Historical story

The old saying goes, "He who strikes first has the advantage; he who strikes later suffers the consequences." In military affairs, "seizing the initiative" is also an important principle. As early as in the "Zuo Zhuan," there is the expression "the first to act seizes the opponent's will." Later generations also often emphasized "speed is essential in war" and "I would rather attack others than be attacked," all meaning to strive for the advantage of striking first in battle.

One late autumn night in 204 BC, Han Xin's army of several tens of thousands arrived and camped in a mountain valley dozens of li from the Jingxing Pass in Hebei. They had reached this location after three days and nights of forced marching. While the soldiers were taking a brief rest, Han Xin summoned his deputy general Zhang Er to discuss their strategy for defeating Zhao.This campaign was part of a strategic plan Han Xin had proposed to Liu Bang: to launch a northern campaign against the states of Dai, Zhao, and Yan; attack Qi to the east; march southward to cut off Chu's supply lines; and ultimately outflank Xiang Yu.

In 506 BC, on the recommendation of Wu Zixu, King Helü of Wu appointed the great military strategist Sun Wu as his supreme commander, reorganized his troops, and prepared to attack the state of Chu.Sun Wu was a native of Qi, who described himself as a humble farmer from the eastern coast. He had come south to Wu at the invitation of Wu Guo, a minister of Wu. His passion lay in studying military strategy, and he held fame and wealth in low regard. The reason he agreed this time to take up the prestigious position of commander-in-chief was twofold. First, he wanted to help his old friend Wu Zixu achieve his goal of defeating Chu.

In 206 BC, following the collapse of the once-mighty Qin Empire, Chinese history entered a new phase. At that time, Xiang Yu, the Hegemon-King of Western Chu, and Liu Bang, the King of Han, formed two rival factions, sparking the famous Chu-Han Contention for control of the empire. Throughout this nearly five-year-long war, the Han general Han Xin demonstrated exceptional strategic brilliance and military acumen, fulfilling the ideal of "commanding a million troops from the command tent, winning every battle and capturing every objective."

In September of the 8th year of Tianhui (the 4th year of Jianyan in the Southern Song Dynasty, 1130), the Jin army defeated a Song counteroffensive in the Fuping region (north of present-day Fuping County, Shaanxi), as part of their campaign to conquer Shaanxi.

Shangdang, known as the "spine of the world," commands a strategic view over central China and forms the vital link to Hedong and Bingzhou, earning it the title "the throat of the state of Jin." Its terrain is exceptionally formidable, making it a coveted battleground for military strategists since ancient times. In 402 BC, the states of Wei, Zhao, and Han divided the state of Jin among themselves, and Shangdang fell under Han's control. However, the rising power of Qin had long coveted Shangdang. In 280 BC, the Qin general Bai Qi penetrated deep into Shangdang and captured Guanglang City (modern-day Kangying Village in Gaoping).

When the Hongwu Emperor (Ming Taizu) was in power, he learned from historical lessons about eunuchs monopolizing power and causing state chaos. He established a rule forbidding eunuchs from interfering in state affairs. He inscribed this rule on a large iron plaque and hung it in the palace, hoping his descendants would abide by it generation after generation. However, during the reign of the Yongle Emperor (Ming Chengzu), this rule was abolished.

Among the seven major warring states, the state of Qin lagged behind the various feudal states in the Central Plains in politics, economy, and culture. Its neighboring state of Wei was stronger than Qin and had seized a large area of land west of the Yellow River from Qin.In 361 BC, Duke Xiao of Qin, the new ruler of Qin, ascended the throne. Determined to strengthen his state, he first sought out talented individuals. He issued an edict stating: "Whether a native of Qin or a foreign guest, whoever can devise a way to make Qin rich and powerful shall be appointed to an official position."

During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, not only was the twelve-animal zodiac used for marking years, but the renowned scholar Shen Jiong also composed China's first delightful poem featuring all twelve zodiac animals: "Mouse tracks leave dust on the desk, ox and sheep return at dusk. Tiger roars sit in the empty valley, rabbit moon shines through the window. Dragon marshes stretch far with verdant green, snake winds near the willow trees. Horse orchids are just picked from afar, sheep carry spring seedlings. Monkeys offer chestnuts and fragrant fruits, rooster's crow draws a clear cup. Dog embodies a carefree spirit, pig peers from the window in leisure."

In 262 BC, King Zhaoxiang of Qin dispatched the general Bai Qi to attack the state of Han, capturing the city of Yewang (present-day Qinyang, Henan). This cut off the connection between Shangdang Commandery (its seat located in present-day Changzhi, Shanxi) and the Han capital, placing Shangdang in a critical situation. The Han military leaders in Shangdang refused to surrender to Qin and sent an envoy to present the maps of Shangdang to the state of Zhao.