In the one hundred years after Guan Zhong, another prime minister appeared in Qi who was as famous as him, and he was Yan Ying. Yan Ying was born in the turbulent period of Qi State, and assisted three generations of Qi Duke Linggong, Zhuang Gong, and Jinggong, and experienced the civil strife of Cui Zhu and Qingfeng.
In the middle of the Spring and Autumn Period, wars continued, and the Jin State, once the leader of the alliance, wanted to attack Qi State. Previously, in order to have a more detailed understanding of the situation in Qi, Jin sent its official Fan Zhao to the capital of Qi. Qi Jinggong hosted a banquet for Fan Zhao. After three rounds of wine and five dishes, Fan Zhao took advantage of his drunkenness and asked Qi Jinggong to toast him a glass of wine. Qi Jinggong ordered the attendant next to him to pass the wine in his cup to Fan Zhao. Fan Zhao took the wine and drank it in one gulp.
This scene was seen in Yan Ying's eyes. When Fan Zhao finished drinking, Yan Ying immediately shouted loudly: "Throw this cup away quickly. How can a monarch and his ministers exchange cups? This is not in line with etiquette. This is against me." The Lord is extremely disrespectful!" The reason why Fan Zhao did this was to test the reaction of the people of Qi. Unexpectedly, Yan Ying saw through this conspiracy.
After Fan Zhao returned home, he reported to Jin Pinggong that it was not the best time to attack Qi State. Qi State had such smart and virtuous ministers as Yan Ying. If he sent troops rashly, he would not be sure of victory. Duke Ping of Jin weighed it again and again, and felt that Fan Zhao was right, so he gave up his plan to attack Qi. This is the allusion of "Zhe Chong Zun Zu".
Yan Ying's diplomatic wisdom goes beyond this. On a visit to Chu State, after Yan Ying walked into the arranged post, he had a heated debate with the Chu ministers who came to greet him. The senior official of Chu State took the lead in attacking Yan Ying: "I don't understand something. Since the founding of Qi State, it has tens of thousands of soldiers and rich people. It has become a big country that no one can underestimate. But why was it that only Qi Huangong dominated the Central Plains for a while, and now? But you can no longer lead the various princes? I think that with your talents, Prime Minister Yan, it is more than enough to make Qi rise again, but now you have formed an alliance with our Chu State, I really don't understand."
Yan Ying replied: "Those who know the current affairs are heroes. Since the emperor of Zhou Dynasty was emptied out, the princes and countries have been fighting for years. The reason why our country of Qi can dominate the Central Plains is mainly God's will, followed by human factors. Moreover, Duke Wen of Jin is so talented and has a rough strategy. People have also had the experience of fleeing; Duke Mu of Qin was the lord of Xirong, and the national power was at its peak. Unfortunately, his descendants did not have people who were civilized, Taoist and military, so the national power gradually weakened."
"Your Chu State, King Chuzhuang has often been harassed by Wu and Jin, and has been dragged down by wars all year round. Is it only our Qi State that is weak? Today's alliance with your Chu State is only for the purpose of friendly exchanges with neighboring countries. As a How could a minister of the Chu State ask such an unqualified question?"
The lower official was speechless, and the upper official asked unconvincedly: "The civil strife in Qi continues, and many ministers died for the king. However, as a dignified prime minister, you neither punished the rebellious ministers nor died for the king to clarify your country's will. Don’t you feel so ashamed?”
Yan Ying retorted sharply: "These are just small details. Those who achieve great things cannot stick to small details. To lay down your life for the monarch, first of all, the monarch must die for the country and the country. If the monarch is a mediocre and debauched person, why should the ministers die for it?" Death? In my opinion, those who died were extremely stupid. The reason why I remained calm was not because I was greedy for power, but to stay to welcome the new king and Mingzhu. If everyone leaves the court, who will assist New King, who will revitalize the country? Civil strife has happened in any country, but doesn’t it happen in your country of Chu?"
The doctor had nothing to say. At this time, someone came out and said: "Since ancient times, all people in the world have been dignified in appearance. However, Yan Xiangguo, you are short and thin. You are just a talkative lobbyist with no real ability. You can deceive the world and steal your reputation." Don’t you feel shameful?”
"The hammer is small but weighs a thousand gold, and the oar is long but is flooded. King Zhou of Shang Dynasty has a majestic appearance, but he is the king of subjugation. Although I am not more capable than them, I am ashamed of my position. I am not quarreling with you for words. You ask me questions, are you asking me to keep silent?"
Yan Ying's answers one after another made the other party at a loss. Yan Ying has a flexible mind, is eloquent, and is an excellent diplomat. Within the imperial court, Yan Ying was a benevolent minister. He repeatedly advised the monarch of Qi and assisted him in managing the government. Duke Ling of Qi, Duke Zhuang of Qi, and Duke Jing of Qi all trusted him very much. Sima Qian listed him in "Historical Records" Compared to Guan Zhong.
Yan Ying was a courteous corporal and loved the people as a son. He advocated Guan Zhong's "If you want to change the world and bring peace to the world, you must start with loving the people." Yan Ying insisted that “there is nothing more important than caring for the people, and nothing more important than happy people.” Once there is a major famine, Yan Ying will distribute his family's food to the victims and advise the monarch to release food for disaster relief. Therefore, Yan Ying is deeply loved by the people.
In the war-torn era of the Spring and Autumn Period, Yan Ying was a representative figure of the peace faction. The State of Qi was preparing to attack the State of Lu. He advised Qi Jinggong to "please be polite to Lu to appease my resentment, and leave his stubbornness to clarify my virtue." Qi Jinggong finally accepted Yan Ying's Chen Jian and did not send troops to Lu.
Yan Ying is a veteran of the three dynasties of Qi State. He is upright, honest and honest. In managing the country, he has always followed the concept of "Integrity is the foundation of government and the master of virtue". He never seeks personal gain for his own people, never accepts gifts from his subordinates, and sometimes even donates his own salary to charity. To the people living in poverty. Yan Ying lived a simple life, and his diet consisted mainly of simple meals. His clothes were all "cloth clothes."
Yan Ying had a modest personality. Confucius commented on him: "Don't take what you think is right, refute others' faults, speak humbly to avoid blame, this is a righteous man!" It can be seen that he is modest and generous. Yan Ying is optimistic by nature, indifferent to fame and wealth, and has an indifferent attitude towards death. He believes that people will always die, no matter you are a treacherous villain or a gentleman; whether you are a poor commoner or a high-ranking official, death is the final outcome, and birth, old age, illness and death are natural. law. Therefore, being able to do more for the country, the country, and the people in a limited time is the most meaningful thing in Yan Ying's opinion.
Later generations wrote "Yan Zi Chun Qiu" for Yan Ying. This book records Yan Ying's thoughts, words and deeds during the Spring and Autumn Period. It is the earliest collection of short stories and words and deeds in my country. The content of the book mainly describes the dialogue between Yan Ying and the monarch of Qi and what happened during his administration. The language is vivid and concise, and the image of Yan Ying is vividly expressed. Most of the fables in the book center on Yan Ying, have complete plots, obvious themes, and are highly ironic. They are of great help and inspiration to future generations in terms of foreign exchanges and behavior.
Sima Ranju was originally named Tian and was a descendant of Tian Wan. During the reign of Duke Jin of Qi, Jin and Yan sent troops to invade Qi's cities respectively. Jin attacked Qi's Zhencheng and Dong'a, while Yan sent troops to invade Qi's territory on the south bank of the Yellow River. In the face of the incoming enemy, Qi's army was retreating steadily. Qi Jinggong was particularly worried about this because he did not have a general who could command thousands of troops.
At this time, Prime Minister Yan Ying recommended Tian Ranju, a commoner, to Qi Jinggong. Yan Ying said: "Although Tian Ranju comes from a humble background, his literary and military skills can make the entire army accept his command and make the enemy fear him. I hope you can reuse him." Qi Jinggong felt that the person recommended by Yan Ying should be It was not wrong, so he issued an edict to summon Tian Rangju. During the conversation, Qi Jinggong and Tian Rangju discussed military and state affairs together. Tian Rangju talked eloquently and analyzed the affairs of the world accurately and thoroughly. Qi Jinggong was very happy, and he immediately made him a general and led the army to fight against Jin and Yan. Seeing that Qi Jun valued him so much, Tian Juanju said modestly: "My status is very humble. I suddenly became a general, and my position is higher than that of a doctor. I don't think I will be convinced in the army, and the people will be suspicious of it." . If I do not establish authority in the army, it will be difficult for the entire army to unite as one, so I will not be completely sure of winning the war."
Qi Jinggong said: "Then what do you want to do?"
Tian Rujue said: "I hope you can send a favorite minister as my supervisor, so that we can go on an expedition." In fact, this is in line with Qi Jinggong's wishes. He sent one of his confidants to the army. To maintain the monarch's prestige in the army, secondly, he can serve as his own spy and report back on the situation in the army. So Qi Jinggong readily agreed to Tian Ranju and sent his favorite minister Zhuang Jia to supervise the army.
After bidding farewell to Qi Jinggong, Tian Juju went to Zhuang Jia and agreed with him on the time and place to meet the next day. On the next day, Tian Juju arrived early in front of the military gate that had been arranged before, and erected a wooden watch and a clepsydra for timing, specifically to wait for Zhuang Jia. This Zhuang Jia usually relied on being favored by Qi Jinggong to be arrogant and domineering. This time, he did not take the position of supervisor of the army seriously. He believed that he was the leader of the army and everyone had to listen to him. So Zhuang Jia drank and had fun with his relatives and friends before leaving, and he suddenly forgot about time.
At noon, when Tian Ruoju saw that Zhuang Jia had not arrived yet, he angrily kicked the clepsydra to pieces, knocked down the wooden watch, and returned to the military camp to inspect and organize the army. He made many military regulations on the spot. After all preparations were completed and the sky darkened, Zhuang Jia calmly came to the military gate. Tian Ruoju asked him why he came so late, and Zhuang Jia disdainfully explained that it was relatives and friends who came to see him off, so he was delayed. Tian Ruoju sternly said: "As a general of the army, from the moment he receives the order, he must forget his personal friendships, family and all matters that hinder the march. The military order comes first. Once there is a battle, he must even forget his own life. .”
"Today, Jin and Yan are constantly harassing our Qi territory and are about to penetrate deep into the country. Moreover, the domestic unrest has not yet been calmed down. The soldiers on the front line have been fighting bloody battles for a long time. The monarch cannot eat or sleep, and the people of the country are worried. Life depends on us, how can it be delayed just because your relatives and friends are seeing you off?" After that, Tian Juju called Jun Zheng over and asked him what military law stipulates as punishment for latecomers. Jun Zheng said: "It should be beheaded." After hearing this, Zhuang Jia was very frightened and sent someone to report to Qi Jinggong quickly to save his life. However, before the messenger could come back, Tian Ruoju beheaded Zhuang Jia in accordance with military law. Seeing Tian Ruanju beheading the supervisors appointed by the monarch, the whole army was shocked.
Not long after, the messenger who delivered the message came back, holding Qi Jinggong's pardon and death warrant in his hand, and drove a carriage into the military camp. Rangju said: "When a general is in the army, he will not obey the emperor's orders." Then he asked Junzheng: "Driving a carriage at a high speed in the military camp privately. How is this stipulated in the military law?" Junzheng said: " The military law stipulates that he should be beheaded." The envoy was very frightened after hearing this, but Tian Juju said: "He is an envoy sent by the monarch, and he cannot be beheaded." So he beheaded the driver of the carriage, killed the horse on the far left, and cut off He hit a standing tree on the left side of the car, which shocked all the soldiers. Tian Ruju ordered the envoy to go back and report to Qi Jinggong, and then the large group of troops began to march towards the front line.
During the march of the army, Tian Ruoju cared deeply for all the officers and soldiers. When the soldiers set up camp, he would do what he did with them; when the soldiers dug wells and set up stoves, he would fetch water and light fires for them; some soldiers fell ill during the march. He not only inquires about diseases, but also specially arranges medical staff to take care of them and arrange medicine. In short, Tian Ruoju will personally take care of every big and small matter in the army and comfort others. Not only that, Tian Juanju is also selfless. He often uses all the food he distributes to entertain the sick, sick and meritorious soldiers. He eats very little food every day and has no privileges. He distributes food equally like the soldiers. Therefore, Tian Juanju is in the army. It was highly supported by the majority of officers and soldiers.
On this day, the whole army was ready to go to war. Even sick soldiers asked to go to the battlefield together and fight bravely for the country. The Jin army saw the Qi army fighting bravely and with high morale, and had to retreat. The State of Yan learned that the Qi army had such a wise and powerful commander, and ordered the troops to retreat north of the Yellow River. Tian Ruju ordered his officers and soldiers to pursue the Yan army with all their strength. After several battles, the Qi army regained the previously lost territory and returned triumphantly. And return.
Before the troops returned to the capital, Tian Zhuju lifted the state of war readiness, canceled the previously formulated regulations and orders, and entered the capital only after swearing an alliance. Qi Jinggong was overjoyed to receive the news of a complete victory on the front line. He led all civil and military officials to greet the army outside the city, arranged the most grand welcome ceremony for them, and rewarded the soldiers of the three armies.
When Qi Jinggong returned to the palace, he specially received Tian Ranju and named him Grand Sima. Later, people respectfully called Tian Ranju Sima Ranju.
The Tian family's status in Qi State became more and more prominent day by day, which aroused the jealousy of other clans. The Gao family, Bao family, Guo family and other tribes maliciously slandered and framed Tian Rangju in front of Qi Jinggong, which caused a very bad influence. Duke Jinggong of Qi believed the slander and dismissed Tian Juanju from his official position. Tian Juanju became depressed and died of illness.
Later, King Wei of Qi sent officials to study various "Sima's Art of War" created from ancient times to the present, summarized them together, and added the art of war established by Tian Ranju, into a book called "Sima Ranju's Art of War". Sima Qian highly praised "Sima's Art of War" in "Historical Records" and believed that it was grand, broad and unfathomable.
