Tang’s Campaign against Ge

Contents

Text

English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Wan Zhang asked, “Song is a small state and now intends to practice kingly government. If Qi and Chu resent this and attack it, what should it do?”

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius replied, “Tang lived at Bo, next to the state of Ge. The ruler of Ge was wanton and neglected sacrifice. Tang sent someone to ask, ‘Why do you not sacrifice?’ He replied, ‘I have nothing for the sacrificial animals.’ Tang sent him cattle and sheep, but the ruler of Ge ate them and still did not sacrifice. Tang asked again, ‘Why do you not sacrifice?’ He answered, ‘I have no grain for the offerings.’ Tang sent people from Bo to plough for him, while the old and young brought them food. The ruler of Ge led his people to stop those carrying wine, food, millet, and rice, and seized it; he killed those who would not hand it over. A child bringing millet and meat was killed and robbed. The Documents says, ‘The ruler of Ge made an enemy of those bringing food’; this is what it means. Tang attacked because the child had been killed, and people everywhere said, ‘He is not seeking the wealth of the world; he is avenging ordinary men and women.’ Tang’s campaigns began with Ge. After eleven expeditions, no one in the world could oppose him. When he marched east, western peoples complained; when he marched south, northern peoples complained, asking, ‘Why are we left until last?’ The people longed for him as those in a great drought long for rain. Markets continued, and farmers did not stop their work. He punished their ruler and consoled the people; when timely rain fell, the people rejoiced. The Documents says, ‘Wait for our lord; when he comes, we will no longer be punished.’ Another quotation from the Documents reads, ‘Where there are those who do not treat us as subjects, march east and settle their men and women…’ The punctuation and meaning of “不惟臣” are disputed; this draft provisionally takes it to mean “those who do not accord us the rites due to subjects.” The text continues: local nobles filled baskets with dark and yellow silk to welcome the Zhou king’s nobles; commoners brought food in baskets and drink in jars to welcome his people. Tang only rescued the people from danger and removed their oppressor. The Great Oath says, ‘Our martial force rose and entered their territory; we removed the oppressor and strengthened the campaign, bringing glory to Tang.’ The issue is simply that royal government is not practiced. If it were, everyone under Heaven would look up to it and wish to have such a ruler. Powerful as Qi and Chu may be, what is there to fear?”

Feedback