The Exchange of Hostages between Chou and Cheng (A historical event in 720
B.C.)
Tzuoo's Interpretation of Spring-Fall
During the Chou dynasty, Emperor P'ing chose King Wu and King Chuang of Country
Cheng to be the leaders of all the kings in China. However, Emperor P'ing
secretly wanted the King of Country Kuo to be the leader. King Chuang suspected
this and complained to the Emperor. Emperor P'ing denied this and said, "Your
suspicion is baseless." Consequently, Chou and Cheng exchanged hostages to win
mutual trust: The Prince of Chou was sent to Country Cheng as a hostage and the
Prince of Country Cheng was sent to Chou as a hostage.
After Emperor P'ing died, the royal family chose the King of Country Kuo as
the leader of all the kings in China. In April, General C of Country Cheng led
troops to take the wheat of City W in Chou's territory. During the fall, Cheng's
troops again stole grain from Chou. Relations between Chou and Cheng quickly
deteriorated.
Gentlemen say, "If trust is based on insincere words, even an exchange of
hostages will not enhance it." If the people deal with things in a honest and
forgiving manner and treat each other with respect, then no one will be able to
break their alliance. Hostages would make no difference. If we are sincere and
faithful, then the water plants in a creek or a pond, vegetables like duckweed,
wormwood or algae, square or circular bamboo baskets, caldrons with or without
legs, or water from a river, a pond, or the roadside can be used to worship gods
and honor the emperor. Gentlemen establish mutual trust between two countries
through respect. The exchange of hostages is unnecessary. Manners say,
'Clever wives honor the ancestor of their families using duckweed and wormwood.'
Grace says, 'If one is honest and faithful, even reeds and the water from
the roadside can be used for worshipping gods.' Both books illustrate honesty
and trust."