The Strategic Chessboard of Ancient China

In the turbulent era of the Warring States period, when seven powerful kingdoms vied for supremacy, a dramatic diplomatic confrontation unfolded in the state of Qi. The year was marked by intense political maneuvering as states sought alliances to either preserve their independence or expand their influence. At the heart of this geopolitical storm stood two formidable strategists: Chunli Ji, the rotund envoy from the western state of Qin, and Su Qin, the mastermind behind the “Vertical Alliance” that sought to unite six states against Qin’s expansion.

Chunli Ji’s mission to Qi was urgent – he needed to secure Qi’s neutrality before Su Qin could arrive and cement their participation in the anti-Qin coalition. The stakes couldn’t have been higher. Qi’s decision would determine whether the balance of power would tilt toward Qin’s dominance or toward a fragile equilibrium maintained by the united front of six states. This diplomatic dance occurred against the backdrop of an aging and ailing King Wei of Qi, whose declining health added urgency to all negotiations.

The Waiting Game in Linzi

Chunli Ji’s frustration mounted as days turned into weeks in Qi’s capital of Linzi. The corpulent Qin diplomat paced relentlessly in his courtyard residence, wearing a visible path in the grass as he waited for an audience with the elusive King Wei. Each day brought fresh excuses from Tian Wen, the young Qi noble assigned to entertain him – the king’s health improved, then worsened, then improved again in a maddening cycle.

The delay was strategic. King Wei, though ill, remained the shrewd “old owl” his nickname suggested. He was deliberately stalling, waiting to compare offers from both Qin and the coalition before committing Qi to either side. Chunli Ji eventually saw through the ruse, realizing the king sought to play both sides against each other for maximum advantage. Rather than storm out in anger, the seasoned diplomat decided to turn the tables, resolving to wait out the Qi monarch’s game.

A Night of Revelations in the Green Valley

The tension found unexpected release when Tian Wen invited Chunli Ji to Linzi’s famed “Green Valley” pleasure district. This exclusive quarter, restricted to foreign dignitaries and merchants, showcased Qi’s wealth and sophistication. Their destination, the luxurious “Yangchunxue” establishment, revealed the extravagant side of Qi culture – jade floors, massive bronze mirrors, and an atmosphere of refined decadence that left even the worldly Qin envoy astonished.

The evening took a serious turn when Tian Wen received urgent news: flooding along the Wei River might delay Su Qin’s delegation. Recognizing the strategic implications, Tian Wen immediately departed to coordinate efforts to assist Su Qin’s crossing, leaving Chunli Ji to ponder how this development might affect his own mission.

The Perilous Crossing

Meanwhile, Su Qin’s coalition delegation of over 2,000 personnel faced disaster at the swollen Wei River. What should have been a routine crossing became a life-threatening challenge as torrential floods transformed the river into a raging, muddy monster. With time running out and King Wei’s health failing, Su Qin made the fateful decision to attempt a dangerous crossing rather than take the safer but much longer detour.

The operation revealed the depth of commitment among the coalition members. Huang Xie of Chu selected sixty elite swimmers from the Yunmeng Lake region to assist the crossing. Zhao Sheng of Zhao organized the horses, while Jing Yan of Yan insisted on accompanying Su Qin despite the risks. The meticulous planning by Wei Wuji of Wei demonstrated the coalition’s organizational strength, as they divided into specialized teams to navigate the treacherous waters.

Sacrifice in the Muddy Waters

The crossing proved more harrowing than anticipated. In the river’s deepest section, Su Qin nearly succumbed to the powerful current before being rescued by Chu swimmers. The tragedy struck when Qu San, one of the Yunmeng warriors, sacrificed himself to protect Su Qin from a massive floating log. The young man’s dying words – about earning noble status to lift his family from servitude – underscored the personal stakes for those involved in these grand political maneuvers.

As the survivors gathered on the western bank, they honored Qu San with traditional Yunmeng funeral rites, sending his body downstream on a canoe toward the northern sea. The somber ceremony, illuminated by torchlight against the autumn night, served as a poignant reminder of the human cost behind the diplomatic chess game.

The Legacy of Determination

This episode from the Warring States period encapsulates the era’s complex dynamics. The strategic patience of Chunli Ji, the calculated delay by King Wei, the extravagant display of Qi’s wealth, and the desperate determination of Su Qin’s coalition all reveal different facets of statecraft during this pivotal historical moment.

The successful crossing, achieved through cooperation among representatives from multiple states, demonstrated the potential strength of the coalition against Qin’s expansionism. Yet the human sacrifice required – both literal and metaphorical – foreshadowed the challenges such alliances would face. Qu San’s story, though just one among thousands in this turbulent period, personifies how grand strategies affected ordinary lives and how individual actions could influence the course of history.

These events would set the stage for the coming confrontation in Linzi, where the diplomatic skills of Chunli Ji and Su Qin would be tested against King Wei’s political acumen. The outcome would help determine whether the Vertical Alliance could maintain its solidarity against Qin’s growing power, or whether the western state’s divide-and-conquer tactics would prevail in this high-stakes game of ancient international relations.