Posted 17 March 2005 - 04:06 AM
2. Persuading Zhao (赵)
Marquis Su of Zhao received Su Qin personally this time as he was an official ambassador of Yan, and even humbly asked him for advice.
Su Qin began by pointing out security of a state depend on settling the populace, and that in turn depend on external relations with other states. At the moment, Zhao was caught between the states of Qin and Qi (齐). Allying with either would give its populace no peace.
Su Qin promised the Zhao marquis that if the latter heed his advice, he would obtain from:
(1) the State of Yan, lands producing felt (毡), pelt (裘), hounds (狗) and steeds (马)
(2) the State of Qi, lands producing salt and marine products
(3) the State of Chu (楚), lands producing tangerines and pomelos
(4) the States of Hand Wei, cities producing income
and lands to confer on his relatives.
Su Qin pointed out that in the past, the Five Hegemonists and the founding kings of Zhou had to obtain their wealth through fighting. Su Qin was offering similar gains at less expenses.
If Zhao allied with Qin, Qin would invade Han and Wei.
If Zhao allied with Qi, Qi would weaken Wei and Chu.
The weakened Wei would give up its territories around the Yellow River (河外) to Qin.
The weakened Han would give up Yi Yang (宜阳) to Qin.
These would cut off routes to Shang Jun (上郡) (a strategic location covetted by Wei and Qin but military significance unclear).
Chu would hence be weakened, and Zhao would be isolated.
Su Qin urged the marquis of Zhao to consider these factors seriously.
Should Qin attack ZhiDao (轵道), NanYang (南阳) of Han would be threatened. Should NanYang fall to Qin, the capital of Zhou (周) would be open, and Zhao would be exposed. Qin would target PuYang (濮阳) of the state of Wèi (卫) to control the Qi river (淇水), and Qi would be forced to submit to Qin. These gains for Qin in ShanDong region would open the state of Zhao open to attack. All Qin needed to do would be to cross the Yellow river and Zhang river (漳水), and occupy FanWu (番吾), and their troops would be fighting Zhao below the walls of HanDan (邯郸), the capital of Zhao itself.
His identification of Zhao's characteristics:
(1) strongest state in Shan Dong (山东)
(2) two thousand miles of territory
(3) hundreds of thousands of troops (Zhao's troops were famed for martial prowess)
(4) thousands of chariots
(5) tens of thousands of cavalry
(6) ten years of supplies
(7) strategic geographical advantages provided by ChangShan (常山) to the west, Yellow river and Zhang River (漳水) to the south, and Qing river (清河) to the east.
(8) it has the state of Yan to the north, which was weak and pose no threat but serve as a useful barrier.
He flattered the ruler by saying the greatest threat to the State of Qin was the army of Zhao. Yet the reason why Qin dared not go all out against Zhao was due to the presence of neighbouring Han (韩) and Wei (魏), who might attack from the flanks.
However, while shielding Zhao's southern flank, Han and Wei lacked natural terrains as defences. They would not be able to withstand should Qin make a concerted effort, like a small silkworm chewing the large mulberry leaves, to conquer these two states, and after they fell, Zhao would be open for invasion.
Su Qin pointed to the ancient emperors who had far less territories but commanded the realms under heaven: Yao (尧) had less than 300 mu (亩) of territuroes (6 mu approx = 1 acre), Shun (舜) had even less, Yü's (禹) tribe was less than a hundred strong, Tang, founder of Shang (商汤) and King Wu who founded Zhou (周武王) had troops less than 3,000 and chariots less than 300. Their successes were due to using correct strategy in managing their states. A wise ruler must externally assess his foes' strengths and weaknesses, internally determine his followers' capabilities and virtues, so that victory could be decided even before actual engagements with the enemy. A wise ruler must not be fooled by words of underlings.
Su Qin had estimated the size of territories of the various lords to be five times of Qin, and the combined populace of various states to be more than ten times of Qin. Should the Six State combine forces against Qin, Qin would be force to cede territories to sue for peace. Once that was done, Qin would disintegrate internally. Su Qin asked rhetorically whether the ruler of Zhao would prefer to destroy another or be destroyed himself.
On those who advocated allying with Qin, these alliances cost the states dearly in terms of tributes and lands to Qin. The advocates would be rewarded by their own lords and enjoy living in luxury, but the moment Qin revoke the agreements, these men were nowhere to be found.
Su Qin proposed an alliance of the Six States to be formed at a summit conducted at Huan river (洹水) for mutual protection. To seal the alliance, there would be mutual exchange of hostages and ceremonial sacrice of a white horse.
Su Qin further propose specific measures to deal with Qin:
(1) Should Qin attack Chu, Qi and Wei would deploy their crack troops to assist Chu, Han would be responsible for cutting Qin's army supply line, Zhao would cross the Yellow River and Zhang river to assist, and Yan would station troops north of Chang Shan.
(2) If Qin attack Han and/or Wei, Chu would cut in on Qin's army's rear, Qi and Zhao would deploy forces to assist while Yan would station its troops at Yun Zhong (云中)
(3) If Qin were to invade Qi, Chu would cut in on its rear, Han would secure Cheng Gao (成皋) while Wei would block Wu Dao (午道). Zhao would cross the two rivers and Po Pass (博关), Yan would sent troops as reinforcements for Qi.
(4) If Qin targetted Yan, Zhao would secure Chang Shan, Chu would march into Wu Pass (武关), Qi would ferry troops across Bo Hai (渤海) to reinforce Yan together with Han and Wei.
(5) If Qin encroach upon Zhao, Han should secure Yi Yang (宜阳), Chu secure Wu Pass, Wei station its troops in He Wai (河外), Qi to cross Bo Hai and reinforce together with Yan to support Zhao.
Any state betraying the alliance should be attacked by the rest. Mighty though Qin was, it could not take on such an alliance. It would be limited to Han Gu (函谷).
The Zhao marquis remarked he was young and would not have thought of such a plan. He agreed, and supplied Su Qin with the necessary credentials and expenses for such a mission to the other states.
[To be continued ... Okay, my translating of classical Chinese is not strong, and I know I left out much, or even made some mistakes here and there. Any correction or contributions would be appreciated.
Next stop, Han (韩).]
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