Selected Reviews of the "Commentaries on the Waterways Classic"

Author: Zhao Yongfu, Zhao Yanmin / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2005-06-01
Features: The book Shui Jing Zhu primarily studies the mountains, rivers, and waterways of ancient China, mainly those before the Northern Wei Dynasty. It also incorporates content such as administrative divisions, historical events, urban settlements, transportation routes, bridges, ferry crossings, economic products, scenic spots, local legends, strange tales, folk songs, and proverbs. This book selects several classic articles from it and provides annotations and comments. It is believed that readers interested in learning and reading will benefit greatly from it.
Between Tong Pass and Hangu Pass, to the north lies the Yellow River, and to the south are the Xian Mountains. Anciently known as the Peach Forest Pass, the valley was narrow and deep like a gate, with lush trees blocking the sunlight, earning it the name "Heavenly." During the Warring States period, the eastern boundary of the Qin state's territory extended to the ancient Hangu Pass in what is now Lingbao City, Henan Province. Therefore, Su Qin told the Duke of Qin: "Your kingdom is 'eastwardly guarded by the Xian and Hangu passes'" (Zhan Guo Ce).
After the Western Han Dynasty unified the country, the fragmented situation no longer existed, and the importance of Hangu Pass diminished. During Emperor Wu's reign (70 P), the pass was moved to what is now Xin'an County, Henan Province, becoming the New Hangu Pass. In the 13th year of the Jian'an era (208 AD), Cao Cao defeated Ma Chao at Tong Pass, and the name "Tong Pass" first appeared. This shows that Tong Pass had already replaced the status of Hangu Pass. Before the Tang Dynasty, the terms "East of the Pass" and "West of the Pass" referred to areas divided by Hangu Pass and Tong Pass, respectively.
Tong Pass is located on the southern bank of the Yellow River's sharp bend, where the water flows straight, hence the name "Tong," meaning "to rush." Alternatively, it is said to be named after the Tong River nearby. Huanyu Ji (Volume 29, Huayin County, Huazhou Prefecture): "The pass is named after the water." It is also known as "Chong Pass" in Japanese, as the Yellow River surges through Longmen and hits Huashan, hence the name. Shui Jing Zhu also cites these two explanations.
There are two theories about whether Tong Pass or the Tong River name came first, a debate that has persisted since ancient times and is difficult to resolve. Shui Jing Zhu argues that the area from Tong Pass to the Xian Mountains, where Hangu Pass is located, is all part of the broader Hangu region, a traditional view. Therefore, when Pan Yue mentions Cao Cao's campaign against Han Sui and Ma Chao, referring to "this place" as being near the narrow Hangu Pass, it is actually not. The 16th year of the Jian'an era (211 AD) records that Ma Chao and Han Sui camped at Tong Pass, while Cao Cao positioned his troops on both sides of the pass. This clearly refers to Tong Pass. The following mentions of Cao Gong and Feng Ling are also near Tong Pass, which is an important detail to note when reading this section. P71