Yanzi, posthumously known as Ping Zhong, was Qi’s famous statesman, philosopher, and diplomat in the Qin State during China’s Spring and Autumn period. Yanzi successively served as an advisor to three Qi dukes for over 50 years: Duke Ling (581-554 BCE), Duke Zhuang II (553-548 BCE), and Duke Jing (547–490 BCE).
He was known for his political vision, diplomatic skills, and simplicity. He was intelligent, witty, and eloquent, and he assisted the states in internal affairs, repeatedly advising the monarch of Qi.
Yanzi was brilliant in wisdom. He often persuaded the monarch and helped save the people from danger with just a few words.
Using wisdom to save others
When a monarch is angry and wants to kill someone, how can anyone stop such a tragedy from happening? Yet, Yanzi was able to do so. His approach was wonderful, and he solved a crisis in just a few words.
On one occasion, Duke Jing ordered the soldiers to make bricks between November and December of the lunar calendar. The weather was quite severe, and the soldiers were hungry and cold; therefore, the task was not completed. When Duke Jing found out, he growled: “Kill two of the soldiers working for me.”
Yanzi initially replied: “At your command.” But after a brief period, Yanzi said: “When the former Duke Zhuang conquered the Jing Kingdom, he only lost four soldiers in that battle. Now, you have ordered the killing of two soldiers. That is equivalent to killing half the number of soldiers Duke Zhuang lost.” Upon hearing this, Duke Jing saw his error. “Yes, it’s my fault,” he said. He then gave an order not to have the soldiers killed.
Yanzi used great wisdom to handle complex and delicate matters, ultimately leading to good outcomes.
Reducing cruel punishments
Even with the trivial matters of ordinary life, Yanzi put his wisdom to good use. In fact, by simply chatting about everyday things, Yanzi could convince the king to reduce cruel punishments. It was indeed amazing!
One day, Duke Jing wanted to change Yanzi’s residence, saying: “Your house is close to the market, low-lying and humid, and the place is small, noisy, and dusty. It is not suitable to live in. I want to change your residence to a dry, airy, spacious place.”
Yanzi thanked him, saying: “This house is where my ancestors lived. I did not deserve to inherit it. For me, this place is already a luxury. It is also close to the bustling market and convenient for me. I can get what is in demand easily. This is the advantage of living here without disturbing the neighboring villagers.”
Duke Jing smiled and said: “You live close to the market. Do you know what is expensive and what is cheap in the market?” Yanzi replied: “Since I think I could benefit from living here, how could I not know?”
At that time, Duke Jing punished people frequently. Recalling that people were selling prosthetic legs, Yanzi replied: “Prosthetic legs are expensive in the market, but straw shoes are cheap.” Duke Jing’s expression became grave when he heard this, and his face changed. After this, Duke Jing reduced his punishments.
A wise scholar once said: “The words of a benevolent person are of great benefit.” With Yanzi’s words, the Duke of Qi reduced the punishment he ordered upon the people. Yanzi’s wisdom and compassion were able to turn around many difficult situations.
Lessons from the fallen state of Ji
Yanzi was not only eloquent, but also knowledgeable and bold. Even if his opinion differed from the monarch’s, he would express his opinion according to the specific situation.
For example, once, Duke Jing visited the old state of Ji and obtained a copper pot. He opened the pot and saw words written inside with a red brush that read: “Don’t eat fish that is turned over, and do not ride on a slow horse.”
Duke Jing said: “That’s right. I know the meaning of these words. Please don’t turn the fish over when you eat. It means don’t turn it over because you don’t like the fishy smell. And not riding a horse that can’t run fast means it can’t take you very far.”
Yanzi replied: “Actually, that’s not what it means. Don’t turn over the fish when you eat; it means don’t exhaust the labor and financial resources of the people! And don’t ride a horse that can’t run fast, which means don’t put an inferior person next to you!”
Duke Jing inquired: “Is there a record explaining what caused the fall of the ancient state of Ji?” Yanzi responded: “Indeed, there is a document detailing the reasons for Ji’s downfall. The words were inscribed within this pot. Suppose you put the document on the wall. So people can read it. The fate of Ji might be different!” Thus, Yanzi helped avert disaster for Duke Jing and the country.
In the annals of ancient Chinese history, Yanzi stands as a testament to the transformative power of wisdom and compassion. His legacy paints a vivid picture of a scholar whose eloquence and insight averted tragedies and mitigated cruelties, and shaped the essence of justice and benevolence.
Through his enduring counsel, he exemplified the profound impact that empathy, understanding, and moral courage can have on the course of nations and the hearts of individuals.
