Onitako

Chapter 12
Good for good, evil for bad

[Original text]

All decisions must be entrusted to doubters, good for their blessings, and evil for their dangers.Good enough to lure, there is no confusion in the end, and it is beneficial; if you go away from the benefits, you will not accept it, it is strange.If it is beneficial to the good, but entrusted to the evil, it will not be accepted, and it will cause alienation.Therefore, there are those who make them lose, and those who make them leave harm, and this matter is lost.

【Translation】

When there is doubt in making a decision, it must be because of doubt.The majority of people like to be blessed, and hate to bring about calamity.For harmful things, even if there is something to lure, if you can distinguish right from wrong and get the truth, you will naturally not be confused by it.Decisions should generate interest, otherwise they will not be accepted, and this requires the development of conspiracies.Favorable decisions will not be accepted if they are hidden under an unfavorable façade, leading to alienation.Therefore, making decisions about things, some will cause people to lose benefits, and some will cause people to suffer damage. These are all manifestations of failure.

Examples of Wisdom
Pingyuan Junshe saves Zhao

The Qin army attacked the state of Zhao, and Mr. Pingyuan went to the state of Chu to ask for help. Although the king of Chu agreed to send troops to rescue, the reinforcements did not arrive for a long time.The situation in Handan is imminent.The Qin army's offensive became more and more serious day by day, pressing every step of the way. Zhao Guo's army and people fought hard to resist, but finally had to shrink the defense line because they were outnumbered.Corpses littered the fields outside Handan City, countless Zhao Jun died in battle, and the wounded were not treated in time.The people went bankrupt, weeping and crying, and the whole city was shrouded in a sad and melancholy atmosphere.A prolonged battle without a decision is very detrimental to Zhao Guo.In the case of lack of food and grass and no foreign aid, Zhao Guo had to surrender within a few days.The people of the country are very worried, but there is nothing they can do.

At the time of danger, the doorman Li Tan said to Mr. Pingyuan: "The state of Zhao is also the state of the prince. The state of Zhao is about to perish. Don't you worry about it?"

Mr. Pingyuan said: "Zhao Wang, I can't live alone. I will be a prisoner of the Qin people. How can I not worry? I went to Chu to rescue soldiers, but so far the reinforcements have not arrived. I am worried about this. !"

Li Tan said: "Now the people in Handan are on the verge of extinction because they have to change their sons for food. The son's harem accumulates gold and silver, and the concubines and concubines have more than enough food and clothing. The soldiers on the front line use blunt swords and cut wood into spears; while the bells and chimes in the son's mansion treasury Like a mountain, autumn is not damaged. If Handan falls, can you still have these things? And if Handan is rescued and Zhao Guo is preserved, will you still worry about not getting these things? Now if you can organize your family members into soldiers and fight together with the people The enemy, if you take out the belongings from your home to supply the bloody soldiers, the frontline soldiers will be greatly encouraged, and they will swear to the death to defend Handan and fight the enemy to the end, do you think so?"

Mr. Pingyuan was a generous man, so he immediately said to Li Tan, "What you said is very true! In order to save Handan, I am willing to send my family as an army and spend all my money to help in the war."

Mr. Pingyuan followed Li Tan's suggestion and quickly organized a death squad of 3000 people, including Li Tan.This team, composed of men, women and children, was not afraid of sacrifice in the battle with the Qin army, and fought bravely, chaotic the Qin army, forcing the Qin army to retreat 30 miles.The Qin army retreated, giving Zhao a chance to breathe.

Mr. Pingyuan wrote several times to ask Wei for help.Lord Xinling, the son of Wei State, led 8 elite soldiers to flank the Qin army.Chunshen Jun, the son of Chu State, also sent General Jingyang to lead his troops to kill him.The coalition forces of Zhao, Wei, and Chu attacked from inside and outside, and the Qin army was defeated.Qin general Zheng Anping was besieged for several days, and finally surrendered to Zhao with 2 people.The process of Qin's unification of the world thus slowed down.

Handan was rescued from the siege, and the king of Zhao rewarded the soldiers.Because of Lord Pingyuan's outstanding meritorious service, the strategist Yu Qing asked King Zhao for a reward for Lord Pingyuan.He met Zhao Wang and said: "My son, Mr. Pingyuan, went on an envoy to fulfill his mission when the country was in crisis. He moved in reinforcements from Chu and Wei to break the siege of Handan; he also enlisted his family members in the army, distributed his private wealth to help in the war, and repelled the Qin army's attack. With a deep heart, his merit is immeasurable, the king must not use his strength to forget his merit, please give the title to Zhao Gongzi."

Zhao Wang obeyed Yu Qing's words and planned to make Lord Pingyuan the prime minister and bestow Dongwu City.

Gongsun Long, a guest of Mr. Pingyuan, heard about this and said to Mr. Pingyuan: "Shexia heard that the king of Zhao wanted to confer the title of son, and she thought it was not suitable for him to be granted the title."

Mr. Pingyuan said, "I would like to hear from you in detail."

Gongsun Long said: "During the battle of defending Handan, the soldiers of Zhao State suffered heavy casualties, and even some princes and ministers participated in the battle. The son went to Chu and Wei for the king of Zhao, and he fulfilled his mission. , many people should be rewarded, and there are people who are as wise and brave as the young master in terms of talent. However, when the king of Zhao made the young master a prime minister and granted the young master land, outsiders will think that you have been honored by the royal family. If you are granted the title, you must It will damage your image in the hearts of the people of Zhao. You are not allowed to be granted, and it is not easy for others to ask for it. This is beneficial to the revival of Zhao after the war. So I think it is better for the son not to be granted."

Mr. Pingyuan said happily: "Sir, what you said is very reasonable, so I will follow your words."

Mr. Pingyuan's act of benevolence and righteousness won the respect of the people of the country, which further enhanced his prestige.

[Comment and Analysis]

"Using good for good, evil for harm" can be regarded as the evaluation standard for giving advice to others, because everyone seeks advantages and avoids disadvantages, and Mr. Pingyuan is no exception.The reason why he accepted Li Tan's suggestion was that he could not live alone after seeing the state of Zhao being destroyed. If he saved Zhao successfully with his wealth, he would get more benefits, so he accepted Li Tan's suggestion.After successfully defending Handan, Lord Pingyuan refused to accept the title according to Gongsun Long's words.

All the bandits are lured by profit
During Song Renzong's reign, the court was corrupt, officials were greedy, bandits rose together, and the people were miserable. Minister Fu Bi asked Song Renzong to punish the bandits.

Emperor Renzong sighed: "There are so many bandits everywhere like ants, swarming here at once, how can I have so much money and troops to deal with them?"

Fu Bi said: "Should they be allowed to run rampant in various states and counties, and lose their lives? The common people have difficulty in surviving, and now they are suffering from such a bad luck. What is the reason? Your majesty is honorable, how can you let them do whatever they want? You should do justice for the heavens!" "

Song Renzong said to Fu Bi with a sad face: "My subjects are suffering, how can I not feel sad! If you have any good plans, you might as well tell me, and share my worries for me!"

Fu Bi thought for a while and replied:

"The vicious and treacherous people in the world are not born like this. At first they studied hard and had some ambitions in their hearts. They looked forward to taking the imperial examinations and making great achievements. However, when they grew up, they found that they were not successful in their studies. In the end, Sun Shan lost his name, and the road to official career turned out to be Nanke Yimeng! So they began to be world-weary, jealous, depressed, and completely ruined themselves. Such people are often well-educated, and Shi Ziji's military books are all-encompassing, and they are all-inclusive. They know a little bit The reasons for the rise and fall of dynasties, so they turned to martial arts, devoted themselves to studying the art of war, and found a way out. So they formed cliques, incited the people, raised banners, occupied mountains as kings, and acted cunningly. Although these people can't achieve anything climate, but it has brought harm to the court.”

Seeing that Fu Bi's analysis was very reasonable, Emperor Renzong tentatively asked:

"Since your analysis is so thorough, there must be a good way to calm them down?"

Fu Bi shook his head and said:
"To deal with people who act against the sky like this, we cannot forcibly eliminate them, we can only adopt a friendly approach."

"What's an amicable way?"

"The so-called use softness to overcome rigidity. Water is the softest thing in the world. It seems weak, but it can wash away everything. It meets mountains and surrounds mountains, and meets rocks to avoid rocks. Mountains and rocks exist as its foil. Therefore, I request the emperor to order relevant officials to use the court's Visit these people in name, and re-recommend them to the court as grassland heroes forgotten by the court. Then, according to the ability of these people, they will be properly appointed to official positions."

Song Renzong said in doubt:

"Are they willing to serve the court?"

Fu Bi smiled and said:

"The reason why they turned into bandits was not to make themselves powerful! Since they are appointed officials, how can there be no reason for them not to work?"

So Song Renzong issued an order to the whole country according to Fu Bi's method.

Soon, thousands of surrender letters were distributed in the court.In less than half a year, most of the bandits disappeared.

[Comment and Analysis]

"It's good enough to seduce, and there will be no confusion in the end." Everyone likes to do things that are beneficial to themselves, let alone gangsters.It can be seen from this that the government is corrupt, the officials are not smooth, and talented people have no place to use their skills, so they have to gather people to make troubles and find another way out.Most of these people are for their own self-interest, and have no ideal of serving the country and loving the people. As long as they have the opportunity to become officials and make a fortune, they will put down the banner of "doing justice for the sky".Fu Bi suggested adopting the method of recruiting security to lure them with profit, which can be described as prescribing the right medicine.

There are five reasons why a sage can accomplish things

[Original text]

There are five reasons why sages can accomplish their deeds: some are based on positive virtues, some are based on yin thieves, some are based on sincerity, some are based on concealment, and some are based on plainness.

【Translation】

There are roughly five methods by which saints can achieve great things: those who use positive moral influence, those who use secret means to deal with them, those who make a sincere gesture and form a sincere alliance with the other party to borrow the power of the other party, and some who use deception. They use methods to confuse the other party, but some use general methods to solve problems according to the usual procedures.

Examples of Wisdom
Self-cultivation and morality win people's hearts

At the end of primitive society, Xia Qi took the lead in destroying the abdication system, and won the throne through his father's authority, and his son followed his father's career, causing the world to be angry.Among them was a tribal leader named Youhu. He first stood up and accused Xia Qi of robbing Boyi's throne, and demanded that Xia Qi return the throne to Boyi immediately.

Xia Qi refused, and the Youhu family attacked Xia Qi in a rage, and the two sides held a decisive battle in Ganze.After the decisive battle, Xia Qi's army was beaten to pieces by the Youhu clan, almost completely annihilated.

Xia Qi's subordinate ministers suggested that they quickly replenish personnel, reorganize the army, and prepare for the second battle.But Xia Qi didn't do this. He knew that many people disapproved of the rule of succession from father to son, so he refused to support him.In this case, there must be no one to join his army, and defeating the opponent is simply delusional.If he wants to win, he must first pull people's hearts to his side, let people know that Xia Qi is a virtuous person, and it is realistic for him to inherit the throne.

So Xia Qi strictly demanded himself in order to win people's trust in him.He only ate a bowl of light vegetables when eating, and slept on a thin and rough old mattress. Except for offering sacrifices to gods and ancestors, he never played music for entertainment.He also loves children and respects the elderly.And promote the talented: whoever has the ability, please come and reuse it; whoever knows martial arts, please come and let him lead the army to fight.

Xia Qi has persisted in this way for several years, and it has produced great results, and his reputation has been greatly improved.People often say: "Xia Qi is indeed Xia Yu's good son! Look at how strict he is with himself, and how warm and polite he treats others. The world should be governed by people like him! He is fighting for the throne, we should do our best to protect him."

People spread Xia Qi's benefits and advantages to each other, so they all agreed that Xia Qi was Xia Yu's sole heir, and no one felt that the system of succession after father died was unreasonable.

Xia Qi saw that the hearts of the people had turned to his side, so he launched a war against the Youhu clan.This time, with people's great help and support, his strength has been greatly enhanced.In the end, Xia Qi finally defeated the Youhu clan.Youhu himself became a prisoner and was exiled to the grassland area.Xia Qi successfully dispelled the threat of the Youhu family, and his position was finally confirmed and consolidated.

[Comment and Analysis]

Convincing people with virtue and governing the country with virtue are the best strategies for the emperor to achieve success. Compared with other strategies, virtue can make the cause more long-term and sustainable.As the saying goes, "He who wins the hearts of the people wins the world, and those who lose the hearts of the people lose the world."Xia Qi's wisdom here is mainly manifested in two aspects: one is self-knowledge.He knew that gaining or losing people's hearts was the key to winning or losing a war, and he was temporarily unpopular.The second is to take a long-term view.In order to win the hearts of the world, he did not brag about himself, but strictly demanded himself, started from reality, and finally won the victory.

Ingenious plan to weaken Chu State

During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, Guan Zhong, the prime minister of Qi State, was full of foresight and foresight.With his assistance, Duke Huan of Qi won great military victories and successively wiped out the separatist forces scattered in various places. Only the hard-line Chu State has not surrendered to Duke Huan of Qi.

Several generals who had won several battles suggested Qi Huangong: "Why don't you go all out and send troops to crusade against Chu and rule the country? We are always at your service!"

These words touched Duke Huan's heart.Seeing his generals take the initiative to fight, he was very happy in his heart, so he decided to send troops.When Guan Zhong heard that the King of Qi was sending troops, he went to stop it immediately, and advised: "Now is not a good time to attack Chu, my lord, you must not act hastily!"

"Why? Didn't you see that the morale is boosting now? And our country has enough food and grass. I really can't find a reason why the timing is not ripe!" Duke Huan of Qi was a little puzzled.

"We have fought several times in a row, and the soldiers and horses have long been exhausted. Besides, Chu State is different from other vassal states. It is powerful and powerful. It is really dangerous to attack now!"

"Then shall we just see Chu State continue to prosper? Can't we just wait for it to wipe me out!" Duke Huan of Qi was anxious.

Guan Zhong said with a smile: "I have my own way, and I guarantee that you will not use a knife or a gun or hurt a soldier within a year, and let it surrender!"

Qi Huangong was dubious, but seeing Guan Zhong's confidence, he let him implement the established plan.So Guan Zhong ordered people to mint countless copper coins, and then sent 100 merchants to Chu to buy deer. Before leaving, he told them: "Qi Huan Gong likes watching deer very much, and is willing to buy live deer with a lot of money."

After the merchants arrived in Chu State, they offered rewards everywhere to buy live deer.Sika deer are very common in the state of Chu. They are worthless, and you can buy one for two copper coins. Most people slaughter them for meat.When the people of Chu State heard that someone bought a live deer with a lot of money, they went to the mountains to catch it.With the increase of deer hunters, there are fewer and fewer deer, and the price of deer has also risen again and again, from the initial 5 copper coins to 10 copper coins.A few months later, the merchant raised the price again, to 40 copper coins a head.At that time, 40 copper coins were not a small amount, which was equivalent to buying 2000 catties of grain.Seeing that it was profitable, the people of Chu State gave up their business and went looking for wild deer.Farmers became hunters, and warriors, regardless of discipline, went up to the mountains to hunt deer.

Before you know it, a year is coming.Guan Zhong said to Duke Huan: "Now you can gather troops and send troops to Chu State. Now Chu State only has inexhaustible copper coins! Farmers have abandoned their fields because of deer hunting, and there is no sufficient supply of food and grass; The skill and ability to fight. The time has come!"

Duke Huan of Qi listened to Guan Zhong's advice and released the news of sending troops.The king of Chu saw that the food source was cut off, the people fled everywhere because of famine, and the soldiers were unwilling to fight. If he forced himself to fight, he would only die.He quickly sent envoys to seek peace with Duke Huan, and he willingly surrendered to Qi State.

[Comment and Analysis]

Duke Huan of Qi conquered the state of Chu in the process of becoming his hegemony by using the "Yin Thief Art".He used Guan Zhong's trick to "buy a deer" to weaken the state of Chu unconsciously.The Chu State has a large population, and the King of Chu would never have expected that no one would grow food a year later, turning the army, which was once known as the Iron Armored Lion, into a sick cat.

Generations have received people's hearts

In the 25th year of King Xiang of Zhou (627 BC), Duke Mu of Qin took advantage of Duke Wen of Jin's death and the state of Jin had no time to take care of him. He sent Meng Mingshi, Xiqishu, and Bai Yibing to attack Zheng. He was ambushed, the whole army was wiped out, and all three generals were captured alive.Jin Xianggong's aunt Wenying was the daughter of Qin Mugong's same clan, and she interceded for her later, and the three survived and fled back to Qin.

As soon as the news of Meng Mingshi's escape to the country came out, someone immediately advised Qin Mugong: "Meng Mingshi, Xiqishu, and Bai Yibing, as generals of Qin, are not effective in fighting. They lose their teachers and humiliate the country. They should be killed immediately. Let go of the indignation of the people.”

Some ministers said: "The three of them led the children of Qin to leave the customs. Only three of them survived, and the rest were all thrown into Xiaoshan. It is really abominable. They should be killed to comfort the people of the country."

Some people even said: "In the battle of Chengpu, the Chu army was defeated, and the king of Chu killed the marshal to scare the three armies. You should also follow suit."

For a while, the ministers talked a lot and asked Qin Mugong to kill the three of them.

Qin Mugong heard this and said to everyone: "This time the army was sent out because I did not listen to the advice of Uncle Jian and Bailixi, which led to the failure. All the consequences were caused by me alone, and all the responsibilities should be borne by me alone. It has nothing to do with anyone else."

All the ministers were dumbfounded after hearing this, speechless, not knowing what he meant.

Qin Mugong knew deeply that Meng Mingshi and the three men were rare brave generals in Qin.The war between Qin and Jin for hegemony in the Central Plains had just begun, and when I was employing people, killing three of them would definitely do a lot of harm and no benefit.What's more, Jin Xianggong's release of the three generals was obviously to kill people with a knife, not only to get rid of the enemy, but also to gain Qin's favor.Victory or defeat is a common matter for military strategists. With the skills of the three of them, one day in the future they will be able to defeat the state of Jin and wash away their humiliation.

So, regardless of the objections of his officials, he dressed in white and went to the suburbs to meet Meng Mingshi, Xiqishu and Bai Yibing.As soon as they met, they cried and expressed comfort to them, and expressed condolences to the dead soldiers.Meng Mingshi was very grateful to the three of them, and vowed to serve Duke Mu of Qin loyally.

Soon, Qin Mugong appointed Meng Mingshi, Xiqishu and Bai Yibing as generals to lead the army.All three were grateful for the magnanimity of the monarch, and tried their best to assist Qin Mugong to reorganize the army and strengthen the training of the army.

After a period of careful preparation, the three later attacked the state of Jin again and defeated the Jin army.Not only did he avenge his capture, but he also made Qin Mugong the overlord of the Central Plains.

[Comment and Analysis]

Qin Mugong moved Meng Mingshi and the three of them deeply with the "skill of sincerity and sincerity".There are three brilliances in it: first, it has the courage to take responsibility and does not blame others; second, it is able to distinguish the situation so that useful people cannot miss it casually; The crimes of the three not only saved themselves, but also won their hearts, and finally achieved hegemony.

Hiding deep and killing the rebels
During the Five Dynasties period, Meng Chang, the king of the Later Shu Kingdom, came to the throne in 934 AD.It was not easy for him to be the "King of Pianan" for more than 30 years in the chaotic era full of crises and wars.

Meng Chang was only 16 years old when he came to the throne, and the generals and ministers were all veterans.These people, relying on their seniority, did not take this young emperor seriously.They are arrogant and presumptuous, doing whatever they want, blatantly overstepping the laws formulated by the state, building luxurious houses on a huge scale, and spending money and money, which arouses people's dissatisfaction.Among them, Li Renhan, Li Zhao, Zhang Ye, and Zhao Tingyin were the most excessive.

As soon as Meng Chang succeeded to the throne, General Li Renhan asked to be in charge of the Sixth Army. His words were full of threats.He not only sent people to the Privy Council to put forward clear requirements, but also went to the Academy of Sciences to ask people to draft orders according to his requirements, and did not pass Meng Chang at all.

This aggressive move deeply irritated Meng Chang, and he knew what the consequences would be if it went on like this.Of course he didn't want to be manipulated by others, but he was afraid that publicity would cause rebellion and he would be unable to control the situation.

Therefore, he held back, invited Li Renhan to dinner, apparently accepted his conditions, and appointed Li Renhan as the order of the secretary, in charge of the Sixth Army.Then, when Li Renhan entered the palace to meet, Meng Chang ordered the soldiers to arrest him and execute him on the spot.

After Li Renhan's death, Li Zhao, the servant who pretended to be ill and would not kneel, knew how powerful the new king was.He was frightened out of his wits, and when he saw Meng Chang again, he dropped his crutches and knelt down.Because Meng Chang was very proud of him in the past, he ordered him to retire from office and live in seclusion, so Li Zhao moved to Qiongzhou (now Qionglai County, Sichuan Province).

Li Renhan's nephew, Zhang Ye, was in charge of the Imperial Army when Li Renhan was killed.Although there are not many troops in the imperial army, they are directly in charge of the guards of the emperor's palace. If he rebels in the name of avenging his uncle, the consequences will be disastrous.Therefore, Meng Chang was afraid that he would rebel, so he did not dare to deal with him at that time, but tried every means to win over him.He even appointed this warrior as prime minister, and also judged Duzhi.

Zhang Ye set up a private prison at home to detain debtors.He abused torture and enacted a "tax piracy law", which stipulated that tax officials who embezzled taxes would be fined ten times the amount embezzled.The tax official was fined and had nowhere to raise money, so he naturally extorted money from the people.This harsh tax law made it unbearable for the people, and there were many complaints.As the king of a country, Meng Chang immediately abolished this law when he heard about it.

In the 11th year of Guangzheng in Later Shu (AD 948), Meng Chang felt that he had accumulated a certain amount of power and believed that the time had come to punish treacherous officials, so he conspired with Si Lian, the general of the imperial army, to kill Li Renhan , Zhang Ye was caught and executed in Dutang.

Seeing that the situation is not good, Zhao Tingyin, the commander of Wei Shengdu and Zhongshuling, hurriedly returned to his hometown on the grounds of old age.At this point, the old officials were basically eliminated, and the rest did not dare to despise the new lord. Only then did Meng Chang truly grasp the power of the Shu Kingdom.

He has been on the throne for 30 years. Although he is extravagant, he must have his merits.Meng Chang's new lord stood in the court, and the old ministers naturally refused to accept it, "capture the thief first and capture the king", if the leader is punished, the tree will fall and the monkeys will disperse.

He killed Li Renhan, caused Li Zhao to throw crutches and kneel down, and punished Zhang Ye, which made Zhao Tingyin take advantage of the situation and retreat. It was a great strategy.When the time is not up, I forbear it.When the time is right, we must take the initiative to attack and cut the weeds and roots.

[Comment and Analysis]

In the process of stabilizing his political power, Meng Chang mostly used "concealment techniques".First, treat Li Renhan to dinner to eradicate him, which has a certain deterrent effect on other ministers.Later, Zhang Ye was recruited again, and when the time was right, he repeated the same trick and executed him in the capital hall.All of these are performed in an impeccable manner, making it impossible to guard against. This is exactly the uniqueness of the "Concealment Technique".

Chen said pros and cons to save Chu

Chunshen Jun, surnamed Huang and surnamed Xie, was born in the state of Chu.He has read poetry and books since he was a child, traveled around, is well-informed and eloquent, and has adopted thousands of guests under his family.When Chu Qingxiang was king, he was an official in the court.Because of his extraordinary intelligence, the king of Chu appreciated him very much and often sent him to various countries.

During the time of King Huai of Chu, King Qin Zhao sent a special envoy to call King Huai to Wuguan for a meeting.The king of Qin asked someone to pretend to be himself, and kidnapped King Huai to the state of Qin as a hostage, in order to threaten Chu to cede the land.King Huai of Chu refused and died in Qin.King Huai died, and King Qingxiang immediately stood up.Taking advantage of the newly established King of Chu, the State of Qin wins over Han and Wei, and aggressively attacks the State of Chu.Qin general Bai Qi led an elite army to conquer dozens of cities including Yan, Ying, and Yiling in one fell swoop.The king of Chu had no choice but to move his capital to Chen County.

Taking advantage of Chu's unstable foothold, Qin stepped up its attack on Chu, trying to destroy Chu in one fell swoop.The king of Chu was afraid, so he immediately sent Lord Chunshen to the state of Qin to discuss peace and peace.

After Chunshen Jun arrived in Qin State, he immediately asked to see King Qin, but was refused.Seeing that King Qin ignored him, Mr. Chunshen wrote a letter to King Qin.The letter said: "Looking at the world, Qin is the strongest, followed by Chu. When Qin and Chu go to war, like two tigers fighting each other, the winner will be a dog and a stupid chicken. Although Qin now has the upper hand and gets a little benefit, but Chu After all, the country is a great country with thousands of miles of fertile land and millions of soldiers. If the battle continues, the Qin army will be exhausted and isolated, and the front line will be too long, and backup support will be difficult to sustain. Even if it wins, it will not last long. As the saying goes: "Autumn goes to winter Come, things will be reversed.' Today, the Qin State has occupied half of the world. Its power is so strong and its territory is so wide that it is rare in the world since the beginning of the world. The way of benevolence and righteousness will be worshiped by the world and admired by all people, and the worries of the future will be saved. The three kings and five uncles are not comparable to the king. If the king relies on his army to conquer the princes by force, I am afraid that troubles will come. Everything Everything has a beginning, but it is difficult to have a good end. A small fox cannot cross a big river. If it swims to the middle of the river, it will lose strength and sink. The reason why the king attacked Chu vigorously was because of Han and Wei. In fact, Han and Wei are the most untrustworthy , maybe they will unite with the Chu State to attack the Qin army from behind. In that case, the Qin army will be in danger of being wiped out. Do you remember that when Zhibo united with Han and Wei to defeat Zhao, when Zhibo's victory was in sight, However, Han and Wei counterattacked and wiped out Zhi Bo. Also, King Wu credulously believed in the Yue people, and the empty country defeated Qi, but was killed by the Yue seized the country. These lessons from the past can be a guide for the future. Qin Qin Han, Wei Wei , Han and Wei may not be close to Qin. Han and Wei have been attacked by the Qin army many times, and countless generations have died in battle. How can they not be resentful? Don't look at the superficial obedience to the king, but deep down they are eager for Qin and Chu to go to war in order to regain lost ground. Therefore, in the opinion of the ministers, Han and Wei are the hidden dangers of the king. Qin should build a good relationship with Chu and work together to deal with Han and Wei. Qin and Chu are friendly, and Han and Wei will do their best to serve Qin. Zhao Guo is intimidated by How can the king be disobedient? At that time, the king held the soldiers of the five kingdoms and commanded the princes. Who would dare to disobey? Within the four seas, is it the land of the king, the people of all countries, or the ministers of the king. Isn't the king's hegemony accomplished? "

After reading Chunshenjun's letter, Qin Zhaowang was very impressed. He summoned Chunshenjun, ordered the withdrawal of the army, stopped attacking Chu, and signed a peace treaty with Chu.The relationship between Qin and Chu was eased.

Qin and Chu signed a contract, Chunshen Jun returned home, and the King of Chu was overjoyed.According to the provisions of the peace treaty, Chu State must send the crown prince to Qin as a hostage to prevent Chu State from breaking the contract and changing its mind.During Prince Chu's stay in Qin State, he first handed over Wei Ran and then became friendly with Fan Ju. Qin and Chu maintained a harmonious and friendly relationship.

[Comment and Analysis]

What is used here is the lobbying method of "ordinary technique".Here Chunshen Jun persuaded the King of Qin by stating the advantages and disadvantages of the letter. It can be seen that the words in it are plain words without any embellishments or falsehoods, and every sentence is based on the position of the King of Qin, so that he can realize that The unfavorable consequences of attacking Chu State brought Qin State, decided to withdraw the army, and signed a peace treaty with Chu State.

The old husband's chance to resolve all doubts
[Original text]

Yang encourages one word, and Yin encourages two words. It is usually used by cardinals.The fourth is to apply it in a small way.So to pass the past, to test the future, to participate in the ordinary, you can decide it; the matter of the king and the lord, if it is dangerous but famous, you can decide it; Those who commit hard work, but do it as a last resort, can be punished; those who treat patients, can be punished; those who follow blessings, can be punished.The old husband resolves feelings and doubts, the foundation of all things, uses righteousness to rule chaos, and decides success or failure.Therefore, the former kings used yarrow tortoises for self-determination.

【Translation】

When using "Yangde" methods, you must be consistent and trustworthy.When using the "Yin Thief" method, it must be true and false, which makes people confused.Ordinary methods plus the "faithfulness" and "concealment" methods used at critical moments, as well as yin and yang, these four methods are used secretly and interactively, and general problems can be solved.When solving a problem, it is necessary to refer to the history, the future, and the present, and make a decision if it can be implemented.Although there are risk factors in the matter of the princes and lords, we can use it to gain a good reputation. If it can be implemented, we will make a decision.It is easy to succeed without expending a lot of energy and energy. If it can be implemented, make a decision.It takes too much energy and effort, and hard work is required, but it must be done. If it can be implemented, make a decision.If you can remove the evil, if you can implement it, make a decision.Decide to pursue happiness if it is feasible.Therefore, resolving feelings and doubts is the starting point for solving all problems. It can be used to rectify the government, govern the people, determine success or failure, and resolve difficulties.Therefore, since ancient times, princes have used yarrow divination and tortoise shell divination to guide themselves in resolving doubts and difficulties, and if they can be implemented, they will make a decision.

Examples of Wisdom
plot to become emperor

At the end of the Sui Dynasty, Li Yuan rebelled against the Sui Dynasty and finally overthrew the rule of Emperor Sui Yang.With the end of the war, Li Shimin, the son of Li Yuan, was named the King of Qin. His status was different from the past, but Li Jiancheng took advantage of the prince's superior position to attack Li Shimin frequently.

On the evening of May 626st in the ninth year of Wude (AD [-]), Li Shimin was invited to a banquet at the Prince's Mansion. After drinking several cups, he suddenly felt severe pain in his heart and mouth, and he vomited blood repeatedly. He quickly ordered someone to help him back to the mansion, and finally saved his life. .Another time when the royal family was hunting, the prince asked his subordinates to prepare a horse for King Qin. As a result, King Qin almost fell to his death when he fell off his horse.

King Qin was in danger frequently, and the whole palace was shocked.Fang Xuanling was aware of the seriousness of the development of the situation. He believed that the suspicion between the crown prince and King Qin had already formed, and an open contest was inevitable.Once the two meet in battle, the newly unified country will be plunged into war again, which is contrary to his ideal of governing the country and keeping the people safe.He hoped that Li Shimin could take the initiative to turn the tide, so as to achieve long-term peace and stability in the world.So he advised Li Shimin:

"The situation is like this, it is better to learn from Zhou Gong, to appease the surrounding countries externally, and to appease the country internally, it is better to act first. Otherwise, the country will fall and the name will be destroyed. You should make a decision early and never hesitate!"

In the court at this time, the two factions of the Prince and the King of Qin are already at war.In order to attack Li Shimin, Li Jiancheng tried every means to disintegrate his counselors.He told Li Yuanji that Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui were the most strategic people in the Qin family.Therefore, they tried their best to slander Fang and Du in front of Li Yuan, and finally expelled them from Qin Palace through Li Yuan's imperial decree.Then, they took advantage of the opportunity of dispatching troops and generals to try to mobilize the generals of King Qin.Cheng Yaojin was originally the commanding officer of the Prince of Qin's residence, and he was a capable general of the King of Qin. Li Jiancheng asked his father to let him be the governor of Kangzhou, but Cheng Yaojin delayed and stayed in Chang'an with excuses.

Seeing this situation, Li Shimin knew that if he waited any longer, there would only be a dead end. He decided to follow Fang Xuanling's strategy and act first, launching a coup, killing the prince, and forcing his father to abdicate.So he sent his grandson Wuji to secretly summon Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui.Fang and Du didn't know whether the king of Qin had made up his mind, they deliberately provoked the king of Qin, and said to Changsun Wuji:
"The emperor's decree ordered us not to serve the king any more. If we meet the king privately, it will be a death penalty and we dare not accept the call."

When Li Shimin learned about it, he was furious: "Why don't you even want to be loyal to me!" Immediately took off his saber, and said to Yuchi Jingde: "Go again, if they don't want to see me, just show me their heads I!"

Yuchi Jingde and Changsun Wuji secretly summoned Fang and Du, and said to them: "King Qin has made up his mind, come and plan big things."

Fang Xuanling and Du Ruhui put on Taoist robes, disguised themselves, entered the palace of Prince Qin secretly, and plotted countermeasures with King Qin.

On June [-]rd of the ninth year of Wude, Li Shimin entered the palace to secretly report the prince's construction, Qi Wang Yuanji's promiscuity in the harem, and his attempt to murder himself.After hearing this, Li Yuan ordered them to go to the palace to confront each other tomorrow.In the early morning of the next day, Li Shimin led Yuchi Jingde and others to set up an ambush in advance at the Xuanwu Gate, the north gate of Miyagi, and shot Li Jiancheng and Li Yuanji to death when they entered the court unprepared. This is the famous "Xuanwu Gate Incident" in history. ".

After the coup, Li Yuan was forced to make Qin Wang Li Shimin the crown prince and hand over his power. Li Shimin became the de facto emperor.Two months later, when the situation in the country was stable, Li Yuan passed the throne to Li Shimin and retired as the Supreme Emperor.Li Shimin finally ascended to the throne of the emperor and changed his reign name to Zhenguan, which opened a new page in the history of the Tang Dynasty.

[Comment and Analysis]

"The opportunity to decide all doubts" means that judging the truth and solving difficulties are the key to accomplishing everything, and are directly related to the success or failure of a career.As the saying goes, break when you stop, otherwise you will suffer from chaos.Li Shimin seized the opportunity, and when he stopped, he succeeded in ascending the throne of the emperor.

Hongmen Banquet should not be broken

Liu Bang's army was stationed in Shang, but he failed to meet Xiang Yu.Liu Bang's left Sima Cao Wushang sent someone to tell Xiang Yu: "Liu Bang wants to occupy Guanzhong and become king, let Ziying be his prime minister, and keep all the pearls and treasures for himself." Xiang Yu was very angry and said: "Reward the soldiers with wine and meat tomorrow, and let them defeat Liu Bang's army." At this time, Xiang Yu's army had 40 troops stationed in Hongmen, Xinfeng County; Liu Bang's army had 10 troops stationed in Shang.Fan Zeng advised Xiang Yu: "When Liu Bang was in Shandong, he was greedy for property and loved beautiful women. Now that he enters Guanzhong, he doesn't want any property, and he doesn't get close to any women. This shows that his ambition is not small. I asked someone to see him. , are in the shape of dragons and tigers, colorful colors, this is the cloud of the emperor. Hurry up and attack him, don't lose the opportunity!"

Xiang Bo, Zuo Yin of Chu State, was usually friendly with Zhang Liang, Marquis of Liu.Zhang Liang followed Liu Bang at this time.Xiang Bo rode to Liu Bang's army overnight, met with Zhang Liang in private, told Zhang Liang the details, and wanted Zhang Liang to leave Liu Bang with him, saying: "If you don't follow me, you will be killed by Xiang Yu together." Liang said: "I escorted Peigong into the customs for the king of Han. Peigong is in urgent need now. It would be unethical for me to run away. I have to tell him."

Zhang Liang went in and told Liu Bang the situation in detail.Liu Bang was taken aback and said, "How to deal with this matter?" Zhang Liang said, "Who offered this strategy for the king?" Liu Bang replied, "The simple and ignorant people advised me: 'Take care of Hangu Pass, don't Let the princes come in, and you can be the king of all the territories of Qin.' So I listened to his words." Zhang Liang said: "Is it estimated that the king's army can withstand King Xiang's army?" Liu Bang was silent for a while, and said Zhang Liang said: "Please let me tell Uncle Xiang that Pei Gong dare not betray King Xiang." Liu Bang said, "How do you have friendship with Uncle Xiang?" Zhang Liang said : "During the Qin Dynasty, Uncle Xiang and I had a relationship. Uncle Xiang killed someone, and I saved him; now there is an emergency, so he came to tell me." Liu Bang said: "He is your age, who Who is the younger?" Zhang Liang said, "He is older than me." Liu Bang said, "You invite him in for me, and I have to treat him as an older brother." Zhang Liang went out and invited Uncle Xiang.Xiang Bo came in to see Liu Bang immediately.Liu Bang offered a glass of wine to bless Xiang Bo, and agreed to be his in-laws, saying: "When I entered Guanzhong, I dared not contaminate even the tiniest property. Register officials and people, and closed the treasury where the property is stored, waiting for the arrival of the general. Therefore, the reason for sending officers and soldiers to guard Hangu Pass is to guard against the entry and exit of other thieves and unexpected changes. How dare you rebel while waiting for the general's arrival day and night! I hope you can explain in detail to King Xiang. Dare not be ungrateful." Xiang Bo agreed, and said to Liu Bang, "Can you come earlier tomorrow to apologize to King Xiang in person?" Liu Bang said, "Yes." So Xiang Bo left again overnight and returned to Xiang Yu's barracks. He reported Liu Bang's words to King Xiang, and took the opportunity to say: "How dare you come in if Liu Bang doesn't break through the pass first? Now that he has made great achievements, you want to beat him. This is unrighteous. Why don't you take the opportunity to treat him friendly." King Xiang accepted.

Liu Bang led more than 100 horses to meet Xiang Yu the next day. When he arrived at Hongmen, he apologized and said: "The general and I joined forces to attack Qin, and the general fought north of the Yellow River. I fought south of the Yellow River, but I didn't expect to be able to enter the pass first." Breaking Qin, I can see you again here, General. Now there are rumors of villains, which have separated the general and me..." Xiang Yu said: "This is what you Zuo Sima Cao Wushang said. Otherwise, how could I How about this?" Xiang Yu asked Liu Bang to drink with him that day.Xiang Yu and Xiang Bo sat facing east; Yafu sat facing south—Yafu was Fan Zeng; Liu Bang sat facing north; Zhang Liang sat facing west.Fan Zeng winked at Xiang Yu many times, and raised the jade pendant he was wearing to signal to Xiang Yu many times, but Xiang Yu silently did not respond.Fan Zeng stood up, went out to summon Xiang Zhuang, and said to Xiang Zhuang: "The king's heart is too soft to bear. You go in and go up to toast. After the toast is over, ask for a sword dance to cheer up. By the way, knock Liu Bang on the seat and kill him." Him. Otherwise, you will all be captured by him!" Xiang Zhuang went in to toast.After toasting, he said: "Your Majesty and Pei Gong are drinking. There is nothing in the barracks for entertainment. Please let me dance with my sword." Xiang Yu said: "Okay." Xiang Zhuang drew his sword and danced.Xiang Bo also drew out his sword and danced, and often used his body to cover Liu Bang. Xiang Zhuang never got the chance to assassinate Liu Bang.

So Zhang Liang went to meet Fan Kuai outside the military gate.Fan Kui said: "How is the matter today?" Zhang Liang said: "It is very urgent! Now that Xiang Zhuang draws his sword and dances, his intention is often on Pei Gong." Fan Kui said: "It is too urgent! Please let me go in and fight with them Desperate." Fan Kui entered the military gate with his sword and shield.The soldiers guarding the military gate with crossed halberds tried to prevent him from entering.Fan Kuai raised his shield and bumped it, causing the guard to fall to the ground.Fan Kuai went in, lifted the curtain and stood facing west, staring at Xiang Yu, his hair stood on end, and his eye sockets were about to burst.Xiang Yu knelt up straight with his sword hilt in his hand and said, "What does this man do?" Zhang Liang said, "He is Fan Kuai, the guard of Duke Pei." Xiang Yu said, "A strong man! Give him a glass of wine." The people around him gave him a cup of wine. Big glass of wine.Fan Kuai thanked him, stood up, and drank the wine in one breath.Xiang Yu said, "Give him a pork leg." The people around him gave him a half-raw pork leg.Fan Kuai put the shield upside down on the ground, put the pork leg on the shield, drew out his sword and began to cut and eat.Xiang Yu said: "Strong man! Can I drink more?" Fan Kui said: "I am not afraid of death, so why should I refuse a glass of wine! The king of Qin has a heart as fierce as a tiger and wolf. , So the common people all over the world betrayed him. King Huai once made an agreement with the generals: first defeat the Qin army and enter Xianyang, and dare not occupy a single bit of it, close the palace, withdraw the army and station in it, to wait for the arrival of the king, and specially send soldiers to guard it Hangu Pass is to guard against the entry and exit of other thieves and accidents. Such hard work and meritorious deeds, without the reward of being a prince, but listening to the villain's slander and killing those who have meritorious service, this is the successor of the ruined Qin State. I personally don’t think your majesty should have done this.” Xiang Yu had no answer, and said, “Sit down.” Fan Kui then sat down next to Zhang Liang.

After sitting for a while, Liu Bang got up and went to the toilet, and by the way asked Fan Kui to go out together.Liu Bang had already left, and Xiang Yu sent his captain Chen Ping to call Liu Bang back.Liu Bang said to Fan Kui: "Just now, I didn't say goodbye when I came out. What should I do?" Fan Kui said, "You don't need to worry about the details when you do big things, and you don't need to pay attention to small courtesy when you talk about big gifts. Now people are like knives and chopping boards for cutting meat. We are fish. He Rou, why do you still have to say goodbye?" So he left, asking Zhang Liang to stay and say goodbye to Xiang Yu.Zhang Liang asked, "What gifts did your Majesty bring when he came here?" Liu Bang said, "I took a pair of white jade biscuits to present to King Xiang, and a pair of jade wine cups to present to Fan Zeng. They were angry and dared not present them." , please offer it for me." Zhang Liang said: "As ordered." At this time, Xiang Yu's army was stationed at Hongmen, and Liu Bang's army was stationed at Shang, separated by 40 li.Liu Bang left the chariots and horses of his entourage, and left here. He rode alone, and together with Fan Kui, Xia Houying, Jin Qiang, and Ji Xin, who were running on foot with swords and shields, they walked along the foot of Lishan Mountain, via Zhiyang, and copied Xiaolu escaped.Before leaving, Liu Bang said to Zhang Liang: "It's only 20 miles from this road to my barracks. Please estimate that I have arrived at the barracks, and you can go in and meet King Xiang."

After Liu Bang left, it was estimated that he had already returned to the army by taking the trail. Zhang Liang went in to say goodbye, saying: "Pei Gong can't drink too much, he is already drunk, and he can't come to say goodbye to the king in person. Please ask me to present you with a pair of white jade discs. Your Majesty, I present a pair of jade cups to the General." Xiang Yu said, "Where is Pei Gong?" Zhang Liang said, "I heard that the King intended to blame him, but he escaped from Hongmen alone and returned to the army." Xiang Yu accepted it. He picked up the white jade bi and put it on the seat.Fan Zeng accepted the jade cup, threw it on the ground, drew out his sword and chopped it into pieces, saying, "Ah! This boy is not worth collaborating with him! It must be Pei Gong who took King Xiang's world away. We are about to be captured by him." !"

Liu Bang returned to the barracks and immediately killed Cao Wushang to relieve his hatred.

[Comment and Analysis]

Xiang Yu's Hongmen Banquet missed the best time to get rid of Liu Bang, and it can be said that it was not broken, so that Liu Bang was finally allowed to escape, but he ended up besieged on all sides and committed suicide.After Liu Bang fled back, he first killed Cao Wushang, which was in stark contrast to Xiang Yu.Throughout the whole process of the Hongmen Banquet, Xiang Yu had many chances to kill Liu Bang, but he missed them one by one. This is inseparable from his indecision; Liu Bang immediately killed Cao Wushang after returning to the camp, showing his decisive style. , This may also be one of the reasons for their respective success or failure.

【Wisdom summary】

"Decision" means making a decision and making a decision, so this article is about the principles, methods, and significance of decision-making.There is an old saying: "When it is broken, it will not be disrupted."The article also emphasizes the importance of "decision", and believes that being good at judging the situation and making a decision is the key to the success or failure of everything.

The article first talks about the prerequisite for the decision-getting the truth.Only under the condition of knowing the truth of the lobbying target can we make the correct decision.Otherwise, you will not be able to make a decision that benefits you due to confusion. Not only will your suggestion not be accepted by the other party, but it will also lead to alienation in the relationship, and even bring harm to yourself.An important principle in the decision-making process is to seek advantages and avoid disadvantages. If you want others to adopt your suggestions, you have to start from the other party's position.After ascertaining the truth, making a decision that makes the other party feel profitable can be easily adopted by the other party.

The choice of goals before decision-making is very important. The best choice is the goal of gaining both fame and fortune; or choose the ones that are sure, so that the things that make decisions can be closely linked; or choose the urgent and difficult problems that need to be solved; or choose It can be solved easily; or choose the one that is in the best interest of oneself, and so on.But all choices need to be based on the basis of seeking truth from facts, but also give full play to the subjective initiative, only the combination of the two can achieve the goal.

The article also mentions the five successful decision-making methods of saints: "There are those who use yang virtue, those who use yin and thieves, those who use sincerity, those who use concealment, and those who use plainness." "Virtue" focuses on affirming and encouraging the other party, and convincing others with virtue; "Yin Thief" focuses on the use of conspiracy and tricks in the dark; Benevolence tolerates the weaknesses and mistakes of others in order to mobilize the enthusiasm of the other party; "ordinary" focuses on normative decision-making that follows common sense.From an overall analysis, these five methods refer to whether the decision-making made is aboveboard or a conspiracy, and the two can be transformed into each other, and they can be used flexibly when they need to be used. Therefore, these five methods of solving problems have strong practical guidance. significance.

(End of this chapter)