Chinese strategists enjoy extracting insights from their nation's extensive past, much like how Cesare Borgia influenced Niccolò Machiavelli during the Renaissance period in Italy.
The defeat of Viscount Xiang of Zhi (Zhi Bo) during the fourth century BC was frequently recounted as a moral story emphasizing diplomacy rather than military might.
This compelling tale deserves to be recounted again, and even after 2,473 years, there is much we can glean from it today.
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The influential central realm of Jin, which stood as one of the dominant forces during the latter part of the Zhou dynasty, teetered on the edge of disintegration. The monarch had become an insignificance, his authority usurped by six formidable clans, often referred to as the Group of Six within Jin.
The House of Zhi stood out prominently amongst the rest. Young Viscount Zhi Bo was as charming, magnetic, and resolute as he was covetous, haughty, and domineering.
He forced the remaining three houses to unite against the two weakest ones, seizing their territory and riches.
As soon as the dust had settled, he addressed his previous collaborators. “Initially, he sought territory from Viscount Huan of Wei. Although Lord Wei was displeased, his advisor convinced him using these words: ‘[Zhi Bo] requested land from you unjustly. This behavior could instill anxiety and suspicion amongst others. Should you yield, he might grow increasingly insatiable and haughty. Excessive pride breeds adversaries... Consequently, the decline of the Zhi family’s reign may commence.’ These events were documented in The Tactics of the Warring States , written around 195BC [Translation my own].
Just as the minister had predicted, Zhi Bo then requested Viscount Kang of Han to follow suit, which he did as well.
With his appetite whetted, Zhi Bo turned to Viscount Xiang of Zhao. Lord Zhao was a principled leader with firm views. He refused.
Enraged, Zhi Bo compelled the other two clans to ally with him and lay siege to Zhao in 455 BC.
For two years, the House of Zhao mounted a valiant defense. Eventually, Zhi Bo redirected the adjacent Fen River to inundate Jinyang, leading to extensive casualties and famine.
As he saw victory within reach, Zhi Bo declared, "It was only now that I realized how potent water can be as a weapon. It comes to mind that there are rivers close to Anyi and Pingyang." Anyi and Pingyang served as the strongholds for Wei and Han respectively.
Nearby, Viscount Wei and Viscount Han shared significant looks. Wei discreetly nudged Han, who then trod on Wei’s foot.
But Zhi Bo's minister observed all this and advised Zhi Bo to either attack Wei and Han immediately or increase their shares in the spoils of war to placate them. Zhi Bo shrugged off the advice, believing the two houses were too weak to challenge him.
On that particular night, Lords Wei and Han joined forces with an agent dispatched by Lord Zhao. Together, they breached the riverbanks causing the Zhi encampment to be inundated by water, followed by a stealth assault which led to the demise of Zhi Bo.
"The destiny of the Zhi family was ultimately determined by the anxious looks and the subtle movements of their allies' elbows and heels," as The Tactics of the Warring States records.
Zhao, Han, and Wei discarded the facade of serving as vassals to Jin and formed independent states. This move marked the beginning of China’s Warring States Period (approximately 475-221 BC).
Historic tacticians viewed Zhi Bo's defeat as a cautionary tale about the misuse of authority and overconfidence born from arrogance.
The Tactics from the Era of Warring States Su Qin (3rd century BC), often referred to as China’s Machiavelli, stated: “One who opts for coercion instead of diplomacy will incite fear among others. The one attempting to lead and dominate within an alliance will ultimately find themselves alone.”
"A sagacious leader acts tardily in the proceedings, thereby enabling an assessment of others’ maneuvers and harnessing the outcomes of their exertions. They ought to maintain a detachment from disputes and await the apt juncture before making their move." Though my rendition may fall short of capturing the elegance of the source material, I hope it conveys the essence adequately.
The distinguished historian Sima Guang (1019-1086) commenced his major historical undertaking with the narrative of Zhi Bo and the division of Jin.
For Sima Guang, this incident represented a pivotal point in history, signifying the demise of the former system, which led to the emergence of the Chinese proverb. Li Beng Yue Huai , or "the collapse of every rule and protocol."
Previously, the powerful rulers of the Zhou dynasty competed for preeminence without seeking complete control. During the Spring and Autumn Period (from 771 BC to 476 BC), conflicts remained relatively small-scale, and inter-state interactions typically adhered to established diplomatic norms.
Five dominant powers emerged at various points, yet none aimed for complete control. These hegemons viewed their role more as guardians of accepted norms and harmony among nations. Aggressive leaders such as Zhi Bo progressively destabilized this international framework over time.
The Zhou ruler was too feeble to oppose the division of his state, Jin, and had to accept it as an established fact. Rather than denouncing Zhao, Wei, and Han as rebels, the royal house of Zhou even congratulated them.
China plunged into the tumultuous yet vibrant period known as the Warring States, marked by relentless conflicts that claimed countless lives amid widespread societal upheaval.
Currently, the United Nations — formed 80 years ago with the aim of maintaining global peace and stability — is growing more ineffectual and feeble, evident from its handling of crises in Ukraine and Gaza.
As many of the UN Security Council’s “five hegemonic powers” have either lost their enthusiasm for upholding international stability or grown too feeble, power-based politics has returned with a vengeance.
As we celebrate the 80th anniversary of prolonged peace following World War II, it prompts us to ponder whether we might be moving toward a different age.
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