The Rise of Fan Ju and the Seeds of Vengeance

The story begins during the tumultuous Warring States period (475–221 BCE), when the state of Qin was steadily rising to dominance under the leadership of King Zhaoxiang. At the heart of this political drama was Fan Ju, a brilliant strategist whose intellect and diplomatic skills had earned him the position of Qin’s chancellor under the alias Zhang Lu. However, Fan Ju’s ascent to power was not without deep personal scars.

Years earlier, Fan Ju had served as a retainer under Xu Jia, a high-ranking minister of Wei. His talents quickly overshadowed Xu Jia’s, leading to jealousy and betrayal. When Fan Ju was falsely accused of treason by Xu Jia and Wei Qi, the chancellor of Wei, he endured unspeakable torture—beaten nearly to death, urinated upon, and left for dead in a latrine. Miraculously, Fan Ju survived, thanks to the help of a sympathetic guard named Zheng Anping, who smuggled him out of Wei.

Xu Jia’s Arrogance and the Unraveling of a Scheme

The narrative shifts to Xu Jia, now an envoy from Wei seeking an alliance with Qin. Confident in his past “friendship” with the mysterious Chancellor Zhang Lu (unaware it was Fan Ju), Xu Jia arrives in Qin’s capital, Xianyang, expecting an easy diplomatic victory. His arrogance is palpable—he boasts to the Wei court that securing the alliance will be effortless, even promising to stake his reputation on it.

Yet, Xu Jia is met with cold indifference. The chancellor’s gates remain shut to him, and his bribes are refused. Desperate, he turns to a ragged scholar who appears at his door—none other than Fan Ju in disguise. Xu Jia, failing to recognize his former victim, pities the man and offers him a meal and a silk robe, a gesture of hollow generosity.

The Dramatic Revelation and Xu Jia’s Humiliation

Fan Ju, still playing the role of a humble scholar, offers to help Xu Jia gain an audience with the chancellor. To Xu Jia’s shock, the scholar leads him directly into the chancellor’s residence—where Fan Ju reveals his true identity. The once-proud envoy collapses in terror, crawling on his knees like a dog, begging for mercy.

In a scene dripping with irony, Fan Ju spares Xu Jia’s life, citing the meal and robe as debts repaid. Yet, he forces Xu Jia to eat horse feed from a trough, a symbolic punishment for his past cruelty. The message is clear: Fan Ju’s vengeance is measured, but his disdain for Xu Jia’s cowardice is absolute.

The Fall of Wei Qi and the Political Reckoning

Fan Ju’s revenge extends beyond Xu Jia. He demands the head of Wei Qi, the man who had ordered his torture. When Wei Qi flees to Zhao, seeking refuge with Lord Pingyuan (a powerful Zhao noble), Fan Ju and King Zhaoxiang apply relentless pressure. Zhao, caught between loyalty and fear of Qin, ultimately abandons Wei Qi, who commits suicide in shame. His severed head is sent to Fan Ju, closing the final chapter of his vendetta.

Legacy and Reflections on Justice

Fan Ju’s revenge is more than personal—it reshapes the political landscape. His actions weaken Wei and strain Zhao’s alliances, paving the way for Qin’s future conquests. Yet, the story also raises moral questions: Is Fan Ju’s retribution justified, or does it mirror the cruelty he once suffered? His sparing of Xu Jia—while humiliating—shows restraint, yet his demand for Wei Qi’s head is merciless.

Historically, Fan Ju’s policies, including “befriending the distant while attacking the near” (远交近攻), would become central to Qin’s unification of China. His tale endures as a lesson on the corrosive nature of betrayal and the high cost of vengeance—even for the victor.

Conclusion: Power and the Price of Ambition

The story of Fan Ju, Xu Jia, and Wei Qi is a microcosm of the Warring States era—a time when intellect and ruthlessness determined survival. Fan Ju’s rise from victim to chancellor exemplifies the era’s volatility, while Xu Jia’s downfall serves as a warning against arrogance and deceit.

Centuries later, their saga remains a gripping study of human nature, reminding us that in the pursuit of power, justice and vengeance often wear the same face.