The Complete Wisdom of Guiguzi - (Treasure Edition)

Author: Sima Zhe
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-06-01
Features: There are many historical examples of the use of the "Yin-Yang Opening and Closing" technique in the form of a linked chain. During the Warring States period, the King of Zhongshan loved both his concubines Yin Ji and Jiang Ji at the same time. Both wanted to become the queen, so they used both overt and covert means to fight each other. The strategic advisor Sima Xi saw an opportunity and secretly sent people to persuade Yin Ji: "The matter of becoming a queen must be taken seriously. If you win, you will be above one person and below ten thousand; if you fail, your life is in danger, and it will bring disaster to your entire family, and you will be eliminated by the other side sooner or later. If you want to win, it's best to ask Sima Xi for advice." Yin Ji heard this and asked Sima Xi for advice, promising him a generous reward. Sima Xi agreed and used the linked "Yin-Yang Opening and Closing" technique. He first went to the King of Zhongshan and said he wanted to travel to a neighboring country to gather intelligence and then return to formulate strategies for strengthening the state. The King of Zhongshan was naturally happy and prepared gifts for him, sending him to Zhao first. Sima Xi met the King of Zhao and casually said, "I heard that your country produces beautiful women, but after visiting for a few days, I haven't seen one as beautiful as Yin Ji from our country." The King of Zhao became interested upon hearing this and asked, "What does she look like?" Sima Xi vividly described her: "She has clear eyebrows and bright eyes, with teeth as white as jade. Her eyes are like autumn waves playing in a pool, and her waist is as slender as willow branches dancing in the wind. She is truly a beauty that could make a city fall in love!" The King of Zhao, hearing this, couldn't wait to get her, and asked Sima Xi, "Can we bring her here?" Sima Xi deliberately paused and whispered, "She is the favorite concubine of our king. How could I dare to speak of this? Please don't let it be known that I said this, or my head would be in danger!" The King of Zhao sneered and gritted his teeth, determined to get her at all costs. Sima Xi, seeing his purpose achieved, quickly left Zhao and returned to Zhongshan to report to the king: "The King of Zhao is foolish and cruel, knowing only to kill and attack, with extremely poor morals. He indulges in wine, women, and music, and is obsessed with music. He only knows how to play with women. I have reliable information that the King of Zhao has set his sights on Yin Ji and is trying every means to take her!" "What nonsense!" The King of Zhongshan was furious upon hearing this, shouting, "How dare he snatch food from my plate!" Sima Xi pretended to be anxious and said, "Calm down, Your Majesty! Currently, Zhao is stronger than us. Can we fight them? If the King of Zhao demands her forcefully, and we refuse, our country will be destroyed. But if we give her to him, Your Majesty will be laughed at by the world, unable to protect even your own concubine—”“What should we do then?” The King of Zhongshan understood the situation as well as Sima Xi, but he was both angry and anxious. He impatiently cut Sima Xi off and asked for his advice. Sima Xi deliberately paused and leaned forward, saying, "I think there is a way to put the King of Zhao's mind at ease. Your Majesty should immediately proclaim Yin Ji as the queen, so the King of Zhao will lose interest. Currently, no one dares to ask for another country's queen as their wife. If they do, they will surely provoke the anger of the other states, and other countries will even send troops to help us." "Good! Let's do that." The King of Zhongshan smiled with relief and immediately issued an order to proclaim Yin Ji as the queen. Upon hearing this, the King of Zhao indeed gave up his plans. Yin Ji thanked Sima Xi profusely and naturally gave him many benefits. P10