Just two years after implementing military innovation “Wearing Hu Attire and Shooting from Horseback”, the state of Zhao had forged a formidable cavalry force – swift, agile, and utterly unlike the slow, cumbersome chariot armies of old.
With this new military might, King Wuling of Zhao turned his gaze northward. In 305 BCE, he launched a bold campaign, seizing Zhongshan – a thorn in Zhao’s side long protected by Wei – and subduing the Donghu and neighboring nomadic tribes.
By 300 BCE, the seventh year of his reforms, Zhao’s dominion stretched:
- North to Dai Commandery and Yanmen,
- West to Yunzhong and Jiuyuan.
Vast territories once ruled by Linhu and Loufan now flew Zhao’s banners. The state had transformed from a vulnerable middle power into a northern empire.
Now, King Wuling set his sights on the ultimate rival: Qin.
A mad plan: Strike at the heart of Qin
Zhao Wuling conceived a daring, almost fantastical strategy:
Launch a surprise cavalry raid from Yunzhong and Jiuyuan – Zhao’s far-western frontier – bypassing Qin’s fortified passes, racing across grasslands and mountains, and plunging deep into Qin’s heartland.
But such an audacious plan required perfect intelligence. And so, the king made a decision that stunned even his closest advisors:
He would go to Qin himself – in disguise – as a spy.
Abdication as Strategy
To free himself from court duties and focus entirely on military expansion, Zhao Wuling took an unprecedented step. Favoring his younger son – born to his beloved consort Meng Yao – he deposed his original heir and abdicated the throne in 299 BCE.
His young son became King Huiwen of Zhao, while Zhao Wuling assumed the title “Zhufu” (Lord Father).
He then appointed a trusted regency council:
- Fei Yi as Chancellor,
- Li Dui as Grand Tutor,
- Lord Cheng (his uncle) as Minister of War,
- His elder son as Lord of Anyang.
With domestic affairs secured, Lord Father prepared for his secret mission.
The Spy in Silk Robes
Disguised as a humble envoy named “Zhao Zhao”, accompanied by a small retinue, Lord Father journeyed to Qin. Along the way, he sketched maps, noted mountain passes, river crossings, and troop deployments – gathering vital intelligence for his planned northern flanking maneuver.
In Xianyang, he was granted an audience with King Zhaoxiang of Qin. Posing as Zhao’s emissary, he explained the recent abdication:
“Our king is still in his prime – but wishes the crown prince to ‘practice ruling.’ Real power remains with Lord Father.”
King Zhaoxiang, intrigued, asked:
“Does Zhao fear Qin?”
The disguised king replied with masterful ambiguity:
“We did fear you – hence our reforms. But now our cavalry has grown tenfold. Perhaps we are worthy allies… or at least, not easy prey.”
Impressed by the envoy’s dignified yet firm demeanor, King Zhaoxiang treated him with respect.
The Disappearance
That night, King Zhaoxiang couldn’t sleep. The “envoy” haunted his thoughts – so eloquent, so composed. He sent messengers the next day to summon him again.
But the envoy was “ill.” Days passed. When pressed a third time, the Qin court discovered the truth:
The real Zhao Zhao was still at the embassy. The man who met the king? None other than Zhao Wuling Wang (King Wuling of Zhao state) himself.
Furious, King Zhaoxiang roared:
“Zhao Lord Father has deceived me!”
He immediately dispatched Lord Jingyang and the rising general Bai Qi with 3,000 elite troops to pursue the impostor-envoy.
They raced to Hangu Pass – only to learn the disguised king had slipped through three days earlier.
Defeated and humiliated, the Qin forces returned empty-handed.
In a rare show of restraint – or perhaps grudging admiration – King Zhaoxiang released the real Zhao Zhao and let him return home.
Legacy of a Warrior-Spy
Though Zhao Wuling’s grand cavalry raid on Qin was never executed (his later death in a palace coup prevented it), his reconnaissance mission became legendary – a testament to his audacity, strategic vision, and personal courage.
He was not merely a reformer; he was a king who walked among spies, who traded silk for secrets, and who dared to look his greatest enemy in the eye – while wearing a mask.
His actions underscored a brutal truth of the Warring States era:
Survival demanded not just strength, but cunning – and sometimes, the willingness to become invisible.
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