The Battle of Handan, the capital city of Zhao, began in 259 B.C. and concluded in 257 B.C. During this time, Qin besieged Handan, and the king of Zhao had to seek help from Wei and Chu. The following story about Mao Sui showcases how the States of Chu and Zhao became part of the vertical alliance, which eventually united six countries geographically located along a vertical line.
When the state of Qin besieged Handan, the King of Zhao sent Zhao Sheng to seek help. At that time, it was proposed that the state of Chu be the leader and establish a vertical alliance to join forces against Qin. Zhao Sheng agreed to go to the state of Chu with 20 brave and resourceful warriors from his followers.
Zhao Sheng said: “If we can succeed through polite negotiations, that would be best. If negotiations fail, we must force the King of Chu to confirm the alliance publicly, and we cannot return home until the vertical alliance is sealed successfully. There’s no need to look for talented warriors and scholars outside as we can select them from amongst my followers.” Upon selection, it was found that Zhao Sheng could only garner 19 talented warriors among his followers, and completing the group of 20 he required was impossible.
While facing this dilemma, one follower, a warrior named Mao Sui, introduced himself to Zhao and stated: “I heard that you have been requested to go to the state of Chu to make it the leader and establish a further vertical alliance. You have agreed to proceed with twenty people from your followers without the need to look for outsiders. Since one person is still missing, I am willing to be counted as the last person to accompany you.”
Zhao Sheng asked: “How long have you been under my wing?” Mao Sui replied: “It has been exactly three years.” Zhao Sheng said: “Talented and virtuous people are like an awl in a pocket; their sharp point will show immediately. You have been under my wing for three years, and none of my close ministers have praised or recommended you, nor have I heard of you. It seems that you don’t have any special skills. You cannot go! Please stay!”
Mao Sui responded: “Please consider putting this awl in your pocket today. If I had been put in the pocket earlier, the entire sharp point of the awl would have been revealed, not just a little bit.” After contemplating Mao’s remark, Zhao Sheng finally agreed to let Mao go with them.
Upon hearing this decision, the other 19 chosen warriors exchanged glances and secretly mocked Mao Sui, but no one dared to voice their opinions openly. He arrived and settled in the state of Chu. During this time, he constantly discussed and debated the state’s situation with these 19 warriors, and each of them gradually came to admire Mao Sui.
When Zhao Sheng negotiated with the King of Chu to establish the vertical alliance, he repeatedly explained the interests involved and at stake. They negotiated throughout the entire morning until noon without reaching an agreement. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the 19 warriors urged Mao Sui to step forward and speak up, stating: “Sir, please go up to the hall.”
Mao Sui seals the alliance
In response, Mao Sui tightly grasped the hilt of his sword and ran up the steps to the hall. He approached Zhao Sheng and said: “The discussion of the vertical alliance is either for ‘benefit’ or ‘harm,’ just two words. We have discussed the vertical alliance since morning and have not decided by noon. What is the reason for this?”
When the King of Chu saw Mao Sui approach the hall, he asked: “What is this person doing here?” Zhao Sheng replied: “This is my attendant.” The King of Chu sternly scolded him: “Why haven’t you left yet? I am negotiating with your master! What are you doing here?”
Further tightening his grasp on the hilt of his sword, Mao Sui stepped forward, saying: “Great King, your scolding of me is because you fear that your life is in my hands since we are only ten steps apart, and within ten steps, you cannot rely on the large number of people in Chu to help you! My master is right here. Why do you scold me in front of him?
“Moreover, I have heard that Shang Tang once ruled the country within the perimeter of seventy square miles, and King Wen of Zhou made all the vassals submit to a territory of a hundred square miles. Was it because they had many soldiers? No! It was because they understood the situation well and vigorously exerted their power. Now, with the state of Chu spanning five thousand miles and a million soldiers, this is the capital it relies on to contend for hegemony! With such great strength, no one can resist its power!
“Bai Qi of the state of Qin is just a little child. He led an army of tens of thousands to fight against Chu. In the first battle, he captured Yancheng and Yingdu! In the second battle, he burned down Yiling! In the third battle, he subjected the king’s ancestors to great humiliation, a grudge passed down through generations in Chu! Even the King of Zhao feels ashamed, but you, Great King, do not feel ashamed! The vertical alliance is for the state of Chu, not for the state of Zhao!”
After listening to Mao Sui’s words, the King of Chu immediately changed his attitude. He said: “Yes, indeed, as you said, I will use all the power of the country to fulfill the vertical alliance.” Mao Sui further pressed: “Is the vertical alliance confirmed?” The King of Chu replied: “It is confirmed!” Mao then used a commanding tone to instruct the ministers of the King of Chu: “Bring the blood of chickens, dogs, and horses.”
Mao Sui knelt with a bronze plate in his hands and offered it to the King of Chu, saying: “Great King, you should first suck the blood to show your sincerity in confirming the vertical alliance. The next one is my master, and then it’s me.” In this way, the vertical alliance was confirmed in the hall of the state of Chu.
Once the vertical alliance was sealed, Zhao returned to the state of Zhao. Upon his return, he stated: “I dare not say that I am truly confident in my ability to observe and identify talents anymore. I have observed and identified skills from at least a few hundred people, even over a thousand, believing I would not miss any talented individuals statewide — but I overlooked Mao Sui!
Mao Sui’s one trip to the state of Chu elevated Zhao’s status even more than that of the inherited treasures. With his eloquent and persuasive speech, his influence was more significant than that of a “million-strong army.” After that, Mao Sui was honored as a top guest.
Translated by Joseph Wu and edited by Maria
