chinese geography

King Goujian's Perseverance

King Goujian's Perseverance

At the end of the Spring and Autumn Period, when the states in the Central Plains were embroiled in unrelenting wars, a desperate feud broke out between the Wu and Yue states along the lower reaches of the Yangtze River. It all began with Yue's triumph over Wu in a battle, in which King Helü of Wu was slain. His successor King Fuchai vowed to take revenge, and succeeded years later when he conquered Yue and captured King Goujian. Goujian was forced to remain in Wu, suffering great humiliation, for three years before he was allowed to return home.
King Goujian's Perseverance

After returning to Yue, Goujian was committed to revitalizing his state through painstaking effort. He chose to live in harsh conditions in order to strengthen his resolve. At night, he slept on straw on the ground. Before having a meal, he would taste the gall hanging in his room, so that he would not forget his humiliations. He worked personally on the farm, while asking his wife to weave cloth at home, thereby setting an example for Yue people to work hard to boost the state's economy and its revenue. Within a few years, the state embarked on a road to prosperity. However, in order not to arouse the suspicion of King Fuchai, Goujian continued to send envoys to frequently pay tribute to him.

In 482 BC, Fuchai and the kings ofthe Jin and Lu states met to form an alliance in Huangchi (southwest of present-day Fengqiu, Henan Province). Seizing this opportunity, Goujian led a 50,000-strong army to invade Wu. After three days of fierce battle, Yue troops seized Wu's capital and captured alive the crown prince. Hearing that his kingdom was under attack, Fuchai hastened back with his troops and sent envoys to make peace with Yue. Goujian soon pulled out his army, as he believed that Wu, still a powerful state, was unlikely to collapse easily. Four years later, Goujian launched another assault. This time, he forced Fuchai to commit suicide in Yangshang (west of today's Wuxian County, Jiangsu Province), which was besieged by Yue troops.

After seizing Wu, Goujian led his army northward across the Huaihe River. He summoned the rulers of Qi, Jin, Song and Lu states to meet in Shudi (south of today's Yingxian County, Shandong Province), where they formed an alliance. After gaining recognition from the king of the Zhou Dynasty as leader of the regional lords, Goujian became the last overlord in the Spring and Autumn Period.

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#Posted on Wednesday, 27 February 2013 at 8:38 PM

Strategist Sun Wu and the Art of War-Ending

Strategist Sun Wu and the Art of War-Ending

Another contingent of Wu traveled hundreds of kilometers up the Huaishui River to besiege Xuan (today's Huangchun County, Henan Province), an important city of Chu, pretending that it planned to capture the city. However, they quickly retreated, as soon as Chu forces came to its rescue from a long way away.

Strategist Sun Wu and the Art of War-Ending

The forces of Chu became so exhausted as result of the frequent, tiring deployments that their combat capacity drastically declined. Believing the time was ripe for the final attack, Sun dispatched the well-prepared main force to quickly charge toward the enemy, to secure a great victory.

Sun Wu systematically elaborated his military strategies in his book The Art of War, China's oldest and best-known work on military studies. The book consists of 13 chapters, namely "Laying Plans," "Waging War," "Attack by Stratagem" "Tactical Dispositions," "Energy," "Weak and Strong Points," "Maneuvering," "Variation in Tactics," "The Army on the March," "Terrain," "The Nine Situations," "Attack by Fire" and "The Use of Spies." In this 6,000-character treatise, in addition to his insightful analysis of different wars, Sun uncovered certain universal laws of warfare. He argued that "moral laws" was the primary factor governing the art of war. He also underscored the need for a commander to be familiar with both his own army and the enemy, putting forward a universally acknowledged military rule: "If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the results of a hundred battles."

The Art of War goes down in the history of ancient Chinese military affairs as an invaluable masterpiece. Its author Sun Wu is thus considered the "All-time Sage of Military Studies."

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#Posted on Tuesday, 26 February 2013 at 8:57 PM

Strategist Sun Wu and the Art of War-Sequel І

Strategist Sun Wu and the Art of War-Sequel І

Sun Wu (also known honorifically as Sun Zi), the famous military theorist of the late Spring and Autumn Period, was born in the State of Qi. He later traveled to the State of Wu and was employed by King Helü. As the state gained ever greater sway and the king's grip on power further strengthened, Helü became plagued by ambitions to expand his influence abroad and seek hegemony. But he was fully aware that he must first conquer the powerful Chu State before his dream could come true.

Strategist Sun Wu and the Art of War-Sequel І

When Sun Wu arrived in Wu, Helü received him on the recommendation of Prime Minister Wu Zixu. Doubtful about his abilities, the king asked him to conduct military training for the court ladies. Sun grouped the ladies into two teams, each headed by a favorite concubine of Helü. After giving his instructions, he ordered the ladies to start training. However, they refused to follow his orders despite repeated injunctions. He then ordered the two team leaders to be executed and appointed two new ones in their place. In the end, he succeeded in turning the delicate, pampered court ladies into well-disciplined fighters.

Although he had lost two favorite concubines, King Helü became convinced that Sun was a gifted commander. He appointed him as the general of the Wu State, charging him with duties essential to the state and its military.

In the autumn of 511 BC, Wu launched an assault against Chu. This campaign gave practical meaning to the words from The Art of War, "Attack him where he is unprepared, appear where you are not expected." Sun first deployed a contingent in Yicheng (southeast of today's Boxian County, Anhui Province). When Chu forces marched toward the city to wage major battle, Wu troops crossed the Huaishui River to the Qian (southeast of today's Huoxian County, Anhui Province) - Liu region (today's Liu'an City, Anhui Province). The troops withdrew again before Chu reinforcements arrived in the region.

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#Posted on Tuesday, 26 February 2013 at 8:54 PM

King Zhuangwang from Inactive Regent to Overlord-Ending

King Zhuangwang from Inactive Regent to Overlord-Ending

He set about improving domestic governance by employing capable politicians. While carrying out political reforms, the king recruited more troops and rigorously trained them to prepare for a major attack against Jin to avenge its defeat in Chengpu.

From the third year, when Zhuangwang took the throne, Chu won successive victories over the Yong and Song states as well as the Rong tribe. He also viewed troops along the border with the region directly administered by the king of the Zhou Dynasty. King Dingwang became so frightened by this show of military might that he sent Wangsun Man, one of his ministers, to pay tribute to Zhuangwang.

King Zhuangwang from Inactive Regent to Overlord-Ending

When meeting the envoy, the first thing Zhuangwang asked about was how heavy were the nine tripods, huge bronze containers in the imperial ancestral temple. As nine tripods were deemed a symbol of supreme power, inquiring about their weight inferred a challenge to the king's authority. These aggressive moves boosted Chu's influence and prestige.

Several years later, Zhuangwang finally commanded his troops northward to assault Jin in defiance of its dominance. A decisive battle broke out between the two states in Bicheng. Given the lack of consensus among its squabbling commanding officers, the elite force of Jin, which boasted 600 chariots, was eliminated almost overnight. By this time, King Zhuangwang, who had maintained low profile over three years, had risen to prominence, becoming an overlord after Duke Huangong of Qi, Duke Wengong of Jin and Duke Mugong of Qin.

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#Posted on Monday, 25 February 2013 at 8:27 PM

King Zhuangwang from Inactive Regent to Overlord-Sequel І

King Zhuangwang from Inactive Regent to Overlord-Sequel

In an attempt to dominate China's Central Plains, Duke Wengong of Jin waged an attack against Chu in Chengpu (southwest of today's Juancheng, Shandong Province, or near Chenliu, Henan Province). Defeated in battle, Chu was temporarily deprived of the chance to seek dominance.
King Zhuangwang from Inactive Regent to Overlord-Sequel І

King Zhuangwang took over the reins of Chu after King Muwang died. While the state was preoccupied with mouming its late king, Jin summoned the regional rulers to a meeting to form a new alliance. Later, it regained influence over states such as Chen and Zheng, which the Chu State had won over. Outraged top officials in Chu vowed to fight a duel with Jin. But King Zhuangwang remained totally indifferent.

One day, Wu Ju, a senior minister, called upon the king with a riddle. "I have come to request Your Majesty's assistance to explain something that has puzzled me for a long time," he said. "There is a giant, colorful pheasant in the capital of Chu. Strangely, the bird has been inactive and silent for exactly three years. Nobody in the court knows the reason. May I venture to ask you what kind of bird it is?"

Knowing well what Wu was actually speaking of, Zhuangwang replied: "I have the answer. The bird is far from ordinary. Despite its inactivity over the past three years, it will soar high up to the skies once it takes a leap. Despite its silence over the past three years, it will impress everyone with its melodious singing once it opens its mouth. Just wait and see!"

Wu understood the king and departed happily. As expected, Zhuangwang had his orchestra disbanded and dancing girls dismissed, resolving to succeed in his political career.

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#Posted on Monday, 25 February 2013 at 8:24 PM

Chong'er Ascends the Throne after 50 Years of Exile

Chong'er Ascends the Throne after 50 Years of Exile

In the rivalry for domination during the Spring and Autumn Period, Duke Wengong of the Jin State was the true successor of Duke Huangong of Qi as an overlord. Wengong, named Chong'er, was a son of Duke Xiangong of Jin.

When the queen died, Xiangong made his favorite concubine Liji the new queen. In a bid to crown her son Xiqi, Liji managed to kill the crown prince Shensheng and also attempted to murder Chong'er and Yiwu. The two princes were forced into exile. After Xiangong died, Yiwu returned and assumed power in 650 BC, calling himself Duke Huigong. Fearing that Chong'er would challenge his dukedom, Huigong sent his men to slay him.

Chong'er had been in exile in the Di State for some twelve years after leaving Jin. He had with him many of the top intellects of Jin, such as Hu Mao, Hu Yan, Zhao Cui and Jie Zitui. On hearing that Chong'er was being pursued by murderers, the father of Hu Mao and Hu Yan immediately warned him. Chong'er fled to Qi as soon as he received this report.

As soon as he arrived, Duke Huangong sent envoys to greet him. The duke treated him generously. He even married a beautiful girl named Qijiang to him. The grateful Chong'er stayed in Qi for seven years. He did not leave the state until 643 BC, when Qi started to decline with the death of Huangong. Chong'er then sought refuge in the Cao State and later found himselfin the Song State.

Unfortunately, Song, which had yet to recover from a defeat by the Chu State not long before, was unable to help him. He continued his journey seeking refuge, arriving in Chu, where King Chengwang received him as a head of state.

When Duke Mugong of the Qin State sent for him in Chu, Chong'er decided to go to Qin, since he believed that the powerful state might help him return to Jin. Mugong was so kind to him that he remarried his daughter Huaiying to him. In 636 BC a formidable force from Qin escorted Chong'er to the Yellow River, which served as the boundary between Qin and Jin. Dwarfed by their enemies, the Jin soldiers surrendered quickly. Duke Huaigong was killed shortly after he fled from the capital city. Chong'er became the duke of Jin with the support of all top civil and military officers.

Chong'er, who started his exile at the age of 13, did not ascend the throne until he was 62. During the long period of exile, he and his followers had wrought strong character while broadening their vision and political wisdom. As a duke, he underscored the importance of improving domestic governance, developing the economy and restoring public confidence. As Jin rose to prosperity, Chong'er turned himselfinto another overlord in the Spring and Autumn Period.

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#Posted on Sunday, 24 February 2013 at 9:19 PM

Duke Huangong Promotes a Former Enemy-Ending

Duke Huangong Promotes a Former Enemy-Ending

At first, Guan Zhong suggested to Huangong that he should be friendly with neighboring states, pursue development at home before branching out, and bide his time. Unfortunately, Huangong ignored him. The duke launched a reckless attack against the State ofLu the following year, and was defeated in the battle of Changshao.

Duke Huangong Promotes a Former Enemy-Ending

After the defeat, Guan Zhong initiated a series of reforms with a view to elevating the people, enriching the state and strengthening its military force. Due to the reforms, the Qi State rose rapidly. He then put forward a strategy that he believed would help Huangong gain dominance over China's Central Plains: "Respect the King, and resist the barbarians."

In this slogan, the "King" referred to the king of the Zhou Dynasty. At a time when tributary states continuously battled each other under a powerless central government, Guan Zhong believed that Huangong would be able to take the moral high ground by recognizing the king's authority and to head the alliance of states in the name of the king. "The barbarians" referred to the Di and Rong people in north China. Taking advantage of the chaos, these peoples frequently beleaguered the Central Plains, posing a severe threat to all states. If he took the initiative in fighting 'the barbarians," Huangong would gain the respect of other states, according to Guan Zhong.

In 652 BC, or the 34th year of the reign of Duke Huangong, King Huiwang of Zhou died. Huangong, together with other regional lords, enthroned Prince Zheng, who was known as King Xiangwang. When he took power, Xiangwang sent sacrificial meat to Huangong to honor his contribution. Huangong then summoned all the regional lords to a grand award presentation ceremony in Kuiqiu (near today's Kaocheng, Henan Province). At Guan Zhong's suggestion, these regional rulers signed a treaty, forming an alliance led by Duke Huangong.

By this time, Duke Huangong, as head of the alliance of states, had become the unchallenged overlord. All this would have been impossible without Guan Zhong. So he called this great aide, "Godfather," as a show of respect.

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#Posted on Sunday, 24 February 2013 at 9:10 PM

Duke Huangong Promotes a Former Enemy-Sequel І

Duke Huangong Promotes a Former Enemy-Sequel І

Guan Zhong (?-645BC) was a prominent statesman, strategist and military reformer in the Spring and Autumn Period. His given name was Yiwu, and Zhong was his style name. He was also known as Guan Jingzhong. Guan Zhong was a descendant of the Ji family, of the same origins as the ruling family of the Zhou Dynasty. With his remarkable wisdom, he helped Duke Huangong of the Qi State become the first overlord of the Spring and Autumn Period.
Duke Huangong Promotes a Former Enemy-Sequel І

Born to a poor family, Guan Zhong worked hard when he was young, gaining a good mastery of Chinese classics such as The Book of Songs and The Classic of History. He possessed graceful manners, a wide range of knowledge and excellent martial skills. He and his close friend Bao Shuya served as mentors for princes Jiu and Xiaobai respectively.

In 686 BC, or the 12th year ofthe reign of Duke Xianggong of Qi, the state was plunged into chaos when Gongsun Wuzhi seized the throne after assassinating the duke. After Gongsun was killed in the following year, the two princes, who had been in exile, vied to return to their country to ascend the throne. In an effort to help Jiu beat his rival, Guan ambushed Xiaobai on the way, and shot him. However, the arrow hit a bronze pendant on his clothing. By feigning death, Xiaobai arrived at the capital first and assumed power with the help of Bao Shuya. He was posthumously titled Duke Huangong of Qi, a powerful ruler in Chinese history.

After becoming duke, Huangong managed to kill Jiu. He was plotting to slaughter Guan Zhong to seek revenge, when Bao Shuya gave him some crucial counsel that he should forget the old grievance for the sake of the state. Bao insisted that Guan Zhong, a talented person, should be appointed to an important post in the court. Following his advice, Huangong invited Guan Zhong to Qi, and nominated him as prime minister, leaving the state in his hands. In this position, Guan Zhong made the most of his abilities.

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#Posted on Friday, 22 February 2013 at 8:31 PM

King Youwang Tricks Regional Lords-Ending

King Youwang Tricks Regional Lords-Ending

Youwang became so fond of Baosi that he made her the queen and her son the crown prince, after deposing Queen Shen and her son Prince Bofu. Upon learning this news, the queen's father, who ruled the fief of Shen, rose up in collaboration with Quanrong against the king. In 771 BC, Quanrong warriors besieged Haojing. The panicking king ordered fires lit at the signal towers. However, remembering the king's earlier dirty trick, no one came to his rescue. Sparsely defended, Haojing was soon overrun by invaders.

King Youwang Tricks Regional Lords-Ending

Youwang fled to the foot of Lishan Mountain, where he was killed. When they realized that the attack was real this time, the regional lords rushed to the capital, but it was too late. They had to negotiate with the lord of Shen and enthroned Yiju, son of Youwang, who was known as King Pingwang.

Pingwang moved the capital city to Luoyi(today's Luoyang, Henan Province), marking the end of the Western Zhou, and the beginning of the Eastern Zhou Dynasty (770-256 BC). The Eastern Zhou Dynasty was divided into the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC) and the Warring States Period (476-256 BC), during which feuding states contended with each other against the backdrop of a weak central authority.

The Spring and Autumn Period was characterized by unrelenting wars and drastic social changes. It was said that there were over 140 states at the beginning of this period. After years of battles and annexation, only a handful of powerful states survived. These major powers continued to fight against each other for dominance. The five regional rulers who eventually established dominance were known as the "Five Overlords of the Spring and Autumn Period."

One version of the list of Overlords is: Duke Huangong of the Qi State, Duke Xianggong of the Song State, Duke Wengong of the Jin State, Duke Mugong of the Qin State, and King Zhuangwang of the Chu State. Another version is: Duke Huangong of the Qi State, Duke Wengong of the Jin State, King Zhuangwang of the Chu State, King Helu of the Wu State, and King Goujian of the Yue State.

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#Posted on Friday, 22 February 2013 at 8:29 PM

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King Goujian's Perseverance

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Strategist Sun Wu and the Art of War-Ending

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Strategist Sun Wu and the Art of War-Sequel І

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King Zhuangwang from Inactive Regent to Overlord-Ending

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King Zhuangwang from Inactive Regent to Overlord-Sequel І

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Chong'er Ascends the Throne after 50 Years of Exile

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Duke Huangong Promotes a Former Enemy-Ending

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Duke Huangong Promotes a Former Enemy-Sequel І

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King Youwang Tricks Regional Lords-Ending

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