart.
His coachman asked: “You have obtained the rescue you asked for. Why do you look worried?” Zangsunzi replied: “Song is weak while Qi is powerful. To help small Song is to offend mighty Qi, which should make anyone hesitant. Yet the King of Chu is overjoyed. He surely wants to embolden us to keep fighting. If we hold firm and wear Qi down, Chu will reap the benefits.”
After Zangsunzi went back, Qi captured five cities of Song, and Chu never sent a single reinforcement.
Note
This text is excerpted from Han Feizi, Chapter: The Forest of Persuasions (Part I). It tells us that empty promises of aid often hide selfish schemes. A wise leader can see through false friendliness. Major powers will always prioritize their own gains over commitments to weak allies.
Late Warring States Legalist philosopher. He uses this story to analyze diplomatic tricks and national self-interest.
Zangsunzi (Zangsun, Zangsun Zi, Zang Zi)
Diplomat of Song, who had sharp insight into the hidden motives of other states.
King of Chu
Ruler of Chu, who pretended to offer help to wear down rival states.
States of Qi, Chu
Two major vassal states during the Warring States period, constantly competing for power and territory.
Diplomatic Aid in War
Seeking military support from allied states was a common practice for weak states in wars, yet promises were often not fulfilled.
Fish for Profits from Both Sides
A typical tactic among powerful states: incite two rivals to fight and exhaust each other, so as to gain advantages without fighting.
Judging beyond Appearance
The story stresses that one should not be misled by superficial kindness. Every diplomatic act is driven by national interests.
齊攻宋，宋使臧孫子南求救於荊，荊大說，許救之，甚歡，臧孫子憂而反，其御曰：「索救而得，今子有憂色何也？」臧孫子曰：「宋小而齊大，夫救小宋而惡於大齊，此人之所以憂也，而荊王說，必以堅我也。我堅而齊敝，荊之所利也。」臧孫子乃歸，齊人拔五城於宋而荊救不至。
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