Volume One: Fan Ju’s Strategy

Series Wuge, Northern Zhou Dynasty

Volume One

Fan Ju’s Strategic Proposal

"...Do you wish to gain territory? The current geographical situation makes it impossible to hold Fan Ju is arguing against attacking the distant state of Qi, as land gained there cannot be easily defended or governed by Qin.. The other feudal lords, seeing Qi's exhaustion, will attack it, and Qi will be nearly destroyed. Now, Your Majesty would do better to ally with those far away and attack those who are near. original: 遠交近攻 (yuan jiao jin gong). This became one of the most famous strategic principles in Chinese history, allowing Qin to expand incrementally without forming a coalition of enemies. Every inch gained would be Your Majesty’s inch; every foot gained would be Your Majesty’s foot.

Currently, the states of Han and Wei occupy the center of the land; they are the pivot of all under heaven. Pivot of all under heaven: A metaphorical term for the Central Plains of China, implying that whoever controls this "hub" controls the strategic direction of the entire known world. If Your Majesty wishes to achieve hegemony, you must stay close to the central states to use them as your pivot, while overawing the states of Zhao and Chu. Then Qi will naturally submit, and Han and Wei can eventually be taken captive."

The King replied, "Excellent." He then appointed Fan Ju as a Guest Minister Guest Minister (Ke Qing): A high-ranking official post reserved for talented foreigners who entered the service of the Qin state. to consult on military affairs.

The Lord of Wuan This refers to the legendary and undefeated general Bai Qi. of Qin attacked Han and captured Yewang. Consequently, the supply route to the region of Shangdang was severed. The governor of Shangdang, Feng Ting, consulted with his people, saying: "The path to the capital of Han is cut off. It is better for us to submit to the state of Zhao. If Zhao accepts us, Qin will surely attack them. Once Zhao is under attack by Qin's troops, they will be forced to align themselves with Han. If Han and Zhao become one, we can withstand Qin." He then sent word to...