Sun Tzu's Art of War and the Thirty-Six Stratagems

The King of Han hosted a grand banquet for the victorious Sun Bin and the generals of Han. His joy was evident in his expression. He raised his wine cup and said to everyone, "I have never been so proud in front of a great power. No words can express my feelings at this moment... Come, I toast to all of you."

The crowd raised their cups to thank King Han, and then drank them all in one gulp.

King Han said, "Although Pang Juan has been defeated, he will never be resigned to his fate. I still need to rely on you all to protect my country."

"Father, rest assured!" Crown Prince Han said with high spirits, "With me and the strategist here, let alone one Pang Juan, even two or three Pang Juans, they won't be able to take away an inch of your territory."

King Han nodded and said, "I believe that, but Wei is powerful after all and is threatening me at all times. You must not let your guard down."

Sun Bin spoke up, saying, "Your Majesty, to eliminate the threat from Wei, military force alone is not enough; we must also cultivate diplomacy and eliminate the enemy's threat through exchanges with other states."

The King of Han asked Sun Bin how he planned to wage war against Wei. Sun Bin replied, "Pang Juan has offended both the states of Chu and Qi. Your Majesty can send envoys to persuade the Kings of Chu and Qi to form an alliance with you to jointly deal with Wei. In this way, Your Majesty will not have to raise a single soldier, and Pang Juan will not dare to act rashly against you."

Shen, the physician, said he had previously associated with Shi Huang, a high-ranking official in the state of Chu, and volunteered to go to Chu. The King of Han agreed. The King of Han then asked the crowd who was willing to go to Qi, but no one responded immediately.

Sun Bin suggested, "Your Majesty, Zhongli's brother-in-law, Gongsun Yue, is a strategist for Prime Minister Zou of Qi. Zhongli also has dealings with General Tian Ji. She can shoulder Your Majesty's mission."

The King of Han then ordered Zhong Lichun to be sent as an envoy to the State of Qi.

Zhongli Chun disagreed with going to Qi, saying that no one would protect Sun Bin after she left. Sun Bin laughed and said, "I am now a trusted minister of the King of Han and the strategist of the Han army. Who would dare to harm me?"

Zhong Lichun remained silent in rebuttal, but still expressed her distrust of the Koreans.

Sun Bin then said solemnly, "Whether Qi can form an alliance with Han is extremely important. You know the character of the King of Chu; an alliance with Chu is unreliable. Qi is different. Qi's generals have always been hostile to Wei. If the King of Qi agrees to the alliance, they will sincerely help Han."

"Is it really necessary for you, sir, to go to such lengths for South Korea?"

"To gain a foothold in South Korea, one must do one's best."

"King Han is a weathervane who sways with the winds of powerful states. If a powerful state uses both soft and hard tactics, he is very likely to abandon you again."

"This cannot be entirely blamed on the King of Han. Han was located between the three powerful states of Qin, Wei, and Chu. In order to survive, it was inevitable that it would succumb to the influence of the powerful states."

"Since that's the case, it's unlikely that you'll achieve great things in Korea. You should return to Qi."

"I have also considered sending you back to Qi. When you meet General Tian Ji, ask him to find out the King of Qi's attitude, and then I will make further plans."

"If that's what you say, I'll agree to go to the State of Qi."

When King Hui of Wei heard that the King of Han planned to form an alliance with the states of Chu and Qi to jointly deal with Wei, he summoned Pang Juan to the palace to discuss countermeasures. Pang Juan said, "Your Majesty can send a skilled strategist as an envoy with jewels to the state of Chu. The King of Chu is ambitious and loves jewels. As long as the envoy honors the King of Chu as the leader of the seven states and presents the jewels, the King of Chu will not become your enemy."

King Hui of Wei then asked how to deal with the State of Qi. Pang Juan smiled and said, "Gongsun Yue sent a secret letter saying that the King of Qi is seriously ill and will not live much longer. I told him to find a way to create chaos in Qi, causing internal strife, and then force Qi to submit to us. Then we can focus all our efforts on dealing with the State of Han."

As Pang Juan had said, King Wei of Qi was indeed seriously ill and bedridden. He summoned Tian Ji and said weakly, "I may not live much longer... I deeply regret listening to slander and taking back your military power... I now return the military power to you... I hope you will assist the Crown Prince and revitalize the State of Qi again..." Before he could finish speaking, King Wei of Qi coughed violently, and the palace guards gently patted his back.

Tian Ji reassured King Wei of Qi, promising to do his utmost to assist the crown prince and revitalize the state of Qi.

King Wei of Qi then said, "I have one more regret, which is that I shouldn't have let Mr. Sun leave Qi... People get old and easily become confused... Send someone to tell Mr. Sun that I hope he will return..."

Tian Ji agreed to King Wei of Qi's request again.

King Qi Wei coughed a few times, and finally said, "You and Prime Minister Zou... are my right and left arms... Although the Prime Minister is narrow-minded... he is still very capable of governing the country... I hope that you can... put aside your past grievances... and live in harmony in the future..."

Tian Ji did not answer.

King Qi Wei sighed softly, "I am about to enter the ancestral temple... I hope you can grant my request..."

Tian Ji finally nodded.

King Wei of Qi then summoned his son, Crown Prince Bijiang, and his half-brother, Prince Jiaoshi. The king said to Bijiang, "Heaven has decreed my departure… Heaven's will cannot be defied… After my departure… you must govern the former king's state well… General Tian Ji is loyal to the country and a reliable man… Sun Bin is an invaluable military strategist; you must bring him back and entrust him with important responsibilities…"

With tears in his eyes, Pi Jiang agreed to each one.

When King Qi Wei spoke with Pi Jiang, Prince Jiao Shi felt extremely uncomfortable, believing himself to be the best heir to the throne.

King Wei of Qi passed away, and the entire state of Qi began to busy itself with the grand mourning and the succession of the crown prince. Gongsun Yue said to Zou Ji, "The crown prince has a very close relationship with Tian Ji, and the crown prince's succession will be very disadvantageous to the prime minister. We should find a way to let Prince Jiaoshi inherit the throne."

Zou Ji said, "It's too late now..."

"It's not too late. As long as the crown prince is eliminated, Jiao Shi can rightfully inherit the throne."

Zou Ji pondered for a moment, then shook his head and said, "No, it's too risky. If we fail to kill the crown prince, we'll only bring trouble upon ourselves."

Gongsun Yue said, "We shouldn't take any risks now. Once the Crown Prince ascends the throne and heavily relies on Tian Ji, the Prime Minister will lose his head."

Zou Ji remained silent.

Gongsun Yue said, "If it is inconvenient for the Prime Minister to come forward, I will."

Zou Ji disagreed, saying, "You are my strategist. Even if I don't show myself, others will suspect me."

Gongsun Yue said, "I will no longer be your advisor, and we will have no further contact... This way, others will not suspect the Prime Minister."

"No, Qi will fall into internal strife as a result, and enemy states will take advantage of the chaos."

Seeing that he could find no opportunity with Zou Ji, Gongsun Yue went to see Gongzi Jiaoshi. Gongzi Jiaoshi was in the Empress Dowager's palace at the time, using the example of Duke Huan of Qi seizing the throne before his brother Gongzi Jiu to persuade the Empress Dowager to allow him to inherit the throne. Upon hearing that Gongsun Yue was requesting an audience, he immediately rushed back to his palace to summon Gongsun Yue.

Jiao Shi smiled at Gongsun Yue and said, "Mr. Gongsun, even if you hadn't come, I would have sent someone to invite you."

Gongsun Yue said respectfully, "Young master, please don't ask. Just tell me what you need."

Have you heard about the succession of the late Duke Huan to the throne?

"I've heard of it."

"I want to be Duke Huan."

"Young master, if this gets out, you'll be beheaded!" Gongsun Yue feigned surprise.

"I'd rather die than not inherit the throne!"

"I'm not talking about the young master. The young master is the Empress Dowager's own son. As long as the Empress Dowager is alive, no one will dare to kill the young master. I'm worried about losing my head."

"I don't need Mr. Gongsun to intervene, I just need you to give me an idea."

Gongsun Yue feigned difficulty and said, "This matter is far too big..."

Jiao Shi sneered and said, "Mr. Gongsun, you already know my plans. If you don't give me some advice, I won't let you leave alive!"

Gongsun Yue's face showed fear, but he agreed to Jiao Shi's request. After thinking for a moment, he said to Jiao Shi, "The idea is actually very simple: get rid of the crown prince, and the prince can rightfully inherit the throne."

Jiao Shi paced a few steps and said, "Mr. Gongsun, I plan to make my move today. What do you think?"

"no."

"Why not?"

"You have no power to contend with the Crown Prince. If you fail to kill him, you will be killed by him instead."

"What do you suggest we do?"

Gongsun Yue said, "In the early stages, the prince should spare no expense to win people's hearts, then offer him official positions and promises, and build a large number of loyal followers inside and outside the court, and then find a way to get rid of the crown prince."

The suburban teacher agreed.

The young master Jiao Shi was actively seeking favors, making promises to officials, showering them with gifts, and recruiting a loyal following, which aroused the suspicion of Tian Ji and Qin Hua. Tian Ji wanted to mobilize the army of the Tian State General to protect the Crown Prince, but during the period of mourning, without any special circumstances, he could not mobilize a large force. Qin Hua lamented, "If only Miss Zhongli were here."

At the entrance of Linzi Street, a carriage drove by, carrying Zhong Lichun, who was dressed as a man and looked travel-worn. As the carriage passed by, it caught the attention of Gongsun Yue, who was on his way to the Prince's residence.

Upon arriving at the Prince's residence, Gongsun Yue was delighted to learn that the Prince had already contacted over a hundred loyal followers, all willing to risk their lives for him, including General Gao, who was guarding Linzi. The Prince asked, "Mr. Gongsun, what is the next step?"

Gongsun Yue pondered for a moment, then asked, "What does the Crown Prince like most?"

"Beauty."

"Do you have any beautiful women in your household?"

"...There is one."

How beautiful is she?

"Surpassing Xi Shi."

Do you like her?

"Without her by my side, I can't eat or sleep."

"You like her more than the throne?"

"No, I prefer the throne."

"Then let's trade the throne for beautiful women."

"Does Master Gongsun mean to send the beautiful woman to the Crown Prince?"

"right."

"During a great mourning period, beautiful women are not allowed to enter the palace."

"Invite the Crown Prince out, invite him to your residence to enjoy himself with beautiful women, and then..."

Jiao Shi understood Gongsun Yue's meaning.

Zhong Lichun arrived at Tian Ji's residence and met Tian Ji and Qin Hua, who were overjoyed. After exchanging pleasantries, Tian Ji inquired about Sun Bin's recent situation, and Zhong Lichun recounted their bittersweet experiences in Han, becoming tearful at the most poignant parts. Tian Ji and Qin Hua shared his sorrow. Zhong Lichun concluded, "Although you have rendered great service to Han, if any trouble arises, the King of Han might abandon you. Therefore, you asked me to probe the King's attitude, but unexpectedly, the King has entered the ancestral temple… I wonder what the Crown Prince's attitude is towards you?"

Tian Ji said, "The Crown Prince also hopes that Mr. Sun can return; the Crown Prince needs him."

"That's good. Mr. Sun said that if Qi needs him, he will return once Qi and Han successfully form an alliance."

"The alliance with South Korea will have to wait until the Crown Prince ascends the throne... But rest assured, the Crown Prince will definitely agree. An alliance with South Korea will also benefit Qi, especially now."

When will the Crown Prince ascend the throne?

"If we survive this crisis, in ten days..."

Zhong Lichun was taken aback and asked, "Judging from what the general is saying, it seems the Crown Prince is in trouble?"

Tian Ji nodded and said, "Someone wants to harm the Crown Prince."

When Gongsun Yue returned home, he was beaming with excitement. He told Zhong Liqiu that Zhong Lichun had returned. Zhong Liqiu didn't believe him. Gongsun Yue said, "It's true! I ran into her on the street. She was wearing official robes and had gone to General Tian's house."

Zhongli Qiu still found it hard to believe, so Gongsun Yue said, "If you don't believe me, go and see for yourself."

Zhong Liqiu missed her sister so much that she stood up and walked outside.

Gongsun Yue stopped her, telling her to dress up before going. Zhong Liqiu hurriedly went to the dressing table and started fixing her hair in front of the bronze mirror.

Gongsun Yue said from the side, "Tell General Tian that Gongzi Jiaoshi intends to harm the Crown Prince."

Zhongli Qiu asked curiously, "Who told you that?"

"The young master's servants...Young Master Jiaoshi plans to invite the Crown Prince to a banquet tonight, where he will secretly poison him."

"Is what the servants say credible?"

"I don't know either. You can ask General Tian to investigate."

Before Zhongli Qiu left, Gongsun Yue instructed him with a worried look: "Tell General Tian to keep this a secret. Don't say it was me who told him. If it gets to Gongzi Jiaoshi's ears, we can't bear the consequences... Also, tell General Tian that I only revealed this information to him at the risk of my life because of your sister."

After Zhongli Qiu left, Gongsun Yue proudly spun his son, Xiao Chunqiu, around in a circle and laughed, "Son, Qi is about to be thrown into chaos."

When Zhong Liqiu met her sister at the Tian residence, she told Zhong Lichun, Tian Ji, and Qin Hua what Gongsun Yue had said. Zhong Lichun said to Zhong Liqiu very seriously, "Sister, this is a matter of national importance, and there can be no lies."

Zhong Liqiu said, "Sister, you should know that I have never told you a lie since I was a child."

Qin Hua said to Zhong Liqiu, "Your sister wasn't talking about you; she's afraid Gongsun Yue is up to no good. Gongsun Yue has always been against General Tian. Jiao Shi's usurpation is detrimental to General Tian. Why would he tell General Tian Jiao Shi's secret?"

Zhong Liqiu replied, "He said that he only told me to tell you this news because of my sister. He wants to gradually eliminate my sister's resentment towards him."

Zhong Lichun snorted and said, "My resentment towards him will never be erased!"

Zhong Liqiu advised, "Sister, you don't have to forgive him, but you can't let your resentment towards him ruin national affairs. If you don't believe him, you can investigate."

Tian Ji said, "It's too late to investigate now."

Qin Hua said, "General, whether Gongsun Yue's words are true or false, we can use this to our advantage."

"How can we turn the tables on them?" Tian Ji asked.

Qin Hua glanced at Zhong Liqiu but did not answer.

Zhong Liqiu understood the meaning in Qin Hua's eyes. "Sister, General Tian, ​​Mr. Qin, you can discuss it yourselves. I'm leaving." She walked to the door, then turned back to Zhong Lichun and said, "Sister, I'll come see you again when I have time."

Looking at her younger sister who had come and gone in a hurry, a trace of melancholy flashed across Zhong Lichun's face.

Tian Ji said to Qin Huadao, "Tell me, how do you plan to turn the tables on them?"

Qin Hua said, "We will act first and report later. Using Gongsun Yue's information, we will secretly mobilize troops into the city as soon as it gets dark."

"If Gongsun Yue is lying, how will you explain yourself if the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince blame you?"

"Gongsun Yue reported false military information, and the Empress Dowager and the Crown Prince blamed him. Gongsun Yue was the one who was guilty."

Tian Ji agreed with Qin Hua's reasoning, and then asked Qin Hua whether the Crown Prince would still attend the banquet. Qin Hua replied, "Of course he will go. If the Crown Prince doesn't go, how will we know whether the Prince Jiao Shi truly intends to harm him?"

Tian Ji, worried about the crown prince's safety, said, "If it's true, wouldn't it be too dangerous for the crown prince to attend the banquet?"

Qin Hua smiled slightly: "Have Miss Zhongli lead some men to disguise themselves as palace guards and accompany the Crown Prince to the banquet. General, you can also send troops to ambush the surrounding area. If the enemy makes a move, capture them immediately."

Zhong Lichun, disguised as a palace guard, accompanied the Crown Prince to the Prince's residence in the suburbs. At the banquet, several beautiful women danced gracefully to music, with the lead dancer being particularly outstanding. Her figure was elegant and graceful, and her beautiful eyes were captivating and alluring. Crown Prince Pijiang, holding a wine cup, stared blankly at the beautiful woman.

Crown Prince Pijiang asked the tutor sitting beside him, "What's her name?"

The tutor replied, "Beautiful jade."

The prince exclaimed, "What a beautiful name! She is truly a gem!"

The prince's eyes were filled with desire as he stared intently at the gracefully dancing jade.

The tutor looked at the crown prince, a flash of hatred crossing his face. But the thought of the throne softened his gaze, and he asked the crown prince, "How is it, brother? Is my woman beautiful?"

"Beautiful, so beautiful..." the prince said to Jiao Shi with no small amount of envy, "Brother, to have such a beauty is enough for a lifetime."

The tutor whispered in the prince's ear, "Not only is the jade beautiful, but its kindness to people is also indescribable..."

The Crown Prince's gaze grew even more greedy, fixed intently on the beautiful jade. The tutor had said he could let the jade spend the night with his brother. This was exactly what the Crown Prince had hoped for. He whispered to the tutor, "Whatever you do, don't let the Empress Dowager find out..."

"Don't worry, no one will know." A hint of murderous intent, barely perceptible, lurked in the suburban master's smile.

As Prince Pijiang and Meiyu entered their boudoir, Jiao Shi's retainer informed him that General Gao had sent word that the Tian army had secretly advanced into Linzi. This greatly surprised Jiao Shi. The retainer asked, "General Gao asked whether we will make our move tonight?"

Jiao Shi gritted his teeth and said, "Attack! Kill Bi Jiang! No matter how many troops enter the city, they won't be able to do anything to me!"

After a passionate encounter with the Crown Prince, Meiyu nestled in his arms and asked him sweetly, "Your Highness, are you satisfied?"

The crown prince stroked the jade-like skin and nodded, saying, "Very satisfied..."

"I'm glad to satisfy the Crown Prince." Meiyu smiled shyly and then brought the Crown Prince a nourishing soup, urging him to drink it while it was hot.

The prince said to Meiyu, "My body doesn't need any tonics, you drink it."

"This is a tonic for men," Meiyu said shyly, "If the Crown Prince drinks it, he will enjoy himself even more tonight..."

The Crown Prince glanced at the blushing beauty, gladly accepted the soup, and was about to drink it when a figure flashed into the curtained room, took a few steps to the Crown Prince, and snatched the soup bowl from his hand. The person was none other than Zhong Lichun, disguised as a palace guard.

The crown prince stared blankly at Zhongli Chun and asked, "What...what do you want to do?"

Zhong Lichun said, "The soup is poisoned; you can't drink it."

The prince angrily retorted, "Nonsense! This is a nourishing soup that Meiyu specially prepared for me."

Zhong Lichun sneered, handed the bowl to Meiyu, and commanded, "Drink it, or I'll force-feed you!"

Meiyu knelt on the ground, tears streaming from her eyes, and pleaded, "Lord Palace Guard, I don't want to die..."

Zhong Lichun coldly replied, "If you don't want to die, speak up. Who authorized you to poison me? Was it Young Master Jiao?"

Just as Meiyu was about to speak, something suddenly flew in through the window and hit her on the head. Meiyu let out a soft groan and fell to the ground.

Fearing that the Crown Prince would be assassinated again, Zhong Lichun grabbed him and hurriedly left the bedroom.

A figure leaped in through the window; it was Gongsun Yue. He picked up the jade and jumped back out the window.

Just as Meiyu was attempting to poison the Crown Prince, General Gao's army began to surround the Crown Prince's residence. General Tian's army decisively defeated the rebel army led by General Gao and subsequently stormed the residence of Jiao Shi. After a chaotic battle, Jiao Shi's retainers were either killed or surrendered, but they did not find Prince Jiao Shi.

In the chaos of battle, Gongzi Jiaoshi had already been rescued from Linzi City by Gongsun Yue. Jiaoshi sighed, "I am truly unwilling to accept this; I was just one move short..."

"Don't be discouraged," Gongsun Yue comforted him, "Next time, Marshal Pang will help you make this move."

Jiao Shi bid farewell to Gongsun Yue and, with General Gao and his army, headed to the border of Wei to seek refuge with Pang Juan.

Crown Prince Pijiang ordered Tian Ji to lead troops to pursue Jiao Shi, but the Empress Dowager intervened and stopped him. The Crown Prince said to the Empress Dowager, "Jiao Shi's rebellion endangers the country and he should be brought back and punished."

The Empress Dowager said earnestly, "Jiao Shi is young and doesn't understand things. Let him live, okay?"

The crown prince did not agree.

The Empress Dowager was very displeased and said sternly, "Even if I am begging you."

The crown prince, fearing the Empress Dowager, quickly said, "Mother, you must not beg. I will do whatever you tell me to do."

The Empress Dowager's expression softened considerably. She said, "You will be the ruler of a country. You should be tolerant of others, especially your own brothers..." She then changed the subject, saying, "In a few days, you will ascend the throne. This is the most important matter for the country."

After the Empress Dowager left, Tian Ji said to the Crown Prince, "Your Highness, if evil is not eradicated completely, you will suffer the consequences."

"Alas, I am not yet the king," the crown prince sighed helplessly, then revealed a resolute expression, "General Tian, ​​after I ascend the throne, I will never let Jiao Shi go."

Prince Jiao Shi defected to Pang Juan, who was overjoyed, for Qi would never be at peace again. He ordered Pang Cong to seize the border cities of Qi in the name of Prince Jiao Shi. Within days, the border cities of Maling, Fancheng, and Linqiu fell into the hands of Prince Jiao Shi.

Note: "Fishing in troubled waters" is the twentieth of the Thirty-Six Stratagems, meaning to profit from chaos. Pang Juan, in order to counter Sun Bin's diplomatic maneuvering, had Gongsun Yue create chaos in the state of Qi, and then took advantage of the confusion to occupy several border cities of Qi. To find out what happens next, please read the next chapter: "Crossing the Chencang Pass in Secret."