Brief: This article retells the strategic masterpiece of Feng Xuan, a retainer of Mengchang Jun, one of the “Four Lords of the Warring States.” It details how Feng Xuan secured three “burrows” for his lord’s survival. The narrative illustrates the idiom “a cunning hare has three burrows,” highlighting the Warring States’ philosophy that political security relies on psychological leverage, reputation, and diversification rather than brute force alone.
The noble patron of talent
Mengchang Jun (Lord Mengchang), born Tian Wen, was a scion of the Qi royal house – the son of Tian Ying, himself a younger son of King Wei of Qi.
As one of the famed “Four Lords of the Warring States” – alongside Lord Pingyuan of Zhao, Lord Xinling of Wei, and Lord Chunshen of Chu – Mengchang Jun earned renown for his generosity toward scholars and retainers, amassing over three thousand men in his private entourage.
In an age when talent determined survival, Mengchang Jun understood that political power rested not only on noble birth but on networks of loyalty and influence. To sustain this vast household, however, came at a cost: heavy taxation and usurious lending in his fiefdom of Xuecheng (Xue City), where peasants groaned under debt.
The arrival of Feng Xuan
Among his retainers was a man named Feng Xuan, a destitute scholar from Qi who arrived in rags, carrying only a sword tied to his waist with rope. When asked what skills he possessed, he replied humbly:
“I have none. But I heard you shelter all who come – so I came.”
Placed among the third-tier guests (who ate plain food), Feng soon began singing while tapping his sword:
“No fish to eat – let’s go home!”
Impressed by his boldness, Mengchang Jun upgraded him to second tier (with fish). But Feng sang again:
“No carriage to ride – let’s go home!”
Now promoted to first tier (with meat, fish, and a chariot), Feng still lamented:
“My old mother – I cannot leave her!”
Immediately, Mengchang Jun arranged care for his mother. Only then did Feng settle in – quiet, watchful, and waiting.
Burning Bonds, Buying Hearts
One day, the steward in charge of managing the guests (retainers) said to Lord Mengchang,
“Our expenses for next month are running a bit short. Please send someone to collect the debts in Xue.”
Lord Mengchang asked him,
“Who should we send?”
The steward replied,
“Mr. Feng, the one who used to often tap his sword and sing, has been here for over a year and hasn’t taken on any tasks yet. Why not ask him to go?”
So, Lord Mengchang sent Feng Xuan to Xue to collect the debts.
Before departing, Feng asked:
“What should I buy on the way back?”
Mengchang Jun replied casually:
“Whatever we lack – use your judgment.”
In Xuecheng, Feng saw despair. Debtors begged for mercy, citing famine, illness, and death. Instead of pressing them, Feng hosted a feast for all debtors – rich and poor alike.
After listening to their hardships, he made a shocking move:
He burned every bond owed by those truly unable to pay.
To the crowd, he declared:
“Lord Mengchang never sought profit – he lent out of compassion! For those who suffer, the debt is forgiven!”
The people wept with gratitude, shouting:
“Lord Mengchang is our savior!”
When Feng returned and reported his actions, Mengchang Jun was furious:
“You spent my money on wine and meat – and burned my bonds? What did you bring back?”
Feng replied calmly:
“You said, ‘Buy what we lack.’ What you lacked was the people’s hearts. I bought them for you.”
Mengchang Jun, though stunned, bowed in respect:
“Sir, your vision surpasses mine!”
Exile and the First Burrow
In 299 BCE, King Zhaoxiang of Qin invited Mengchang Jun to serve as chancellor, even sending his own brother as a hostage to secure his trust. But once in Qin, Mengchang Jun was feared and slandered by Qin ministers. Moreover, they feared he had gained too much knowledge about Qin’s affairs, so they placed him under house arrest instead of setting him free.
Fortunately Mengchang Jun managed to escape from Qin through the legendary exploits of his retainers (including the most well-known “chicken-crowing” and “dog-stealing” tricks).
Back in Qi, King Min reinstated him. To drive a wedge between the King of Qi and Lord Mengchang, King Zhaoxiang of Qin secretly sent his trusted confidants to the state of Qi to spread rumors:
“The people of Qi know only Mengchang Jun, not their king. He will soon usurp the throne!”
Paranoid, King Min of Qi stripped him of office and banished him to Xuecheng (Xue City, the fiefdom inherited from his father).
His three thousand retainers vanished overnight – except Feng Xuan, who drove his chariot into exile.
As they neared Xuecheng, crowds lined the road – bringing chickens, wine, and tears of welcome. Mengchang Jun turned to Feng and wept:
“This is the ‘people’s hearts’ you bought me!”
Building the Second and Third Burrows
Responded Feng Xuan,
“What is this small effort worth? Now, the only place where you can live in peace is this city of Xue. As the saying goes, ‘A cunning rabbit has three burrows.’ You must have at least three secure places to truly feel at ease. If you could lend me these carriages and horses to make a trip to Qin, I can surely persuade the King of Qi to restore your position and increase your salary. By then, you will be welcomed in Xue, Xianyang, and Linzi – three places in total. “
He proposed a bold plan:
- Secure favor in Qin – making Mengchang Jun valuable to Qin.
- Trigger panic in Qi – forcing King Min to reappoint him preemptively.
Feng traveled to Xianyang of Qin and told King Zhaoxiang:
“Nowadays, all talented individuals in the world either align themselves with Qin or with Qi. Those who come to Qin wish to see Qin grow strong and Qi weaken, while those who go to Qi desire Qi’s strength and Qin’s decline. It is clear that in this era, the one who will dominate the world is either Qin or Qi. These two great states are irreconcilably opposed.”
After hearing his words, King Zhaoxiang of Qin respectfully said,
“What brilliant strategy does the gentleman have to make Qin stronger? Please enlighten me!”
Feng Xuan replied, “Has Your Majesty heard that Qi has dismissed Lord Mengchang from his post?”
The King of Qin pretended to be unaware and said,
“I have heard something about it, but the details are unclear.”
Feng Xuan continued,
“Qi’s current standing in the world is entirely due to Lord Mengchang. Now, having heard rumors, the King of Qi has stripped him of his official position and taken back his prime minister’s seal. Since the King of Qi has repaid Lord Mengchang’s kindness with ingratitude, Lord Mengchang naturally resents him. Your Majesty should take advantage of this resentment and invite him here promptly. If he can serve you, why worry that Qi will not submit? Once Qi submits, the world will belong to Qin. Your Majesty must send someone with carriages, horses, and gifts to invite him without delay -there is still time. If the King of Qi changes his mind and reinstates him as prime minister, Qi will once again contend with Qin for supremacy.”
At that time, it so happened that Qin’s old prime minister had just died, and King Zhaoxiang of Qin was in need of capable assistants.
Convinced, Qin dispatched ten carriages and 100 jin of gold to fetch Mengchang Jun as chancellor.
But Feng raced ahead to Linzi, warning King Min of Qi:
“Qin is sending envoys to make Mengchang Jun their chancellor! If he rules Qin, Linzi and Jimo are doomed!”
Terrified, King Min immediately sent his trusted confidants to the border to investigate the movements of Qin. Upon reaching the frontier, the envoy immediately spotted Qin’s carriages and horses approaching from the other side. He rushed back report to King Min of Qi who promptly ordered Feng Xuan to bring Lord Mengchang back to the capital and restored Mengchang Jun’s title and additionally granted him a thousand-household fief.
By the time the Qin envoy arrived in Xue city, Lord Mengchang (Mengchang Jun) had already been reinstated to his former position. The Qin envoy made the journey for nothing, so they returned empty-handed. And King Zhaoxiang of Qin could only blame himself for acting one step too late.
Thus, Feng Xuan secured three safe havens:
- Xuecheng (his fief, loved by the people),
- Linzi (his restored court position),
- Xianyang (his value as a pawn between superpowers).
Legacy of Strategy and Loyalty
Feng Xuan’s brilliance lay not in force, but in psychological and geopolitical manipulation. He turned debt into devotion, exile into leverage, and rumor into restoration.
Mengchang Jun, though criticized for exploiting peasants to fund his patronage, became a symbol of Warring States-era statecraft – where loyalty, reputation, and timing mattered more than armies.
And the phrase “a cunning hare has three burrows” entered Chinese idiom forever – a timeless lesson in risk diversification and strategic foresight.
Note
Mengchang Jun (Lord Mengchang, Tian Wen)
One of the Four Lords of the Warring States – a noble of Qi famous for supporting thousands of retainers. He was dismissed and later restored thanks to Feng Xuan’s strategy.
Feng Xuan
A clever retainer who served Mengchang Jun. He planned the “three burrows” to ensure his lord’s long-term safety.
King Min of Qi
Ruler of Qi who distrusted Mengchang Jun and removed him from office.
King Zhaoxiang of Qin
Powerful king of Qin who wanted to recruit Mengchang Jun as his chancellor.
Four Lords of the Warring States
Four most influential nobles in the Warring States period, known for attracting talent and balancing state power.
Retainers (Counselors/Followers)
Talented people who served nobles in exchange for food, shelter, and status – a key social group in ancient China.
Debt Bond Burning
Feng Xuan’s bold act to cancel peasants’ debts and win popular support for Mengchang Jun.
A Cunning Hare Has Three Burrows
A classic Chinese idiom meaning: A wise person prepares multiple safe places or plans to avoid danger.
The Three Burrows (Strategic Safeguards)
- Xue City
His personal fiefdom, where people deeply supported him after debts were forgiven. - Restored Position in Qi
King Min reappointed him to keep him away from Qin. - Value to Qin
Qin wanted to hire him, making him irreplaceable to both great powers.
Burn bonds, buy hearts
Feng Xuan’s tactic: giving up money to gain loyalty.
Three burrows for safety
The origin of the idiom about strategic backup plans.
Talent wins over power
A retainer’s wisdom saved his lord’s career and life.
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