Shiji 81 - Biography of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru

廉 頗 藺 相 如 列 傳 第 二 十 一
Twenty first biography – Lian Po and Lin Xiangru　 　

廉 頗 者 ， 趙 之 良 將 也 。 趙 惠 文 王 十 六 年 ， 廉 頗 為 趙將 伐 齊 ， 大 破 之 ， 取 陽 晉 ， 拜 為 上 卿 ， 以 勇 氣 聞於 諸 侯 。 藺 相 如 者 ， 趙 人 也 ， 為 趙 宦 者 令 繆 賢 舍 人 。
Lian Po was a great general of Zhao. During the sixteenth year of the reign of King Huiwen (283 BC), he led the armies of Zhao, attacked and heavily defeated Qi, and took Yanjin. The King rewarded him with the title of First Minister, and his courage became famous among the feudal princes. Lin Xiangru was a native of Zhao. He belonged to the household of, Muxian, the Chief of the Eunuchs of Zhao.　 　

趙 惠 文 王 時 ， 得 楚 和 氏 璧 。 秦 昭 王 聞 之 ， 使 人 遺趙 王 書 ， 願 以 十 五 城 請 易 璧 。 趙 王 與 大 將 軍 廉 頗 諸 大 臣謀 ： 欲 予 秦 ， 秦 城 恐 不 可 得 ， 徒 見 欺 ； 欲 勿 予 ， 即 患 秦兵 之 來 。 計 未 定 ， 求 人 可 使 報 秦 者 ， 未 得 。 宦 者 令 繆 賢曰 ： 「 臣 舍 人 藺 相 如 可 使 。 」 王 問 ： 「 何 以 知 之 ？ 」 對曰 ： 「 臣 嘗 有 罪 ， 竊 計 欲 亡 走 燕 ， 臣 舍 人 相 如 止 臣 ， 曰： 『 君 何 以 知 燕 王 ？ 』 臣 語 曰 ： 『 臣 嘗 從 大 王 與 燕 王 會境 上 ， 燕 王 私 握 臣 手 ， 曰 「 願 結 友 」 。 以 此 知 之 ， 故 欲往 。 』 相 如 謂 臣 曰 ： 『 夫 趙 彊 而 燕 弱 ， 而 君 幸 於 趙 王 ，故 燕 王 欲 結 於 君 。 今 君 乃 亡 趙 走 燕 ， 燕 畏 趙 ， 其 勢 必 不敢 留 君 ， 而 束 君 歸 趙 矣 。 君 不 如 肉 袒 伏 斧 質 請 罪 ， 則 幸得 脫 矣 。 』 臣 從 其 計 ， 大 王 亦 幸 赦 臣 。 臣 竊 以 為 其 人 勇士 ， 有 智 謀 ， 宜 可 使 。 」 於 是 王 召 見 ， 問 藺 相 如 曰 ： 「秦 王 以 十 五 城 請 易 寡 人 之 璧 ， 可 予不 ？ 」 相 如 曰 ： 「 秦彊 而 趙 弱 ， 不 可 不 許 。 」 王 曰 ： 「 取 吾 璧 ， 不 予 我 城 ，柰 何 ？ 」 相 如 曰 ： 「 秦 以 城 求 璧 而 趙 不 許 ， 曲 在 趙 。 趙予 璧 而 秦 不 予 趙 城 ， 曲 在 秦 。 均 之 二 策 ， 寧 許 以 負 秦 曲。 」 王 曰 ： 「 誰 可 使 者 ？ 」 相 如 曰 ： 「 王 必 無 人 ， 臣 願奉 璧 往 使 。 城 入 趙 而 璧 留 秦 ； 城 不 入 ， 臣 請 完 璧 歸 趙 。」 趙 王 於 是 遂 遣 相 如 奉 璧 西 入 秦 。
During the reign of King Huiwen, Zhao obtained from Chu the jade disk of He. When King Zhao of Qin heard of it, he sent a messenger bring a letter to the King of Zhao, offering to exchange the jade for fifteen cities. The King discussed the matter with General Lian Po and some of his great vassals. They feared that if they gave the jade, they would not receive the cities, and therefore be fooled. But if they did not give it, they would soon receive a visit from the soldiers of Qin. While they had not reached a decision, they looked for someone who could deliver their answer to Qin, but could not find any. Muxian, the Chief of the Eunuchs, said: “Lin Xiangru, a person from my household, could deliver the message.” The King asked: “How do you know?” He answered: “I once committed a crime. I had then secretly planned to defect to Yan, but Lin Xiangru, my client, told me out of it, saying: “How well do you know the King of Yan?” I answered: “I have, in the past, followed the King to the borders, where has was to meet with the king of Yan. While we were alone, the King of Yan took my hand in his, and said to me: “I hope that we will become friends”. This is why I trust him and plan to defect to Yan.” Lin Xiangru then said: “Zhao was strong then, Yan was weak, and your highness was esteemed by the King of Zhao. This is the reason why the King of Yan wanted to befriend you. If you now flee Zhao to Yan, as the King of Yan fears Zhao, he certainly will not dare keep you. He will put you in chains and send you back to Zhao. You should better bare your chest, kneel in front of the axe and the chopping block, confess your crimes, and hope the king forgives you.” I did follow his advice, and you majesty had the good grace of forgiving me. Since then, I have been convinced that he is a courageous and intelligent man. He perfectly fits this mission.” The King then summoned Lin Xiangru and asked him: “The King of Qin offers to exchange my jade disk for fifteen cities. Should I accept?” Lin Xiangru asnwered: “Qin is stronger than Zhao, you cannot refuse.” The King said : « But, if after they have the jade, Qin does not give the cities, what can I do ? » Xiangru answered: “If Qin offers cities in exchange for the jade, and Zhao refuses, then Zhao is wrong. If Zhao gives the jade and Qin keeps the cities, then Qin is wrong. In this alternative, I woud rather accept, and let Qin take responsibility for its fault.” The King then said: “Who can act as a messenger?” Xiangru answered : “As your Majesty has certainly found nobody, I will take the jade and serve as an ambassador to Qin. If the cities are given to you, then the jade will stay in Qin. If Qin keeps the cities, I will ask the jade back, and bring it to Zhao.” The King then sent Lin Xiangru and the jade to Qin.　 　

秦 王 坐 章 臺 見 相 如 ， 相 如 奉 璧 奏 秦 王 。 秦 王 大 喜， 傳 以 示 美 人 及 左 右 ， 左 右 皆 呼 萬 歲 。 相 如 視 秦 王 無 意償 趙 城 ， 乃 前 曰 ： 「 璧 有 瑕 ， 請 指 示 王 。 」 王 授 璧 ， 相如 因 持 璧 卻 立 ， 倚 柱 ， 怒 髮 上 衝 冠 ， 謂 秦 王 曰 ： 「 大 王欲 得 璧 ， 使 人 發 書 至 趙 王 ， 趙 王 悉 召 群 臣 議 ， 皆 曰 『 秦貪 ， 負 其 彊 ， 以 空 言 求 璧 ， 償 城 恐 不 可 得 』 。 議 不 欲 予秦 璧 。 臣 以 為 布 衣 之 交 尚 不 相 欺 ， 況 大 國 乎 ！ 且 以 一 璧之 故 逆 彊 秦 之 驩 ， 不 可 。 於 是 趙 王 乃 齋 戒 五 日 ， 使 臣 奉璧 ， 拜 送 書 於 庭 。 何 者 ？ 嚴 大 國 之 威 以 修敬 也 。 今 臣 至， 大 王 見 臣 列 觀 ， 禮 節 甚 倨 ； 得 璧 ， 傳 之 美 人 ， 以 戲 弄臣 。 臣 觀 大 王 無 意 償 趙 王 城 邑 ， 故 臣 復 取 璧 。 大 王 必 欲急 臣 ， 臣 頭 今 與 璧 俱 碎 於 柱 矣 ！ 」 相 如 持 其 璧 睨 柱 ， 欲以 擊 柱 。 秦 王 恐 其 破 璧 ， 乃 辭 謝 固 請 ， 召 有 司 案 圖 ， 指從 此 以 往 十 五 都 予 趙 。 相 如 度 秦 王 特 以 詐 詳 為 予 趙 城 ，實 不 可 得 ， 乃 謂 秦 王 曰 ： 「 和 氏 璧 ， 天 下 所 共 傳 寶 也 ，趙 王 恐 ， 不 敢 不 獻 。 趙 王 送 璧 時 ， 齋 戒 五 日 ， 今 大 王 亦宜 齋 戒 五 日 ， 設 九 賓 於 廷 ， 臣 乃 敢 上 璧 。 」 秦 王度 之 ， 終 不 可 彊 奪 ， 遂 許 齋 五 日 ， 舍 相 如 廣 成 傳 。 相 如 度 秦 王 雖 齋 ， 決 負 約 不 償 城 ， 乃 使 其 從 者 衣 褐 ，懷 其 璧 ， 從 徑 道 亡 ， 歸 璧 于 趙 。
The King of Qin received Lin Xiangru in Zhangtai. Xiangru, holding the jade with two hands, presented it to the King, who was delighted, and passed it around so that his concubines and the people of his court could see it. Everyone shouted: “Long live the king! ” Xiangru had observed that the King did not intend to give the cities back to Zhao. He then moved forward and said: “this jade has a defect, let me show it to your majesty.” The King gave him the jade. Xiangru took it, stood up while walking back, and set his back against a column. Anger made his hair stand up under his cap. He told the King: “When your Majesty wanted to have the jade disk, you sent a messenger with a letter to the King of Zhao, who summoned all his great vassals to discuss the matter. Most of them said: “The King of Qin is greedy and wants to force us. He now writes empty promises to obtain the jade, but we are afraid that we will never receive the cities.” All of them therefore advised that he refuse to give you the jade. I consider that, when dealing with each other, commoners should never cheat one another. Isn’t this all the more true for great kingdoms? Risking, for a disk of jade, to endanger one’s good relations with the powerful Qin, this was not possible. Therefore, the King of Zhao fasted and purified himself for five days, sent me to bring you the jade, and invited your messenger in his palace. Why did he do all that? To show his respect towards your great kingdom, and to try to become friend with you. Now, when I arrived here today, your majesty has received me without any honour, and according to a very arrogant protocol. As soon as I gave you the jade, you passed it to your concubines, which I find humiliating for me. Also, it seems clear to me that your majesty has no intention of giving Zhao the cities you promised, therefore I took the jade back from you. Should your majesty force me into it, I would break my head and the jade against this pillar!” Xiangru held the jade and looked sideways at the pillar, as if he wanted to break it. The King of Qin, for fear that he destroyed the jade, presented his excuses and apologised several times. He then asked his secretary to bring him a map, and showed the fifteen cities he intended to give Zhao. Yet, Xiangru believed that the King of Qin was only pretending to agree to give the cities to Zhao. In reality, Zhao would receive nothing. He therefore told the King of Qin: “The jade disk of the He family belongs to our common heritage. Because he was afraid, the King of Zhao had to give it to you. However, before he sent it, he fasted and purified himself during five days. Your majesty should therefore also fast and purify for five days, and then perform the nine reception rites in your palace. Only when this is done will I agree to give the jade to you.” The King of Qin thought about it, and, as he could not take the jade per force, he accepted to fast for five days, and housed Xiangru in the Guangcheng palace. But Xiangru thought that the King of Qin, even though he purified himself, still intended to break his promise to give the cities. He therefore sent his servant, dressed as a commoner and hiding the jade against his breast, to take it back to Zhao, following small roads.　 　

秦 王 齋 五 日 後 ， 乃 設 九 賓 禮 於 廷 ， 引 趙 使 者 藺 相如 。 相 如 至 ， 謂 秦 王 曰 ： 「 秦 自 繆 公 以 來 二 十 餘 君 ， 未嘗 有 堅 明 約 束 者 也 。 臣 誠 恐 見 欺 於 王 而 負 趙 ， 故 令 人 持 璧 歸 ， 閒 至 趙 矣 。 且 秦 彊 而 趙 弱 ， 大 王 遣 一 介 之 使 至 趙， 趙 立 奉 璧 來 。 今 以 秦 之 彊 而 先 割 十 五 都 予 趙 ， 趙 豈 敢留 璧 而 得 罪 於 大 王 乎 ？ 臣 知 欺 大 王 之 罪 當 誅 ， 臣 請 就 湯 鑊 ， 唯 大 王 與 群 臣 孰 計 議 之 。 」 秦 王 與 群 臣 相 視 而 嘻 。左 右 或 欲 引 相 如 去 ， 秦 王 因 曰 ： 「 今 殺 相 如 ， 終不 能 得 璧 也 ， 而 絕 秦 趙 之 驩 ， 不 如 因 而 厚 遇 之 ， 使 歸 趙， 趙 王 豈 以 一 璧 之 故 欺 秦 邪 ！ 」 卒 廷 見 相 如 ， 畢 禮 而 歸之 。
When the King of Qin had fasted for five days, he performed the nine reception ceremonies in his palace, and invited the ambassador of Zhao, Lin Xiangru. As he arrived, he told the King: “Since Duke Mou, Qin had more than twenty princes, yet none of them was true to his promises. As I was really afraid that your majesty would lie to me, and that I would dishonour Zhao, I asked someone to take the jade back. Following small roads, he has already arrived. As Qin is strong and Zhao is weak, all it needed was to send a messenger to Zhao for its prince to give you the jade. On account of the might of Qin, should you give first fifteen cities to Zhao, how could its King dare keep the jade and offense your majesty? However, I know that those who lie to your majesty deserve to be killed. Therefore, I request to be brought to the boiling water cauldron, while you majesty and her great vassals debate the matter.” The King of Qin and his vassals looked at each other. They were unhappy about the situation. Some in the court suggested to ban Xiangru, and the King of Qin said: “should we kill Xiangru now, we will not receive the jade in the end, and, finally, Qin will have been duped by Zhao. We should rather treat him generously and send him back to Zhao. How would the King of Zhao, for a piece of jade, dare lie to Qin?” He finally received Xiangru in his palace, honoured him, and sent him back.　 　

相 如 既 歸 ， 趙 王 以 為 賢 大 夫 使 不 辱 於 諸 侯 ， 拜 相如 為 上 大 夫 。 秦 亦 不 以 城 予 趙 ， 趙 亦 終 不 予 秦 璧 。
When Xiangru came back, the King of Zhao, understanding that he was a wise official worthy of the Feudal Princes, honoured him as a higher official. As Qin did not give the cities to Zhao, Zhao finally did not give the jade to Qin.

其 後 秦 伐 趙 ， 拔 石 城 。 明 年 ， 復 攻 趙 ， 殺二 萬 人 。
Then, Qin attacked Zhao and took the city of Shi. The next year, they attacked Zhao again, and killed twenty thousand people.　 　

秦 王 使 使 者 告 趙 王 ， 欲 與 王 為 好 會 於 西 河 外 澠 池。 趙 王 畏 秦 ， 欲 毋 行 。 廉 頗 、 藺 相 如 計 曰 ： 「 王不 行 ， 示 趙 弱 且 怯 也 。 」 趙 王 遂 行 ， 相 如 從 。 廉 頗 送 至境 ， 與 王 訣 曰 ： 「 王 行 ， 度 道 里 會 遇 之 禮 畢 ， 還 ， 不 過三 十 日 。 三 十 日 不 還 ， 則 請 立 太 子 為 王 。 以 絕 秦 望 。 」王 許 之 ， 遂 與 秦 王 會 澠 池 。 秦 王 飲 酒 酣 ， 曰 ： 「寡 人 竊 聞 趙 王 好 音 ， 請 奏 瑟 。 」 趙 王 鼓 瑟 。 秦 御 史 前 書 曰 「 某 年 月 日 ， 秦 王 與 趙 王 會 飲 ， 令 趙 王 鼓 瑟 」 。 藺 相如 前 曰 ： 「 趙 王 竊 聞 秦 王 善 為 秦 聲 ， 請 奏 盆  秦 王 ， 以相 娛 樂 。 」 秦 王 怒 ， 不 許 。 於 是 相 如 前 進  ， 因跪 請 秦 王 。 秦 王 不 肯 擊  。 相 如 曰 ： 「 五 步 之 內 ， 相 如請 得 以 頸 血 濺 大 王 矣 ！ 」 左 右 欲 刃 相 如 ， 相 如 張目 叱 之 ， 左 右 皆 靡 。 於 是 秦 王 不 懌 ， 為 一 擊  。 相 如 顧 召 趙 御 史 書 曰 「 某 年 月 日 ， 秦 王 為 趙 王 擊  」 。 秦 之 群 臣 曰 ： 「 請 以 趙 十 五 城 為 秦 王 壽 」 。 藺 相 如 亦 曰 ： 「 請以 秦 之 咸 陽 為 趙 王 壽 。 」 秦 王 竟 酒 ， 終 不 能 加 勝 於 趙 。趙 亦 盛 設 兵 以 待 秦 ， 秦 不 敢 動 。
The King of Qin sent an envoy to deliver a message to the King of Zhao. He wanted to meet him and sign a peace treaty in Minchi, on the west of the Yellow River. The King of Zhao feared Qin, and did not want to go. Lian Po and Lin Xiangru gave the following advice: “If the King does not go, he will show that Zhao is weak and afraid.” The King of Zhao therefore went, together with Lin Xiangru. Lian Po escorted them to the border, and took leave of the King, saying: “Your majesty is leaving the kingdom. I believe that in order to go to the meeting, attend the ceremonies, and come back, you should not need more than thirty days. If you are not back in thirty days, please let me enthrone the crow prince, so that Qin cannot entertain any hope.” The King agreed, and went to meet the King of Qin in Minchi. During the banquet, when the King of Qin had drunk a little too much, he said: “I am told that the King of Zhao loves music, may I present you this lute?” The king of Zhao played the lute. Then the annalist of Qin wrote: “on this day and month, the King of Qin invited the King of Zhao to a banquet, and he asked the king of Zhao to play the lute.” Lin Xiangru stepped forward and said: “The King of Zhao is told that the King of Qin enjoyed listening the music of Qin. Let me offer the King this plate and jar, so that he can take part in the music.” The King of Qin was angered, and refused. But Xiangru stepped forward, presenting the jar, and, kneeling, begged the king of Qin. As he refuse to strike the jar, Xiangru said: “should I move five more steps forward, your majesty might be splashed by the blood from my neck!” The guards wanted to kill Xiangru, but he opened his eyes wide, shouted threateningly, and pushed all of them away. Unwillingly, the King of Qin had to strike the jar. Xiangru then turned towards the historians of Zhao, and had them write: “on this day and month, the King of Qin struck a jar to please the King of Zhao.” The vassals of Qin then said: “Please offer fifteen cities of Zhao as a birthday present for our King.” Lin Xiangru answered: “Please offer, Xianyang, the capital of Qin, as a birthday present for the king of Zhao.” The king of Qin stopped drinking, but could not prevail on the king of Zhao, and as many soldiers of Zhao had been deployed to protect the King against Qin, the King of Qin did not dare act.

既 罷 歸 國 ， 以 相 如 功 大 ， 拜 為 上 卿 ， 位 在 廉 頗 之右 。 廉 頗 曰 ： 「 我 為 趙 將 ， 有 攻 城 野 戰 之 大 功 ，而 藺 相 如 徒 以 口 舌 為 勞 ， 而 位 居 我 上 ， 且 相 如 素 賤 人 ，吾 羞 ， 不 忍 為 之 下 。 」 宣 言 曰 ： 「 我 見 相 如 ， 必 辱 之 。」 相 如 聞 ， 不 肯 與 會 。 相 如 每 朝 時 ， 常 稱 病 ， 不 欲 與 廉頗 爭 列 。 已 而 相 如 出 ， 望 見 廉 頗 ， 相 如 引 車 避 匿 。 於 是 舍 人 相 與 諫 曰 ： 「 臣 所 以 去 親 戚 而 事 君 者 ， 徒 慕 君 之 高 義 也 。 今 君 與 廉 頗 同 列 ， 廉 君 宣 惡 言 而 君 畏 匿 之 ， 恐 懼 殊 甚 ， 且 庸 人 尚 羞 之 ， 況 於 將 相 乎 ！ 臣 等 不 肖 ， 請 辭 去。 」 藺 相 如 固 止 之 ， 曰 ： 「 公 之 視 廉 將 軍 孰 與 秦 王 ？ 」曰 ： 「 不 若 也 。 」 相 如 曰 ： 「 夫 以 秦 王 之 威 ， 而 相 如 廷 叱 之 ， 辱 其 群 臣 ， 相 如 雖 駑 ， 獨 畏 廉 將 軍 哉 ？ 顧 吾 念 之， 彊 秦 之 所 以 不 敢 加 兵 於 趙 者 ， 徒 以 吾 兩 人 在 也 。 今 兩 虎 共 鬥 ， 其 勢 不 俱 生 。 吾 所 以 為 此 者 ， 以 先 國 家 之 急 而 後 私 讎 也 。 」 廉 頗 聞 之 ， 肉 袒 負 荊 ， 因 賓 客 至 藺相 如 門 謝 罪 。 曰 ： 「 鄙 賤 之 人 ， 不 知 將 軍 寬 之 至 此 也 。」 卒 相 與 驩 ， 為 刎 頸 之 交 。
The King finally returned to his kingdom. To honour the great deeds of Lin Xiangru, he named him first minister, and seated him on the right of Lian Po. Lian Po said: “I am a general of Zhao. I earned my title by attacking cities and fighting in the open. Lin Xiangru just worked with his mouth and tongue, yet he is promoted to a higher position than mine. He is but a commoner, I feel humiliated, and will not bear serving under him.” He then spread a rumour, saying: “When I see Lin Xiangru, I shall clear this humiliation.” After Lin Xiangru heard this, he did not want to meet with him. On every court audience, he pretended to be ill, as he did not want to dispute his rank with Lian Po. When he went out, as soon as he saw Lian Po coming, he would turn his chariot away, fled and hid himself. Members of his household then discussed the matter, and criticised him, saying: “If we left our families and friends to come and serve you, it is out of respect for your great righteousness. Not that you have the same rank as Lian Po, he just has to slander you, and you are afraid and flee him. Your fear of being killed is so extreme that even a commoner would be ashamed of it, what about a general or a minister! Unworthy as we might be, we bid you farewell and asked for your leave.” Lin Xiangru tried hard to keep them, saying : “How does general Lian compare with the King of Qin?” The answered: “He does not compare.” Xiangru then said: “Awesome as the King of Qin might be, I insulted him in his palace, and humiliated his vassals. Do you think I am so weak that I only fear general Lian Po? In my opinion, the only reason why the great Qin does not dare send his troops against Zhao is that we both are there. When two tigers fight, their strengths never add. If I act this way, it is because I put national interest before my personal quarrels.” When Lian Po heard this, he bared his chest, took rods on his back, and, leading his clients, came to the house of Lin Xiangru to apologise. He said: “the unworthy person I was did not realise how generous you are, general.” In the end, the two of them became friends, and each was ready to give his head to save the other.　 　

是 歲 ， 廉 頗 東 攻 齊 ， 破 其 一 軍 。 居 二 年 ， 廉 頗 復伐 齊 幾 ， 拔 之 。 後 三 年 ， 廉 頗 攻 魏 之 防 陵 、 安 陽 ， 拔 之 。 後 四 年 ， 藺 相 如 將 而 攻 齊 ， 至 平 邑 而 罷。 其 明 年 ， 趙 奢 破 秦 軍 閼 與 下 。
That year, Lian Po went East to attack Qi, and destroyed one of his outposts. Two years later (276 BC), he attacked Qi again and took Ji. Three years later (275 BC), he attacked Wei in Fangling an Anyang, and took both of them. Four years later (271 BC), Lin Xiangru led an army to attack Qi, he reached Pingyi and returned. The next year (270BC), Zhao She defeated the armies of Qin down of Eyu.

趙 奢 者 ， 趙 之 田 部 吏 也 。 收 租 稅 而 平 原 君 家 不 肯出 租 ， 奢 以 法 治 之 ， 殺 平 原 君 用 事 者 九 人 。 平 原 君 怒 ，將 殺 奢 。 奢 因 說 曰 ： 「 君 於 趙 為 貴 公 子 ， 今 縱 君 家 而 不奉 公 則 法 削 ， 法 削 則 國 弱 ， 國 弱 則 諸 侯 加 兵 ， 諸 侯 加 兵是 無 趙 也 ， 君 安 得 有 此 富 乎 ？ 以 君 之 貴 ， 奉 公 如 法 則 上下 平 ， 上 下 平 則 國 彊 ， 國 彊 則 趙 固 ， 而 君 為 貴 戚 ， 豈 輕 於 天 下 邪 ？ 」 平 原 君 以 為 賢 ， 言 之 於 王 。 王 用 之 治 國 賦， 國 賦 大 平 ， 民 富 而 府 庫 實 。
Zhao She was an official in charge of pastures. As he collected the tithes on lands, the lord of Pingyuan refused to pay his duties. Zhao She therefore applied criminal law, and had nine servants of the lord of Pingyuan executed. The lord was angry, and wanted to have Zhao She killed, but She said: “Your highness is one the noble princes of Zhao, if I let your family have its way and not pay taxes, it means that the laws are not applied. If the laws are not applied, then the state will be weakened. If our state is weak, other feudal princes will muster their armies on our borders, and these armies with be the end of Zhao. Is this the kind of fortune you want to achieve? Because you are noble, you should pay your taxes according to the law, so that stability is achieved in our society, because this stability means a strong state, and a strong state means a powerful Zhao. You belong to the nobility, how can you show such disrespect of the world?” The lord of Pingyuan understood that he was wise, and spoke of him to the king. The king then entrusted Zhao She with the finances of the whole state, and he made the tax system just. The people of Zhao were rich, and the state treasury was full.　 　

秦 伐 韓 ， 軍 於 閼 與 。 王 召 廉 頗 而 問 曰 ： 「 可 救 不？ 」 對 曰 ： 「 道 遠 險 狹 ， 難 救 。 」 又 召 樂 乘 而 問 焉 ， 樂乘 對 如 廉 頗 言 。 又 召 問 趙 奢 ， 奢 對 曰 ： 「 其 道 遠 險 狹 ，譬 之 猶 兩 鼠 鬥 於 穴 中 ， 將 勇 者 勝 。 」 王 乃 令 趙 奢 將 ， 救 之 。
When the king of Qin attacked Han, his armies were encamped in Eyu. The king of Zhao summoned Lian Po and asked him “Can we rescue Han?” He answered: “It is a long way, lined with gullies and precipices. Rescuing Han is very difficult.” The King then summoned Yue Cheng, and asked him the same question. Yue Cheng gave the same answer as Lian Po. He the asked Zhao She, who said: “This is a long road, lined with gullies and precipices, we will be like two rats fighting in a cave, and the bravest will prevail.” The king then made Zhao She a general and sent him rescue Han.　 　

兵 去 邯 鄲 三 十 里 ， 而 令 軍 中 曰 ： 「 有 以 軍 事 諫 者 死 。 」 秦 軍 軍 武 安 西 ， 秦 軍 鼓 譟 勒 兵 ， 武 安 屋 瓦 盡 振 。 軍 中 候 有 一 人 言 急 救 武 安 ， 趙 奢 立 斬 之 。 堅 壁 ，留 二 十 八 日 不 行 ， 復 益 增 壘 。 秦 閒 來 入 ， 趙 奢 善 食 而 遣 之 。 閒 以 報 秦 將 ， 秦 將 大 喜 曰 ： 「 夫 去 國 三 十 里 而 軍 不 行 ， 乃 增 壘 ， 閼 與 非 趙 地 也 。 」 趙 奢 既 已 遣 秦 閒， 卷 甲 而 趨 之 ， 二 日 一 夜 至 ， 今 善 射 者 去 閼 與 五 十 里 而軍 。 軍 壘 成 ， 秦 人 聞 之 ， 悉 甲 而 至 。 軍 士 許 歷 請 以 軍 事諫 ， 趙 奢 曰 ： 「 內 之 。 」 許 歷 曰 ： 「 秦 人 不 意 趙 師 至 此， 其 來 氣 盛 ， 將 軍 必 厚 集 其 陣 以 待 之 。 不 然 ， 必 敗 。 」趙 奢 曰 ： 「 請 受 令 。 」 許 歷 曰 ： 「 請 就 鈇 質 之 誅 。 」 趙 奢 曰 ： 「 胥 後 令 邯 鄲 。 」 許 歷 復 請 諫 ， 曰： 「 先 據 北 山 上 者 勝 ， 後 至 者 敗 。 」 趙 奢 許 諾 ，即 發 萬 人 趨 之 。 秦 兵 後 至 ， 爭 山 不 得 上 ， 趙 奢 縱 兵 擊 之， 大 破 秦 軍 。 秦 軍 解 而 走 ， 遂 解 閼 與 之 圍 而 歸 。
When the soldiers were thirty leagues away from Handan, Zhaoshe gave the army and order which said: “anyone who criticises the conduct of military operations will be put to death.” The army of Qin was encamped west of Wu’an, it marched to the sound of drums and shouts, and was so noisy that the tiles on the rooftops of Wu’an trembled. But when an army scout advised to hurry rescue Wu’an, Zhao She had him executed at once. He had the defenses of his camp reinforced, and stayed for twenty eight days without moving, entrenching his army. When a spy of Qin entered the camp, Zhao She treated him as well as he could, and let him go back. The spy reported to the general of Qin, who was very happy and said: “They are only thirty leagues away from their capital, yet they do not move anymore and entrench themselves. Eyu will not belong to Zhao anytime soon.” Once he let the spy of QIn return, Zhao She had his soldiers take off their armours, and march quickly. In two days and one night, they reached Eyu. He then ordered his best bowmen to move fifty leagues away from Eyu, and set up his camp. As the fortifications were finished, the soldiers of Qin heard of it, and sent all of their soldiers to attack it. An officier named Xu Li offered some advice on the conduct of operations. Zhao She said: “Please do”. Xu Li said: “The soldiers of Qin do not know that all our army is here. When they come, they will be extremely angered. You should gather all your troops and put them in battle order. Else, you shall be defeated.” Zhao She answered: “Please give this order yourself.” But Xu Li answered: “I request to be sent to the chopping block and the axe, and to be executed.” Zhao She said: « Wait for further orders when we are back in Handan. » Afterwards, Xu Li asked again to give advice, and said: “the first one to hold the top of the northern mountain will prevail, the army arriving second will be defeated.” Zhao She agreed and sent ten thousand men at once. The troops of Qin arrived later, and fought for the mountain but could not reach the summit. Zhao She then sent all his troops and cut the army of Qin into pieces. Their soldiers broke ranks and fled. Therefore Qin lifted the siege on Eyu and returned.　 　

趙 惠 文 王 賜 奢 號 為 馬 服 君 ， 以 許 歷 為 國 尉 。 趙 奢於 是 與 廉 頗 、 藺 相 如 同 位 。
King Huiwen of Zhao rewarded Zhao She with the title of Lord of Mafu, and Xu Li was named minister of war. Zhao She therefore had the same rank as Lian Po and Lin Xiangru.

後 四 年 ， 趙 惠 文 王 卒 ， 子 孝 成 王 立 。 七 年 ， 秦 與 趙 兵 相 距 長 平 ， 時 趙 奢 已 死 ， 而 藺 相 如 病 篤 ， 趙使 廉 頗 將 攻 秦 ， 秦 數 敗 趙 軍 ， 趙 軍 固 壁 不 戰 。 秦 數 挑 戰， 廉 頗 不 肯 。 趙 王 信 秦 之 閒 。 秦 之 閒 言 曰 ： 「 秦 之 所 惡， 獨 畏 馬 服 君 趙 奢 之 子 趙 括 為 將 耳 。 」 趙 王 因 以 括 為 將， 代 廉 頗 。 藺 相 如 曰 ： 「 王 以 名 使 括 ， 若 膠 柱 而 鼓 瑟 耳。 括 徒 能 讀 其 父 書 傳 ， 不 知 合 變 也 。 」 趙 王 不 聽 ， 遂 將之 。
Four years later (266 BC), King Huiwen of Zhao died. His son, King Xiaocheng was enthroned. During his seventh year (261 BC), as the armies of Qin and Zhao were facing each other in Changping, Zhao She was already dead and Lin Xiangru was severely ill. The King of Zhao made Lian Po general, and sent him attack Qin, but since Qin had defeated the army of Zhao several time, its troops were entrenched, and would not go out to fight. Soldiers of Qin came on several occasions to provoke them, but Lian Po would not respond. The King of Zhao had a confident who was an agent of Qin, he said: “The bane of Qin, its only fear, would be that Zhao Gua, the son of Zhao She, lord of Mafu, be made general.” The king of Zhao then named Zhao Gua general, and sent him to replace Lian Po. Lin Xiangru then told the king : “Your majesty sends Zhao Gua, because of his name. It is like playing a lute which has its strings glued to its bridge. Zhao Gua is only able to recite the books and manuals his father left him. He does not know how to react to changes.” The king did not listen to him and made Zhao Gua a general.　 　

趙 括 自 少 時 學 兵 法 ， 言 兵 事 ， 以 天 下 莫 能 當 。 嘗 與 其 父 奢 言 兵 事 ， 奢 不 能 難 ， 然 不 謂 善 。 括 母 問 奢 其 故， 奢 曰 ： 「 兵 ， 死 地 也 ， 而 括 易 言 之 。 使 趙 不 將 括 即 已， 若 必 將 之 ， 破 趙 軍 者 必 括 也 。 」 及 括 將 行 ， 其 母 上 書 言 於 王 曰 ： 「 括 不 可 使 將 。 」 王 曰 ： 「 何 以 ？ 」 對 曰 ：「 始 妾 事 其 父 ， 時 為 將 ， 身 所 奉 飯 飲 而 進 食 者 以 十 數 ，所 友 者 以 百 數 ， 大 王 及 宗 室 所 賞 賜 者 盡 以 予 軍 吏 士 大 夫 ， 受 命 之 日 ， 不 問 家 事 。 今 括 一 旦 為 將 ， 東 向 而 朝 ， 軍 吏 無 敢 仰 視 之 者 ， 王 所 賜 金 帛 ， 歸 藏 於 家 ， 而 日視 便 利 田 宅 可 買 者 買 之 。 王 以 為 何 如 其 父 ？ 父 子 異 心 ，願 王 勿 遣 。 」 王 曰 ： 「 母 置 之 ， 吾 已 決 矣 。 」 括 母 因 曰： 「 王 終 遣 之 ， 即 有 如 不 稱 ， 妾 得 無 隨 坐 乎 ？ 」 王 許 諾。
Zhao Gua had studied strategy since he was young. When it came to discussing military matters, no one in the world could match him. He often talked about warfare with his father, Zhao She, who never could prove him wrong, yet never said he was talented. When the mother of Gua asked why to Zhao She, he answered: “War is a matter of death, yet Gua speaks lightly of it. Let us hope that the king of Zhao will never name him general, if he does, Gua will surely be the one who will destroy the army of Zhao.” As Zhao Gua was about to leave, his mother sent a letter to the king of Zhao, which said: “Gua cannot be made a general.” The king asked : “why?”. She answered: “I once was his father’s wife. When he was named general, he offered a banquet, where he personally served food and drink to tens of people, and he had hundreds of friends. He gave all the presents he received from your majesty and his court to his officers and the leaders of his army. And from the day he received his orders, he did not care anymore about his family. Gua was a general for only one day, yet he faces east when he sits in the court, and none of his officers dare lift his head and look at his face. He brought home and hid all the presents, gold and silk, that your majesty gave to him, and spends his days buying all the fields and houses people would accept to sell him. Do you believe that he is like is father? Father and son have different minds, and I therefore hope that you will not send him.” The king said: “Even though his mother refuses it, I have already made my decision.” Zhao Gua’s mother then said: “if your majesty finally sends him, and if he proves unworthy, will I be allowed not to be punished with him?” The king agreed.　 　

趙 括 既 代 廉 頗 ， 悉 更 約 束 ， 易 置 軍 吏 。 秦 將 白 起聞 之 ， 縱 奇 兵 ， 詳 敗 走 ， 而 絕 其 糧 道 ， 分 斷 其 軍 為 二 ，士 卒 離 心 。 四 十 餘 日 ， 軍 餓 ， 趙 括 出 銳 卒 自 博 戰 ， 秦 軍射 殺 趙 括 。 括 軍 敗 ， 數 十 萬 之 眾 遂 降 秦 ， 秦 悉 阬 之 。 趙 前 後 所 亡 凡 四 十 五 萬 。 明 年 ， 秦 兵 遂 圍 邯 鄲 ， 歲 餘 ， 幾不 得 脫 。 賴 楚 、 魏 諸 侯 來 救 ， 迺 得 解 邯 鄲 之 圍 。 趙 王 亦以 括 母 先 言 ， 竟 不 誅 也 。
Zhao Gua therefore replaced Lian Po. He gave new orders and named new officers. When Bai Qi, the general of Qin, heard of it, he detached his best soldiers, pretended to retreat, and maneuver to cut the supply lines of Zhao, splitting its army in two and cutting off its soldiers and officers. After forty days, his troops hungry, Zhao Gua sortied with his best troops, and tried his luck in battle. The bowmen of Qin killed Zhao Gua, defeated his army, and hundreds of thousands of soldiers surrendered to Qin, who had them all buried alive. Altogether, Zhao lost more than four hundred fifty thousand men. The next year, the soldiers of Qin put the siege on Handan. For more than a year, no one could leave the city. The king of Zhao had to beg the princes of Chu and Wei to come and rescue him, and managed to lift the siege of Handan. The king held his promise to the mother of Zhao Gua, and had her not executed.

自 邯 鄲 圍 解 五 年 ， 而 燕 用 栗 腹 之 謀 ， 曰 「 趙 壯 者 盡 於 長 平 ， 其 孤 未 壯 」 ， 舉 兵 擊 趙 。 趙 使 廉 頗 將 ， 擊 ，大 破 燕 軍 於 鄗 ， 殺 栗 腹 ， 遂 圍 燕 。 燕 割 五 城 請 和 ， 乃 聽之 。 趙 以 尉 文 封 廉 頗 為 信 平 君 ， 為 假 相 國。
Five years after the siege of Handan, the king of Yan followed an advice by Li Fu, which said : « All the braves in Zhao died in Changping, their orphans are not yet grown up.” He therefore mustered an army to attack Zhao. Lian Po was named general, and attacked. In Hao, he tore the army of Yan into pieces, killed Li Fu and put the siege on the capital of Yan. To make peace, the king of Yan had to offer five cities to Zhao, who agreed. The king of Zhao then gave Weiwen as a fief to Lian Po, which assumed the title of Lord of Xinping, and became vice prime minister.　 　

廉 頗 之 免 長 平 歸 也 ， 失 勢 之 時 ， 故 客 盡 去 。 及 復用 為 將 ， 客 又 復 至 。 廉 頗 曰 ： 「 客 退 矣 ！ 」 客 曰 ： 「 吁！ 君 何 見 之 晚 也 ？ 夫 天 下 以 市 道 交 ， 君 有 勢 ， 我 則 從 君， 君 無 勢 則 去 ， 此 固 其 理 也 ， 有 何 怨 乎 ？ 」 居 六 年 ， 趙使 廉 頗 伐 魏 之 繁 陽 ， 拔 之 。
When Lian Po, after being dismissed in Changping, returned home, as he was in disgrace, all his clients left him. When he was reinstalled as a general, his clients came back. Lian Po said : “you have already left!”, but a client answered: “Hey! Why do you see us as late comers? Everywhere in the world, markets are installed at crossroads. While you had influence we followed you, when you lost it, we left you. This is commonsense, why do you blame us for this?” Six years later, the king of Zhao sent Lian Po east, to attack Fangyang, in Wei. He took the city.　 　

趙 孝 成 王 卒 ， 子 悼 襄 王 立 ， 使 樂 乘 代 廉 頗 。 廉 頗 怒 ， 攻 樂 乘 ， 樂 乘 走 。 廉 頗 遂 奔 魏 之 大 梁 。 其 明 年 ， 趙 乃 以 李 牧 為 將 而 攻 燕 ， 拔 武 遂 、 方 城 。
When king Xiaocheng of Zhao died. His son, king Daoxiang, inherited the throne and sent Yue Cheng to replace Lian Po. Lian Po was angry. He attacked Yue Cheng and routed him. He then fled to Daliang, in Wei. On year later, the king of Zhao named Li Mu general, and sent him attack Yan. He took Wusui and Fangcheng.　 　

廉 頗 居 梁 久 之 ， 魏 不 能 信 用 。 趙 以 數 困 於 秦 兵 ，趙 王 思 復 得 廉 頗 ， 廉 頗 亦 思 復 用 於 趙 。 趙 王 使 使 者 視 廉頗 尚 可 用 否 。 廉 頗 之 仇 郭 開 多 與 使 者 金 ， 令 毀 之 。 趙 使者 既 見 廉 頗 ， 廉 頗 為 之 一 飯 斗 米 ， 肉 十 斤 ， 被 甲 上 馬 ，以 示 尚 可 用 。 趙 使 還 報 王 曰 ： 「 廉 將 軍 雖 老 ， 尚 善 飯 ，然 與 臣 坐 ， 頃 之 三 遺 矢 矣 。 」 趙 王 以 為 老 ， 遂 不召 。
Even though Lian Po had lived in Liang for a long time, the king of Wei did not trust him, and would not use him. As Zhao had been threatened by the armies of Qin on several occasions, the king of Zhao wished to take Lian Po back, and Lian Po wanted to serve Zhao again. The king therefore sent an envoy meet with Lian Po and see whether he could serve Zhao again. Guo Kai, an enemy of Lian Po, gave a lot of gold to the envoy, so that he would slander Lian Po. When the envoy met him, Lian Po offered him a banquet where he ate a bushel of rice, and ten pounds of meat. He then put his armor on, and mounted his horse, to show that he could still serve. When the messenger reported to the king, he said : “Even though general Lian is old, he still loves to banquet. However, while we sat together, over a short period, he had to go to the toilet one several occasions.” The king of Zhao then thought that Lian Po was too old, and did not summon him.　 　

楚 聞 廉 頗 在 魏 ， 陰 使 人 迎 之 。 廉 頗 一 為 楚 將 ， 無功 ， 曰 ： 「 我 思 用 趙 人 。 」 廉 頗 卒 死 于 壽 春 。
When the king of Ch head that Lian Po was in Wei, he secretly sent an agent to invite him. However, when Lian Po became a general of Chu, he lost all his valour. He said: “I would like to lead the people of Zhao.” Lian Po finally died in Shouchun.

李 牧 者 ， 趙 之 北 邊 良 將 也 。 常 居 代 鴈 門 ， 備 匈 奴。 以 便 宜 置 吏 ， 市 租 皆 輸 入 莫 府 ， 為 士 卒 費 。 日 擊 數 牛 饗 士 ， 習 射 騎 ， 謹 烽 火 ， 多 閒 諜 ， 厚 遇 戰 士 。 為 約 曰 ： 「 匈 奴 即 入 盜 ， 急 入 收 保 ， 有 敢 捕 虜 者 斬 。 」 匈 奴 每 入 ， 烽 火 謹 ， 輒 入 收 保 ， 不 敢 戰 。 如 是 數 歲 ， 亦 不 亡 失 。 然 匈 奴 以 李 牧 為 怯 ， 雖 趙 邊 兵 亦 以 為 吾 將 怯 。 趙 王 讓 李 牧 ， 李 牧 如 故 。 趙 王 怒 ， 召 之 ， 使 他 人 代 將 。
Li Mu was an able general from the northern borders of Zhao. He was for long in charge of Yanmen, in Dai, which he defended against the Xiongnus. There, he named officials as he saw fit, all the taxes on the market were stocked in his tent and used to cover the expenses of his officers and soldiers. Every day, he had several oxen killed, and gave banquets for his officers. He had them practice archery and horse riding, gave a lot of attention to alarm beacons, used a lot of spies and was very generous with his soldiers. He had given the following order : “Should the Xiongnus come rampaging, hurry back to the fortifications and defend them, those who will take prisoners will be executed.” Every time the Xiongnus came, as soon as the alarm beacons were lit, everyone rushed to the forts, and nobody dare fight. For several years, no soldier and no property was lost. Over time, the Xiongnus came to consider that Li Mu was a coward, and so did some of the border guards. The king of Zhao criticised Li Mu, but he went on with his tactics. The king was angered, summoned him back, and sent another general to his post.　 　

歲 餘 ， 匈 奴 每 來 ， 出 戰 。 出 戰 ， 數 不 利 ， 失 亡 多， 邊 不 得 田 畜 。 復 請 李 牧 。 牧 杜 門 不 出 ， 固 稱 疾。 趙 王 乃 復 彊 起 使 將 兵 。 牧 曰 ： 「 王 必 用 臣 ， 臣 如 前 ，乃 敢 奉 令 。 」 王 許 之 。
Over the next year, every time the Xiongnus came, the border guards fought them. Some of these battles were lost, and lots of soldiers were killed, and lots of property was lost. It became impossible to cultivate the land or herd cattle on the border. The king therefore called Li Mu back, but he refused to leave his house and pretended to be ill. As the king had, on several occasion, forcibly asked him to take back the leadership of the troops, he said: “If your majesty wants to force me back into service, he has to accept that l act as before, only then will I accept orders.” The king agreed.　 　

李 牧 至 ， 如 故 約 。 匈 奴 數 歲 無 所 得 。 終 以 為 怯 。邊 士 日 得 賞 賜 而 不 用 ， 皆 願 一 戰 。 於 是 乃 具 選 車 得 千 三百 乘 ， 選 騎 得 萬 三 千 匹 ， 百 金 之 士 五 萬 人 ， 彀 者十 萬 人 ， 悉 勒 習 戰 。 大 縱 畜 牧 ， 人 民 滿 野 。 匈 奴 小 入 ， 詳 北 不 勝 ， 以 數 千 人 委 之 。 單 于 聞 之 ， 大 率 眾 來 入 。 李 牧 多 為 奇 陳 ， 張 左 右 翼 擊 之 ， 大 破 殺 匈 奴十 餘 萬 騎 。 滅 襜 襤 ， 破 東 胡 ， 降 林 胡 ， 單 于 奔 走。 其 後 十 餘 歲 ， 匈 奴 不 敢 近 趙 邊 城 。
When Li Mu arrived, he restored his previous orders. For several years, the Xiongnus did not capture anything, and ended up thinking he was a coward. Day after day, the border guards received rewards that they did not use, and every one of them was intent on fighting battles. Then, he gathered all his chariots, for a total of one thousand three hundred. He assembled more than thirteen thousand horsemen, fifty thousand officers coming from families with a fortune of more than one hundred talents of gold, and one hundred thousand archers. Every one was disciplined and trained for battle. He then released many heads of cattle in the steppe, and sent lots of farmers there. When a small troop of Xiongnu came, he pretended to move north and to be defeated, sacrificing a few thousand men. When the Shanyu heard of it, he gathered a large host and attacked Zhao. But Li Mu had already deployed his best troops. He sent his two wings on both flanks of the enemy column, which he defeated. More than one hundred thousand Xiongnu horsemen were killed. He destroyed Chanlan, defeated the eastern barbarians, submitted those which lived in the forests, and sent the Shanyu fleeing. For more than ten years, the Xiongnus dared not get close of the borders of Zhao.　 　

趙 悼 襄 王 元 年 ， 廉 頗 既 亡 入 魏 ， 趙 使 李 牧 攻 燕 ，拔 武 遂 、 方 城 。 居 二 年 ， 龐 煖 破 燕 軍 ， 殺 劇 辛 。後 七 年 ， 秦 破 殺 趙 將 扈 輒 於 武 遂 ， 斬 首 十 萬 。 趙 乃 以 李 牧 為 大 將 軍 ， 擊 秦 軍 於 宜 安 ， 大 破 秦 軍 ， 走 秦 將 桓 齮 。 封 李 牧 為 武 安 君 。 居三 年 ， 秦 攻 番 吾 ， 李 牧 擊 破 秦 軍 ， 南 距 韓 、 魏 。
On the first year of the reign of king Daoxiang of Zhao, Lian Po fled to Wei. The king sent Li Mu attack Yan. He took Wu Sui and Fang Cheng. Two years later, Pang Xuan destroyed the army of Yan and had Ju Xin executed. Seven years later, Qin defeated and killed in Wu Sui general Hu Zhe of Zhao. More than ten thousand people were killed. The king of Zhao therefore named Li Mu general in chief. He attacked the army of Qin in Yi’An, defeated it badly and sent Huan Yi, the general of Qin, fleeing. The king rewarded Li Mu with a fief, and he assumed the title of Lord of Wu’An. Three years later, Qin attacked Fanwu. Li Mu defeated the armies of Qin, repelling Wei and Han to the south.　 　

趙 王 遷 七 年 ， 秦 使 王 翦 攻 趙 ， 趙 使 李 牧 、 司 馬 尚 禦 之 。 秦 多 與 趙 王 寵 臣 郭 開 金 ， 為 反 閒 ， 言 李 牧 、 司 馬尚 欲 反 。 趙 王 乃 使 趙 蔥 及 齊 將 顏 聚 代 李 牧 。 李 牧 不 受 命， 趙 使 人 微 捕 得 李 牧 ， 斬 之 。 廢 司 馬 尚 。 後 三 月 ， 王 翦 因 急 擊 趙 ， 大 破 殺 趙 蔥 ， 虜 趙 王 遷 及 其 將 顏 聚 ， 遂 滅 趙。
On the seventh year of king Qian of Zhao, the king of Qin sent Wang Jian attack Zhao. The king of Zhao sent against it Li Mu and Sima Shang. The king of Qin then sent a lot of old to the favourite vassal of the king of Zhao, Guo Kai, who spread rumours saying that Li Mu and Sima Shang were planning to rebel. The king of Zhao therefore sent Zhao Cong and Yan Ju, a general from Qi, to replace Li Mu. As he refused to submit, the king sent someone abduct Li Mu and had him executed. Sima Shang was demised of his post. Three months later, Wang Jian took advantage of these troubles to attack Zhao. He defeated it severely, killed Zhao Cong, and took king Qian and his general, Yan Ju, captive. Then he destroyed the state of Zhao.　 　

太 史 公 曰 ： 知 死 必 勇 ， 非 死 者 難 也 ， 處 死 者 難。 方 藺 相 如 引 璧 睨 柱 ， 及 叱 秦 王 左 右 ， 勢 不 過 誅 ， 然 士 或 怯 懦 而 不 敢 發 。 相 如 一 奮 其 氣 ， 威 信 敵 國 ， 退 而 讓 頗 ， 名 重 太 山 ， 其 處 智 勇 ， 可 謂 兼 之 矣 ！
Commentary by Sima Qian :
Those who know about death become heroes, yet their death does not become less likely, and they die tragic deaths. When Lin Xiangru was holding the jade disk in his hand, looking at a column with the corner of his eye, he gave orders to the king of Qin and his guards, and no one could kill him. Some of the guards were intimidated, and dared not act. As Xiangru showed his temper, he caused an enemy kingdom to respect him. When he stepped back and bowed before Lian Po, his fame became as great as mount Tai. Having such intelligence and courage, isn’t it what is called perfect balance?