34 Dialogues and Writings Found in
Jin shu 1, “Annals of Sovereign Xuan”
[page #] [s.a. (sub anno) = Gregorian year]
[1.2] [s.a. 215]
While a participant in the campaign against Zhang Lu, His Majesty spoke to Lord Cao saying, “Liu Bei captured Liu Zhang with guile and force, but the men of Shu did not capitulate and continued to fight in distant Jingling. The opportunity before us must not be lost. Now, if you overwhelm and awe Hanzhong, Yi province will tremble under your might. Advance your troops close to them, and they will break and scatter. If we take advantage of this situation, it will be easy to achieve complete success. The sage does not act contrary to the times, nor does he miss his calling.”
Lord Cao said, “You people are insatiable. Having just obtained Longyou, you then want to seize Shu!” In the end, His Majesty’s council was not followed.
[1.2] [s.a. 216]
His Majesty next participated in the campaign against Sun Quan in which Quan was defeated by the Wei. When the Wei army returned, Quan sent an envoy to convey a plea for surrender. He submitted a memorial in which he referred to himself as a subject of the Wei and presented a discussion of the mandate of Heaven. Lord Cao said, “Does this lad wish to set me upon a flaming stove?” The response came, “The Han mandate has reached its end. Your Highness possesses nine tenths of the empire, and you have served it well. Sun Quan’s calling himself your subject accords with Heaven and man. Yu, Xia, Yin and Zhou were not ones who declined the throne out of humility, for they were awed by Heaven and knew the mandate.”
[1.2] [s.a. 216]
When he was transferred to the post of Army Major, he spoke to Lord Cao saying, “In the past, when the Viscount of Ji laid out his plans, food was his top priority. Now, there are likely more than two hundred thousand people in the state who are no longer actively farming. This will not suffice as a long term plan for governing the state. Although the implements of war have yet to be retired, it would be best to give our attention to agricultural cultivation as well as a strong defense.” Lord Cao agreed with this, and thereafter devoted more resources to agriculture and storing grain. The state treasury thus grew more prosperous and secure.
[1.3] [s.a. 216]
At that time, the Han emperor made his capital at Xuchang, but Lord Cao thought it was too close to the enemy, and therefore wanted to move it north of the Yellow river. His Majesty counciled against this saying, “Yu Jin and the others were overwhelmed by floodwaters, not by shortcomings in their ability to wage battle. There is nothing in the state’s grand strategy which has been put at risk. Yet if we move the capital, it will simply show weakness to our enemies, and the people of the Huai and Mian regions will fear for their lives. On the surface, Sun Quan and Liu Bei may appear to be close, but they are actually not. Guan Yu achieving his aim is what Quan does not want. If you could pursuade someone under Quan’s command to seize the rear of Guan Yu’s army, then the siege of Fan will be broken.” Lord Cao followed his advice. Consequently, Quan sent his General, Lü Meng, to proceed west and make a surprise attack at Gongan. He prevailed and subsequently captured Guan Yu.
[1.3] [s.a. 216]
Lord Cao considered that the remaining populace and the men in the military colonies along the Han river were too near to the “southern bandits,” and wanted to move all of them. His Majesty said, “The people of Chu are very capricious. They are easy to influence but difficult to pacify. Guan Yu has just been defeated, and the various malefactors in that area have hidden themselves or run away, and are waiting to see what will happen. Now if you move the trustworthy ones, you will destroy their faith in you, and those who have fled will not dare to come back.” His advice was followed, and soon all of those who had fled returned to their former occupations.
[1.3] [s.a. 220]
When Sun Quan led his troops on a campaign to the west, officials deliberating at court were of the opinion that since Fan and Xiangyang lacked an adequate supply of grain, they would not be able to hold off the invaders. At that time, Cao Ren was in command of the garrison at Xiangyang, so some court officials requested that Ren be summoned back to Wan. His Majesty said, “Sun Quan has just defeated Guan Yu. This is a time when he will want to consolidate his forces, he would certainly not dare to make trouble. Xiangyang is a hub of water and land, and thus is a vital strategic and defensive point. It must not be abandoned.” In the end, his counsel was not followed. Ren subsequently burned and abandoned the two cities, but Quan never did make his attack. Lord Wen regretted his decision.
[1.5] [s.a. 227]
His Majesty feared that Da would quickly muster his forces, so he sent the following letter to him explaining the situation: “General, in the past you turned away from Liu Bei and entrusted yourself to the state. The state then entrusted you with a border command, and assigned you the task of working against Shu. This is what may be called ‘piercing the white sun with one’s mind.’ Be they ignorant or be they wise, there is none in Shu who does not grind his teeth in anger against you. Zhuge Liang wants to destroy you, but is troubled in not finding a way to do so. What Guo Mo has said is by no means a small matter. Can Liang think so lightly of it and then order it divulged? I think this is easy to understand.”
Having received the letter, Meng Da was delighted but remained unresolved on the matter. His Majesty then secretly advanced his army in preparation for attack, but various of his Generals remarked that since Da had fraternized with both enemy states, it would be best to wait and see what happens before taking action. His Majesty said, “Da is neither trustworthy nor loyal [to any one side or the other]. This is a time when he is very distrustful and so, now that he is undecided [as to what action he will take], we should put an end to this quickly.”
[1.6] [s.a. 227]
At that time, many of the border commanderies which had recently become allied with the Wei were without household registers. The Wei court wanted to conceal the fact. His Majesty was directed to pay court at the capital, and the Son of Heaven consulted with him on this matter. His Majesty said, “The bandits have bound their subjects with a tight net, and these subjects have therefore abandoned them. It would be best to provide the space of a great net; then they would naturally be peaceful and happy.”
The Son of Heaven also asked that if it were appropriate to attack the two enemy states, which should be first? His Majesty responded as follows: “Wu is of the opinion that our state is unpracticed in naval warfare, and therefore has dared to settle in the Dongguan area. In attacking one’s enemy, one must choke their throat and pound their heart. Xiakou and Tongguan are the heart and throat of the enemy. If we form a land force to march toward Wan city, and force Sun Quan to the southeast, and if we form a naval force to go toward Xiakou, we can take advantage of their openness and attack them. This would be like divine troops descending from heaven--their defeat would be certain!”
[1.7] [s.a. 231]
Zhang Ge urged His Majesty to send a detachment to go to Yong prefecture and Mei kingdom to serve as a rear garrison. His Majesty said, “If you think that the advance army alone will be able to accomplish the task, then your suggestion is valid; otherwise, we have divided our forces into advance and rear guard, and it will be the same as when the Three Armies of Chu were captured by Qing Pu.” He then sent Ge’s force on to Yumi prefecture.
When Liang heard that the imperial forces had arrived, he personally led his troops and prepared to cut down all the wheat in Shanggui prefecture. Various of the [Wei] Generals were afraid, so His Majesty said, “Liang’s worries are many and his choices are few. He must stabilize his camp and fortify his position, after which he will begin cutting wheat. If we have two days’ forced march, it will be enough.” Thereupon, his armored troops marched day and night to get there.
Liang, seeing the soldiers’ dust, fled. His Majesty said, “Exerting ourselves in a forced march--this is what the knowledgeable military man seeks. Liang will not dare try to secure the Wei river. This will be easy to manage.”
[1.7] [s.a. 231]
At that time, the Army Commander, Du Xi, and the Superintendent of the Army, Xue Di, both said that when the wheat crops ripen in the following year, Liang would certainly make an incursion. As Longyou had no grain, they thought it would be best to move some there in advance of winter. His Majesty said, “Liang has twice invaded Qi mountain, and has attacked Chencang once, and after being bloodied and defeated, he retreated. If he continues to go out after that, he will not attack a city, but will seek a battle in open field. This will certainly be to the east of Long, not to its west. Liang often worries that his grain supplies will be too low, so if he returns [to his base] it certainly will be to gather up grain. The way I see it, he will not be able to mobilize his forces for three more years.”
[1.8] [s.a. 234]
Liang once again led his forces, numbering more than 100,000 men, out from Yegu. He then built ramparts on the plain south of the Wei river in Mei kingdom. The Son of Heaven grew concerned about this and dispatched the Army Superintendent Campaigning Against Shu, Qin Lang, at the head of 20,000 infantry and cavalry to bestow credentials upon His Majesty. Various of His Majesty’s Generals wanted to remain north of the Wei river to wait for them, but His Majesty said, “The bulk of men are south of the Wei. This is the place we must fight for.” He then led his army across the river, which he kept to his rear and built his own ramparts. He then addressed his Generals saying, “If Liang is brave, he will come out from Wugong, keep to the mountains, and move east. But if he proceeds west, and goes up to the Wuzhang plain, then our forces will have nthing to worry about.”
[1.8] [s.a. 234]
For several days, Liang did not move. His Majesty said, “Liang wants to fight for the plain and that is why he will not go toward Yangsui. This intention is clear.” He sent both General Hu Zun and the Governor of Yong province, Guo Huai, to reenforce Yangsui, and they came upon Liang at Jishi. Drawing up to the plain, they engaged in battle; but Liang was unable to make any progress, and so he returned to Wuzhang plain.
[1.8] [s.a. 234]
His Majesty’s younger brother, Fu, sent him a letter asking about the military situation. His Majesty wrote back saying, “Liang’s will is great, but he has no openings. He has many plans but makes few decisions; and he is fond of campaigning, but has no strength. Although he has mobilized a hundred thousand troops, he has already fallen prey to my plans. His destruction is certain.”
[1.9] [s.a. 234]
For a whole day, His Majesty passed through the enemy camps and fortifications, observing what remained. He captured a huge cache of maps, documents, provisions and grain. His Majesty ascertained that Liang was indeed dead and said, “He was one of the empire’s extraordinary talents.” But Xin Pi felt that Liang’s death could still not be known for sure. His Majesty said, “What the military man considers important are: military texts, secret plans, troops and horses, and provisions and grain. He has now abandoned all of these things. Can a person rip out his five organs and still live? It is best to make a quick pursuit of the remaining forces.”
[1.9] [s.a. 234]
Pursuing the enemy to Qi’an, His Majesty learned that Liang had died and he immediately conducted an inquiry. At that time, the common people made the following saying about him: “Dead Zhuge has put to flight live Zhongda.” Upon hearing this, His Majesty laughed and said, “It is because I can well manage the living; I cannot very well manage the dead.”
Prior to this, when Liang’s envoy arrived, His Majesty asked him, “What are Lord Zhuge’s activities like, and how much rice does he eat?” The envoy replied, “Two or three sheng.” He next asked about government affairs, and the envoy said, “All punishments of twenty blows and above, he personally oversees.” Right after this, His Majesty told someone else, “As for Zhuge Kongming, can he last long?” In the end, it was as he said.
[1.10] [s.a. 236]
His Majesty replied, “To abandon his city-walls and take flight in advance, would be his best plan. To hold the Liao river and oppose the imperial army would be his next best plan. Sitting and holding Xiangping would simply result in his capture.”
The Son of Heaven said, “Which plan will he use?”
His Majesty replied, “Only the truly brilliant are able to make a profound estimate of others and themselves, and so give up something beforehand. But this is something he cannot do. Now, with our armies out on a distant campaign, it will be said that we cannot maintain [our assault] for long. He will certainly first resist us at the Liao river and then make a stand. This is a sub-standard plan.”
The Son of Heaven said, “How much time will it take there and back?”
His Majesty replied, “Going will take a hundred days, returning will take a hundred days, and attacking will take a hundred days; and sixty days taken for rest--one year should be sufficient.”
At that time, the Son of Heaven had ordered the extensive reconstruction of palaces and halls, to which he also added military conscription. The common people grew starving and haggard. As His Majesty was preparing to take to his war chariot, he made the following remonstration, “In the past, the Duke of Zhou laid out Luo city, and Xiao He built the Weiyang palace. At present, the palaces and halls are dilapidated, this is the responsibility of the officials. Yet, from the He River to the north, the common people are impoverished and in dire straits. There are campaigns throughout the provinces, so the situation dictates that the two cannot be simultaneously undertaken. It would be best to cut off palace business temporarily in order to attend to the urgencies of the times.”
[1.10] [s.a. 238]
[At one point] His Majesty heaved a great sigh and, moved by his disconsolate feelings, made the following song:
As Heaven and Earth open and unfold,
And the Sun and Moon redouble their radiance,
So have I chanced upon this opportunity
4 To exhaust my strength in a remote quarter.
I shall sweep away this mass of filth,
And, upon my return, pass through my native village.
I will awe and purify a myriad li,
8 And completely unify the Eight Wastes.
Announcing my completion, I shall retire to my home,
And await my fate at Wuyang.
[1.10-11] [s.a. 238]
One of his generals said, “Not attacking the enemy and [simply] setting up barriers, is not how we show our forces.” His Majesty said, “These rebels, with their strong encampments and high ramparts, wish to tire out our troops. If we attack them, we will be falling right into their trap. This is how Wang Yi met with humiliation when moving through Kunyang. The ancients said, ‘Although the enemy may have high ramparts, he has no choice but to meet us in battle. Attack the place which they must certainly go to aid.’ Since the bulk of the rebels are here, their base must be empty. If we proceed directly to Xiangping, they are sure to be frightened; and in fear they will give us battle, and we are certain to destroy them.”
He then deployed his troops in line of march and moved onward. The rebels, seeing the troops coming out behind them, turned to engage. His Majesty addressed his various Generals, “The reason I did not attack their encampments is that I wanted to create just this [sort of opportunity]. We must not lose it.”
[1.11] [s.a. 238]
The rebels, relying on the floods, freely went about their wood gathering and animal grazing. Various of His Majesty’s Generals wanted to seize them, but His Majesty would not hear of it. One of his Majors, Chen Gui, said, “In the past, when you attacked Shangyong, eight detachments advanced simultaneously without resting day or night; and within half a week, you were able to overcome the strong walls and behead Meng Da. At present, we have come from far away and you choose to procrastinate. Ignorant as I am, I am confused by this.”
His Majesty said, “Meng Da’s men were few in number, but he had enough food for a year. Our commanders and soldiers were four times the number as Meng Da’s, but our provisions would not have lasted a month. In planning one month against one year, how could I not make haste? Striking with four against one, even if I lost half, it was still worth doing. Therefore I could not take into account the number of dead and wounded; I was contending against provisions. Now, the rebels are numerous and we are few; but they are starving and we are full. With these rains and floodwaters, we cannot make use of our attacking force. Even though we should hasten the campaign, what can be done? Since leaving the imperial capital, I have not been concerned about the rebels attacking, but have been afraid that they might flee. Now, the rebels’ provisions are nearly used up, but our siegeworks are not yet complete. If we plunder their horses and oxen, and seize their gathered firewood, this will prompt them to flee. War is an art of deception; one must be skilled at drawing upon changing situations. The rebels are relying upon their numbers and depending upon the rains; therefore even though they are starving and constrained, they are not yet willing to concede defeat. We must show a lack of ability in order to lull them; for seeking a small victory simply to unsettle them is no plan.”
[1.12] [s.a. 238]
His Majesty sent the following dispatch to Yuan: “In the past, Chu and Zheng were both great states, yet the Earl of Zheng still greeted the Viscount of Chu with bared flesh leading a sheep. I am one of the Emperor’s men, and one of his High Excellencies; yet Jian and others wanted me to lift the siege, withdraw and stand down. Are you and I to be regarded as Chu and Zheng? These two men of yours were old dotards who clearly transmitted your words but not your intentions, and so I have already beheaded them both. If you still have some ideas you wish to convey, then you may dispatch someone to me who is younger and possessed of a bright and discerning mind.”
[1.12] [s.a. 238]
Yuan then dispatched his Palace Attendant, Wei Yan, to beg that they might set a day for sending a hostage. His Majesty addressed Yan saying, “There are five essential points in military affairs. If one is able to fight, then he must fight. If one is not able to fight, then he must maintain a defense. If one is not able to maintain a defense, then he must flee. The other two acts are only surrender and death. If you are not willing to make yourself a bound prisoner, then it seems that you have chosen death. There is no need to send a hostage.”
[1.12] [s.a. 238]
Initially, Yuan had usurped his uncle’s [Gongsun Gong] position, and threw him in prison. When he was about to rise in rebellion, his Generals, Lun Zhi, Jia Fan, and others bitterly remonstrated with him, but Yuan had them all killed. His Majesty thus released Gong from his imprisonment, erected grave mounds for Zhi and the others, and gave recognition to their posterity. [His Majesty then issued] the following directive: “When the ancients undertook a punitive campaign against a state, only the arch criminals were put to death. As for all of those whom Yuan misled and deceived, let them be pardoned. As for those residents of the Central States who wish to return to their former villages, it shall be permitted.”
At that time, the troops were freezing cold and begged for padded coats, but His Majesty would not give them any. Someone said, “Fortunately, there are many padded coats, and you can give them out.” His Majesty said, “Padded coats are the property of the state; officials cannot privately distribute them.” He then memorialized that soldiers aged sixty years and above would be discharged from service and thus more than a thousand men would be sent home. He also mentioned that commanders, officers and military dependents who had died would be returned home for proper burial. He then returned with the army.
[1.14] [s.a. 241]
His Majesty said, “The cities near the border are subjected to the enemy, while we sit here in safety amidst the ancestral halls and temples. The borderlands are in a state of unrest, and there is doubt and apprehension in the hearts of the people. These [matters] should be the chief concern of the state.”
[1.14] [s.a. 242]
His Majesty regularly admonished his sons and brothers saying, “Sumptuous fullness, this is what the Taoists shun. The four seasons will still make their changes, so what virtue do we have for such a thing? Cast it off, and cast it off again, until you are able to rid yourselves of it!”
[1.15] [s.a. 242]
His Majesty said, “The enemy’s strength lies in naval warfare. Now we should attack their cities, in order to observe their reaction. If they choose to rely on their strength, they will abandon the cities and flee. This is the so-called “victory [calculated beforehand in the] ancestral temple. If they dare to make a firm stand, the lakes and the rivers, being shallow in the winter, will make it impossible for boats to travel. With such a situation, they must abandon the waterways and help one another. So from their shortcomings will come our victory.”
[1.16] [s.a. 246]
His Majesty said, “This is not so. If you put something in a safe place, it will be safe. If you put it in a dangerous place, it will be endangered. Therefore the military texts say, ‘Victory and defeat are due to conditions; security and peril are due to circumstances.’ Conditions and circumstances are fundamental to controlling the masses; [therefore] one must look into them. Suppose the enemy, with 20,000 men, cut off the Mian river, and 30,000 men support the various armies south of the Mian. 10,000 men in disorder would reach Zhazhong, and how could we help them?”
Shuang did not follow his advice, and in the end ordered them to return to the south. The enemy consequently attacked and destroyed Zhazhong. Those lost were estimated to be in the tens of thousands.
[1.17] [s.a. 248]
His Majesty made his voice barely audible and said, “I am very old and deeply ill; my death will come at any time. You are now going to govern Bing province. Bing province is close to the northern barbarians, so you must be prepared. I fear that we will not see one another again. As for my sons Shi and Zhao, and my brothers, I entrust them to you.”
Sheng said, “I am returning to my home province, not Bing province.”
His Majesty garbled his words and said, “You are going to Bing province.”
Sheng again said, “I’m going home to Jing province.”
His Majesty said, “I’m very old and can’t think clearly. I didn’t understand what you said. Now you are returning to your home province. [May you display your] great virtue and robust ardor, and establish great exploits and meritorious achievements!”
[1.17] [s.a. 249]
The Grand Minister of Agriculture, Huan Fan, went out after Cao Shuang. Jiang Ji spoke to His Majesty saying, “The ‘Bag of Knowledge’ has departed.” His Majesty replied, “Fundamentally, Shuang is not on close terms with Fan, nor does Shuang’s knowledge approach his. As Shuang is an old nag who loves only stable beans, he will certainly find Fan of no use.”
[1.17-18] [s.a. 249]
His Majesty personally led the Grand Commandant, Jiang Ji, and others to marshal their troops out to greet the Son of Heaven. They stationed themselves at the floating bridge on the Luo River where His Majesty submitted the following memorial to the Emperor:
The late Emperor commanded Your Highness, along with the King of Qin and me to step up to the imperial chaise. There he took me by the arm and said, “I have been deeply pondering matters of the future.”
Now the General in Chief, Shuang, has turned his back on the testamentary command, and has brought destruction and chaos to the institutes of the state. Within, he has been haughty and scheming; and without, he has arrogated majesty and power to himself. Among the host of officials and important offices, he has in all cases establis hed his close associates; while the imperial palace guards and former officials who have served [Your Majesty] for years have all been dismissed from office. The members of his party are firmly rooted and inextricably entangled, and their unrestrained licentiousness has grown more extreme each day.
Furthermore, he has made the Yellow Gateman, Zhang Dang, “Metropolitan Superintendent” who thereby monopolizes access to the throne, and closely spies upon the Sacred Vessels. The empire resounds with a dolorous din, and the people are filled with trepidation and fear. Your Majesty has made the throne a ‘sojourner’s seat’; how will we achieve prolonged stability? This kind of situation violates the original intent of the late Emperor when he com manded Your Highness and me to step up to the imperial chaise. Al though I am old and decrepit, I dare not forget his words.
In the past, Zhao Gao carried out his extreme intentions, and the Qin consequently perished. But when the Lü and Huo were cut off early, the blessings of the Han long endured. These are examples from the past for Your Highness--ones which demonstrate that the time has come for me to act.
The excellencies, ministers and the host of officials all consider Shuang to have a heart which knows no sovereign, and they also feel that his brothers should not be in command of the troops and palace guards. I have petitioned the Empress Dowager, and she has commanded me to act in accordance with my petition.
I have therefore gone ahead and ordered the presiding officers and the Prefect of the Yellow Gatemen to relieve Shuang, Xi, and Shun of their officers and troops, and to send them each to his residence with their original office or with the rank of Marquis. They shall not be allowed to linger or detain the Imperial Entourage, and if they should dare to do so, then the matter will be dealt with in accordance with military law. Therefore, in spite of my ailments, I have led my troops out to the floating bridge on the Lu river where I shall keep watch for any irregularities.
[1.18] [s.a. 249]
Initially, one of Shuang’s Majors, a certain Lu Zhi, and one of his Masters of Records, a certain Yang Zong, had broken through a city gate and fled to Shuang. At the point when Shuang was about to confess his crimes, Zhi and Zong tearfully remonstrated with him saying, “Your Lordship occupies the position held in the past by Yi Yin and the Duke of Zhou. You control the Son of Heaven himself, and hold imperial power within your grasp. Who would dare not obey you? You would abandon all of this and willingly go to the eastern market?! How truly sad this is!” An official memorialized that Zhi and Zong should be taken into custody and punished for their crimes, but His Majesty pardoned them saying, “I have done this to encourage those who would serve their lord.”
[1.19] [s.a. 251]
Summer, fourth month [8 May-5 Jun]. His Majesty personally led the Central Army on campaign. They boarded ships and traveled down river for nine days until they reached Gancheng. Ling had no way to put his plan into action, and therefore met His Majesty at Qiutou. With head bowed and hands tied, he met him at the river’s edge and said, “If I have committed some crime, Your Excellency ought to have summoned me by means of a split tally. Why did you bother to come yourself?” His Majesty replied, “It is because you are not of such a position that one must summon you with a split tally.” He then returned with Ling toward the imperial capital.
***
© 2010 Tony Fairbank
