⚠The right edge of the page is slightly cropped. The text contains traditional phrasing marks (small circles and dots to the right of characters) which are omitted for clarity in this transcription.

Treatise on Military Preparedness, Volume 21

Compiled by Mao Yuanyi of Fangfeng

[Ren] Zhang said: "If he demands land without cause, the other ministers will surely be afraid. If we give him the land, the Earl of ZhiAlso known as Zhi Bo, the most powerful and arrogant minister in the State of Jin. will surely become arrogant.

Since he is arrogant, he will underestimate his enemies. Since the others are afraid, they will draw closer together for mutual support. Using troops who are united to face a man who underestimates his enemies, the fate of the Zhi clan will surely not last long. It is better to give it to him to puff up his pride. Then, we can choose our allies and plot against him. Why should we alone make ourselves a target for the Zhi clan?"

HuanziWei Huanzi, leader of the Wei clan. said: "Excellent." He also gave the land.

The Earl of Zhi then requested the lands of Cai and Gaolang from Zhao XiangziThe leader of the Zhao clan.. Xiangzi refused to give them. The Earl of Zhi was enraged. He led the armored troops of the Han and Wei clans to attack him. [Zhao Xiangzi] then fled to JinyangA heavily fortified city belonging to the Zhao clan.. The three families The Zhi, Han, and Wei clans surrounded the city and diverted water to flood it.

The city was submerged until only three levels of boardsoriginal: 三版 (sānbǎn); about six feet of the wall remained above the water line. remained above the water. The cooking stoves were drowned and frogs spawned in them, yet the people had no thought of rebelling.

The Earl of Zhi went out to inspect the waterworks. Wei Huanzi acted as his charioteer, and Han Kangzi served as his attendant on the rightoriginal: 驂乘 (cānchéng); an honorary position on a chariot usually held by a high-ranking official..

The Earl of Zhi said: "Only now do I realize that water can be used to destroy a person’s state!"

Huanzi nudged Kangzi with his elbow, and Kangzi stepped on Huanzi's foot. The text is slightly cropped, but historical records confirm the character is "foot." This secret exchange shows the two leaders realized that if the Earl of Zhi could flood Zhao's city, he could easily do the same to their own capitals, prompting their secret alliance against him.