89. Chronicles of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms-27

During the mourning period of Duke Xiang of Jin, the marshal Xian Zhen had already learned of Qin’s secret plan to strike Zheng. He entered the court and asked for permission to fight. He spoke plainly. “The Duke of Qin ignored the advice of Jian Shu and Bai Li Xi. He marched a thousand miles to launch a surprise attack. He thinks Jin is weak because we are in mourning. If we do not strike now, this will become a great disaster in the future.” Luan Zhi, however, remembered old ties. “The ruler of Qin once helped our former lord. If we attack his army now, would that not betray our late duke?”