Han Wangxi

DUKE Xian of Jin wanted to attack the State of Guo, but he had a problem: To attack it, his troops had to march through the State of Yu, and he needed to get permission from Duke Yu. The trouble was that the states of Yu and Guo were brotherly countries, of which the rulers shared one surname; they were closely related like lips and teeth and inseparable like flesh and bones. How could they be broken apart? So Duke Xian of Jin couldn’t eat or sleep well, and sighed every day.

When Prime Minister Xun Xi found out about Duke Xian’s suffering, he asked the duke what was troubling him. The duke then told him everything. Xun said: “What’s so difficult about this? As long as you are willing to give up two things, I promise I can solve this for you. The ruler of Yu likes fine jade and gallant horses the most. Our Jin State has top-quality jade and horses, so you give me these two things and I promise to get Duke Yu to agree on the issue.”

Duke Xian then said: “Good. But I can’t bear to part with the fine horses and beautiful jade of our Jin State. What should I do?” Xun replied:“Your majesty, you worry too much. Giving these things to Duke Yu is temporary; you will not only get them back in the future but also achieve more. Just wait.” So Duke Xian followed Xun’s plan and gave him horses and jade.

Xun then led a large troop to the palace in the State of Yu. He opened the treasure box and presented a beautiful jade made in Chuiji in the State of Jin to Duke Yu. The jade was as splendid as the superior He’s Jade (He Shi Bi), shining and dazzling. Duke Yu was extremely pleased, and Xun ordered someone to bring over two horses to Duke Yu.

Seeing these precious items, the duke was so euphoric and immediately said, “I will agree to whatever you ask for.” Xun said: “Your majesty, we have no requests and we won’t harm the State of Yu. We just want to pass through your state to enter the State of Guo.” Duke Yu looked at the horses and jade again, saying, “No problem!”

However, there were still wise people in the State of Yu, such as Gong Zhiqi, a minister. He advised the duke that: “Your majesty, we can’t allow the Jin troops to pass through. The State of Guo and our state are neighbors that depend on each other. Allowing them to attack our brother state would betray the alliance and tear apart our relationship. If the State of Guo falls, could we be safe? Our two states are inseparable like lips and teeth.”

However, Duke Yu completely ignored Gong’s advice and still opened the gate to allow the Jin army to march through. Soon the State of Guo was conquered, and afterward, Jin’s army betrayed Yu and also captured Duke Yu.

(The author is a cultural scholar.)

(Translated by Cao Zhen)