This article explains the 314 BC Qi invasion of Yan during China’s Warring States Period. Qi seized Yan in 50 days as locals welcomed them as liberators from civil war. But Qi’s looting and cruelty turned public anger. Facing diplomatic pressure and rebellion, Qi withdrew. The disaster led to Yan’s revival under King Zhao,…
In the ruthless arena of the Warring States, where strength was the only law, King Kuai of Yan committed a fatal error: he tried to be a saint. Blinded by the allure of ancient virtue, he attempted to abdicate his throne to his scheming minister, Zizhi, hoping to emulate legendary sages. Instead of earning…
When the state of Qi invaded and defeated Yan, King Xuan asked Mencius: “Some advise me not to annex Yan; others urge me to take it. We, a great state of ten thousand chariots, conquered another great state in just fifty days – surely this is Heaven’s will! If I refuse to take it,…
This article recounts the dramatic Battle of Jimo and the miraculous restoration of the state of Qi during the Warring States period. It details the downfall of the arrogant King Min of Qi, whose hubris invited a devastating invasion by the five-state coalition led by Yue Yi of Yan. While Yue Yi besieged the…