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Brief: This article examines the controversial life of Lord Mengchang (Tian Wen), one of the “Four Lords” of the Warring States period. It contrasts his self-serving opportunism against the loyalty of his peers, detailing his betrayals of both Qin and his native Qi. The narrative highlights his famous escape from Qin—aided by retainers skilled…
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Brief: This article recounts the diplomatic rescue of Lord Mengchang’s fiefdom of Xue during the Warring States period. When the State of Chu invaded Xue, the renowned diplomat Chunyu Kun was tasked with saving it. Instead of pleading for help, Chunyu Kun used a brilliant rhetorical strategy: he convinced King Min of Qi that…
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Duke Ping of Lu was about to set out when his favorite courtier, Zang Cang, asked: “Usually, Your Lordship informs the officials of your destination before leaving. Now your carriage is ready, yet no one knows where you’re going. May I ask?”
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Brief: This article explores the intense rivalry between the Vertical Alliance (Hezong) of Su Qin and the Horizontal Alliance (Lianheng) of Zhang Yi during the Warring States period. It details how Su Qin’s coalition of six states threatened Qin, only to be countered by Zhang Yi’s diplomatic stratagems that divided them. The narrative follows…
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When Lord Mengchang decided to leave his native land – Qi state – to take office in Qin, hundreds of men tried to dissuade him from going. But he would not listen to them. Then Su Qin, the rhetorician, wanted to reason with him.