Treatise on Armament Technology, Volume 20

Regarding the state of Zhao: it was said that the state of Han could not defend Shangdang Shangdang was a strategically vital mountainous region. Han ceded it to Qin to sue for peace, but the local governor refused to surrender to Qin and offered it to Zhao instead. and it was to be surrendered to Qin. However, the officials and people there were all content to serve Zhao and unhappy to serve Qin. There were seventeen cities and towns in total; their representatives wished to bow twice and offer them to the Great King of Zhao.

The King of Zhao consulted the Lord of Pingyang, Bao, regarding this matter. Bao replied: "The Sages Referring to the wise rulers and philosophers of antiquity. greatly fear profit that is obtained without cause."

The King said, "The people simply rejoice in my virtue; why do you say this is 'without cause'?"

Bao replied: "Qin has been nibbling away at Han territory like a silkworm, cutting off the center so the regions cannot communicate. They certainly believe they can simply sit and receive Shangdang. The reason the Han clan does not give it to Qin isbecausetheywishtotransferthedisasterontoZhao. Qin hasperformedthetoilofwar,yetZhaowouldreceivetheprofit. Even ifoneisstrongandgreat,theycannotalwaystakefromtheweakandsmall. Can theweakandsmallreallytaketerritoryawayfromthestrongandgreat? How canoneclaimthisisnot'without cause'? It is better not to accept it."

However, the Lord of Pingyuan A famous aristocrat and brother to the King, known for his hospitality but criticized here for short-sightedness. requested that the King accept the gift. The King then sent the Lord of Pingyuan to go and receive the territory.