The Rise of a Military Strategist

Wang Jian, one of Qin’s most formidable generals, had spent decades serving the state with distinction. His military campaigns had been instrumental in Qin’s expansion, particularly in the conquest of Yan. Yet, as he aged, he sought retirement, recognizing that the burden of warfare should pass to the next generation. His son, Wang Ben, had already proven himself a capable commander, leading successful campaigns against Chu and Wei.

The fall of Wei, achieved through Wang Ben’s strategic flooding of its capital, Daliang, marked another step in Qin’s relentless unification campaign. With Han and Wei subdued, and Zhao and Yan weakened, only Chu and Qi remained as significant obstacles. Among these, Chu—referred to as “Jing” to avoid invoking the name of the Qin king’s father—was the most formidable.

The Overconfidence of Youth

When King Zheng of Qin sought advice on how many troops would be needed to conquer Chu, the elderly Wang Jian insisted that no fewer than 600,000 soldiers would suffice. In contrast, the younger general Li Xin confidently claimed that 200,000 would be enough. The king, eager for swift victories and perhaps swayed by youthful vigor, entrusted Li Xin with the campaign.

Li Xin’s initial successes—capturing Pingyu and Qin’iu—fueled his confidence. However, his inexperience led to fatal miscalculations. The Chu army, employing a strategy of feigned retreat, lured the overconfident Qin forces into a trap. In a devastating ambush at Chengfu, Li Xin’s army was crushed, losing seven high-ranking commanders.

The Return of the Old Master

Humiliated by defeat, Li Xin admitted his error, confirming Wang Jian’s earlier assessment. Recognizing his mistake, King Zheng personally traveled to Wang Jian’s retirement estate in Fanyang to plead for his return. Initially reluctant, Wang Jian eventually agreed—but only if granted full command of 600,000 troops, the exact number he had originally proposed.

Before departing for war, Wang Jian made an unusual request: he repeatedly asked the king for lavish rewards—estates, lands, and titles—seemingly preoccupied with securing wealth for his descendants. His behavior puzzled many, including his own officers, but Wang Jian had a deeper motive. Commanding nearly the entire Qin army, he knew the king’s notorious paranoia could turn against him. By appearing greedy and self-interested, he dispelled any suspicion of ambition, ensuring his survival.

The Art of War: Patience and Momentum

Unlike the reckless aggression of younger generals, Wang Jian’s strategy against Chu was one of calculated patience. Instead of engaging immediately, he fortified his position, allowing his troops to rest and regain strength while the Chu army grew frustrated. The temperamental Chu forces, known for their impetuous nature, eventually withdrew, believing the Qin army unwilling to fight.

This was the moment Wang Jian had been waiting for. Like a dam releasing its waters, he unleashed his rested and disciplined army in a sudden, overwhelming assault. The Chu forces, caught off-guard, were swiftly crushed. Their commander, the renowned Xiang Yan, was captured and executed. Within a year, the Qin army seized the Chu capital and captured King Fuchu, marking the end of one of the Warring States’ most powerful kingdoms.

Legacy of a Tactical Mastermind

Wang Jian’s victory over Chu in 223 BCE was a turning point in Qin’s unification of China. His understanding of psychological warfare, strategic patience, and political maneuvering set him apart from his contemporaries. Unlike the impulsive Li Xin, Wang Jian recognized that true military genius lay not in brute force but in controlling the flow of battle—just as a lumber merchant controls the river’s current to move his logs downstream.

His calculated requests for rewards, often dismissed as the greed of an old man, were in fact a masterstroke of political survival. By ensuring the king saw him as harmless, he secured not only his own life but also the success of his campaign.

Modern Lessons from an Ancient General

Wang Jian’s story remains relevant today as a lesson in leadership, patience, and strategic thinking. His ability to balance military prowess with political acumen offers insights for modern commanders and executives alike. In an era where quick victories are often glorified, his emphasis on preparation, timing, and psychological insight stands as a timeless reminder that true success is rarely achieved through haste.

The fall of Chu was not just a military conquest—it was the culmination of decades of experience, proving that sometimes, the wisdom of age outshines the vigor of youth.