Guiguzi. Hezong Lianheng

Author: Liu Jiaju
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2001-05-01
Features: The Guiguzi is a book of strategy, discussing the techniques of baihe (opening and closing), fanying (response), neiken (internal penetration), and feiqian (seizing and restraining), totaling thirteen chapters. It is known as the "forbidden fruit of wisdom, a rare and extraordinary book," and holds a unique place in traditional Chinese culture. It is the philosophy of the chaotic times, the philosophy of the turbulent era. This philosophy is a utilitarian moral and value theory, emphasizing fame, fortune, and progress, and is a practical philosophy that advocates action. Its methodology is to adapt to the times, recognize opportunities, and be skilled in change. The baihe technique in the book emphasizes opening the doors of heaven and earth; the fanying technique aims to probe the truth of the other party; the neiken technique cleverly uses insiders to advance arguments; the feiqian technique first praises and then restrains; the mutuhe technique involves dynamic confrontation and reversal; the chuamó technique is like fishing in deep waters by casting bait; and the youyue technique believes that the length and breadth of strategy lie in eloquence. These techniques have been highly regarded by heroes of chaos throughout the ages. The chapters of Hezong Lianheng are selected from The Records of the Grand Historian based on the chronological order of Su Qin and Zhang Yi's persuasion of the seven states, and seven speeches where they successfully implemented hezong (vertical alliance) and lianheng (horizontal alliance) are chosen from The Strategies of the Warring States. In a strict sense, this is a true "book of strategists." From these selected chapters, readers not only see the strategy of Su Qin and Zhang Yi as masters of adaptation and the eloquence of orators, but also see their extraordinary talent to place life and death aside in pursuit of success. They can also enjoy the aesthetic experience brought by their magnificent, sharp, and powerful speeches. This book is presented in the form of original text, annotations, and colloquial translations, serving as a guide for readers to learn and deepen their understanding of the profound and vast traditional Chinese culture.