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During the Warring States Period (5th–3rd century BCE), a time of relentless warfare and shifting alliances among China’s rival states, physical prowess was often celebrated – yet it could also invite disaster when entangled with royal politics.
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As Duke Huan of Qi aged, Duke Mu of Qin (whose state was then located in parts of present-day Gansu and Shaanxi) saw an opportunity to expand his influence and aspire to leadership among the central states.
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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.