Han Feizi tells Marquis Wen of Wei turned down troop requests from warring Han and Zhao, claiming kinship ties to both. Initially annoyed, the two states later realized his peacemaking intent and paid homage to Wei for his wise neutral diplomacy.
This article recounts the legendary campaign of General Yue Yang to conquer the State of Zhongshan for Marquis Wen of Wei during the Warring States period. It highlights the ultimate test of leadership: Yue Yang’s ruthless sacrifice of his own son, who served the enemy state, to prove his loyalty. The narrative focuses on…