Betrayal & Cannibalism

In early Chinese history and literature, cannibalism sometimes appeared as a symbol of ultimate vengeance or loyalty. Historical Records (史记) and other chronicles describe warriors or rebels who ate the flesh of enemies as a way to mete out poetic justice. During the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, there were instances where the victors in a bloody battle ate the flesh of the enemy for making them sacrifice so much to win the war. Offering one’s flesh was also seen as a sign of loyalty ot filial piety.

During the period of the Warring States (475 – 221 BC), talented men would move from state to state seeking employment. One such men was Yue Yang 乐羊 who hailed from the state of Zhong Shan, so called because there was a mountain right at the centre. Seeing no prospects in his hometown, Yue Yang sought employment in the state of Wei.

As Wei was desperate for administrators at that time, Yue Yang was hired without a tough interview. Not long after that, Yue Yang was surprised that the duke had summoned him to a meeting. At the meeting were Duke Wen of Wei, ministers Zhai Huang 翟璜 and Li Kui 李悝.

“Yue Yang, I trust Zhai Huang absolutely with one thing.” said the Duke. “He knows the ability of every man he meets. I have plans to conquer the state of Zhong Shan and he said that you would be most suited to the job.”

“I thank you, my lord, but I have the following questions. First, it will not be easy to invade Zhong Shan because we are separated by the state of Zhao. Secondly, the state of Zhong Shan is no pushover. I envisage that we will take three years to wear them out and finally, we are separated from Zhong Shan by the state of Zhao.”

“We have enough resources to fund a 3-year war.” said Li Kui “Beyond that, we’ll have to give up.”

“Don’t worry about that.” said the Duke. “I’ve already made a secret arrangement with Zhao to let my army through. I’ve decided to appoint you as commander. You will lead the elite troops under the legendary General Wu Qi 吴起.”

“My lord, you could have just sent Wu Qi.” said Yue Yang.

“I need someone who knows Zhong Shan well.”

Yue Yang was caught between a rock and a hard place. Zhong Shan had not given him a decent post, he didn’t care much about his home state, but his family was there.

“Yue Yang.” said Zhai Huang who seemed to have read his mind. “Don’t look at it as biting the hand that had fed you. Look at it this way Zhong Shan is your home, but it has been badly managed by incompetent people. Once we have conquered Zhong Shan, you can go back to your home and right all the wrongs.”

Yue Yang nodded in agreement. In 406 BC, Yue Yang took over command of Wei’s main force and marched towards Zhong Shan. Unfortunately, the Duke’s son Prince Ji was following him, studying his every maneuver. Yue Yang was familiar with Zhong Shan’s geography, but he took his time, wishing that Prince Ji would get bored and return to Wei. The prince stayed on. Surrounded, Zhong Shan’s food supplies eventually ran out. Before they surrendered, the people of Zhong Shan decided to deal a devastating psychological blow against Yue Yang.

Cannibalism was already rife inside a starving Zhong Shan. They killed Yue Yang’s son, cooked a soup with his flesh and delivered it to Yue Yang. Everyone in the Wei camp was stunned. They didn’t know how Yue Yang would react to this. Instead of being driven to madness, Yue Yang scooped a bowl of the soup and ate it. The Wei camp was convinced of Yue Yang’s loyalty. The people of Zhong Shan knew that there was no way they could defeat this heartless commander. They surrendered.

Duke Wen was very pleased. He sent an edict to the newly conquered Zhong Shan, making his son Prince Ji the governor. Yue Yang betrayed his home state and now felt betrayed by his Wei. Duke Wen summoned Yue Yang to his palace and showed him a chest of bamboo books. He asked Yue Yang to read them. His face turned pale. They were all reports submitted by the other officials, warning Duke Wen that Yue Yang’s delay tactics will cause Wei to run out of war funds.

Yue Yang sank to his knees and denied any intention to to do the state of Wei in.

“I trust you, Yue Yang.” said Duke Wen of Wei. “But it is also obvious that you will not be able to work with the other officials. Nobody likes you.”

Yue Yang was retired. The command of Zhong Shan was given to Prince Ji. Unable to face the people of Zhong Shan, Yue Yang moved to live in Wei.