Mar. 6th, 2009

ximen: (Default)
This one has one of my favorite lines, the one describing Qin. It also has a lot of proper names.

Important stuff:
Qin, a big strong aggressive state to the west. Qin eventually conquered all the others (in the first unification of China, around 220 BC).
Chu Liji (aka Ji), a military commander for Qin.
Zhou, a state that is small and weak, but also the most prestigious of all the warring states, because it used to rule as the Zhou dynasty
Chu, another strong state, to the south
You Teng, one of those advisor guys (often called "persuaders"), this time for Zhou
Zhi Bo, an infamous warlord. We'll hear more about him later.
Qiu You, a small state during the spring and autumn period
Duke Huan, a duke of Qi from the Spring and Autumn period
Cai, another state from the spring and autumn period

Qin ordered Chu Liji to enter Zhou with a hundred chariots. The lord of Zhou welcomed them with foot soldiers, and was extremely respectful. The king of Chu was angry, and admonished Zhou for treating the Qin like important guests. You Teng addressed the king of Chu on behalf of the lord of Wei, saying, "In the past, Zhi Bo wanted to attack Qiu You, so he presented them with a great bell. He sent the bell on a broad cart, and in this way brought in soldiers. Qiu You's foot soldiers perished, all because they were unprepared. When Duke Huan attacked Cai, he first proclaimed that he would attack Chu, but he actually invaded Cai. Now, Qin is a country of tigers and wolves. It has the will to swallow Zhou, and sends a hundred chariots to enter Zhou, and the lord of Zhou is thus afraid. Taking Cai and Qiu You as cautionary tales, he thus has polearm soldiers in front, and strong crossbowmen in the rear. In name this is protecting Ji, but in truth it is imprisoning him. Now can you say the lord of Zhou does not love his country? He fears that even one day of destruction will worry your great majesty." The king of Chu was thus content.

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