仁義 (benevolence/humane) is the chief principle of Chinese literati that predates even Confucius.
Yet Mao wrote in On Protracted War during Japanese invasion 我们不是宋襄公，不要那种蠢猪式的仁义道德
We're not Duke Xiang of Song. we don't need stupid pig's benevolence. a 🧵
Yet Mao wrote in On Protracted War during Japanese invasion 我们不是宋襄公，不要那种蠢猪式的仁义道德
We're not Duke Xiang of Song. we don't need stupid pig's benevolence. a 🧵
1st of all, I must say Mao was being unfair. Pig is an intelligent animal.
Duke Xiang of Song, however, is an entirely different animal
The story begin in 643BC...
Duke Xiang of Song, however, is an entirely different animal
The story begin in 643BC...
Back in 643BC, China was divided into many states as Zhou Dynasty King's power and prestige have collapsed. Strongest powers were Qi state and Chu state.
Duke Huan of Qi led an alliance of Central Plain states under banner of Respecting the King and Expel the Barbarians (Chu)
Duke Huan of Qi led an alliance of Central Plain states under banner of Respecting the King and Expel the Barbarians (Chu)
However in 643BC, The Hegemon Duke Huan of Qi fell ill. His chief eunuch and cook staged a coup to block him inside the palace to starve to death while his sons fought for power.
A huge power vacuum emerged
A huge power vacuum emerged
Crown prince of Qi fled to state of Song, seeking help.
Duke Xiang of Song, a direct descendant of previous Shang Dynasty, thought this is the chance to revive his ancestors' glory and claim the Hegemon status among Central Plain States
Duke Xiang of Song, a direct descendant of previous Shang Dynasty, thought this is the chance to revive his ancestors' glory and claim the Hegemon status among Central Plain States
Duke Xiang led an alliance of small states to storm Qi capital Linzi and put Qi crown prince on the throne.
Duke Xiang made his 1st step toward Hegemon status but his brother cautioned him that Song is a middle power, lack resources to be a Hegemon. Duke said he has a plan
Duke Xiang made his 1st step toward Hegemon status but his brother cautioned him that Song is a middle power, lack resources to be a Hegemon. Duke said he has a plan
Duke Xiang of Song's plan was to invite King of Chu to the alliance and use the power of Chu to overawe other Central Plain States.
But because Chu is Barbarian, Song would be welcomed by other Central Plain States as the alliance leader
But because Chu is Barbarian, Song would be welcomed by other Central Plain States as the alliance leader
Duke Xiang of Song invited both leaders of powerful Qi and Chu states to alliance meeting. During the ceremony to seal the pack, Duke Xiang grabbed bull's ear to be the 1st to smear bull's blood on his lips to assert his leadership. Qi and Chu leaders displeased.
Next year, Marquis of Qi and King of Chu held their own separate meeting in the state of Qi, calling on other states to attend but didn't invite state of Song.
Duke Xiang of Song responded by inviting Qi and Chu to another round of alliance meetings
Duke Xiang of Song responded by inviting Qi and Chu to another round of alliance meetings
Duke Xiang's brother said King of Chu can't be trusted, how abt I lead an army camp near the meeting just in case.
Duke said no, previous Hegemon Duke Huan of Qi nvr brought army to meetings. That's the style I intend to follow
Duke said no, previous Hegemon Duke Huan of Qi nvr brought army to meetings. That's the style I intend to follow
During the meeting, Duke Xiang wants to claim leadership of the alliance again. Chu King had his soldiers rushed in to arrest Duke Xiang. Other states rulers begged for Xiang's life. Chu King in a show of magnanimity, release the Duke.
Duke Xiang of Song sought revenge by attacking Chu ally(vassal) state of Zheng whose ruler had married Chu King's sister.
Chu responded by directly attacking Song state, forcing Duke Xiang to pull back to defend Song.
Chu responded by directly attacking Song state, forcing Duke Xiang to pull back to defend Song.
Duke Xiang of Song ordered a huge banner hoisted w char 仁義 (Benevolence) and wait for Chu Army across the Hong River
Chu Army arrived late at the battle field. Song Army already formed formation on the river bank while Chu army crossed the river
Duke's brother asked for permission 2 attack Chu army crossing the river. Duke Xiang said no, my 仁義 host wouldn't take advantage of enemy's disarray
Duke's brother asked for permission 2 attack Chu army crossing the river. Duke Xiang said no, my 仁義 host wouldn't take advantage of enemy's disarray
I tell the story of the Battle of Hong River in 638BC and its aftermath on the latest installment of chronological retelling of Chinese History on the Silk and Steel podcast
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