Strategic Studies: The Warring States

The Qin general Wang He Wang He was a prominent Qin military commander who played a significant role in the early stages of the Changping campaign. attacked Zhao, and the Zhao army suffered several defeats. Lou Chang requested that a high-ranking envoy be sent to negotiate a peace treaty.

Yu Qing A senior advisor to the King of Zhao, known for his keen understanding of interstate power dynamics. said: "Currently, the power to dictate the peace lies entirely with Qin. Qin's ultimate goal is surely to crush Your Majesty’s army. Even if you go to them to request terms, they will not listen. It would be better to take precious treasures and offer them to the states of Chu and Wei. This would make Qin suspect that a 'Vertical Alliance' Hezong (Vertical Alliance): A coalition of eastern states formed to block the westward expansion of Qin. is forming against them. Only then can a peace treaty be successfully concluded."

The King did not listen and instead sent Zheng Zhu to negotiate peace with Qin.

Yu Qing said: "All those in the world who would congratulate a victory in battle are now gathered in Qin. Zheng Zhu is a man of high rank; Qin will surely make a great show of honoring him to demonstrate their dominance to the world. When the other states see Your Majesty seeking peace with Qin, they will certainly not come to your rescue. Once Qin knows that the rest of the world will not rescue you, the peace treaty will never be achieved."

And so it happened exactly as he predicted.

Meanwhile, the general Lian Po One of the most famous defensive specialists in Chinese history, Lian Po favored a strategy of attrition. held his fortifications firmly and refused to give battle. However, because losses were still high, the King of Zhao grew angry and repeatedly reprimanded him.

The Marquis of Ying Also known as Fan Ju, the cunning Prime Minister of Qin who specialized in "distant alliances and near attacks." then sent agents to distribute a thousand pieces of gold to spread rumors as part of a "sowing of discord" Fanjian (The Spy's Wedge): A stratagem used to create internal division or distrust within an enemy's leadership. operation. The rumors said: "The only person Qin truly fears is Zhao Kuo, the son of the Lord of Mafu The Lord of Mafu was the title of Zhao She, a brilliant general and Zhao Kuo's father., as their commander. They find Lian Po easy...