King Zhaoxiang of Qin was determined to subjugate the state of Zhao, repeatedly invading its borders and seizing several territories. In 279 BC, he devised another scheme, inviting King Huiwen of Zhao to meet him at Mianchi (west of present-day Mianchi County, Henan Province; "Mian" pronounced "miǎn") in Qin territory. Initially, King Huiwen of Zhao feared being detained by Qin and hesitated to go. However, both the general Lian Po and the minister Lin Xiangru believed that refusing the invitation would only show weakness to Qin.
King Huiwen of Zhao decided to take the risk and go. He asked Lin Xiangru to accompany him, while leaving Lian Po in the capital to assist the crown prince in governing the state.
To prepare for any emergencies, King Huiwen also dispatched General Li Mu with 5,000 troops to escort him, and the Chancellor, Lord Pingyuan, led tens of thousands of soldiers to stand by at the border.
On the appointed day, the kings of Qin and Zhao met at Mianchi and held a banquet, drinking and conversing happily.
After several cups of wine, King Zhaoxiang of Qin, slightly intoxicated, said to King Huiwen of Zhao, "I've heard Your Majesty plays the se (a stringed instrument) beautifully. Please play us a tune to add to the festivities." With that, he actually ordered his attendants to bring a se forward.
King Huiwen of Zhao found it difficult to refuse and reluctantly played a piece.
The Qin court historian immediately recorded the event, reading aloud: "On such-and-such a day of such-and-such a month in such-and-such a year, the King of Qin and the King of Zhao met at Mianchi. The King of Qin commanded the King of Zhao to play the se."
King Huiwen of Zhao became so angry his face turned purple. At that moment, Lin Xiangru picked up a fǒu (a type of earthenware jar that could be struck to make music), suddenly knelt before King Zhaoxiang of Qin, and said, "I've heard that His Majesty of Qin is skilled at Qin's musical instruments. I have this earthen jar here; I humbly request that Your Majesty grace us with a few beats to add to the merriment."
King Zhaoxiang of Qin turned pale with anger and ignored him.
Lin Xiangru's eyes blazed with fury as he declared, "Your Majesty is being excessively disrespectful! Though Qin's military might is great, within these five paces, I can splash my blood onto Your Majesty's body!"
Seeing Lin Xiangru's fierce determination, King Zhaoxiang of Qin was greatly startled and reluctantly picked up a mallet and randomly struck the fǒu a few times.
Lin Xiangru then turned and instructed the Zhao court historian to record the event: "On such-and-such a day of such-and-such a month in such-and-such a year, the King of Zhao and the King of Qin met at Mianchi. The King of Qin played the fǒu for the King of Zhao."
The Qin ministers were furious that Lin Xiangru had dared to humiliate their king so openly.
One minister stood up and said, "We request that the King of Zhao cede fifteen cities to the King of Qin as a birthday tribute."
Lin Xiangru also stood up and retorted, "I request that the King of Qin cede the city of Xianyang to Zhao as a birthday tribute for our king."
King Zhaoxiang of Qin saw the situation becoming extremely tense. He already knew that Zhao had stationed a large army nearby, and if a real conflict broke out, Qin might not gain any advantage. So he silenced his ministers, saying, "Today is a day of joyful meeting between the two sovereigns. There's no need for further words."
Thus, the meeting at Mianchi concluded satisfactorily.
Lin Xiangru, through two diplomatic missions, had preserved Zhao's dignity and achieved great merit. King Huiwen of Zhao placed great trust in him, appointing him as a senior minister (Shang Qing), a position superior to that of General Lian Po.
Lian Po was deeply resentful. In private, he complained to his retainers, "I am a great general of Zhao, with countless battle-hardened achievements. What is so remarkable about Lin Xiangru that he has climbed above me? Hmph! When I see him, I will certainly show him my colors."
When this remark reached Lin Xiangru's ears, he began feigning illness and stopped attending court.
One day, Lin Xiangru was leaving his residence by carriage with his attendants when, by ill chance, he spotted Lian Po's carriage approaching from afar. He immediately instructed his driver to pull into a side alley to wait, allowing Lian Po's entourage to pass first.
This greatly angered Lin Xiangru's retainers, who criticized him for being so timid and cowardly.
Lin Xiangru asked them, "In your opinion, who is more powerful—General Lian or the King of Qin?"
They replied, "Certainly the King of Qin is more powerful."
Lin Xiangru said, "Exactly! All the feudal lords fear the King of Qin. Yet, for the sake of protecting Zhao, I dared to reprimand him to his face. Why then would I fear General Lian? I have considered this: the powerful state of Qin does not dare to invade Zhao simply because both General Lian and I are here. If we two fall out, Qin will learn of it and seize the opportunity to attack Zhao. For this reason alone, I am willing to endure and yield."
When someone relayed these words to Lian Po, he felt profoundly ashamed. Baring his back and carrying bundles of thorny twigs (a symbol of punishment), he hurried to Lin Xiangru's residence to apologize. Seeing Lin Xiangru, he said, "I am a crude man, narrow-minded and short-sighted. I never realized you would be so magnanimous toward me. I truly have no face to come before you. Please punish me."
Lin Xiangru quickly helped Lian Po to his feet, saying, "We are both high ministers of Zhao. That you, General, understand my position fills me with immense gratitude. How could you possibly need to apologize to me?"
Both men were deeply moved, tears streaming down their faces. From that day on, they became the closest of friends.