I. First year.

 昭公元年
經元年‧
  1. 春.王正月.公即位.
  2. 叔孫豹會晉趙武.楚公子圍.齊國弱.宋向戌.衛齊惡.陳公子招.蔡公孫歸生.鄭罕虎.許人.曹人.于虢.
  3. 三月取鄆.
  4. 夏.秦伯之弟鍼出奔晉.
  5. 六月丁巳.邾子華卒.
  6. 晉荀吳帥師敗狄于大鹵.
  7. 秋.莒去疾自齊入于莒.
  8. 莒展輿出奔吳.
  9. 叔弓帥師疆鄆田.
  10. 葬邾悼公.
  11. 冬.十有一月.己酉.楚子麇卒.
  12. 公子比出奔晉.
 I. First year.
1. In his first year, in spring, in the king's first month, the duke came to the [vacant] seat.
2. Shusun Bao had a meeting with Zhao Wu of Jin, the Gongzi Wei of Chu, Guo Ruo of Qi, Xiang Xu of Song, Qi E of Wey, the Gongzi Shao of Chen, the Gongsun Guisheng of Cai, Han Hu of Zheng, a minister of Xu, and a minister of Cao, in Guo.
3. In the third month, we took Yun.
4. In summer, Qian, younger brother of the earl of Qin, fled from that State to Jin.
5. In the sixth month, on Dingsi, Hua, viscount of Zhu, died.
6. Xun Wu of Jin led a force, and defeated the Di at Dalu.
7. In autumn, Quji of Ju entered into that State from Qi.
8. Zhanyu of Ju fled from that State to Wu.
9. Shu Gong led a force, and laid out the boundaries of the lands of Yun.
10. There was the burial of duke Dao of Zhu.
11. In winter, in the eleventh month, on Jiyou, Jun, viscount of Chu, died.
12. The Gongzi Bi of Chu fled from that State to Jin.
 傳元年‧ COMMENTARY
 春.楚公子圍聘于鄭.且娶於公孫段氏.伍舉為介.將入館.鄭人惡之.使行人子羽與之言.乃館於外.既聘.將以眾逆.子產患之.使子羽辭曰.以敝邑褊小.不足以容從者.請聽命.令尹命大宰伯州犁對曰.君辱貺寡大夫圍.謂圍將使豐氏.撫有而室.圍布几筵.告於莊共之廟而來.若野賜之.是委君貺於草莽也.是寡大夫不得列於諸卿也.不寧唯是.又使圍蒙其先君.將不得為寡君老其蔑以復矣.唯大夫圖之.子羽曰.小國無罪.恃實其罪.將恃大國之安靖己.而無乃包藏禍心以圖之.小國失恃.而懲諸侯.使莫不憾者.距違君命.而有所壅塞不行是懼.不然.敝邑館人之屬也.其敢愛豐氏之祧. 'In spring, the Gongzi Wei of Chu went on a complimentary visit to Zheng, and at the same time to marry a daughter of Gongsun Duan; Wu Ju being the assistant commissioner. They proposed lodging inside the capital, but the people of Zheng were adverse to this, and sent the internuncius Ziyu to speak with them on the subject; on which they occupied a reception-house outside. When the business of the visit was over, [Wei] proposed [entering the city], with all his company, to meet his bride. The thing troubled Zichan, who sent Ziyu to decline the proposal, saying, "In consequence of the smallness of our poor city, which is not sufficient to contain your followers, we beg to [level a piece of ground outside, and] rear a high structure where we can receive your commands." The chief minister ordered the grand-administrator, Bo Zhouli, to reply, "Your ruler condescended to confer his kindness on our great officer Wei, saying that he would send the lady Feng (Feng was the surname of Gongsun Duan) to take soothing possession of his family. Wei then set forth his offerings on the stands in the temples of [the kings] Zhuang and Gong (His grand-father and father), and is come here. If the lady be given to him in the open country, it will be throwing your ruler's gift among the grass and weeds; and our great officer will not have his rank among the other ministers [of our State]. And not only this:—the proceeding will also make Wei to have deceived his former rulers, and he will not be able to retain his place as an ancient of our [present] ruler. He will not [dare to] return [to Chu]. Let your great officers consider it." Ziyu said, "Our small State [means] no offence; its offence has been in the confidence [it has reposed in you]. Meaning to confide in your great State's desire to secure its respose and quiet, and you, on the contrary, having hid in your breasts an evil mind to scheme against it, it will have erred in its confidence, and must announce the thing to the States, moving the indignation of them all, so that they will resist your ruler's orders, and your progress will be stopped:—this is what we are afraid of. If it were not for this, our State is but a sort of keeper of a reception house for you; would it presume to grudge you the use of the temple of the Feng family?"
 伍舉知其有備也.請垂櫜而入.許之.正月乙未.入逆而出. 'Wu Ju, knowing that they were prepared [in Zheng against any hostile attempt], begged that they might enter the city, with their quivers slung upside down;—which was granted. In the 1st month, on Yiwei, [Wei] entered the city, received his bride, and went out again.
 遂會於虢.尋宋之盟也.祁午謂趙文子曰.宋之盟.楚人得志於晉.今令尹之不信.諸侯之所聞也.子弗戒.懼又如宋.子木之信.稱於諸侯.猶詐晉而駕焉.況不信之尤者乎.楚重得志於晉.晉之恥也.子相晉國.以為盟主.於今七年矣.再合諸侯.三合大夫.服齊狄.寧東夏.平秦亂.城淳于.師徒不頓.國家不罷.民無謗讟.諸侯無怨.天無大災.子之力也.有令名矣.而終之以恥午也是懼.吾子其不可以不戒.文子曰.武受賜矣.然宋之盟.子木有禍人之心.武有仁人之心.是楚所以駕於晉也.今武猶是心也.楚又行僭.非所害也.武將信以為本.循而行之.譬如農夫.是穮是蔉.雖有饑饉.必有豐年.且吾聞之.能信不為人下.吾未能也.詩曰. 'He then went on to meet [the representatives of the States] in Guo, the object being to renew the covenant of Song. Qi Wu said to Zhao Wenzi, "At the covenant of Song, the men of Chu got their will, as against Jin. The want of faith of the present chief-minister [of Chu] is what all the States have heard of. If you do not take precautions, things will turn out as in Song. The good faith of Zimu was celebrated among the States, and still he deceived Jin, and got the advantage over it; how much more may we expect deceit from one notorious for his want of faith! If Chu a second time get its will as against Jin, it will be a disgrace to Jin. You have guided the government of Jin, maintaining it as lord of covenants now for 7 years. Twice have you assembled the princes of the States, and three times their great officers. You brought to submission Qi and the Di; you tranquillized the States of the east; you pacified the confusion of Qin; you walled Chunyu (The capital of Qi); yet our troops have not been exhausted; the State has not been wearied; the people have uttered no slanders nor revilings; the other States have felt no resentment; Heaven has inflicted no great calamities:—all this has been due to you. You have got a good name, and what I am afraid of is, lest you should bring shame on it in the end. Sir, you must not neglect to take precautions." Wenzi said, "Thank you for the lesson you have given me. But at the covenant of Song, the heart of Zimu was set on injuring others, while my heart was set on the well-being of others; and it was thereby that Chu got the advantage of Jin. And now I still cherish the same heart, and Chu is still assuming and arrogating. No harm will result from it. Good faith shall be held by me as a fundamental thing, and I will act in accordance with it. The case will be like that of the husbandman who clears away the weeds and digs up the earth about his plants; although there may be seasons of famine or scarcity, he will, as a rule, have abundant harvests. Moreover, I have heard that he who can maintain his good faith is sure not to be below others:—I cannot fully attain to this. The ode (Shi, III. iii. ode II. 8) says,
 不僭不賊.鮮不為則.信也.能為人則者.不為人下矣.吾不能是難.楚不為患. 'Not going beyond the right, inflicting no injury,
Seldom is it that such an one does not become a pattern to others;'
showing the power of good faith. He who can be a pattern to others, is not beneath them. My inability to attain this is my difficulty; I am not troubled about Chu."
 楚令尹圍請用牲.讀舊書.加于牲上而已.晉人許之.三月.甲辰.盟.楚公子圍設服離衛.叔孫穆子曰.楚公子美矣.君哉.鄭子皮曰.二執戈者前矣.蔡子家曰.蒲宮有前.不亦可乎.楚伯州犁曰.此行也.辭而假之寡君.鄭行人揮曰.假不反矣.伯州犁曰.子姑憂子皙之欲背誕也.子羽曰.當璧猶在.假而不反.子其無憂乎.齊國子曰.吾代二子愍矣.陳公子招曰.不憂何成.二子樂矣.衛齊子曰.苟或知之.雖憂何害.宋合左師曰.大國令.小國共.吾知共而已.晉樂王鮒曰.小旻之卒章善矣.吾從之. 'Wei, the chief minister of Chu begged that they might simply use a victim, and, having read the words of the former covenant, place the writing over its [blood]. This was agreed to on the part of Jin; and on the 3d month, on Jiachen, they covenanted. Wei was in [ruler's] robes, with guards displayed [before him]. Shusun Muzi said, "The Gongzi of Chu is beautiful, how ruler-like!" Zipi of Zheng said, "Yes, with those two spearmen before him!" 'Zijia of Cai said, "They are before the Pu palace; may he not have them [here] also?" 'Bo Zhouli of Chu said, "In taking leave for this journey, he borrowed them from our ruler." 'Hui, the internuncius of Zheng, said "He borrowed them, but will not return them!" 'Bo Zhouli replied, "You may find a subject for your sorrow in the rebellious, incoherent ambition of Zixi." Ziyu rejoined, "While the designate of the bi (See the Zhuan on XIII. 3) remains, do you find no subject for sorrow in the borrowing these things, and not returning them?" 'Guozi of Qi said, "I commiserate the two of you." The Gongzi Shao of Chen said, "But for their anxious sorrow, what would they accomplish? They will have occasion for joy." 'Qizi of Wey said, "If they know it [before-hand], although they may be sorrowful, what harm will there be?" 'The master of the Left of Song—-he of He-—said, "A great State commands, and a small State obeys. I know nothing but to obey." 'Yue Wangfu of Jin said, ["The sentiment of] the last stanza of the Xiao min (Shi, II. v. ode I.) is good; I will follow it."
 退會.子羽謂子皮曰.叔孫絞而婉.宋左師簡而禮.樂王鮒字而敬.子與子家持之.皆保世之主也.齊衛陳大夫.其不免乎.國子代人憂.子招樂憂.齊子雖憂弗害.夫弗及而憂.與可憂而樂.與憂而弗害.皆取憂之道也.憂必及之.大誓曰.民之所欲.天必從之.三大夫兆憂.能無至乎.言以知物.其是之謂矣. 'When they retired from the meeting, Ziyu said to Zipi, "Shusun was sharp, and yet mild. The master of the Left of Song was sententious, and agreeable to propriety. Yue Wangfu was loving and reverent. You and Zijia held [the Mean]. You are all men who will preserve your families for generations. But the great officers of Qi, Wey, and Chen, will not escape [an evil death]. Guozi was sorry for them; Zishao found in sorrow ground for joy; and Qizi said that though they were sorrowful, there would be no harm. Now to be sorry before the thing happens, to find joy in what is occasion for sorrow, and to see no harm in being sorry;—all this is the way to bring sorrow. Sorrow will come to them. The Great Declaration says, 'What the people desire, Heaven is sure to grant.' Those three officers prognosticated sorrow;—is it possible but that sorrow should come to them? This is an illustration of the saying, 'From words you know things.'"
 季武子伐莒.取鄆.莒人告於會.楚告於晉曰.尋盟未退.而魯伐莒.瀆齊盟.請戮其使.樂桓子相趙文子.欲求貨於叔孫.而為之請.使請帶焉弗與.梁其脛曰.貨以藩身.子何愛焉.叔孫曰.諸侯之會.衛社稷也.我以貨免.魯必受師.是禍之也.何衛之為.人之有牆.以蔽惡也.牆之隙壞.誰之咎也.衛而惡之.吾又甚焉.雖怨季孫.魯國何罪.叔出季處.有自來矣.吾又誰怨.然鮒也賄.弗與不已.召使者裂裳帛而與之.曰帶其褊矣. 'Ji Wuzi invaded Ju and took Yun. The people of Ju sent word [of the outrage] to the meeting, and Chu represented to Jin, "Before we have retired from this renewal of the covenant, Lu has invaded Ju, thus treating contumeliously our common stipulations. Allow us to execute its envoy." Yue Huanzi (Wangfu) was in attendance on Zhao Wenzi; and wishing to ask a bribe from Shusun, he interceded for him, and sent a messenger to ask from him a sash. Shusun refused it, on which Liang Qixing said, "Why should you grudge giving your property to protect yourself?" Shusun replied, "The meeting of the States is for the defence of our altars. If I by such a method secure my own escape, yet Lu will be attacked. I shall have brought calamity on it, instead of being a defence to it. Men build walls to prevent the approach of evil. When there are cracks in a wall, or it falls to ruin, on whom will the blame be laid? If I, set for the defence [of Lu], should yet do it evil, I should be more to blame [than the wall]. Though I can resent the conduct of Jisun [in this matter], what offence has Lu committed? That the Shu should go abroad [on missions], and the Ji remain at home, is an established custom [of our State]:—with whom should I feel dissatisfied? But as to a gift to Wangfu, if I do not give him something, he will not cease [importuning me]." With this he called the messenger, tore up a piece of silk for a lower garment, and gave it to him, saying, "The sash-silk is all done."
 趙孟聞之曰.臨患不忘國.忠也.思難不越官.信也.圖國忘死.貞也.謀主三者.義也.有是四者.又可戮乎.乃請諸楚.曰.魯雖有罪.其執事不辟難.畏威而敬命矣.子若免之.以勸左右可也.若子之群吏.處不辟污.出不逃難.其何患之有.患之所生.污而不治.難而不守.所由來也.能是二者.又何患焉.不靖其能.其誰從之.魯叔孫豹可謂能矣.請免之以靖能者.子會而赦有罪.又賞其賢.諸侯其誰不欣焉.望楚而歸之.視遠如邇.疆場之邑.一彼一此.何常之有.王伯之令也.引其封疆.而樹之官.舉之表旗.而著之制令.過則有刑.猶不可壹.於是乎虞有三苗.夏有觀扈.商有姺邳.周有徐奄.自無令王諸侯逐進.狎主齊盟.其又可壹乎.恤大舍小.足以為盟主.又焉用之.封疆之削.何國蔑有.主齊盟者.誰能辯焉.吳濮有釁.楚之執事.豈其顧盟.莒之疆事.楚勿與知.諸侯無煩.不亦可乎.莒魯爭鄆.為日久矣.苟無大害於其社稷.可無亢也.去煩宥善.莫不競勸.子其圖之.固請諸楚.楚人許之.乃免叔孫. 'When Zhaomeng heard of all this, he said, "In misfortune, not forgetting his State, he is loyal; in prospect of difficulties, not [wishing] to overstep his office, he is faithful. Forgetting the risk of death in his interest for the State, he is incorrupt. Holding to these three things in his counsels, he is righteous. Ought a man with these four qualities to be executed?" He therefore made a request to [the minister of] Chu, saying, "Although Lu be chargeable with an offence, its minister here has not [sought to] avoid difficult services, and [now] in awe of your majesty he [is prepared] to submit reverently to your orders. It will be well for you to spare him as an encouragement to all about you. If your officers, in the State, do not seek to avoid laborious services, and when they go abroad, do not try to evade difficulties [that they may meet with]. to what calamities will you in that case be exposed? What calamities arise from is officers' not performing laborious services, and not maintaining their characters on occasions of difficulty. If they are able for these two things, there will be no calamities. If you do not quiet [the apprehensions of] those who are able, who will follow you? Shusun Bao may be pronounced such an able man, and I beg you to spare him, in order to quiet the minds of others who are so [also]. If you, having assembled [the ministers of] the States, will pardon the guilty [Lu], and reward its worthy officer, which of the States will not rejoice? They will look to Chu, and turn to it, and see it, though far off, as if it were near. The States that lie on their borders [between Jin and Chu] follow now the one and now the other, without any regularity. The good kings and presiding princes drew out for them their boundaries, set up for them their officers, raised in them their flags of distinction, and issued among them enactments and ordinances. Transgressors among them they punished, and yet they could not secure a oneness [of obedience]. Thus it was that Yu had its Sanmiao; Xia its Guan and Hu; Shang its Xian and Pi; and Zhou its Xu and Yan. After there ceased to be good kings, the States struggled for the precedence, and one and another have presided in turns over the general covenants. Under such a condition can absolute oneness be looked for? The State which can sympathize with others in great [calamities], and overlook small matters, is fit to be lord of covenants; why should it occupy itself [with the small matters]? What State has not questions about encroachments on its borders? What presiding State could attend to them all? If Wu or Pu were to commit a trespass, would the ministers of Chu pay any regard to our covenants? There is no reason why Chu should not decline to take notice of this matter about the borders of Ju, and why the States should be troubled about it. Ju and Lu have quarrelled about Yun for long. If there be no great harm done to the altars [of Ju], you need not resist [the present aggression]. Do you remove this occasion of trouble, and deal kindly with this good man, and all will be strong to encourage [one another, in the appreciation of Chu]. Do you consider the matter." He [thus] earnestly urged his request, and the minister of Chu granted it, so that Shusun was spared.
 令尹享趙孟.賦大明之首章.趙孟賦小宛之二章.事畢.趙孟謂叔向曰.令尹自以為王矣.何如.對曰.王弱.令尹疆.其可哉.雖可不終.趙孟曰.何故.對曰.彊以克弱而安之.彊不義也.不義而彊.其斃必速.詩曰. 'The chief minister feasted Zhaomeng, and sang the first stanza of the Da ming (Shi, III. i. ode II.). Zhaomeng sang the second stanza of the Xiao yuan (Shi, II. v. ode II.). When the feast was over, Zhaomeng said to Shuxiang, "The chief minister looks upon himself as king. How will it be?" Shuxiang replied, "The king is weak, and the minister is strong. His ambition will be gratified, but notwithstanding he will not die a natural death." "Why so?" "When strength overcomes weakness, and is satisfied in doing so, the strength is not righteous. Of strength which is unrighteous the doom will come quick. The ode (Shi, II. iv. ode VIII. 8) says,
 赫赫宗周.褒姒滅之.彊不義也.令尹為王.必求諸侯.晉少懦矣.諸侯將往.若獲諸侯.其虐滋甚.民弗堪也.將何以終.夫以彊取.不義而克.必以為道.道以淫虐.弗可久已矣. 'The majestic honoured capital of Zhou
Is extinguished by Bao Si:——
that was a case of strength which was not righteous. When the chief minister becomes king, he will be sure to ask [from Jin] the presidency of the States; and Jin is somewhat weakened. The States will go [to Chu]; and when he has got them, his oppressiveness will be greatly increased. The people will not be able to bear it, and how shall he obtain a natural death? Taking [his position] by strength, overcoming by unrighteousness, he must look on these things as the proper course. Pursuing that course in dissoluteness and oppression, he cannot continue long."
 夏.四月.趙孟.叔孫豹.曹大夫.入于鄭.鄭伯兼享之.子皮戒趙孟.禮終.趙孟賦瓠葉.子皮遂戒穆叔.且告之.穆叔曰.趙孟欲一獻.子其從之.子皮曰.敢乎.穆叔曰.夫人之所欲也.又何不敢.及享.具五獻之籩豆於幕下.趙孟辭.私於子產曰.武請於冢宰矣.乃用一獻.趙孟為客.禮終乃宴.穆叔賦鵲巢.趙孟曰.武不堪也.又賦采蘩.曰.小國為蘩.大國省穡而用之.其何實非命.子皮賦野有死麇之卒章.趙孟賦常棣.且曰吾兄弟比以安.尨也可使無吠.穆叔.子皮.及曹大夫.興拜.舉兕爵曰.小國賴子.知免於戾矣.飲酒樂.趙孟出.曰.吾不復此矣.  "In summer, in the 4th month, Zhaomeng, Shusun Bao, and the great officer of Cao, entered the capital of Zheng, where the earl gave them all an entertainment. Zipi conveyed to Zhaomeng the notice of the time; and when the ceremony [of doing so] was over, Zhaomeng sang the Hu ye (Shi, II. viii. ode VII.). Zipi went on to give the notice to Mushu, and told this to him, when Mushu said, "Zhaomeng wishes that there should only be one cup and the response to it. You should order it so." "How dare I?" said Zipi. "When it is what a man wishes, why should you not dare to do a thing?" was the reply. When the time came, the vessels for the ceremony of five cups were all provided under a tent. Zhaomeng declined [such a celebration], and told Zichan apart how he had begged of the chief minister [that it might be otherwise]. On this only one cup was presented, Zhaomeng being the [principal] guest; and when that ceremony was over, they proceeded to the feast. Mushu sang the Quechao (Shi, I ii. ode I.). when Zhaomeng said, "I am not worthy of that." The other then sang the Cai fan. (I. ii. ode II.), and added, "Our small States are like that southernwood. If your great State will gather it sparingly and use it, we will in everything obey your commands." Zipi sang the last stanza of the Ye you si jun (I. ii. ode XII.). Zhaomeng sang the Changdi (II. i. ode IV.), and said, "Let us who are brothers seek to rest in harmony, and that dog may be kept from barking at us." Mushu, Zipi, and the great officer of Cao, rose up at this, and bowed their acknowledgments. Each of them raised a cup made of a rhinoceros' horn, and said, "We small States depend on you, and know that we shall escape punishment." They then drank and were joyous. When Zhaomeng went out, he said, "I shall not have a repetition of this [enjoyment]."
 天王使劉定公勞趙孟於潁.館於雒汭.劉子曰.美哉禹功.明德遠矣.微禹.吾其魚乎.吾與子弁冕端委.以治民臨諸侯.禹之力也.子盍亦遠績禹功.而大庇民乎.對曰.老夫罪戾是懼.焉能恤遠.吾儕偷食.朝不謀夕.何其長也.劉子歸以語王曰.諺所為老將知而耄及之者.其趙孟之謂乎.為晉正卿.以主諸侯.而儕於隸入.朝不謀夕.棄神人矣.神怒民叛.何以能久.趙孟不復年矣.神怒不歆其祀.民叛不即其事.祀事不從.又何以年. 'The king by Heaven's grace sent duke Ding of Liu to the Ying to compliment Zhaomeng on the accomplishment of the toils of his journey; and [he accompanied him] to his lodging-house near a bend of the Luo. "How admirable," said the viscount of Liu, "was the merit of Yu! His intelligent virtue reached far. But for Yu, we should have been fishes. That you and I manage the business of the princes in our caps and robes is all owing to Yu. Why should you not display a merit as far-reaching as that of Yu, and extend a great protection to the people?" Zhaomeng replied, "I am old, and constantly afraid of incurring guilt; how should I be able to send my regards far into the future? We can but think about our food, in the morning laying no plans for the evening, and are incapable of any long forethought." When the viscount returned [to the court], he told the king of this conversation, saying, "The common saying, 'An old man is just becoming wise, when senility comes upon him,' might be spoken of Zhaomeng. He is the chief minister of Jin, and presides over the States, and yet he likens himself to a common servant, who in the morning has no plans for the evening, casting from him [the care of] both Spirits and men. The Spirits must be angry with him, and the people revolt from him:—how can he continue long? Zhaomeng will not see another year. The Spirits, angry with him, will not accept his sacrifices; the people, revolting from him, will not repair to execute his affairs. His sacrifices and affairs both unattended to, what should he do with more years?"
 叔孫歸.曾夭御季孫以勞之.旦及日中.不出.曾夭謂曾阜曰.旦及日中.吾知罪矣.魯以相忍為國也.忍其外.不忍其內.焉用之.阜曰.數月於外.一旦於是.庸何傷.賈而欲贏.而惡囂乎.阜謂叔孫曰.可以出矣.叔孫指楹曰.雖惡是.其可去乎.乃出見之. 'When Shusun returned [to Lu], Zeng Yao drove Jisun to congratulate him on the accomplishment of his journey. The morning passed and mid-day came, without his "coming forth. Zeng Yao said to Zeng Fu, "[Kept here] from morning to mid-day, we know our offence. But the government of Lu goes on through the mutual forbearance [of the ministers]. Abroad he could bear [with our master], and [now] in the State he does not do so;—what is the meaning of this?" Fu (Shusun's steward) said, "He has been several months abroad;—what does it harm you to be here one morning? Does the trader who desires his profit dislike the clamour [of the market-place]?" Fu then said to his master that he might come forth, and Shusun pointing to one of the pillars [of his house], said, "Though I should dislike this, could it be removed?" With this he went out and saw Jisun.'
  鄭徐吾犯之妹美.公孫楚聘之矣.公孫黑又使強委禽焉.犯懼.告子產.子產曰.是國無政.非子之患也.唯所欲與.犯請於二子.請使女擇焉.皆許之 'Xuwu Fan of Zheng had a beautiful sister, who was betrothed to Gongsun Chu (Designated Zinan). Gongsun Hei (Zixi), however, also sent a messenger who violently insisted on leaving a goose at the house (A ceremony of espousal). Fan was afraid, and reported the matter to Zichan, who said, "This is not your sorrow [only]; it shows the want of government in the State. Give her to which of them you please." Fan then begged of the two gentlemen that they would allow him to leave the choice between them to the lady; and they agreed to it.
 子皙盛飾入.布幣而出.子南戎服入.左右射.超乘而出.女自房觀之.曰.子皙信美矣.抑子南夫也.夫夫婦婦.所謂順也.適子南氏.子皙怒.既而櫜甲以見子南.欲殺之.而取其妻.子南知之.執戈逐之.及衝.擊之以戈.子皙傷而歸.告大夫曰.我好見之.不知其有異志也.故傷. 'Zixi then, splendidly arrayed, entered the house, set forth his offerings, and went out. Zinan entered in his military dress, shot an arrow to the left and another to the right, sprang into his chariot, and went out. The lady saw them from a chamber, and said, "Zixi is indeed handsome, but Zinan is my husband. For the husband to be the husband, and the wife to be the wife, is what is called the natural course." So she went to Zinan's. Zixi was enraged, and by-and-by went with his bow-case and in his buff-coat to see Zinan, intending to kill him and take away his wife. Zinan knew his purpose, seized a spear, and pursued him. Coming up to him at a cross road, he struck him with the weapon. Zixi went home wounded, and informed the great officers, saying, "I went in friendship to see him, not knowing that he had any hostile purpose; and so I received the wound."
 大夫皆謀之.子產曰.直鈞幼賤.有罪.罪在楚也.乃執子南而數之曰.國之大節有五.女皆奸之.畏君之威.聽其政.尊其貴.事其長.養其親.五者所以為國也.今君在國.女用兵焉.不畏威也.奸國之紀.不聽政也.子皙上大夫.女嬖大夫.而弗下之.不尊貴也.幼而不忌.不事長也.兵其從兄.不養親也.君曰.余不女忍殺.宥女以遠.勉速行乎.無重而罪. 'The great officers all consulted about the case. Zichan said, "There is a measure of right on both sides; but as the younger, and lower in rank, and chargeable with an offence, we must hold Chu to be the criminal." Accordingly he [caused] Zinan to be seized, and enumerated his offences, saying, "There are the five great rules of the State, all of which you have violated:—awe of the ruler's majesty; obedience to the rules of the government; honour to the nobler in rank; the service of elders; and the kindly cherishing of relatives. These five things are necessary to the maintenance of the State. Now you, while the ruler was in the city, presumed to use your weapon; —you had no awe of his majesty. You violated the laws of the State;—not obedient to the rules of government. Zixi is a great officer of the 1st degree, and you would not acknowledge your inferiority;—you have not honoured the nobler in rank. Younger than he, you showed no awe of him;—not serving your elder. You lifted your weapon against your cousin;—not kindly cherishing your relative. The ruler says that he cannot bear to put you to death, and will deal gently with you in sending you to a distance. Make an effort and take your departure quickly, so as not to incur a second offence."
 五月.庚辰.鄭放游楚於吳.將行子南.子產咨於大叔.大叔曰.吉不能亢身.焉能亢宗.彼國政也.非私難也.子圖鄭國.利則行之.又何疑焉.周公殺管叔而蔡蔡叔.夫豈不愛.王室故也.吉若獲戾.子將行之.何有於諸游. 'In the 5th month, on Gengchen, Zheng banished You (Zinan's clan-name) Chu, to Wu. When he was about to send him away, Zichan consulted with Taishu (You Ji) on the subject. Taishu said, "I cannot protect myself; how should I be able to protect the members of my clan? The affair belongs to the government of the State, and is not any private hardship. If you have planned for the benefit of the State, carry out your decision. Why should you have any hesitancy? The duke of Zhou put to death Guanshu, and banished Caishu, not because he did not love them, but because it was necessary for the royal House. If I were to be found in any crime, you would send me away; what difficulty need you have in the case of any other You?"
 秦后子有寵於桓.如二君於景.其母曰.弗去懼選.癸卯.鍼適晉.其車千乘.書曰.秦伯之弟鍼出奔晉.罪秦伯也. 'Houzi of Qin had been a favourite with [his father, duke] Huan, and was like another ruler by the side of [his brother, duke] Jing. Their mother said to him, "If you do not go away, I am afraid you will be found fault with." On Guimao, therefore, Qian went to Jin, with his chariots amounting to a thousand. The words of the text, "Qian, younger brother of the earl of Qin fled from that State to Jin," are condemnatory of the earl.
 后子享晉侯.造舟于河.十里舍車.自雍及絳.歸取酬幣.終事八反. 'Houzi gave an entertainment to the marquis of Jin, when he made a bridge of boats over the He. His chariots were placed at stages, 10 li distant from one another, [all the way] from Yong to Jiang, returning [to Qin] to fetch the offerings for the different pledgings [at the entertainment], thereby completing the business in eight journeys back to it.
 司馬侯問焉.曰.子之車盡於此而已乎.對曰.此之謂多矣.若能少此.吾何以得見.女叔齊以告公.且曰.秦公子必歸.臣聞君子能知其過.必有令圖.令圖.天所贊也. 'The marshal Hou asked him whether those were all his chariots, and if he had no more, to which he replied, "These may be pronounced many; if they had been fewer, how should I have got to see you?" Ru Shuqi (The marshal) told this to the marquis, and added, "The prince of Qin is sure to return to that State. I have heard that when a superior man is able to know his errors, he is sure to take good measures in regard to them; and good measures receive the assistance of Heaven."
 后子見趙孟.趙孟曰.吾子其曷歸.對曰.鍼懼選於寡君.是以在此.將待嗣君.趙孟曰.秦君何如.對曰.無道.趙孟曰.亡乎.對曰.何為.一世無道.國未艾也.國於天地.有與立焉.不數世淫.弗能斃也.趙孟曰.天乎.對曰.有焉.趙孟曰.其幾何.對曰.鍼聞之.國無道而年穀和熟.天贊之也.鮮不五稔.趙孟視蔭曰.朝夕不相及.誰能待五.后子出而告人曰.趙孟將死矣.主民.翫歲而愒日.其與幾何. 'Houzi visited Zhaomeng, who asked him when he would return [to Qin], and he replied, "I was afraid of being found fault with by my ruler, and therefore I am here. I will wait for the accession of his successor." The other then asked him about the character of the ruler of Qin, and he replied that he was without principle. "So that [the State] will perish?" asked Zhaomeng. "How should that be?" replied he. "For one rule without principle a State will not come to an end. The State stands related to Heaven and Earth;—they stand together. Unless licentiousness has prevailed for several incumbencies, it will not come to ruin." Zhaomeng said, "Does Heaven [act in the matter]?" "Yes." "And for how long?" "I have heard," was the reply, "that when [a ruler] is without principle, and yet the yearly harvest is good, Heaven is assisting him; it is seldom it does not do so for 5 years." Zhaomeng, observing the shadows, said, "The morning may not extend to the evening, nor the evening to the morning. Who can wait for five years?" When Houzi went out [from the interview], he said to his friends, "Zhaomeng will [soon] die. When the president of the people trifles about years, and desires [length of] days, he cannot endure long."
鄭為游楚亂故.六月.丁巳.鄭伯及其大夫盟于公孫段氏.罕虎.公孫僑.公孫段.印段.游吉.駟帶.私盟于閨門之外.實薰隧.公孫黑強與於盟.使大史書其名.且曰七子.子產弗討. 'Because of the troubles connected with the affair of You Chu in Zheng, in the 6th month, the earl and his great officers made a covenant in the house of Gongsun Duan. Han Hu, Gongsun Qiao, Gongsun Duan, Yin Duan, You Ji, and Si Dai, privately covenanted together outside the Gui gate, which was in fact [the covenant of] Xunsui. Gongsun Hei violently insisted on taking part in the covenant, and made the grand historiographer write his name, and enter the phrase—the seven officers." Zichan did not attempt to punish him.
 晉中行穆子敗無終及群狄于大原.崇卒也.將戰.魏舒曰.彼徒我車.所遇又阨.以什共車.必克.困諸阨.又克.請皆卒.自我始.乃毀車以為行.五乘為三伍.荀吳之嬖人不肯即卒.斬以徇.為五陳以相離.兩於前.伍於後.專為右角.參為左角.偏為前拒.以誘之.翟人笑之.未陳而薄之.大敗之. 'Zhonghang Muzi defeated the Wuzhong and other tribes of the Di in Taiyuan, through collecting the men attached to the chariots and making them foot-soldiers. When they were about to fight, Wei Shu said, "They are all footmen, while our force consists of chariots. We must meet them, moreover, in a narrow pass. Let us substitute ten men for each chariot, and we shall overcome them. Even though straitened in the pass, we shall do so. Let us all turn ourselves into footmen. I will begin." Accordingly, he put aside his chariots, and formed the men into ranks, five chariots furnishing three ranks of five men each. A favourite officer of Xun Wu (The Zhonghang Muzi) was not willing to take his place among the soldiers, and Shu beheaded him, and made the execution known through the army. Five dispositions were then made at a distance from one another:—liang, in front; wu, behind; zhuan. on the right horn; can, on the left; and pian, in the van. This was done to deceive the Di, who laughed at the arrangement. [The troops of Jin] then fell on the enemy before they could form in order, and inflicted on them a great defeat.'
 莒展輿立.而奪群公子秩.公子召去疾于齊. 秋.齊公子鉏納去疾.展輿奔吳. 'When Zhanyu succeeded to the rule of Ju, he deprived all the sons of previous rulers of their offices. In consequence of this, they called Quji from Qi; and in autumn, the Gongzi Chu of Qi instated him in Ju, while Zhanyu fled to Wu.' 
叔弓帥師疆鄆田.因莒亂也.於是莒務婁.瞀胡.及公子滅明.以大厖.與常儀靡.奔齊.君子曰.莒展之不立.棄人也夫.人可棄乎.詩曰.無競維人.善矣. 'Shu Gong led a force, and laid out the boundaries of the lands of Yun;—taking advantage of the disorder in Ju. At this time, Wu Lou, Mao Hu, and the Gongzi Mieming, fled to Qi, offering to that State the cities of Damang and Changyimi. The superior man will say that Zhan's not maintaining himself in Ju was owing to his throwing men from him. Can men be thrown away? The ode (Shi, IV. i. [i.] ode IV.) says, "Nothing gives strength more than [the use of right] men." The sentiment is good."
 晉侯有疾.鄭伯使公孫僑如晉聘.且問疾.叔向問焉.曰.寡君之疾病.卜人曰.實沈臺駘為祟.史莫之知.敢問此何神也.子產曰.昔高辛氏有二子.伯曰閼伯.季曰實沈.居于曠林.不相能也.日尋干戈.以相征討.后帝不臧.遷閼伯于商丘.主辰.商人是因.故辰為商星.遷實沈于大夏.主參.唐人是因.以服事夏商.其季世曰唐叔虞.當武王邑姜.方震大叔.夢帝謂已.余命而子曰虞.將與之唐.屬諸參而蕃育其子孫.及生有文在其手.曰虞.遂以命之.及成王滅唐而封大叔焉.故參為晉星.由是觀之.則實沈.參神也. 'The marquis of Jin being ill, the earl of Zheng sent Gongsun Qiao to Jin on a complimentary visit, and to inquire about the marquis's illness. Shuxiang then asked Qiao, saying, "The diviners say that our ruler's illness is inflicted on him by [the Spirits] Shichen and Taitai, but the historiographers do not know who these are. I venture to ask you." Zichan said, "Anciently, [the emperor Gaoxin had two sons, of whom the elder was called Ebo, and the younger Shichen. They dwelt in Kuanglin, but could not agree, and daily carried their shields and spears against each other. The sovereign emperor (Yao) did not approve of this, and removed Ebo to Shangqiu, to preside over the star Tahuo (See the Zhuan on IX. ix. 1). The ancestors of Shang followed him [in Shangqiu], and hence Tahuo is the star of Shang. [Yao also] removed Shichen to Daxia, to preside over the star Shen (? in Orion]. The descendants of Tang (Yao) followed him, and in Daxia served the dynasties of Xia and Shang. The prince at the end of their line was Tang Shuyu. When Yi Jiang, the wife of king Wu, was pregnant with Taishu, she dreamt that God said to her, "I have named your son Yu, and will give Tang to him,—Tang which belongs to the star Sin, where I will multiply his descendants." When the child was born, there appeared on his hand the character Yu [by which he was named accordingly]. And when king Cheng extinguished [the old House of] Tang, he invested Taishu with the principality; and hence Shen is the star of Jin. From this we may perceive that Shichen is the Spirit of Shen.
 昔金天氏有裔子曰昧.為玄冥師.生允格.臺駘.臺駘能業其官.宣汾洮.障大澤.以處大原.帝用嘉之.封諸汾川.沈.姒.蓐.黃.實守其祀.今晉主汾而滅之矣.由是觀之.則臺駘.汾神也. '"[Again], anciently, among the descendants of the emperor Jintian was Mei, chief of the officers of the waters, who had two sons, Yun'ge and Taitai. Taitai inherited his father's office, cleared the channels of the Fen and Tao, and embanked the great marsh, so as to make the great plain habitable. The emperor (Zhuanxu) commended his labours, and invested him with the principality of Fenchuan. [The States of] Shen, Si, Ru, and Huang maintained sacrifices to him. But now Jin, when it took on itself the sacrifices to the Fen, extinguished them. From this we may perceive that Taitai is the Spirit of the Fen.
 抑此二者.不及君身.山川之神.則水旱癘疫之災.於是乎禜之.日月星辰之神.則雪霜風雨之不時.於是乎禜之.若君身.則亦出入飲食哀樂之事也.山川星辰之神.又何為焉. "But these two Spirits cannot affect your ruler's person. The Spirits of the hills and streams are sacrificed to in times of flood, drought, and pestilence. The Spirits of the sun, moon, and stars are sacrificed to on the unseasonable occurrence of snow, hoarfrost, wind, or rain. Your ruler's person must be suffering from something connected with his movements out of the palace and in it, his meat and drink, his griefs and pleasures; what can these Spirits of the mountains and stars have to do with it?
 僑聞之.君子有四時.朝以聽政.晝以訪問.夕以脩令.夜以安身.於是乎節宣其氣.勿使有所壅閉湫底.以露其體.茲心不爽.而昏亂百度.今無乃壹之.則生疾矣. "I have heard that the superior man [divides the day] into 4 periods:—the morning, to hear the affairs of the government; noon, to make full inquiries about them; the evening, to consider well and complete the orders [he has resolved to issue]; and the night, for rest. By this arrangement [of his time], he attempers and dissipates the humours [of the body], so that they are not allowed to get shut up, stopped, and congested, so as to injure and reduce it. Should that take place, his mind loses its intelligence, and all his measures are pursued in a dark and confused way. But has not [your ruler] been making these four different periods of his time into one? This may have produced the illness.
 僑又聞之.內官不及同姓.其生不殖.美先盡矣.則相生疾.君子是以惡之.故志曰.買妾不知其姓.則卜之.違此二者.古之所慎也.男女辨姓.禮之大司也.今君內實有四姬焉.其無乃是也乎.若由是二者.弗可為也已.四姬有省.猶可無則.必生疾矣. '"I have heard again that the ladies of the harem should not be of the same surname as the master of it. If they be, their offspring will not thrive. When their first admiration for each other [as relatives] is exhausted, they occasion one another disease. On this account the superior man hates such unions, and one of our Books says, 'In buying a concubine, if you do not know her surname, consult the tortoise-shell for it.' The ancients gave careful attention to the two points which I have mentioned. That husband and wife should be of different surnames is one of the greatest points of propriety; but now your ruler has in his harem four Jis:—may it not be from this [that his illness has arisen]? If it have come from the two things [I have mentioned], nothing can be done for it. If he had seldom to do with the four Jis, he might get along; if that be not the case, disease was the necessary result."
 叔向曰.善哉.肸未之聞也.此皆然矣.叔向出.行人揮送之.叔向問鄭故焉.且問子皙.對曰.其與幾何.無禮而好陵人.怙富而卑其上.弗能久矣. 'Shuxiang said, "Good. I had not heard of this. But both the things are so." When he went out, the internuncius Hui escorted him. and Shuxiang asked him about the affairs of Zheng, and especially about Zixi. "He will not remain long," was the reply. "Unobservant of propriety, and fond of insulting others; trusting in his riches and despising his superiors,—he cannot continue long."
 晉侯聞子產之言曰.博物君子也.重賄之. 'When the marquis heard of what Zichan had said, he remarked that he was a superior man of vast information, and gave him large gifts.'
 晉侯求醫於秦.秦伯使醫和視之.曰.疾不可為也.是謂近女室.疾如蠱.非鬼非食.惑以喪志.良臣將死.天命不祐.公曰.女不可近乎對曰.節之.先王之樂.所以節百事也.故有五節遲速本末以相及.中聲以降.五降之後.不容彈矣.於是有煩手淫聲.慆堙心耳.乃忘平和.君子弗聽也.物亦如之.至於煩.乃舍也已.無以生疾.君子之近琴瑟.以儀節也.非以慆心也. 'The marquis of Jin asked the help of a physician from Qin, and the earl sent one He to see him, who said, "The disease cannot be cured,—according to the saying that when women are approached, the chamber disease becomes like insanity. It is not caused by Spirits nor by food; it is that delusion which has destroyed the mind. Your good minister will [also] die; it is not the will of Heaven to preserve him." The marquis said, "May women [then] not be approached?" The physician replied, "Intercourse with them must be regulated. The ancient kings indicated by their music how all other things should be regulated. Hence there are the five regular intervals. Or slow or quick, from beginning to end, they blend in one another. Each note rests in the exact intermediate place; and when the five are thus determined, no further exercise on the instruments is permitted. Thus the superior man does not listen to music where the hands work on with licentious notes, pleasing the ears but injurious to the mind. where the rules of equable harmony are forgotten. So it is with all things. When they come to this, they should stop; if they do not do so, it produces disease. The superior man repairs to his lutes, to illustrate his observance of rules, and not to delight his mind [merely].
 天有六氣.降生五味.發為五色.徵為五聲.淫生六疾.六氣曰陰.陽.風.雨.晦明也.分為四時.序為五節.過則為菑.陰淫寒疾.陽淫熱疾.風淫末疾.雨淫腹疾.晦淫惑疾.明淫心疾.女陽物而晦時.淫則生內熱惑蠱之疾.今君不節不時能無及此乎. '[In the same way] there are six heavenly influences, which descend and produce the five tastes, go forth in the five colours, and are verified in the five notes; but when they are in excess, they produce the six diseases. Those 6 influences are denominated the yin, the yang, wind, rain, obscurity, and brightness. In their separation, they form the four seasons; in their order, they form the five [elementary] terms. When any of them is in excess, there ensues calamity. An excess of the yin leads to diseases of cold; of the yang, to diseases of heat; of wind, to diseases of the extremities; of rain, to diseases of the belly; of obscurity, to diseases of delusion; of brightness, to diseases of the mind. [The desire of] woman is to the yang, and [she is used in the] season of obscurity. If this be done to excess, disease is produced of internal heat and utter delusion. Was it possible for your lordship, paying no regard to moderation or to time, not to come to this?"
 出告趙孟.趙孟曰.誰當良臣.對曰.主是謂矣.主相晉國.於今八年.晉國無亂.諸侯無闕.可謂良矣.和聞之.國之大臣.榮其寵祿.任其寵節.有菑禍興而無改焉.必受其咎.今君至於淫以生疾.將不能圖恤社稷.禍孰大焉.主不能禦.吾是以云也. 'When [the physician] went out, he told what he had said to Zhaomeng, who asked who was intended by "the good minister." "You," was the reply. "You have been chief minister of Jin now for 8 years. There has been no disorder in the State itself, and the other States have not failed [in their duty to it]; that epithet of 'good' may be applied to you. But I have heard that when the great minister of a State enjoys the glory of his dignity and emoluments, and sustains the burden of his great employments, if calamity and evil arise, and he do not alter his ways [to meet them], then he must receive the blame and the consequences. Here is your ruler, who has brought disease on himself by his excesses, so that he will [soon] be unable to consult at all for [the good of] the altars. What calamity could be greater? And yet you were unable to ward it off. It was on this account that I said what I did."
 趙孟曰.何謂蠱.對曰.淫溺惑亂之所生也.於文.皿蟲為蠱.穀之飛亦為蠱.在周易.女惑男.風落山.謂之蠱.皆同物也.趙孟曰.良醫也.厚其禮而歸之. 'Zhaomeng [further] asked what he meant by "insanity;" and [the physician] replied, "I mean that which is produced by the delusion and disorder of excessive sensual indulgence. Look at the character;—it is formed by the characters for a vessel and for insects (蠱=皿 and 蟲). It is used also of grain which [moulders and] flies away. In the Zhou yi, [the symbols of] a woman deluding a young man, [of] wind throwing down [the trees of] a mountain, go by the same name (蠱; ☶ under ☴):—all these point to the same signification." Zhaomeng pronounced him a good physician, gave him large gifts, and sent him back [to Qin].'
 楚公子圍使公子黑肱.伯州犁.城犨.櫟.郟.鄭人懼.子產曰.不害.令尹將行大事.而先除二子也.禍不及鄭.何患焉. 'The Gongzi Wei of Chu sent the Gongzi Heigong and Bo Zhouli to wall Chou, Li, and Jia; which frightened the people of Zheng, but Zichan said, "It will not harm [us]. The chief minister is about to make the grand coup, and will first take off those two. The evil will not reach Zheng; there is no occasion for our being troubled." 
 冬.楚公子圍將聘于鄭.伍舉為介.未出竟.聞王有疾而還.伍舉遂聘. In winter, Wei was proceeding on a complimentary visit to Zheng, with Wu Ju as his subordinate in the mission, when he heard, before they had crossed the borders [of the State], that the king was ill. On this he returned [to the capital], leaving Wu Ju to proceed to Zheng. 
 十一月.己酉.公子圍至.入問王疾.縊而弒之.遂殺其二子幕及平夏.右尹子干出奔晉.宮廄尹子皙出奔鄭.殺大宰伯州犁于郟.葬王于郟.謂之郟敖.使赴于鄭.伍舉問應為後之辭焉.對曰.寡大夫圍.伍舉更之曰.共王之子圍為長. On the 11th month, on Jiyou, he entered [as if] to inquire about the king's illness, and strangled him. He then proceeded to put to death the king's two sons, Mo and Pingxia. Zigan, director of the Right, fled to Jin; and Zixi, director of the royal stables, fled to Zheng. [Wei] put to death the grand-administrator, Bo Zhouli, in Jia; and there he buried the king, whom he called in consequence Jia'ao. He sent an announcement [of the king's death] to Zheng, and Wu Ju asked what was said about who ought to be the successor. "Our great officer, Wei," was the reply, which Wu Ju changed into "King Gong's Wei is the first [in the line]."
 子干奔晉.從車五乘.叔向使與秦公子同食.皆百人之餼.趙文子曰.秦公子富.叔向曰.底祿以德.德鈞以年.年同以尊.公子以國.不聞以富.且夫以千乘去其國.彊禦已甚.詩曰.不侮鰥寡.不畏彊禦.秦楚匹也. 'When Zigan fled to Jin, he had 5 chariots with him. Shuxiang caused him to receive the same allowance as the prince of Qin,—enough to each to support 100 men, on which Zhao Wenzi observed that the prince of Qin was rich. Shuxiang replied, "Allowances are made according to the virtue [of the parties]; where their virtue is equal, according to their years; where their years are equal, according to their rank; to the sons of rulers of States, according to the State. I have not heard that they are to be regulated by a consideration of their wealth. Moreover, that [the prince of Qin] left his State with 1000 charists shows how strong and powerful he was. And the ode (Shi, III. iii. ode VI. 5) says, 'He does not insult the wifeless or the widow,' He does not fear the strong or the powerful. Qin and Chu are peers." 
 使后子與子干齒辭.曰.鍼懼選.楚公子不獲.是以皆來.亦唯命.且臣與羇齒.無乃不可乎.史佚有言曰.非羇何忌.In accordance with this, Houzi and Zigan were made to take place according to their years. The former declined, saying, "I was afraid of being found fault with, and the prince of Chu could find no safety [in his State]. We are therefore both here, and it is for you to assign us our places according to your pleasure. And does it not seem improper that I should be made equal to him who is a stranger? The historiographer Yi said, 'To whom will you show respect if not to a stranger?'"
 楚靈王即位.薳罷為令尹.薳啟彊為大宰.鄭游吉如楚葬郟敖.且聘立君.歸.謂子產曰.具行器矣.楚王汰侈.而自說其事.必合諸侯.吾往無日矣.子產曰.不數年.未能也. 'When king Ling of Chu came to the rule of that State, Wei Pi was made chief minister, and Wei Qiqiang grand-administrator. You Ji of Zheng went to Chu to the funeral of Jia'ao, and on a complimentary visit to the new ruler. On his return, he said to Zichan, "Make all your preparations for travelling. The extravagance of the king of Chu is excessive, and he is delighted with his position. He is sure to call the States together. We shall be going there in no time." Zichan replied, "He cannot do that till some years have elapsed."
 十二月.晉既烝.趙孟適南陽將會孟子餘.甲辰朔.烝于溫.庚戌.卒.鄭伯如晉.弔及雍乃復. 'In the 12th month, when [the marquis of] Jin had offered the winter sacrifice, Zhaomeng went to Nanyang, to be present [at the sacrifice to] Meng Ziyu (probably Zhao Cui). On Jiachen, the 1st day of the moon, he offered the winter sacrifice in Wen; and on Gengxu he died. The earl of Zheng was going to Jin to offer his condolences [on this event]; but when he had got to Yong, he returned.'

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