Chunqiu Guliang Zhuan — 春秋穀梁傳, ascribed to Guliang Chi's oral tradition, set down in writing under the Han

The Chunqiu, the Spring and Autumn Annals, is the terse official chronicle of the state of Lu; Confucius is traditionally credited with compiling or editing it, though the tradition cannot be verified from the text itself. Three separate commentarial traditions grew up around this bare chronicle — the Zuo, the Gongyang, and the Guliang — each reading the same terse entries in its own way. The Guliang Commentary is ascribed to the oral tradition of a figure called Guliang Chi, said like Gongyang Gao to stand at some remove from Confucius's own circle, and to have been set down in writing by later hands under the Han; the tradition cannot be verified independently of the text itself.

Like its Gongyang counterpart, the Guliang Commentary follows each annal entry with a catechism of questions and answers reading the chronicle's wording for hidden judgment, but its answers run shorter and more juridical, often turning on a single fixed formula repeated across many entries — a place named or withheld, a rank given or lowered, a day recorded or omitted — each read as a verdict on the persons involved. This file carries the commentary duke by duke, from Duke Yin's first year down through Ai's fourteenth, the point at which the Chunqiu itself traditionally closes with the capture of a lin, a benevolent portent-beast, on a western hunt; the Guliang comments on this closing entry as tersely as on any other, without the extended reflection the Gongyang Commentary appends to it.

Each entry is set out in the source's own two layers, kept visible here: the bare chronicle line marked in bold as Annals, followed by the catechism marked as Guliang, where the source supplies one. Names of persons, states, and places appear in Hanyu pinyin without tone marks; the state of Wei (衛) is spelled Wey throughout to keep it apart from the larger, unrelated state of Wei (魏), and several small states — Qi (杞) chief among them — share a pinyin spelling with a larger namesake and are kept apart by the Chinese character given in parentheses.

Translated for the Good Works Library directly from the classical Chinese, printed in full below. We know of no complete published English translation of the Guliang Commentary — only studies and partial selections appear to exist — so this translation makes no claim of firstness; no live search for prior translations could be made when this file was prepared, and what is said here is the limit of our present knowledge.

Contents

• Duke Yin (隱公)
• Duke Huan (桓公)
• Duke Zhuang (莊公)
• Duke Min (閔公)
• Duke Xi (僖公)
• Duke Wen (文公)
• Duke Xuan (宣公)
• Duke Cheng (成公)
• Duke Xiang (襄公)
• Duke Zhao (昭公)
• Duke Ding (定公)
• Duke Ai (哀公)

Translation

Duke Yin (隱公)

Year 1 (隱公元年)

Annals. In the first year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Guliang. Even when there is no particular affair, the Annals always sets down the first month — this is to be careful about the beginning. Why does the text not speak of the duke's accession? Because it completes the duke's own intention. How does it complete it? It means to say that the ruler did not take the position as duke for himself. Why did the ruler not take it as duke? Because he meant to yield it to his brother Huan (桓, later Duke Huan). Was yielding to Huan correct? It was not correct. The Spring and Autumn completes what is admirable in a person and does not complete what is bad in a person. If Yin's act was not correct, why does the text complete it? Because it meant thereby to condemn Huan. Why does it condemn Huan? If Yin had meant to yield and Huan assassinated him before he could, then Huan is wicked; if Huan assassinated him and Yin thus never got to yield, then Yin is good. If Yin was good, why then say his act was not correct? The Spring and Autumn prizes righteousness and does not prize mere personal kindness; it trusts the proper Way and does not trust what is deviant. A filial son proclaims his father's good points and does not proclaim his father's faults. That the former ruler, Duke Hui (惠公), wished to give the state to Huan was not correct — it was deviant. Even so, he had already overcome his deviant intention and given the succession to Yin. If Yin himself had ferreted out the former ruler's deviant intention and had then in the end given the state to Huan, that would be completing his father's fault. Brothers are bound by the natural order of Heaven. As a son one receives one's place from one's father; as a lord of a state one receives it from one's ruler. To cast aside the natural order of Heaven, forgetting one's ruler and father, in order to carry out a petty kindness, is called the petty way. A man like Yin might be said to have made light of a state of a thousand chariots — but as for treading the true Way, he did not yet achieve it.

Annals. In the third month, the duke and Yifu of Zhulou (邾婁儀父) covenanted at Mei.

Guliang. What does "and" (及) mean? It shows that the intention lay within — that the initiative was ours. "Yi" is his courtesy name. "Fu" is like "tutor" — a term of respect for a man. Why does the text not call him "Viscount of Zhu"? Because from high antiquity Zhu (邾婁) was a lesser state and had not yet received rank and command from Zhou. That no day is given for the covenant is because the covenant was later broken. Mei is a place name.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, the Earl of Zheng (鄭) overcame Duan (段) at Yan.

Guliang. What does "overcame" mean? It means "was able to." Able to do what? Able to kill him. Why does it not say "killed"? Because it shows that Duan had a body of followers. Duan was the Earl of Zheng's younger brother. How do we know he was the younger brother? When an heir apparent or a full brother by the same mother is killed, the text names the ruler directly as agent; since it names the ruler here, we know the victim was his brother. Duan was a brother, yet the text does not call him "brother"; he was a noble son, yet it does not call him "noble son" — this demotes him. Duan failed in the way proper to a son and younger brother, and so the text holds Duan cheap; yet it holds the Earl of Zheng graver still. Why does it hold the Earl of Zheng graver? Because it holds gravest the fact that the Earl of Zheng, dwelling on his scheme and accumulating his calculation, brought it to completion in killing. "At Yan" means far away — as if to say he took him from within his own mother's bosom and killed him there, which makes the charge graver still. If so, what ought the Earl of Zheng properly to have done? To pursue slowly and let the culprit escape — this is the way of treating kin as kin.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, the Heavenly King sent Steward Xuan (宰咺) to come and bring funeral gifts for Duke Hui and Zhongzi (仲子).

Guliang. She is designated by her son's clan-name as "mother" — who was Zhongzi? She was Duke Hui's mother, Duke Xiao's (孝公) concubine. By the rites, it is permissible to send funeral gifts for a person's mother; it is not permissible to send funeral gifts for a person's concubine. The gentleman accepted the record on the ground by which it could be justified — that she was called "mother" — though in truth the mission did not arrive in time for the event. What does "funeral gift" (賵) mean? Gifts of carriage-horses are called feng; clothing and coverlets are called sui; cowries and jade are called han; cash and goods are called fu.

Annals. In the ninth month, we covenanted with the people of Song (宋) at Su.

Guliang. What does "and" mean? It refers to one of our own lowly officers. "The people of Song" means a lowly officer of the other side. When both parties to a covenant are of lowly rank, no day is given. Su is the name of a town.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, the Earl of Zhai (祭伯) came.

Guliang. "Came" means he came to pay a court visit — why does the text not call it a "court visit"? A lord within the royal domain, unless he has the Son of Heaven's command, may not go out to meet with the other lords; the text does not sanction his private diplomacy, and therefore does not grant him the term "court visit." The bow and arrowheads sent as gifts of visitation do not go out beyond the borders of the royal domain; the bundled dried meat of a modest gift does not travel within the borders to another state — when there is one supremely honored, a domain lord does not divide his allegiance.

Annals. Gongzi Yishi (公子益師) died.

Guliang. When a grandee's death is dated, this is correct; when it is not dated, this shows disapproval.

Year 2 (隱公二年)

Annals. In the second year, in spring, the duke met with the Rong (戎) at Qian.

Guliang. "Met" means that the other party took the initiative. The wise deliberate, the righteous act, the humane hold fast — only when a man has these three qualities may he go out to such a meeting. That he met with the Rong put the duke in danger.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, the people of Ju (莒) entered Xiang.

Guliang. "Entered" means the inhabitants did not receive them. Xiang was our own town.

Annals. Wugai (無侅) led an army and entered Ji (極).

Guliang. "Entered" means the inhabitants did not receive them. Ji was a state. If a man carelessly makes it his purpose to enter and seize others' states, others will in turn enter his. That Wugai is not styled with his clan name is because he extinguished a state of the same surname as Lu — this demotes him.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on the day gengchen, the duke and the Rong covenanted at Tang.

Annals. In the ninth month, Ji Lüyu (紀履緰) came to receive the bride.

Guliang. Receiving a bride in marriage is properly a matter for the person himself, the groom; sending a grandee to do it is not correct. That he is styled with his state's name, Ji (紀), is because he came to have dealings with us, and so the gentleman advances him in honor.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, Boji (伯姬) went home to Ji.

Guliang. By the rites: when a woman marries, this is called "going home"; when she returns to her natal family, this is called "coming home." Marriage is a matter of following another. While a woman is in her natal household, she is governed by her father; once married, she is governed by her husband; if her husband dies, she follows her eldest son. A woman does not act on her own authority — she must always have someone to follow. The record "Boji went home to Ji" — why does its wording resemble that of acting on her own authority? It says: this was not acting on her own authority. It is recorded because she was our own Boji, going home to Ji. Why does it not mention that anyone was sent to receive her? The manner of the reception was slight, not worth mentioning.

Annals. Zi of Ji, styled Bo, and the Viscount of Ju covenanted at Mi.

Guliang. One view says: this reads "Zibo of Ji," and it was he who covenanted with the Viscount of Ju. Another view says: because their years and their ranks were equal, the Viscount of Ji is placed first by means of the term "bo."

Annals. In the twelfth month, on the day yimao, the lady, née Zi (子氏), passed away.

Guliang. When a lady passes away, no place is given. The lady was Yin's wife. Her death is recorded but her burial is not — by the propriety proper to a lady, she follows her lord.

Annals. The people of Zheng attacked Wei (衛).

Year 3 (隱公三年)

Annals. In the third year, in spring, in the king's second month, on the day jisi, the sun was eclipsed.

Guliang. The text gives the day but not the first day of the month. The eclipse occurred on the last day of the month. Why does it say "the sun had an eating of it"? What is spat out is the outer substance; what is eaten is the inner substance. When a gap appears and its substance is not seen, this is called "having an eating of it." "Having" is a term used either for the internal subject or the external. "Having an eating of it" here makes the sun itself the internal subject. Why does it not simply name the agent that ate it? Because the text knows that what cannot be known — that itself is true knowledge.

Annals. In the third month, on the day gengxu, the Heavenly King died.

Guliang. Of a mountain, its height collapsing is called beng; of a wall, its thickness collapsing is called beng; of one honored, his death is termed beng. The Son of Heaven's death is termed with beng because of his honor. Why is his death termed so? Because he stands above the people, and so his death is termed beng. Why is he not named? Because he is supremely exalted, and so he is not named.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on the day xinmao, the Yin clan (尹氏) died.

Guliang. Who was the Yin clan? A grandee of the Son of Heaven. Deaths of grandees of other states are not normally recorded — why then is his death recorded here? Because at the Son of Heaven's death, he acted as host for Lu's mourning delegation, and so the text, out of consideration for him, records his death.

Annals. In autumn, the son of the Wu clan (武氏子) came to seek funerary contributions.

Guliang. Who was the son of the Wu clan? A grandee of the Son of Heaven. Since he was a grandee of the Son of Heaven, why is he styled "the son of the Wu clan"? Because the mourning for the late king was not yet complete, and the orphaned heir had not yet been formally ranked; to send an envoy before being ranked was not correct. Why does the text not say that the new king "sent" him? Because at this stage there was no confirmed ruler to do the sending. Sending gifts to the dead is called feng; sending gifts to the living is called fu. To speak of "sending" something to another is correct; to speak of "seeking" something from another is not correct. Even if Zhou had not sought it, Lu could not properly fail to send it; even if Lu had not sent it, Zhou could not properly seek it. The wording "sought" leaves it an open question whether it was obtained or not. The text criticizes both sides.

Annals. In the eighth month, on the day gengchen, Duke He of Song (宋公和) died.

Guliang. When the death of one of the lords of the states is dated, this is correct.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, the Marquis of Qi (齊) and the Earl of Zheng covenanted at Shimen. On the day guiwei, we buried Duke Miao of Song (宋繆公).

Guliang. That the burial is dated is because there was a reason for it — the state was in peril and could not otherwise achieve the burial.

Year 4 (隱公四年)

Annals. In the fourth year, in spring, in the king's second month, the people of Ju attacked Qi (杞) and took Moulou.

Guliang. The Zhuan says: to speak of "attacking" and to speak of "taking" territory is to record what is disapproved. The attacking of one state by another and the taking of territory began from this point on. Therefore the text records it carefully.

Annals. On the day wushen, Zhu Xu of Wei (衛祝吁) assassinated his ruler, Wan (完).

Guliang. When a grandee assassinates his ruler and is styled with the state's name, this is out of suspicion regarding his aim — that having assassinated him, he meant to take his place.

Annals. In summer, the duke and the Duke of Song had an unplanned meeting at Qing.

Guliang. "And" shows that the intention lay within, with us. An unplanned meeting means that the two parties' wishes happened to coincide.

Annals. The Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen (陳), the people of Cai (蔡), and the people of Wei attacked Zheng.

Annals. In autumn, Hui (翚) led an army and met with the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the people of Cai, and the people of Wei to attack Zheng.

Guliang. Who is Hui? Gongzi Hui. Why is he not styled "noble son"? To demote him. Why demote him? Because he took part in the assassination of the duke, and so he is demoted.

Annals. In the ninth month, the people of Wei killed Zhu Xu at Pu.

Guliang. To style the killers as "the people" when speaking of a killing means the one killed was guilty. That Zhu Xu is named outright forestalls any doubt as to who was killed. That the month is given shows the text's carefulness. "At Pu" criticizes Wei for having let the culprit escape abroad before he was caught.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, the people of Wei set up Jin as their ruler.

Guliang. "The people of Wei" is a term for a collective body. "Set up" means one who ought not to have been set up. That Jin's name is recorded shows disapproval — why then does the text style it as "the people" who set him up? Because he had won the multitude. If he had won the multitude, then he was worthy. If he was worthy, why does the text say he ought not to have been set up? Because it is the principle of the Spring and Autumn to sanction the proper line of succession, not to sanction mere worthiness.

Year 5 (隱公五年)

Annals. In the fifth year, in spring, the duke watched the taking of fish at Tang.

Guliang. The Zhuan says: an ordinary occurrence is called an "affair"; an extraordinary one is called a "watching." By the rites, the honored do not personally attend to petty affairs, and the lowly do not preside over great achievements. Fishing is the affair of lowly men; that the duke watched it was not correct.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, we buried Duke Huan of Wei.

Guliang. That the month of the burial is given shows there was a reason for it.

Annals. In autumn, the army of Wei entered Cheng.

Guliang. "Entered" means the inhabitants did not receive them. Cheng was a state. When the commander is of low rank but the troops are numerous, the force is called an "army."

Annals. In the ninth month, the shrine of Zhongzi's hall was completed with a dedicatory sacrifice.

Guliang. What does "dedicatory sacrifice" mean? It means to complete a thing — here, to establish her formally as a lady, with her own shrine. By the rites: when the son of a secondary consort becomes ruler, he builds a hall for his mother and has a noble son preside over her sacrifices. The sacrifice is maintained in the son's generation and stops in the grandson's. Zhongzi was Duke Hui's mother; Yin, being already her grandson, nonetheless carried out the rite for her — this was not proper for Yin to do.

Annals. For the first time, six rows of feather-dancers were presented in sacrifice.

Guliang. "First" means "beginning." Guliangzi (穀梁子) said: "In performing the Xia dance, the Son of Heaven uses eight rows, the dukes six rows, the other lords four rows. That six rows of feather-dancers were presented for the first time here marks the beginning of usurping ritual music." Shizi (尸子) said: "In performing the Xia dance, from the Son of Heaven down to the lords of the states, all alike use eight rows. That six rows of feather-dancers were presented for the first time here marks the beginning of debasing ritual music."

Annals. The people of Zhu (邾婁) and the people of Zheng attacked Song.

Annals. There was an infestation of grain-worms.

Guliang. This is an insect calamity. When severe, the month is given; when not severe, only the season is given.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, on the day xinsi, Gongzi Kou (公子彄) died.

Guliang. Yin did not formally rank and commission grandees of his own — why then does the text call him "Gongzi Kou," with full honorific style? Because he was a grandee of the former ruler.

Annals. The people of Song attacked Zheng and besieged Changge.

Guliang. When one state attacks another, the text does not normally speak of besieging a town — why does it speak of a siege here? Because it dragged on so long. In attacking, one should not let it outlast a season; in battle, one should not pursue those who flee; in punishing, one should not press those who have submitted. To round up the people and drive off the cattle and horses is called "raiding"; to fell the trees and destroy the dwellings is called "attacking."

Year 6 (隱公六年)

Annals. In the sixth year, in spring, the people of Zheng came to deliver terms of peace.

Guliang. "Deliver" means to let fall, to relinquish. To speak of "peace" means it was concluded by proper principle. That they came to deliver peace means that it was in the end not fully concluded.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on the day xinyou, the duke met with the Marquis of Qi and covenanted at Ai.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month.

Annals. In winter, the people of Song took Changge.

Guliang. When an outside state takes a town, this is not normally recorded — why is it recorded here? Because it had dragged on so long.

Year 7 (隱公七年)

Annals. In the seventh year, in spring, in the king's third month, Shuji (叔姬) went home to Ji.

Guliang. Why does the text not mention anyone coming to receive her? The manner of the reception was slight, not worth mentioning.

Annals. The Marquis of Teng (滕) died.

Guliang. The Marquis of Teng, dying, is not named. Whether a ruler dies young — called "heir apparent" — or full-grown — called "ruler" — he is properly not named. To name him is the way of the Di; it is the improper cases that are named.

Annals. In summer, we walled Zhongqiu.

Guliang. Walling is done in order to protect the people. When the people are many and the wall too small, the wall is enlarged. But the enlarging of walls has no limit. Whenever a walling is recorded, it is always meant as a criticism.

Annals. The Marquis of Qi sent his younger brother Nian (年) to come on a diplomatic visit.

Guliang. Given the dignity proper to the lords of the states, brothers may not be referred to merely by their family relation in official dealings. That the text here speaks of him as "his younger brother" is because he came to have dealings with us, and it singles out the fact most honorable to him.

Annals. In autumn, the duke attacked Zhu.

Annals. In winter, the Heavenly King sent Fan Bo (凡伯) to come on a diplomatic visit; the Rong attacked Fan Bo at Chuqiu and carried him off.

Guliang. Who was Fan Bo? A grandee of the Son of Heaven. "Attack" is normally used of a state — here it is used of a single man; why? To magnify the Son of Heaven's command. "The Rong" here in fact means Wei — why call Wei "Rong"? Because they attacked an envoy of the Son of Heaven, and the text demotes them and treats them as Rong barbarians. Chuqiu was a town of Wei. That he was carried off is still better than having been outright seized and held.

Year 8 (隱公八年)

Annals. In the eighth year, in spring, the Duke of Song and the Marquis of Wei had an unplanned meeting at Chui.

Guliang. To meet without having arranged it beforehand is called an "unplanned meeting." An unplanned meeting means the two parties' wishes happened to coincide.

Annals. In the third month, the Earl of Zheng sent Wan (宛) to come and hand over Bing (邴).

Guliang. That Wan is named is the means by which the text demotes the Earl of Zheng, condemning his giving away of territory.

Annals. On the day gengyin, we entered Bing.

Guliang. "Entered" means the inhabitants did not receive us. That the day is dated shows disapproval of the one who entered. Bing was the town which the Earl of Zheng had received by mandate from the Son of Heaven, for use in sacrificing to Mount Tai.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, on the day jihai, Marquis Kaofu of Cai (蔡侯考父) died.

Guliang. When the death of one of the lords of the states is dated, this is correct.

Annals. On the day xinhai, the Baron of Su died.

Guliang. Su was a minor state. It had not yet joined in covenant with us, and so its ruler is styled only by the low rank of "baron" at death.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on the day gengwu, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Qi, and the Marquis of Wei covenanted at Wawu.

Guliang. Covenants among outside states are not normally dated — why is this one dated? Because covenants of three lords together began from this point on, and so the text records it carefully, with the date. Proclamations and oaths did not reach down in frequency to the era of the Five Thearchs; covenants and imprecations did not reach down to the era of the Three Kings; exchanging hostage sons did not reach down to the era of the Two Hegemons.

Annals. In the eighth month, we buried Duke Xuan of Cai.

Guliang. That the month of the burial is given shows there was a reason for it.

Annals. In the ninth month, on the day xinmao, the duke and the people of Ju covenanted at Baolai.

Guliang. One may speak of "the duke and the people" of another state; one may not properly speak of "the duke and a grandee" of another state, as equals.

Annals. There was an infestation of grain-worms.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, Wugai died.

Guliang. As for the naming of Wugai, without further style or rank, we have heard no certain reason for it. Some say it is because Yin did not formally rank his grandees; others say it is because the text deliberately demotes him.

Year 9 (隱公九年)

Annals. In the ninth year, in spring, the Heavenly King sent Nan Ji (南季) to come on a diplomatic visit.

Guliang. "Nan" is his clan surname; "Ji" is his courtesy name. "Diplomatic visit" means to inquire after. For the Son of Heaven to send a diplomatic visit to the lords of the states was not correct.

Annals. In the third month, on the day guiyou, there was a great rain, with thunder and lightning.

Guliang. Zhen is thunder; dian is lightning-flash.

Annals. On the day gengchen, there was a great snowfall.

Guliang. The text records the frequency of these events. Within the span of eight days, there occurred twice a great aberration; yin and yang moved out of their proper courses, and so the text records it carefully, with the date. When elsewhere the text gives merely the month for a rain, it records only the regular case.

Annals. Xia (俠) died.

Guliang. "Xia" is simply what he was called, by that one name. That he is not styled as a grandee is because Yin did not formally rank his grandees. Why did Yin not rank his grandees? It is said: because he had not fully become ruler, holding the position only as regent.

Annals. In summer, we walled Lang.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month.

Guliang. There was no event to record — why then is it written down? So as not to omit a season.

Annals. In winter, the duke met with the Marquis of Qi at Fang.

Guliang. "Met" means the other party took the initiative.

Year 10 (隱公十年)

Annals. In the tenth year, in spring, in the king's second month, the duke met with the Marquis of Qi and the Earl of Zheng at Zhongqiu.

Annals. In summer, Hui led an army and met with the people of Qi and the people of Zheng to attack Song.

Annals. In the sixth month, on the day renxu, the duke defeated the army of Song at Jian.

Guliang. The text does not speak of our own side as having "done battle" — it cites only the greater outcome, the victory.

Annals. On xinwei we took Gao; on xinsi we took Fang.

Guliang. When a town is taken, this is not normally dated — why are these dated? Because the text disapproves of pressing an advantage over a defeated enemy to reap deep profit, taking two towns at once, and so it records it carefully, with the date.

Annals. In autumn, the people of Song and the people of Wei entered Zheng.

Annals. The people of Song, the people of Cai, and the people of Wei attacked Zai; the Earl of Zheng then attacked and took it.

Guliang. The text disapproves of his relying on others' strength to take it with ease, and so it makes him the principal agent of the affair.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on the day renwu, the people of Qi and the people of Zheng entered Cheng.

Guliang. "Entered" means the inhabitants did not receive them. That the day is dated shows disapproval of those who entered. Cheng was a state.

Year 11 (隱公十一年)

Annals. In the eleventh year, in spring, the Marquis of Teng and the Marquis of Xue (薛) came to pay court visits.

Guliang. When the Son of Heaven has no pressing affair, for the lords of the states to pay court visits to one another is correct. Examining the rites and cultivating virtue is the means by which the Son of Heaven is honored. That the lords of the states came to pay court is, given the season, correct. That they are mentioned individually, each by name, shows they came at the same time. That their number is tallied shows that both arrived.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, the duke met with the Earl of Zheng at Shilai.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on the day renwu, the duke, together with the Marquis of Qi and the Earl of Zheng, entered Xu.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, on the day renchen, the duke passed away.

Guliang. That the duke's passing is given no place is because there was a reason for it: the text, out of consideration for Yin, could not bear to give the place of his death. Why does it not mention his burial? When a ruler is assassinated and the culprit is not brought to justice, the text does not record the burial, thereby placing the blame on those below. In Yin's reign, the tenth year lacks the phrase "the king's first month" — Yin did not regard himself as having properly held the throne; the first year has the phrase "the king's first month" — this is the means by which the text rectifies Yin, formally validating his position at the start, even though he himself never claimed it as rightfully his.

Duke Huan (桓公)

Year 1 (桓公元年)

Annals. In the first year, in spring, the king.

Guliang. Elsewhere in Huan's reign the record generally lacks "the king" — why does it say "the king" here? To be careful about the beginning. Why does the rest of Huan's reign generally lack "the king"? Huan, a younger brother, assassinated his elder brother; a subject assassinated his ruler; the Son of Heaven could not set this right, the lords of the states could not come to the rescue, the common people could not remove him — the text treats this as tantamount to there being no king's way operating at all, so that such a thing could indeed come to pass. That the first year has "the king" is the means by which the text holds Huan to account.

Annals. In the first month, the duke acceded to the position.

Guliang. When one succeeds after an irregular event, an assassination, the text normally does not speak of "acceding to the position" — this is correct. Why is it correct not to speak of acceding when succeeding after an irregular event? It is said: when the former ruler did not end his life by the proper way, then his son or younger brother cannot bear openly to accede to the position. If, succeeding after an irregular event, the text does speak of acceding, this shows the successor had a part in the assassination. Why does speaking of acceding after such an event show complicity in the assassination? It is said: when the former ruler did not end his life by the proper way, and yet he himself formally observes the proper procedure of acceding and accedes, this shows he had no feeling for the former ruler.

Annals. In the third month, the duke met with the Earl of Zheng at Chui.

Guliang. "Met" means the other party took the initiative.

Annals. The Earl of Zheng, with a jade disc, "borrowed" the Xu field.

Guliang. When speaking of borrowing, the text normally does not say "with" something accompanying it — to say "with" something while speaking of borrowing means it was not really a borrowing. That what was not a borrowing is called a "borrowing" is to conceal the exchange of territory. By the rites, with the Son of Heaven above, the lords of the states may not exchange territory with one another on their own authority. If there was no longer any field, then it can be known there was no longer any Xu. That the text does not explicitly say "Xu" was given away means it does not sanction the loss of Xu. The Xu field was the town where Lu lodged when paying court to Zhou; Bing was the town which the Earl of Zheng had received by mandate, for sacrificing to Mount Tai. The exchange serves to reveal that Lu no longer paid court to Zhou, and that Zheng no longer sacrificed to Mount Tai.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on the day dingwei, the duke and the Earl of Zheng covenanted at Yue.

Guliang. "And" shows that the intention lay within, with us. Yue is the name of the place of covenanting.

Annals. In autumn, there was a great flood.

Guliang. When both high and low ground suffer from a water calamity, it is called a "great flood."

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month.

Guliang. There was no event to record — why then is it written down? So as not to omit a season. The Spring and Autumn arranges events by year, and only when all four seasons are present does a year count as complete.

Year 2 (桓公二年)

Annals. In the second year, in spring, in the king's first month, on the day wushen, Du of Song (宋督) assassinated his ruler Yuyi (與夷), together with his grandee Kong Fu (孔父).

Guliang. Elsewhere in Huan's reign the record generally lacks "the king" — why does it say "the king" here? To rectify, to mark properly, the death of Yuyi. Kong Fu died first, before the ruler — why then does the text say "together with," as if simultaneous? To record the honored ruler together with the lowly minister is the principle of the Spring and Autumn. Why did Kong Fu die first? Du wished to assassinate the ruler but feared he would not thereafter be able to establish himself, and so he first killed Kong Fu, who stood as a barrier in his way. How do we know that Kong Fu was killed first? It is said: once a son has died, his father cannot bear to speak his name; once a subject has died, his ruler cannot bear to speak his name — from this we know that the ruler's death is linked with his, following after. "Kong," the clan name, and "Fu," the appended word, are components of a posthumous style. Some say: that his personal name is not used is out of deference, to avoid naming an ancestor — Confucius (孔子) was indeed originally of Song stock.

Annals. The Viscount of Teng came to pay a court visit.

Annals. In the third month, the duke met with the Marquis of Qi, the Marquis of Chen, and the Earl of Zheng at Ji, thereby settling the disorder in Song.

Guliang. "Thereby" shows that the intention lay within, with us. The duke's intention was to settle this disorder; here it was indeed settled — yet the text takes wording proper to an affair not yet settled and applies it here. Regarding evil on our own side, the gentleman leaves nothing out.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, we took the great tripod of Gao from Song. On the day wushen, it was placed in the Great Temple.

Guliang. Huan, having within our state assassinated his ruler, and abroad having "settled" another's disorder, now accepted a bribe and withdrew, using it to serve his ancestors — this was not proper ritual. The true way of ritual, represented by the Duke of Zhou, would not have accepted it. The Gao tripod was a thing made by the state of Gao. To say "of Song" means it was taken from Song, and the text treats this as a tripod obtained as if by rightful chastisement. Confucius said: "In naming, follow its owner; in describing an object, follow the central states' convention." Hence it is called "the great tripod of Gao."

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, the Marquis of Ji came to pay a court visit.

Guliang. Court visits are normally dated by season — why is this one dated by month? Because Huan, having within assassinated his ruler and abroad "settled" another's disorder, was on this occasion held to account by the Marquis of Qi, the Marquis of Chen, and the Earl of Zheng; after only a few days he used a bribe to escape censure, and immediately upon this affair the Marquis of Ji paid him a court visit. The text disapproves of this, and so records it carefully, with the month.

Annals. The Marquis of Cai and the Earl of Zheng met at Deng.

Annals. In the ninth month, someone entered Qi (杞).

Guliang. It was we, Lu, who entered it.

Annals. The duke and the Rong covenanted at Tang. In winter, the duke arrived back from Tang.

Guliang. Elsewhere in Huan's reign, when he attends a meeting, the text does not normally record his arrival back — why is his arrival recorded here? To distance him from this act.

Year 3 (桓公三年)

Annals. In the third year, in spring, in the first month, the duke met with the Marquis of Qi at Ying.

Annals. In summer, the Marquis of Qi and the Marquis of Wei exchanged pledges at Pu.

Guliang. To speak of xu, "pledges," is like speaking of "mutually." They gave their pledges to one another and trusted each other's word, spoke with care, and withdrew — this is held to approach the ways of antiquity. In practice one of the two must have spoken first — why then does the text speak of it as "mutual"? So as not to represent it as the Marquis of Qi commanding the Marquis of Wei.

Annals. In the sixth month, the duke met with the Marquis of Qi (杞) at Cheng.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, renchen, the sun was eclipsed — totally.

Guliang. To give both the day and the first day of the month shows the eclipse fell precisely on the first day. "Totally" means complete — a term implying that the darkening continued to its full extent.

Annals. Gongzi Hui went to Qi to receive the bride.

Guliang. Receiving a bride is properly a matter for the person himself; sending a grandee to do it is not correct.

Annals. In the ninth month, the Marquis of Qi escorted the Lady Jiang (姜氏) as far as Huan.

Guliang. By the rites, in escorting a bride, her father does not descend from the hall, her mother does not go out beyond the sacrificial gate, and her paternal aunts and brothers do not go out beyond the palace gate. Her father charges her, saying: "Be careful and heedful to follow your father-in-law's words." Her mother charges her, saying: "Be careful and heedful to follow your mother-in-law's words." Her aunts, repeating this once more, say: "Be careful and heedful to follow your new father's and mother's words." For an escort to accompany the bride beyond the borders of her own state is not proper ritual.

Annals. The duke met with the Marquis of Qi at Huan.

Guliang. Is there no criticism implied here? It is said: this was done for the sake of ritual propriety on our side — the Marquis of Qi having come, it was proper for the duke to go out and receive him, meeting him there.

Annals. The lady, née Jiang, arrived from Qi.

Guliang. Why does the text not say that Hui brought her? Because the duke himself personally received her from the Marquis of Qi. Zigong (子貢) said: "To wear the ceremonial cap and personally go to receive a bride — is that not excessive solemnity?" Confucius said: "It joins the good will of two houses, so as to carry on the sacrifices for ten thousand generations to come — how can this be called excessive solemnity!"

Annals. In winter, the Marquis of Qi sent his younger brother Nian to come on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. There was a good harvest year.

Guliang. When the five grains all ripen, it is called "having a good year."

Year 4 (桓公四年)

Annals. In the fourth year, in spring, in the first month, the duke hunted at Lang.

Guliang. The hunts of the four seasons are all for the sake of the ancestral temple's affairs. In spring it is called tian; in summer, miao; in autumn, sou; in winter, shou. Of what the four seasonal hunts yield, three uses are made, whichever is obtained first: the first portion becomes dried offerings for sacrifice; the second is for entertaining guests; the third fills the ruler's own kitchen.

Annals. In summer, the Heavenly King sent Steward Qu Bojiu (宰渠伯糾) to come on a diplomatic visit.

Year 5 (桓公五年)

Annals. In the fifth year, in spring, in the first month, on the days jiaxu and jichou, Marquis Bao of Chen (陳侯鮑) died.

Guliang. Why is Bao's death recorded with two days? The principle of the Spring and Autumn is: what is certain is transmitted as certain, what is doubtful is transmitted as doubtful. The Marquis of Chen went out from his court on the day jiaxu, and was found on the day jichou; since it was not known on which day he actually died, both days are cited so as to encompass the uncertainty.

Annals. In summer, the Marquis of Qi and the Earl of Zheng went to Ji.

Annals. The Heavenly King sent the son of Ren Shu (任叔) to come on a diplomatic visit.

Guliang. "The son of Ren Shu" — naming him thus records the father while sending the son. Hence the text obscures the proper terms for ruler and subject and instead makes plain the relation of father and son — this is the wording by which the text disapproves of a son taking his father's place in office while the father still lives.

Annals. We buried Duke Huan of Chen.

Annals. We walled Zhuqiu.

Annals. In autumn, the people of Cai, the people of Wei, and the people of Chen followed the King in attacking Zheng.

Guliang. The text uses the wording of "those who followed." Why does it use the wording of "those who followed"? To conceal, for the Heavenly King's sake, the fact of his personally attacking Zheng. Zheng was a state of the same surname as the Zhou royal house, situated within Jizhou, the royal domain's own region; that it should at this point be disobedient was indeed an affliction for the Son of Heaven.

Annals. There was a great rain-sacrifice.

Annals. There was a locust plague.

Guliang. This is an insect calamity. When severe, the month is given; when not severe, only the season.

Annals. In winter, the Duke of Zhou (州公) went to Cao (曹).

Guliang. When outside states visit one another, this is not normally recorded — why is it recorded here? Because he passed through our territory.

Year 6 (桓公六年)

Annals. In the sixth year, in spring, in the first month, "it, indeed, came."

Guliang. "It, indeed, came" means "this one came." What does "this one came" refer to? It refers to the Duke of Zhou. Why does the text refer to him as "this one came" rather than naming him properly? Because he had made his mere passing through into a scheme concerning us, and so the text speaks of him tersely — the lords of the states do not pay court merely by passing through.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, the duke met with the Marquis of Ji at Cheng.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on the day renwu, there was a great review.

Guliang. What is a "great review"? A review of the war chariots. Cultivating instruction and making proclamations clear is the proper way of a state. To cultivate military affairs in a time of peace is not correct. That the day is given is because Huan exalted display of military might, and so the text records it carefully, with the day — it seems this was done in order to make a display before the women of the court.

Annals. The people of Cai killed Chen Tuo (陳佗).

Guliang. Chen Tuo was the ruler of Chen — why then does the text call him "Chen Tuo," merely by his bare name? Because he behaved as a common man, and so the text styles him as a common man. How did he behave as a common man? The Marquis of Chen was fond of hunting; he hunted to excess in Cai, and there contended with the people of Cai over game. The people of Cai, not knowing he was the ruler of Chen, killed him. How do we know that he was indeed the ruler of Chen? Normally, when two common men kill one another, it is not recorded. That no further place is given here is because the text's naming of "the people of Cai" already shows it happened in Cai.

Annals. In the ninth month, on the day dingmao, Zi Tong (子同) was born.

Guliang. Because there was doubt, the birth is recorded; at the time it was said that he resembled his father.

Annals. In winter, the Marquis of Ji came to pay a court visit.

Year 7 (桓公七年)

Annals. In the seventh year, in spring, in the second month, on the day jihai, someone burned Xianqiu.

Guliang. Why does the text not say "Zhu's Xianqiu," naming the state it belonged to? Because the text condemns the use of fire as a weapon of attack.

Annals. In summer, Earl Sui of Gu (穀伯綏) came to pay a court visit. Marquis Wuli of Deng (鄧侯吾離) came to pay a court visit.

Guliang. Why are they named directly, by personal name? Because they had already, by this time, lost their states. If they had lost their states, why then does the text still speak of it as a "court visit"? Because we had once, when they were still ruling lords, dealt with them as one of the lords of the states; although they had since lost their states, this does not diminish the record of our former dealings with them.

Year 8 (桓公八年)

Annals. In the eighth year, in spring, in the first month, on the day jimao, the zheng sacrifice was performed.

Guliang. Zheng is a winter affair; to carry it out in spring is recorded to show it was untimely.

Annals. The Heavenly King sent Jiafu (家父) to come on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on the day dingchou, the zheng sacrifice was performed again.

Guliang. Zheng is a winter affair; to carry it out twice, in spring and summer, is to defile the sacrifice through repetition. Its recording shows a lack of reverence.

Annals. In autumn, we attacked Zhu.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, it rained snow.

Annals. The Duke of Zhai (祭公) came, and thereupon went to receive the royal consort at Ji.

Guliang. Why does the text not say he was "sent"? Because it does not sanction this: since it concerned the great affair of the Zhou royal ancestral temple, and Zhou took counsel over it with us, the text does not grant that he was properly "sent." "Thereupon" is a word linking one action to a continuing affair. That it says "thereupon received the royal consort" is the means by which the text abbreviates, and thus disapproves of, the whole irregular affair. Some say: the Son of Heaven has no "outside" — once the king has commanded it, the matter is properly accomplished.

Year 9 (桓公九年)

Annals. In the ninth year, in spring, Ji Jijiang (紀季姜) went home to the capital, to marry the king.

Guliang. It was the one who acted as intermediary, Lu standing as the bride's sponsor, who saw her home.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month.

Annals. In winter, the Earl of Cao sent his heir apparent, She Gu (射姑), to come and pay a court visit.

Guliang. Of a court visit, the text normally does not speak of "sending" — to speak of "sending" is not correct. To send the heir apparent to carry out the ceremony proper to a full lord of the states in coming to pay court — in this the Earl of Cao failed to act correctly! When lords of states meet one another it is called "court"; for us to treat another man's son with the ceremony due to treating that man's father is, on our own side, a failure to act correctly! On our side there was a failure of correctness, and the Earl of Cao failed to act correctly; the heir apparent might well have declined to come! But this was, after all, a command from his father that had to be obeyed. Shizi said: "As for declining — it goes beyond what is required by the ordinary way."

Year 10 (桓公十年)

Annals. In the tenth year, in spring, in the king's first month, on the day gengshen, Earl Zhongsheng of Cao (曹伯終生) died.

Guliang. Elsewhere in Huan's reign the record generally lacks "the king" — why does it say "the king" here? To rectify, to mark properly, the death of Zhongsheng.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, we buried Duke Huan of Cao.

Annals. In autumn, the duke met with the Marquis of Wei at Taoqiu — but they did not meet after all.

Guliang. "Did not meet" means their wishes did not, in the end, coincide. "Not" is a term used for describing our own side.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, on the day bingwu, the Marquis of Qi, the Marquis of Wei, and the Earl of Zheng came and did battle at Lang.

Guliang. To "come and do battle" is a term for a battle arranged beforehand. The text does not normally speak of our own side as having "done battle" — when it does speak of "battle," it means we were defeated. That it does not name the person on our side is because we were defeated. That it does not say "and," joining our ruler to the enemy as equal parties, is for the sake of concealment on our own side.

Year 11 (桓公十一年)

Annals. In the eleventh year, in spring, in the first month, the people of Qi, the people of Wei, and the people of Zheng covenanted at Ecao.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on the day guiwei, the Earl of Zheng, Wusheng (寤生), died.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, we buried Duke Zhuang of Zheng.

Annals. In the ninth month, the people of Song seized Zhai Zhong of Zheng (祭仲).

Guliang. "The people of Song" here really means the Duke of Song — why does the text call him "the people"? To demote him.

Annals. Tu (突) went home to Zheng.

Guliang. To call him "Tu," by bare personal name, is to hold him cheap. To say "went home" is euphemistic wording. Zhai Zhong changed the succession in this affair — the real power lay with Zhai Zhong. To die for one's ruler in his hour of peril is the way proper to a minister; but here he set up the unworthy one and cast out the rightful one — the text condemns Zhai Zhong for this.

Annals. Hu of Zheng (鄭忽) fled into exile to Wei.

Guliang. "Hu of Zheng" refers to the heir apparent, Hu. That he is named directly shows he had lost his state.

Annals. Rou (柔) met with the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, and Uncle Shu of Cai, and covenanted at Zhe.

Guliang. Who is Rou? One of our own grandees, not yet formally commissioned.

Annals. The duke met with the Duke of Song at Fuzhong.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, the duke met with the Duke of Song at Kan.

Year 12 (桓公十二年)

Annals. In the twelfth year, in spring, in the first month.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, on the day renyin, the duke met with the Marquis of Ji and the Viscount of Ju, and covenanted at Quchi.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on the day dinghai, the duke met with the Duke of Song and the people of Yan, and covenanted at Guqiu.

Annals. In the eighth month, on the day renchen, Marquis Yue of Chen (陳侯躍) died.

Annals. The duke met with the Duke of Song at Xu.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, the duke met with the Duke of Song at Gui.

Annals. On the day bingxu, the duke met with the Earl of Zheng and covenanted at Wufu.

Annals. On the day bingxu, Marquis Jin of Wei (衛侯晉) died.

Guliang. That the same day is named twice, for two separate events, is the meaning proper to fixing each event to its day.

Annals. In the twelfth month, together with the army of Zheng, we attacked Song; on the day dingwei, there was a battle at Song.

Guliang. This was not a battle against the ally with whom we had jointly attacked. That the text does not say "battled with Zheng" is to hide the shame of our discord with our own ally. Between the attacking and the battle, we were defeated. The text, concealing our own defeat, cites instead what can more acceptably be told.

Year 13 (桓公十三年)

Annals. In the thirteenth year, in spring, in the second month, the duke met with the Marquis of Ji and the Earl of Zheng.

Annals. On the day jisi, together with the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, and the people of Yan, there was a battle against the army of Qi, the army of Song, the army of Wei, and the army of Yan, in which we suffered a great defeat.

Guliang. That it says "together with" is spoken from our own side reaching out to them. That it says "battle" is spoken from the outside. In describing the battle it styles them "the people"; in describing the defeat it styles them "the army" — this difference gives weight to their numbers. That no place is given is because it was understood to have occurred at Ji.

Annals. In the third month, we buried Duke Xuan of Wei.

Annals. In summer, there was a great flood.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month.

Year 14 (桓公十四年)

Annals. In the fourteenth year, in spring, in the first month, the duke met with the Earl of Zheng at Cao.

Annals. There was no ice.

Guliang. That there was no ice recorded is because the season was unseasonably warm.

Annals. In summer, five — the Earl of Zheng sent his younger brother Yu (禦) to come and covenant.

Guliang. The text here reads only "summer, five," with the month-name missing, an evident gap. Given the dignity proper to the lords of the states, brothers may not be referred to merely by their family relation. That the text speaks of him here as "his younger brother" is because, in his coming to us, it singles out the fact most honorable to him. "Came to covenant" shows this was arranged beforehand. That no day is given reflects the rule that a covenant arranged beforehand is not dated. Confucius said: "One who listens to a sound from afar hears its swiftness but cannot make out its cadence; one who gazes at something far off discerns its outline but cannot make out its precise shape. Standing in the times of Dukes Ding and Ai and pointing back to the times of Dukes Yin and Huan, the days of Yin and Huan are already far off. 'Summer, five' is a case where the transmitted text hands down a doubt."

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on the day renshen, the royal granary caught fire. On the day yihai, the chang sacrifice was performed.

Guliang. A fire in the royal granary is not normally recorded — why is it recorded here? Because the text holds that to perform the chang sacrifice using what had not even been replaced since the disaster was wrongly thought permissible — its recording shows a lack of reverence. The Son of Heaven personally ploughs, so as to supply the grain for sacrifice; the queen personally raises silkworms, so as to supply the sacrificial vestments. It is not that the state lacked good farmers and needle-women — it is held that what is produced by other hands, in serving one's ancestors, is not as good as what one has personally, with one's own hands, brought about. How do we know that they performed the chang sacrifice with what had not been replaced since the disaster? It is said: the grain from the royal fields is stored within the Three Palaces; the rice of the Three Palaces is then kept in the royal granary. Now the chang sacrifice must always be accompanied by fresh grain from the royal fields. On renshen the royal granary burned; on yihai the chang sacrifice was performed — this shows that they performed the sacrifice with what had not been replaced since the disaster.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, on the day dingsi, Marquis Lufu of Qi (齊侯祿父) died.

Annals. The people of Song, together with the people of Qi, the people of Cai, the people of Wei, and the people of Chen, attacked Zheng.

Guliang. "With" here means, in truth, "not willingly with" — the other states were pressed into joining, not true allies. The people are the foundation of a ruler. To send men to their deaths in such a cause is not correct.

Year 15 (桓公十五年)

Annals. In the fifteenth year, in spring, in the second month, the Heavenly King sent Jiafu to come and seek chariots.

Guliang. In antiquity, the lords of the states presented tribute to the Son of Heaven in season, according to what their own states possessed; hence there was room for declining and yielding, but no outright demanding or seeking. To seek chariots was not proper ritual; to seek gold would have been graver still!

Annals. In the third month, on the day yiwei, the Heavenly King died.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on the day jisi, we buried Duke Xi of Qi.

Annals. In the fifth month, the Earl of Zheng, Tu, fled into exile to Cai.

Guliang. This is recorded to censure the seizing of power from the rightful heir.

Annals. The heir apparent of Zheng, Hu, returned home again to Zheng.

Guliang. This is recorded to show the rightful order restored.

Annals. Uncle Shu of Xu (許叔) entered Xu (許).

Guliang. Uncle Shu was the most honored man of Xu — none was more fitting to rule than Uncle Shu. Why then does the text say he "entered," rather than simply "returned"? Because the way by which he came home was not the proper way of coming home.

Annals. The duke met with the Marquis of Qi at Hao.

Annals. The people of Zhu, the people of Mou, and the people of Ge came to pay court visits.

Annals. In autumn, in the ninth month, the Earl of Zheng, Tu, entered Li.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, the duke met with the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, and the Marquis of Chen at Yi, and thence attacked Zheng.

Guliang. That the place is given before the account of the attack is wording expressing doubt — though in fact there is nothing here truly in doubt.

Year 16 (桓公十六年)

Annals. In the sixteenth year, in spring, in the first month, the duke met with the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Cai, and the Marquis of Wei at Cao.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, the duke met with the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, the Marquis of Chen, and the Marquis of Cai to attack Zheng.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, the duke arrived back from attacking Zheng.

Guliang. Elsewhere in Huan's reign, after a meeting, the text does not normally record his arrival — why is his arrival recorded here? Because the campaign endangered him.

Annals. In winter, we walled Xiang.

Annals. In the eleventh month, Marquis Shuo of Wei (衛侯朔) fled into exile to Qi.

Guliang. That Shuo is named shows disapproval — the Son of Heaven had summoned him and he had not gone.

Year 17 (桓公十七年)

Annals. In the seventeenth year, in spring, in the first month, on the day bingchen, the duke met with the Marquis of Qi and the Marquis of Ji, and covenanted at Huang.

Annals. In the second month, on the day bingwu, the duke and Yifu of Zhu covenanted at Cui.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on the day bingwu, we battled the army of Qi at Lang.

Guliang. The text, concealing our own defeat, cites only what can more acceptably be told. That it does not name the person in command is because we were defeated. That it does not say "and," joining our ruler and the enemy, is for the sake of concealment on our own side.

Annals. In the sixth month, on the day dingchou, Marquis Fengren of Cai (蔡侯封人) died.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, Cai Ji (蔡季) went home to Cai from Chen.

Guliang. Cai Ji was the most honored man of Cai. That he came "from Chen" shows that Chen had given him support.

Annals. On the day guisi, we buried Marquis Huan of Cai.

Annals. Together with the people of Song and the people of Wei, we attacked Zhu.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

Guliang. To give the first day of the month but not the day shows the eclipse occurred exactly at the new moon.

Year 18 (桓公十八年)

Annals. In the eighteenth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the duke met with the Marquis of Qi at Luo. The duke, together with the lady, née Jiang, thereupon went on to Qi.

Guliang. At the meeting at Luo, why does the text not say "together with the lady"? Because of the lady's forwardness, the text does not deign to number her alongside him.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on the day bingzi, the duke passed away in Qi.

Guliang. That the place is given is because it was abroad. That his death is termed with the word proper to a duke cites him by his higher dignity.

Annals. On the day dingyou, the duke's coffin arrived back from Qi.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, on the day jichou, we buried our ruler, Duke Huan.

Guliang. "We buried our ruler" joins together those above and below in mourning. When a ruler is assassinated and the culprit is not brought to justice, the text does not normally record the burial — why then does it speak of the burial here? Because the text does not require Lu to go beyond its own state's reach to punish Qi for this. Only after Duke Huan was buried was his posthumous title conferred; the posthumous title is the means by which his virtue is completed — it is added only once the affair is concluded. The wise deliberate, the righteous act, the humane hold fast — only when a man has all three of these qualities complete may he then take part in such meetings.

Duke Zhuang (莊公)

Year 1 (莊公元年)

Annals. In the first year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Guliang. When one succeeds an assassinated ruler, the text does not speak of "acceding to the position" — this is correct. Why is it correct not to speak of acceding when succeeding an assassinated ruler? It is said: when the former ruler did not end his life by the proper way, then his son cannot bear openly to accede to the position.

Annals. In the third month, the lady withdrew to Qi.

Guliang. To speak of "withdrew" is like speaking of "yielding place" — it conceals the fact that she fled. Recorded at the time bordering on the first mourning sacrifice, this sets down the mother's aberration, and for the first time treats her as merely a person. That the text does not give her clan-surname is to demote her. In a man's relation to Heaven, he receives his charge by the proper Way; in his relation to other men, he receives his charge by their word. One who does not comport with the Way — Heaven cuts him off; one who does not comport with his word — men cut him off. For a minister or a son, the receiving of proper charge is of the greatest importance.

Annals. In summer, Shan Bo (單伯) went to meet the royal princess.

Guliang. Who is Shan Bo? He is our grandee, one commissioned by the Son of Heaven. When a grandee has received such a commission, he is not called by his given name — hence he is not named. Why does the text not say he "went" [如], as it does elsewhere? Because in principle it was not proper for him to receive this charge at the royal capital. Why was it not proper for him to receive it there? It is said: our own ruler had been assassinated in Qi, and yet he was made to preside over the marriage and to conduct the rites of hospitality with Qi — in principle this could certainly not be accepted.

Annals. In autumn, they built a lodge for the royal princess outside the city.

Guliang. To build such a lodge is proper ritual. To build it outside the city is not proper ritual. Why then is building it proper ritual? The one who hosts the royal princess must have her go out from the ducal gate. To lodge her in the ancestral temple would be too honored a place; to lodge her in the private chambers would be too lowly a place. To build a separate lodge for her is the fitting measure. Building it outside the city is a deviation made correct. Why is building it outside a deviation made correct? A man who is our enemy is not one with whom marriage relations should properly be conducted; mourning garments of sackcloth are not fit to meet a bridegroom's cap and sash. Why does the text not speak of the Marquis of Qi's coming in person to meet her? So as not to let the Marquis of Qi perform the rites of reception together with us.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on the day yihai, the Marquis of Chen, Lin, died.

Guliang. For the lords of the domains, to record the day of death is correct.

Annals. The king sent Rong Shu to come and bestow the mandate upon Duke Huan.

Guliang. In ritual there is the receiving of a mandate in person; there is no coming to bestow a mandate by messenger — to bestow a mandate this way is not correct. To wear its insignia in life and carry it out is the true ritual. To have gone unadorned in life, and, after death, to bestow it belatedly, is grossly incorrect.

Annals. The royal princess went home in marriage to Qi.

Guliang. Because Lu had acted as the intermediary for her, she is spoken of as "going home," as though from her own family.

Annals. The army of Qi relocated the people of Ji — to Ping, Zi, and Wu.

Guliang. Ji is a state. Ping, Zi, and Wu are each states as well. Some say it means Qi relocated the people of Ji into Ping, Zi, and Wu.

Year 2 (莊公二年)

Annals. In the second year, in spring, in the king's second month, we buried Duke Zhuang of Chen.

Annals. In summer, Gongzi Qingfu (公子慶父) led the army and attacked Yuyu.

Guliang. When it is a state that is struck, the text says "attacked." Yuyu was a town of Zhu, not a state. Why then does it say "attacked"? The prince was honored, and the army was weighty; yet he turned it against a mere town of an adversary — this is a fault in the prince. To fault the prince is the means by which the text criticizes the duke. One view holds that, the ruler being present at home, to send so much against so small a target is itself the point being criticized.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, the royal princess of Qi died.

Guliang. Because Lu had acted as her host, her death is recorded, as though she were our own.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, the lady, née Jiang, met with the Marquis of Qi at Zhuo.

Guliang. Once a woman is married, she does not cross the border; to cross the border is not correct. For a woman, the text does not speak of "meeting"; to speak of "meeting" here is not correct. The feasting was excessive indeed.

Annals. On the day yiyou, the Duke of Song, Feng, died.

Year 3 (莊公三年)

Annals. In the third year, in spring, in the king's first month. Ni (溺) met with the Marquis of Qi and attacked Wei.

Guliang. Who is Ni? He is Gongzi Ni. Why is he not styled "Gongzi"? The text detests his meeting an enemy in order to attack a state of the same surname as ours; therefore it demotes him and calls him only by his given name.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, we buried Duke Zhuang of Song.

Guliang. To record the month of the burial is because there was a reason for it.

Annals. In the fifth month, we buried King Huan.

Guliang. The Tradition says: this was a reburial. The ritual for a reburial calls for the lightest mourning grade, sīma (緦) — taking up the lesser grade, since so much time had passed. Some say the corpse had been withheld, so as to solicit the presence of the lords of the realm. For the Son of Heaven, the Annals records his demise but does not record his burial, since his burial is certain to occur in its proper time. Why must it be so certain? For the whole world to join in burying a single man — in principle this is beyond doubt. That the burial is recorded here is because there was a reason: the danger was such that he could not be buried in time. It is said: what is near in time does not fail to have its demise recorded — but if the demise itself were not recorded, it would mean he had lost the realm under Heaven. As Yin alone does not generate life, Yang alone does not generate life, and Heaven alone does not generate life — only when the three combine does life result. Hence it may be said that he is the son of his mother, and it may equally be said that he is the son of Heaven. The honored take the honored title; the lowly take the lowly title. That he is called "king" is because he is the one to whom the people return and turn.

Annals. In autumn, Ji Ji (紀季), with the town of Xi, entered into Qi.

Guliang. Xi was a town of Ji. "Entered into Qi" means that, with Xi, he submitted himself to Qi's service. To be described as "entering" means that, by the text's own standard, this is not accepted.

Annals. In winter, the duke halted at Lang.

Guliang. "Halted" means "stopped"; there was fear in it. He wished to rescue Ji but could not.

Year 4 (莊公四年)

Annals. In the fourth year, in spring, in the king's second month, the lady, née Jiang, feasted the Marquis of Qi at Zhuqiu.

Guliang. The feasting was excessive indeed. To feast the Marquis of Qi is the means by which the text faults the Marquis of Qi.

Annals. In the third month, Bo Ji of Ji (紀伯姬) died.

Guliang. For the wife of an outside ruler, her death is not normally recorded — why then does the text record her death here? She was our own daughter. Once she married a lord of the domains, she became his equal in honor; on our account she is treated as an exception, and her death is recorded.

Annals. In summer, the Marquis of Qi, the Marquis of Chen, and the Earl of Zheng had an informal meeting at Chui.

Annals. The Marquis of Ji made a great departure from his state.

Guliang. "Great departure" is an expression meaning that not a single person was left behind; it means that the people who followed him took four years before it was complete. The Marquis of Ji was worthy, and the Marquis of Qi extinguished his state. The text does not say "extinguished," but says "made a great departure from his state," so as not to let a lesser man be described as overcoming a noble one.

Annals. In the sixth month, on the day yichou, the Marquis of Qi buried Bo Ji of Ji.

Guliang. For the wife of an outside ruler, the burial is not normally recorded — why then is it recorded here? She was our own daughter. Her state had been lost, and so, in sympathy for her, her burial is recorded.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month.

Annals. In winter, the duke and the people of Qi hunted at Gao.

Guliang. "The people of Qi" here means the Marquis of Qi — why does it say "people"? To lower the duke's counterpart is the means by which the text lowers the duke. Why lower the duke? He had not avenged his father, and his resentment was never truly settled — yet here he is, hunting with the enemy as though it were released; the text criticizes this releasing of the resentment.

Year 5 (莊公五年)

Annals. In the fifth year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Annals. In summer, the lady, née Jiang, went to the army of Qi.

Guliang. Normally one would not say "went to" an army; here it is because the army was so great a multitude that the wording is used so. Once a woman is married, she does not cross the border; to cross the border is not proper ritual.

Annals. In autumn, Ni Laili (郳黎來) came to court.

Guliang. Ni is a state. Laili was the ruler of a minor state, one who had not yet received a rank by mandate.

Annals. In winter, the duke met with the people of Qi, the people of Song, the people of Chen, and the people of Cai, and attacked Wei.

Guliang. These were in fact the Marquis of Qi and the Duke of Song — why does it say "people"? To call the lords of the realm mere "people" is the means by which the text likewise diminishes the duke. Why diminish the duke? Because this action went against the mandate of the Heavenly King.

Year 6 (莊公六年)

Annals. In the sixth year, in spring, in the king's second month, the king's man, Zi Tu, rescued Wei.

Guliang. "The king's man" designates one of low rank. To call him by name is to honor him — the text approves of his rescuing Wei.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, the Marquis of Wei, Shuo, entered into Wei.

Guliang. Why does the text not say "attacked Wei and restored Shuo"? So as not to seem to go against the mandate of the Heavenly King. "Entered" means that, by the text's own standard, he is not accepted. Why is he not accepted? Because by the king's mandate he had been cut off. That Shuo is named marks the wrong of it; Shuo's entering was a rebellion, so by contrast his earlier departure was compliant. That both his departure and his entry are marked by his given name is because, by the king's mandate, he had been cut off.

Annals. In autumn, the duke arrived home from attacking Wei.

Guliang. For an evil affair, the duke's arrival home is not normally recorded — why then is it recorded here? Without recording it, there would be no means of showing the duke's wrongdoing and the affair's completion.

Annals. There were grain-borers.

Annals. In winter, the people of Qi came and gave back to us treasures of Wei.

Guliang. Because Qi had taken the lead in the campaign, a share of the blame is assigned to Qi. The text makes it appear as though Qi humbly deferred to us and came to give the treasures to us — it detests the fighting, and so it diminishes the matter.

Year 7 (莊公七年)

Annals. In the seventh year, in spring, the lady, née Jiang, met with the Marquis of Qi at Fang.

Guliang. A woman does not properly hold such meetings; to hold a meeting is not correct.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on the day xinmao, at dusk, the fixed stars were not visible.

Guliang. The "fixed stars" are the constant stars. The interval from sunset until the stars normally emerge is called "dusk." "Not visible" means that they could ordinarily be seen, but were not.

Annals. In the middle of the night, stars fell like rain.

Guliang. That they fell like rain — was this truly at midnight? The Spring and Autumn transmits the clear as clear, and transmits the doubtful as doubtful. That it was exactly midnight is only an approximation, yet the text says "midnight" so as to make the matter plain. How can one know it was near midnight? Since the disturbance itself went unwitnessed but its time was recorded, then it must have been near midnight. Why does the text not say "the fixed stars fell"? We know that the fixed stars were not visible, but we do not know for certain that it was they that fell. Had we seen them fall and reach the earth, that would be the theory of "raining." To be visible above, and then seen below, is called "raining"; to be visible below, without being seen above, is called "falling." How could this be the theory of rain!

Annals. In autumn, there was a great flood.

Guliang. When both high ground and low ground suffer water calamity, it is called "a great flood."

Annals. There was no wheat, no sprouted grain.

Guliang. Wheat and sprouted grain belong to the same season.

Annals. In winter, the lady, née Jiang, met with the Marquis of Qi at Gu.

Guliang. A woman does not properly hold such meetings; to hold a meeting is not correct.

Year 8 (莊公八年)

Annals. In the eighth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the army halted at Lang, to await the people of Chen and the people of Cai.

Guliang. "Halted" means "stopped." "Await" means "to wait for."

Annals. On the day jiawu, they drilled the troops.

Guliang. Drilling on setting out is called "drilling the troops" — practicing for war. Drilling on returning is called "mustering the ranks" — likewise practicing for war. They drilled the troops, and yet Chen and Cai did not arrive. Military affairs end in strict order — hence it is said, "one skilled at arraying troops does not need to fight"; this is what is meant. One skilled at governing the state has no need of armies; one skilled with armies has no need to array for battle; one skilled at arraying has no need to fight; one skilled at fighting does not die in battle; one skilled in the face of death does not bring the state to ruin.

Annals. In summer, our army and the army of Qi besieged Cheng. Cheng surrendered to the army of Qi.

Guliang. Why does it say "surrendered to the army of Qi"? So as not to let the army of Qi appear to have imposed its might over Cheng alone.

Annals. In autumn, the army returned.

Guliang. "Returned" means the affair was not completed — it was a withdrawal.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, on the day guiwei, Wuzhi of Qi assassinated his ruler, Zhu'er.

Guliang. When a grandee assassinates his ruler and is designated by his state's name rather than his clan name, it is out of suspicion — he assassinated him and took his place.

Year 9 (莊公九年)

Annals. In the ninth year, in spring, the people of Qi killed Wuzhi.

Guliang. That Wuzhi is named directly, without title, removes the earlier suspicion. To style the killers merely as "the people" in killing a grandee shows that the one killed was guilty.

Annals. The duke and a grandee of Qi covenanted at Ji.

Guliang. The duke would not normally covenant with a mere grandee; that the grandee is not named shows that Qi had no ruler. The covenant was to bring in Zi Jiu (子糾). That the day is not recorded shows the covenant was broken. At the time Qi had no ruler, and control lay with our duke. When it was possible to bring him in, and yet he was not brought in — hence the text condemns our own failure.

Annals. In summer, the duke attacked Qi, to bring in Jiu.

Guliang. When it was possible to bring him in, and yet he was not brought in, and only after Qi had changed course did he attack — hence at the battle of Ganshi the defeat is not concealed; this condemns our own state's fault.

Annals. Xiaobai of Qi entered into Qi.

Guliang. When a grandee flees into exile and returns, if the return is on good terms it is called "coming home"; if on bad terms it is called "entering." Gongsun Wuzhi of Qi had assassinated Duke Xiang; Gongzi Jiu and Gongzi Xiaobai, unable to remain safe, fled into exile. The people of Qi killed Wuzhi and went to welcome Gongzi Jiu from Lu; Gongzi Xiaobai would not yield precedence to Gongzi Jiu, entered first, and moreover had him killed in Lu. Hence the text says "Xiaobai of Qi entered into Qi" — it condemns him for it.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on the day dingyou, we buried Duke Xiang of Qi.

Annals. In the eighth month, on the day gengshen, we fought the army of Qi at Ganshi; our army suffered a great defeat.

Annals. In the ninth month, the people of Qi took Zi Jiu and killed him.

Guliang. For an outside affair, the text does not normally speak of "taking" — that it speaks of "taking" here faults our own failure. "Taking" is a lenient expression — it is as if to say they took our charge, Zi Jiu, and killed him. A town of ten households can still provide refuge from calamity; a town of a hundred households can still provide concealment from death. Yet with the thousand-chariot state of Lu, we could not preserve Zi Jiu — this is what makes the duke culpable.

Annals. In winter, they dredged the Zhu.

Guliang. "Dredging the Zhu" means deepening the Zhu — it records that our strength was insufficient.

Year 10 (莊公十年)

Annals. In the tenth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the duke defeated the army of Qi at Changshao.

Guliang. The day is not recorded, because it was an unplanned engagement. When an unplanned engagement is nonetheless called a "defeat," it is because our side won.

Annals. In the second month, the duke raided Song.

Guliang. A raid is normally recorded by season alone — why then is the month given here? Having just deepened his enmity with Qi, the duke then, on withdrawing, also raided Song, multiplying his enemies — the text disapproves of this, and hence carefully records the month.

Annals. In the third month, the people of Song relocated the people of Su.

Guliang. "Relocated" is an expression used for a state's ruin. That no place is given for where they were moved to is because Su did not appear again. Elsewhere, "relocated" describes one who, though moved, has still not lost its state and household in the going.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, the army of Qi and the army of Song halted at Lang.

Guliang. "Halted" means "stopped" — they feared us.

Annals. The duke defeated the army of Song at Chengqiu.

Guliang. The day is not recorded, because it was an unplanned engagement. When an unplanned engagement is nonetheless called a "defeat," it is because our side won.

Annals. In autumn, in the ninth month, Jing defeated the army of Cai at Shen, and took the Marquis of Cai, Xianwu, home with them.

Guliang. "Jing" is Chu. Why does it call it "Jing"? To treat it as a barbarian. Why treat it as a barbarian? When a sage arises as ruler of the realm, it is always the last to arrive in submission; when the Son of Heaven is weak, it is always the first to rebel. Hence it is called "Jing," treating it as a barbarian. Why is the Marquis of Cai named? To cut him off from his proper rank. Why cut him off? Because he was captured. For the central states, the text does not normally speak of "defeat" — why then does it speak of "defeat" here? If for the central states the text does not speak of defeat, would not the Marquis of Cai's capture go unspoken of? Why then does it speak of "defeat"? To soften the fact of the Marquis of Cai's capture. To be taken home as a captive is still better than being permanently held.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, the army of Qi extinguished Tan.

Annals. The Viscount of Tan fled to Ju.

Year 11 (莊公十一年)

Annals. In the eleventh year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on the day wuyin, the duke defeated the army of Song at Zi.

Guliang. For our own state's affairs, the text does not normally speak of "battle" — it selects the greater matter to record. That the day is given here is because it settled the outcome of the defeat. This was the occasion of the capture of Song Wan.

Annals. In autumn, Song suffered a great flood.

Guliang. Calamities of outside states are not normally recorded — why is this recorded? Because Song was the successor line of a former king. When both high ground and low ground suffer water calamity, it is called "a great flood."

Annals. In winter, the royal princess went home in marriage to Qi.

Guliang. This is recorded because she passed through our state.

Year 12 (莊公十二年)

Annals. In the twelfth year, in spring, in the king's third month, Shu Ji of Ji (紀叔姬) went home to Xi.

Guliang. Normally "went home" is said of going to a state; this was only a town — why then does it say "went home"? She was our own daughter; having lost her state, the text rejoices that she found a proper place to settle, and so speaks of her "going home."

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on the day jiawu, Song Wan assassinated his ruler, Jie.

Guliang. Song Wan was a man of low rank in Song. A man of low rank is designated by his state's name; and this extends to his grandee Qiu Mu as well, the honored being named alongside the lowly. Qiu Mu had stood in his defense.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, Song Wan fled into exile to Chen.

Year 13 (莊公十三年)

Annals. In the thirteenth year, in spring, the people of Qi, the people of Song, the people of Chen, the people of Cai, and the people of Zhu met at Beixing.

Guliang. These were in fact the Marquis of Qi and the Duke of Song — why does it say "people"? Because Duke Huan's standing was, at this point, first being put in question. What was in question? Duke Huan was not yet a hegemon invested by mandate; this meeting was about to entrust him with that charge. It is as if to ask: is it acceptable now, or not yet? To style them all as "people" is an expression of the collective, undecided as individuals.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, the people of Qi extinguished Sui.

Guliang. Sui was a state. That the day is not recorded is because it was a minor state.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month.

Annals. In winter, the duke met with the Marquis of Qi and covenanted at Ke.

Guliang. This was the covenant of Cao Gui — it shows trust in the Marquis of Qi. Though Duke Huan's covenants involved our own state's participation, the day is not recorded, because good faith was involved.

Year 14 (莊公十四年)

Annals. In the fourteenth year, in spring, the people of Qi, the people of Chen, and the people of Cao attacked Song.

Annals. In summer, Shan Bo joined the attack on Song.

Guliang. "Joined" means the affair was carried through by his joining it.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, Jing entered Cai.

Guliang. "Jing" is Chu. Why does it call it "Jing"? It designates it by its region. To be styled by region ranks below being styled by state; to be styled by state ranks below being named; to be named ranks below being styled by courtesy name.

Annals. In winter, Shan Bo met with the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wei, and the Earl of Zheng at Juan.

Guliang. This was again a joint meeting, as before.

Year 15 (莊公十五年)

Annals. In the fifteenth year, in spring, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wei, and the Earl of Zheng met at Juan.

Guliang. This was again a joint meeting.

Annals. In summer, the lady, née Jiang, went to Qi.

Guliang. Once a woman is married, she does not cross the border; to cross the border is not proper ritual.

Annals. In autumn, the people of Song, the people of Qi, and the people of Zhu attacked Ni.

Annals. The people of Zheng raided Song.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month.

Year 16 (莊公十六年)

Annals. In the sixteenth year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Annals. In summer, the people of Song, the people of Qi, and the people of Wei attacked Zheng.

Annals. In autumn, Jing attacked Zheng.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, the duke met with the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wei, the Earl of Zheng, the Baron of Xu, the Earl of Cao, the Earl of Hua, and the Viscount of Teng, and together covenanted at You.

Guliang. "Together" implies a shared purpose — together they honored Zhou. That "the duke" is not stated is because, with outside and inside colleagues treated as one, his own role is left in doubt.

Annals. The Viscount of Zhu, Ke, died.

Guliang. To call him "viscount" is to advance his rank.

Year 17 (莊公十七年)

Annals. In the seventeenth year, in spring, the people of Qi seized Zhan of Zheng.

Guliang. To style them as "people" is an expression of the collective. To seize him under the name of "the people" is to associate the act with them all. Zhan of Zheng was a low-ranking man of Zheng. For the low-ranking, the text does not normally record — why then does it record him here? Because he later fled here, and so he is recorded. If he fled here, why record the earlier matter as well? Since he was to have this later outcome, the text could not but record his origin. Zhan of Zheng was a flatterer of Zheng.

Annals. In summer, the people of Qi were annihilated at Sui.

Guliang. "Annihilated" means "wiped out entirely." If so, then why does it not say "the people of Sui" did it? Because it was the people of Qi who perished there — there is no expression naming Sui as agent, since Sui no longer existed. If there was no longer a state called Sui, why then does the text still speak of "Sui"? Because it, in a sense, still preserved Sui. How did it preserve Sui? It is said: the people of Qi had extinguished Sui and sent men to garrison it; the clansmen of Sui, by plying the garrison troops with wine, killed them, and the people of Qi were annihilated there. This is what is called taking the enemy too lightly.

Annals. In autumn, Zhan of Zheng fled here from Qi.

Guliang. To flee from one's duty is called "fleeing."

Annals. In winter, there were many elk.

Year 18 (莊公十八年)

Annals. In the eighteenth year, in spring, in the king's third month, there was an eclipse of the sun.

Guliang. Normally the day is stated and the first day of the month is stated — here neither is, because it happened at night. How do we know it happened at night? It is said: true kings pay homage to the sun at dawn; hence, though one be Son of Heaven, there must still be something he honors; though one be honored as a lord of the realm, there must still be someone senior to him. Hence the Son of Heaven pays homage to the sun, and the lords of the realm pay homage on the first day of the month.

Annals. In summer, the duke pursued the Rong at the west of the Ji.

Guliang. Why does the text not speak of the Rong's attacking us? Because of the duke's pursuit of them, the text does not let the Rong appear to have come near to us. "At the west of the Ji" magnifies it. Why magnify it? Because of the duke's pursuit of them.

Annals. In autumn, there were yu.

Guliang. When something now exists that before did not exist, it is called "there were." The yu is a creature that shoots at people.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month.

Year 19 (莊公十九年)

Annals. In the nineteenth year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month.

Annals. In autumn, Gongzi Jie escorted a woman of Chen to her marriage at Juan, and thereupon, on the same occasion, covenanted with the Marquis of Qi and the Duke of Song.

Guliang. Sending an escort-bride is a slight matter, not normally recorded — why is it recorded here? To avoid the appearance of a coerced covenant. How does one see that it avoids the appearance of a coerced covenant? Sending an escort-bride is a light matter of ritual; a covenant is a weighty matter of state. That a light matter should lead directly into a weighty matter of state has no good explanation — hence the text says only "a woman of Chen," abbreviating the matter. That the day is not recorded is because the covenant's terms were repeatedly broken — the text condemns it.

Annals. The lady, née Jiang, went to Ju.

Guliang. Once a woman is married, she does not cross the border; to cross the border is not correct.

Annals. In winter, the people of Qi, the people of Song, and the people of Chen attacked our western borderlands.

Guliang. To say "borderlands" distances it. Why distance it? So as not to have the trouble seem to draw near our central state.

Year 20 (莊公二十年)

Annals. In the twentieth year, in spring, in the king's second month, the lady, née Jiang, went to Ju.

Guliang. Once a woman is married, she does not cross the border; to cross the border is not correct.

Annals. In summer, there was a great calamity in Qi.

Guliang. That it is recorded is because of its severity.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month.

Annals. In winter, the people of Qi attacked us.

Year 21 (莊公二十一年)

Annals. In the twenty-first year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on the day xinyou, the Earl of Zheng, Tu, died.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on the day wuxu, the lady, née Jiang, passed away.

Guliang. For a woman, the place of her death is not specifically noted.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, we buried Duke Li of Zheng.

Year 22 (莊公二十二年)

Annals. In the twenty-second year, in spring, in the king's first month, a general amnesty was proclaimed for great transgressions.

Guliang. "Amnesty" means "to release." "Sheng" means "calamity." This records a mishap, a relaxing of the usual severity, because of a lingering suspicion connected to the Son of Heaven's burial.

Annals. On the day guichou, we buried our lesser lord, Wen Jiang (文姜).

Guliang. A "lesser lord" is not, strictly, a ruler — why then does the text call her "lord"? Because she was the duke's consort, she may be spoken of as "lesser lord."

Annals. The people of Chen killed their prince, Yukou.

Guliang. The text says "prince" and not "grandee" — the prince had not yet been commissioned as a grandee; why then does it call him "prince"? A prince is regarded more weightily than a grandee. He was seized under form of command, as though he were only a prince without a grandee's protection.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on the day bingshen, we covenanted with Gao Xi of Qi at Fang.

Guliang. "The duke" is not mentioned, because Gao Xi was his equal in standing.

Annals. In winter, the duke went to Qi to present the betrothal gifts.

Guliang. Presenting the betrothal gifts is the business of a grandee. In ritual there is the presenting of the proposal-gift, the inquiry into the bride's name, the presenting of the betrothal gift, and the announcement of the date — only when these four are complete may the marriage proceed; this is proper ritual. That the duke himself presented the betrothal gift is not proper ritual; hence the text criticizes it.

Year 23 (莊公二十三年)

Annals. In the twenty-third year, in spring, the duke arrived home from Qi.

Annals. Zhai Shu came on a diplomatic visit.

Guliang. Why does the text not say he was "sent"? He was an inner minister of the Son of Heaven. The text does not sanction his conducting outside diplomacy, and so does not credit him as having been "sent."

Annals. In summer, the duke went to Qi to view the earth-altar sacrifice.

Guliang. A regular affair is called "inspecting"; an irregular one is called "viewing." "Viewing" is an expression for going when there is no business — implying that this was truly an excuse to gaze upon women, since without business a ruler should not leave his borders. The duke arrived home from Qi. That the duke's going is recorded only by season is correct; that his return is recorded by month has a reason — when the going is dated by season but the return by month, there is apprehension implied in it.

Annals. A man of Jing came on a diplomatic visit.

Guliang. The text approves the accumulation of good conduct, and only then advances him. Why does it style him "man"? To cite his following the proper way, the text need not wait for it to be repeated.

Annals. The duke had an informal meeting with the Marquis of Qi at Gu.

Guliang. "And" shows that it was our own side's intention. An "informal meeting" means the intentions of both sides matched.

Annals. The Elder of Xiao paid court to the duke.

Guliang. He was the ruler of a minor state, not yet commissioned with rank; that it does not say he "came" is because the audience was held away from the proper place. To pay court at the ancestral temple is correct; to do so elsewhere is not correct.

Annals. In autumn, they painted the pillars of Duke Huan's temple red.

Guliang. By ritual: the Son of Heaven and the lords of the realm use black and white; grandees use blue-green; officers use yellow. To paint the pillars red is not proper ritual.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, the Earl of Cao, Yegu, died.

Annals. In the twelfth month, on the day jiayin, the duke met with the Marquis of Qi and covenanted at Hu.

Year 24 (莊公二十四年)

Annals. In the twenty-fourth year, in spring, in the king's third month, they carved the rafters of Duke Huan's temple.

Guliang. By ritual: for the rafters of the Son of Heaven, one hews them, planes them, and adds a fine polishing stone; for the rafters of the lords of the realm, one only hews and planes them; a grandee merely hews his; an officer merely hews his timber — to carve the rafters is not correct. Honoring the ruler's lady is the means by which the ancestral temple is exalted. To take what is neither proper ritual nor correct, and apply it to the ancestral temple in order to adorn the honor paid the lady, is not correct. Carving the rafters of Duke Huan's temple, painting red the pillars of Duke Huan's temple — by pointedly naming "Duke Huan's temple" each time, the text condemns Duke Zhuang.

Annals. We buried Duke Zhuang of Cao.

Annals. In summer, the duke went to Qi to meet his bride in person.

Guliang. A ruler's meeting his bride in person is a regular affair, not normally recorded — why then is it recorded here? Because the text does not sanction his meeting the bride in person at Qi.

Annals. In autumn, the duke arrived home from Qi.

Guliang. When one goes to meet a bride, he is seen off on the road, and seen off again at his lodging. That he arrived home ahead of her, alone, is not correct.

Annals. In the eighth month, on the day dingchou, the lady, née Jiang, entered the state.

Guliang. "Entered" means that, by the text's own standard, she is not accepted. That the day of her entry is recorded marks disapproval of her entering. Why is she not accepted? Because the ancestral temple does not accept her. Why does the ancestral temple not accept her? Duke Zhuang married the kin of our enemy, to present offerings before the ancestors with her — in principle this could not be accepted.

Annals. On the day wuyin, the grandees and their clan-wives had audience with her, using bolts of silk.

Guliang. "Having audience" means "to be received." By ritual, grandees do not normally have audience with the lady; the text does not say merely "and," joining them loosely — that would be incorrect — because, since they carried out on this occasion the observance proper to wives, the text lists and enumerates them individually. A man's gift-offering is a lamb, a goose, a pheasant, or dried meat; a woman's gift-offering is jujubes, chestnuts, and spiced dried meat. To use bolts of silk is not proper ritual. To "use" them implies something that ought not to have been used. Grandees are the embodiment of the state, and yet here they carried out the observance proper to wives — the text disapproves of this, and hence carefully records the day.

Annals. There was a great flood.

Annals. In winter, the Rong raided Cao; Cao Ji fled into exile to Chen.

Annals. Chi went home to Cao as Lord Guo of Cao.

Guliang. "Chi" was, it seems, Lord Guo himself — why then is he named directly? By ritual, a lord of the realm has no proper way of "going home" from outside, as though returning from having left his own state. To "go home" from outside is not correct.

Year 25 (莊公二十五年)

Annals. In the twenty-fifth year, in spring, the Marquis of Chen sent Nü Shu to come on a diplomatic visit.

Guliang. Why is he not named directly? He was a grandee commissioned by the Son of Heaven.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on the day guichou, the Marquis of Wei, Shuo, died.

Annals. In the sixth month, on the first day, xinwei, there was an eclipse of the sun.

Guliang. To state both the day and the first day of the month means the eclipse occurred precisely on the first day.

Annals. They drummed and used a sacrificial victim at the altar of the soil.

Guliang. Drumming is proper ritual; using a sacrificial victim is not proper ritual. When the Son of Heaven "rescues" the sun during an eclipse, he sets out five banners, and arrays five kinds of weapons and five drums; the lords of the realm set out three banners, and array three drums and three weapons; grandees strike the gate; officers strike the watchman's clapper — this is said to reinforce the yang.

Annals. Bo Ji went home in marriage to Qi.

Guliang. Why does the text not mention his going to meet her? The manner of the meeting was so slight there was nothing worth remarking on.

Annals. In autumn, there was a great flood; they drummed and used a sacrificial victim at the altar of the soil and at the gate.

Guliang. When both high ground and low ground suffer water calamity, it is called "a great flood." Having already sounded the drum to alert the multitude, the use of a sacrificial victim could well have been dispensed with. To counter a solar eclipse, one drums the weapons; to counter a flood, one drums to alert the multitude.

Annals. In winter, Gongzi You went to Chen.

Year 26 (莊公二十六年)

Annals. In the twenty-sixth year, in spring, the duke attacked the Rong.

Annals. In summer, the duke arrived home from attacking the Rong.

Annals. Cao killed its grandee.

Guliang. It says "grandee" without giving his name or clan-name, because he was a grandee without formal commission. That one without formal commission is still called "grandee" honors his worth — this was done to exalt the memory of Cao Ji.

Annals. In autumn, the duke met with the people of Song and the people of Qi and attacked Xu.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, on the first day, guihai, there was an eclipse of the sun.

Year 27 (莊公二十七年)

Annals. In the twenty-seventh year, in spring, the duke met Bo Ji of Qi at Tao.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, the duke met with the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, and the Earl of Zheng, and together covenanted at You.

Guliang. "Together" implies a shared purpose — together they honored Zhou, and only from this point on was Duke Huan granted authority over the lords of the realm. Why was he granted this authority? The Marquis of Qi had won over the multitude of lords. That Duke Huan's meetings are not followed by a record of the duke's "arrival home," as elsewhere, shows that Lu felt at ease with him. That Duke Huan's covenants do not record the day shows trust in him. The text trusts his good faith, and treats his benevolence as benevolent indeed. Of the meetings held in ceremonial dress, there were eleven, and never once was there a blood-smearing covenant of the harsher kind — good faith ran that deep. Of the meetings with chariots of war, there were four, and never once was there a great battle — such was the care for the people.

Annals. In autumn, Gongzi You went to Chen, to bury Yuan Zhong.

Guliang. It speaks of "burying" without speaking of his "dying" — this was one not properly buried. That one not properly buried is nonetheless called "buried" conceals that Gongzi You's true purpose in going was a flight into exile.

Annals. In winter, Bo Ji of Qi came.

Annals. Ju Qing came to meet Shu Ji as his bride.

Guliang. When a lord of the realm marries his daughter to a grandee, the marriage is conducted through a grandee acting as host, who gives her to the groom's representative. That Ju Qing himself came in person means direct contact with us; the text does not sanction his direct contact with us, and therefore does not grant the pair the designation of husband and wife.

Annals. The Earl of Qi came to pay court.

Annals. The duke met with the Marquis of Qi at Chengpu.

Year 28 (莊公二十八年)

Annals. In the twenty-eighth year, in spring, in the king's third month, on the day jiayin, the people of Qi attacked Wei; the people of Wei and the people of Qi fought. The people of Wei suffered a great defeat.

Guliang. Between "attacking" and "fighting," the text settles on "fighting." To fight Wei is, in substance, to make war — why then does it say "people"? To diminish the standing of the actors. Why diminish them? Now that Duke Huan had just been granted authority over the lords, and only afterward came this act of raiding and attacking — hence the text diminishes it. Why does it style Wei, too, as "people"? Because it styled Qi as "people," it could not but style Wei as "people" as well. Wei was small and Qi was great — why then does the text join Wei to Qi with "and"? Because it had already diminished them both, the text could allow itself to say "and." Why does it style them as "people" even in recording the defeat? So as not to have Wei's proper army appear to have been defeated by mere "people."

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on the day dingwei, the Viscount of Zhu, Suo, died.

Annals. In autumn, Jing attacked Zheng.

Guliang. "Jing" is Chu. That it is called "Jing" designates it by its region.

Annals. The duke met with the people of Qi and the people of Song, to rescue Zheng.

Guliang. The text approves of the rescue of Zheng.

Annals. In winter, they built at Wei.

Guliang. The benefits of mountains, forests, marshes, and wetlands are meant to be shared in common with the people. To reserve them for exclusive use is not correct.

Annals. There was a great failure: no wheat, no grain.

Guliang. "Great" is an expression of looking back with concern — it applies both to the failure of the grain and to the failure of the wheat.

Annals. Zang Sun Chen went to announce a request for grain from Qi.

Guliang. A state without a three-year reserve of stores is said to be "a state no longer its own proper state." When for one year the harvest does not rise to sufficiency, one announces a request to purchase grain from the lords of the realm. "Announce" means "to request." "Di" means "to purchase grain." This was not correct; hence the text singles out Zang Sun Chen, treating it as his own private undertaking. A state without a nine-year reserve is said to be "insufficient"; without a six-year reserve, it is "in urgent need"; without a three-year reserve, it is "a state no longer its own state." When the lords of the realm lack grain, for the lords to give grain to one another is correct. That Zang Sun Chen announced his request to purchase grain from Qi, and only after announcing it was it given him, shows that within our own state there was no established channel for this kind of outside diplomacy. In antiquity the tax was one part in ten; a bountiful year made up for a poor one, so that, without seeking abroad, high and low were both sufficiently provided, and even through successive years of famine the people did not suffer. That in a single year the harvest was not gathered in and the hundred clans went hungry — the noble man faults this. The text does not say Zang Sun Chen "went," as it does for a proper mission, for the sake of concealing the shame within our own state.

Year 29 (莊公二十九年)

Annals. In the twenty-ninth year, in spring, they renewed the stables at Yanjiu.

Guliang. Yanjiu was the standard official stable. That the text says "renewed" means there was a reason for it. If there was a reason, why then is it recorded as a fault? The rulers of men in antiquity always attended, in season, to what wearied the people. When the people were wearied in their labor, works of construction were made rare; when the people were wearied in their wealth, tribute and taxes were reduced; when the people were wearied over food, the hundred other affairs were set aside. In winter they built at Wei; in spring they renewed the stables at Yanjiu — this shows that the people's strength had already been used to the full!

Annals. In summer, the people of Zheng raided Xu.

Annals. In autumn, there were fei.

Guliang. When something now exists that before did not exist, it is called "there were."

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, Shu Ji of Ji died.

Annals. They walled Zhu and Fang.

Guliang. These could properly be walled — the record proceeds from the greater to the lesser in listing them.

Year 30 (莊公三十年)

Annals. In the thirtieth year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Annals. In summer, the army halted at Cheng.

Guliang. "Halted" means "stopped"; there was fear in it. Lu wished to rescue Zhang but could not. That "the duke" is not mentioned is out of shame, because Lu could not rescue Zhang.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, the people of Qi took the surrender of Zhang.

Guliang. "Surrendered" is much like "submitted." Zhang was a remnant town of Ji.

Annals. In the eighth month, on the day guihai, we buried Shu Ji of Ji.

Guliang. That her death was not dated, but her burial is, reflects grief over the loss of Ji.

Annals. In the ninth month, on the first day, gengwu, there was an eclipse of the sun; they drummed and used a sacrificial victim at the altar of the soil.

Annals. In winter, the duke had an informal meeting with the Marquis of Qi at the Lu reach of the Ji.

Guliang. "And" shows it was our own side's intention. An "informal meeting" means the intentions of both sides matched.

Annals. The people of Qi attacked the Mountain Rong.

Guliang. "The people of Qi" means the Marquis of Qi — why then does it say "people"? Out of affection for the Marquis of Qi! But what of the Mountain Rong — why show them affection too? Duke Huan, having within his own state no state to rely on and abroad no lords of the realm following him, yet crossed a thousand li of dangerous terrain to attack the Mountain Rong in the north — this endangered him. Is this then to be condemned? No — the text approves of it. What is there to approve? Yan was a branch of the House of Zhou; its tribute had ceased to arrive, because the Mountain Rong had been attacking it on that very account.

Year 31 (莊公三十一年)

Annals. In the thirty-first year, in spring, they built a terrace at Lang.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, the Earl of Xue died.

Annals. They built a terrace at Xue.

Annals. In the sixth month, the Marquis of Qi came to present spoils taken from the Rong.

Guliang. That the Marquis of Qi came to present spoils treats the Marquis of Qi as one of our own. The text does not say he was "sent" — because, treated as one of our own, the text likewise does not say "sent" for our own actors. "Presenting the spoils of the Rong" — what an army gains in battle is called "spoils"; here it consisted of Rong beans.

Annals. In autumn, they built a terrace at Qin.

Guliang. The text does not sanction wearying the people through three seasons in order to reserve the benefits of mountains, forests, marshes, and wetlands for exclusive use. Moreover, when wealth is exhausted, resentment follows; when strength is exhausted, grudges follow — the noble man regards this as dangerous, and hence carefully records it. Some say it is set against the standard of Duke Huan. Duke Huan, abroad having no upheaval among the lords, at home having no urgent affairs of state, yet crossed a thousand li of dangerous terrain to attack the Mountain Rong in the north, in order to open territory for Yan. Lu, abroad having no upheaval among the lords, at home having no urgent affairs of state, in a single year wearied the people through three seasons merely to reserve the benefits of mountains, forests, marshes, and wetlands — this condemns our own conduct.

Annals. In winter, it did not rain.

Year 32 (莊公三十二年)

Annals. In the thirty-second year, in spring, they walled Xiaogu.

Annals. In summer, the Duke of Song and the Marquis of Qi had an informal meeting at Liangqiu.

Guliang. An "informal meeting" means the intentions of both sides matched. Liangqiu lay between Cao and Zhu, eight hundred li from Qi — it was not that the Duke of Song was unable to follow the other lords and travel there properly. To decline a formal meeting, and instead have only an informal encounter where none was expected, magnifies the standing of Duke Huan of Qi.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on the day guisi, Gongzi Ya died.

Annals. In the eighth month, on the day guihai, the duke passed away in the Lu Chamber.

Guliang. The Lu Chamber was the principal chamber. To lie ill and dwell in the principal chamber is correct. A man does not breathe his last in the hands of women — this is to end one's life with proper solemnity.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on the day yiwei, Zi Ban died.

Guliang. For an heir styled "zi," to record the day of death is correct; not to record it means there was a reason. When there is something irregular to reveal, the day is recorded.

Annals. Gongzi Qingfu went to Qi.

Guliang. This was in fact a flight into exile — why does the text say he "went"? No concealment goes deeper than this one — the deeper the concealment, the more it hides. If there is anything at all to be seen of the truth, nothing conceals it so well as this.

Annals. The Di attacked Xing.

Duke Min (閔公)

Year 1 (閔公元年)

Annals. In the first year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Guliang. One who succeeds an assassinated ruler is not spoken of as "acceding" — this is correct. To treat him with the closeness due a father, though he was not truly his father; to honor him though he was not truly his ruler; to succeed him as though he were both ruler and father — this is because he received the state from him.

Annals. The people of Qi rescued Xing.

Guliang. The text approves of the rescue of Xing.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, on the day xinyou, we buried our ruler, Duke Zhuang.

Guliang. Only after Duke Zhuang was buried was his posthumous title conferred. The posthumous title is the means by which a ruler's virtue is completed — it is added upon the completion of the funeral affairs.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, the duke covenanted with the Marquis of Qi at Luogu.

Guliang. The covenant was to bring in Jizi.

Annals. Jizi came home.

Guliang. To call him "Jizi" honors him. To say he "came home" rejoices at it.

Annals. In winter, Zhongsun of Qi came.

Guliang. To call him "Zhongsun of Qi" treats him as an outsider. That he is not named directly, but called merely "Zhongsun," distances him. To speak of "Qi" in his designation implicates Duke Huan.

Year 2 (閔公二年)

Annals. In the second year, in spring, in the king's first month, the people of Qi relocated the people of Yang.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on the day yiyou, the auspicious di-sacrifice was performed for Duke Zhuang.

Guliang. The "auspicious di-sacrifice" was in fact not auspicious. The mourning rites were not yet complete, and yet an auspicious sacrifice was performed — hence the text condemns it.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on the day xinchou, the duke passed away.

Guliang. That the place is not given has a reason. That his burial is not recorded is so as not to hold his mother responsible in connection with the son's burial.

Annals. In the ninth month, the lady, née Jiang, withdrew to Zhu.

Guliang. "Withdrew" as a word is much like "yielding" — it conceals that this was, in truth, a flight into exile.

Annals. Gongzi Qingfu fled into exile to Ju.

Guliang. To say he "went out" cuts him off — Qingfu does not appear again in the record.

Annals. In winter, Gaozi of Qi came to covenant.

Guliang. To say he "came" rejoices at it. To call him "Gaozi" honors him. The covenant was to establish Duke Xi; why does the text not say he was "sent"? So as not to make it appear that the Marquis of Qi himself had sent Gaozi.

Annals. In the twelfth month, the Di entered Wei.

Annals. Zheng abandoned its army.

Guliang. The text condemns its commander — since Zheng, moreover, did not bring its troops back, this amounted to abandoning its army.

Duke Xi (僖公)

Year 1 (僖公元年)

Annals. In the first year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Guliang. One who succeeds an assassinated ruler is not spoken of as "acceding" — this is correct.

Annals. The army of Qi, the army of Song, and the army of Cao halted at Niebei, to rescue Xing.

Guliang. Normally, when speaking of a rescue, the text does not speak of "halting"; to speak of "halting" is not truly to rescue. If it did not truly rescue, why then does it say "rescue"? To follow through on the Marquis of Qi's intention. Was this in fact the Marquis of Qi in person? It was the Marquis of Qi. How can one see that this was in fact the Marquis of Qi? Cao had no army of its own to send. "The army of Cao" thus really means the Earl of Cao himself — why then does it not say "the Earl of Cao"? Because it does not say "the Marquis of Qi," it cannot then say "the Earl of Cao." Why does it not say "the Marquis of Qi"? Because his conduct here was not sufficient to be extolled, the text does not say "the Marquis of Qi."

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, Xing relocated to Yiyi.

Guliang. "Relocated" implies one who, in going, still retained its state and household. That the place is given shows that Xing appeared again in the record.

Annals. The army of Qi, the army of Song, and the army of Cao walled Xing.

Guliang. These were the same armies as before — the text makes it appear as though it were a new undertaking, so as to praise the achievement of the Marquis of Qi.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on the day wuchen, the lady, née Jiang, passed away at Yi.

Guliang. Normally, for the lady's passing, the place is not given. That the place is given here has a reason.

Annals. The people of Qi took her home with them.

Guliang. The text does not say she was "brought home in mourning," because she was not brought home in mourning in the ordinary sense. Adding her death separately conceals that she was brought home while still called "the lady." That she was "taken home" is when her death, in fact, occurred.

Annals. The people of Chu attacked Zheng.

Annals. In the eighth month, the duke met with the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, and the people of Zhu at Cheng.

Annals. In the ninth month, the duke defeated the army of Zhu at Yan.

Guliang. The day is not recorded, because it was an unplanned engagement. When an unplanned engagement is nonetheless called a "defeat," it is because our side won.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on the day renwu, Gongzi You led the army and defeated the army of Ju at Li, capturing Ju Na.

Guliang. Ju had no recognized grandees — why then does the text name "Ju Na"? Because we captured him, the text designates him by name. For our own side's actions, the text does not normally speak of "capturing" — why then does it speak of "capturing" here? The text condemns the prince's deceit. What was the deceit? Gongzi You said to Ju Na: "The two of us do not get along — what fault is it of the rank and file?" So they dismissed their attendants and grappled hand to hand. Gongzi You found himself at a disadvantage. His attendants called out: "Menglao!" Menglao was a treasured blade of Lu. Gongzi You used it to kill him. If so, then why does the text condemn him for deceit? It is said: this was the way of abandoning proper conduct toward one's troops.

Annals. In the twelfth month, on the day dingsi, the coffin of the lady arrived from Qi.

Guliang. Why does the text not say "née Jiang"? Because she had killed the two princes, the text demotes her by omitting her clan name. Some say instead that it conceals, for the sake of Duke Huan of Qi, that he had killed one of the same surname as himself.

Year 2 (僖公二年)

Annals. In the second year, in spring, in the king's first month, [the lords] walled Chuqiu (楚丘).

Guliang. What is Chuqiu? It is a settlement of Wey (衛). Normally, when a state capital is walled, the text says "walled"; this was a mere settlement — why does it say "walled"? Because the lords were enfeoffing Wey there. Then why does it not say "walled Wey"? Because Wey had not yet moved there. Why does it not speak of Wey's move? Because the Guliang does not grant that Duke Huan of Qi (齊桓公) had sole authority to enfeoff. Its saying "walled it" is language of sole authority. Therefore: none but the Son of Heaven may enfeoff a lord on his own authority, and no lord may enfeoff another lord on his own authority. Even though this act partook of humaneness, in righteousness it is not granted. Hence it is said: humaneness does not overcome the Way.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on xinsi day, we buried our lady, Ai Jiang.

Annals. The armies of Yu (虞) and Jin (晉) extinguished Xiayang (夏陽).

Guliang. Since Xiayang was not a state in its own right, yet the text says "extinguished" — this stresses the importance of Xiayang. Yu had no army of its own to speak of; why does the text say "army"? Because it is named before Jin, the text could not avoid saying "army." Why is it named before Jin? Because Yu was treated as the principal in the extinguishing of Xiayang. Xiayang was a strategic garrison town between Yu and Guo (虢); once Xiayang was destroyed, both Yu and Guo were as good as taken. Why was Yu treated as the principal in the destruction of Xiayang?

Duke Xian of Jin (晉獻公) wished to attack Guo. Xun Xi (荀息) said: "My lord, why not use the team of horses from Qu and the jade disc of Chuiji to borrow passage through Yu?" The duke said: "These are treasures of the state of Jin. If Yu accepts our gifts but does not lend us passage, what then?" Xun Xi said: "This is how a small state serves a great one. If they do not lend us passage, they will surely not dare accept our gifts. If they accept our gifts and lend us passage, then it is only as though we took these treasures from our inner treasury and stored them in an outer treasury; took them from our inner stables and placed them in an outer stable." The duke said: "Gong Zhiqi (宮之奇) is there; he will surely not let them accept it." Xun Xi said: "As a person, Gong Zhiqi is clear-minded but timid, and moreover he grew up alongside his ruler. Being clear-minded, his words are terse; being timid, he cannot remonstrate forcefully; having grown up alongside his ruler, his ruler takes him lightly. Moreover, when a delightful thing is right before one's eyes and ears while the calamity lies a state's-length beyond, only one of more than middling wisdom can reckon it through. I judge the ruler of Yu to be below middling wisdom."

The duke thereupon borrowed passage and attacked Guo. Gong Zhiqi remonstrated, saying: "The words of Jin's envoy are humble but his gifts are heavy — this cannot be to Yu's advantage." The Duke of Yu did not listen, and accepted the gifts and lent them passage. Gong Zhiqi remonstrated again, saying: "There is a saying: 'When the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold' — is this not exactly what is meant!" He took his wife and children and fled to Cao (曹).

Duke Xian destroyed Guo, and five years later went on to take Yu. Xun Xi led the horses forward and held out the jade disc, saying: "The jade disc is just as it was, but the horses' teeth have grown longer."

Annals. In autumn, in the ninth month, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song (宋), the men of Jiang (江), and the men of Huang (黃) covenanted at Guan (貫).

Guliang. At the covenant of Guan, those who arrived without having been summoned in advance were the men of Jiang and the men of Huang. "The men of Jiang" and "the men of Huang" is language for distant states. The central states are styled "Qi" and "Song," the distant states are styled "Jiang" and "Huang" — meaning that the lords all had come to the meeting.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, there was no rain.

Guliang. Noting "there was no rain" expresses earnest longing for rain.

Annals. Men of Chu (楚) raided Zheng (鄭).

Year 3 (僖公三年)

Annals. In the third year, in spring, in the king's first month, there was no rain.

Guliang. "There was no rain" expresses earnest longing for rain.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, there was no rain.

Guliang. When "no rain" is recorded across an entire season, it expresses grief over the drought. To grieve over the lack of rain is to have the people's welfare at heart.

Annals. Men of Xu (徐) took Shu.

Annals. In the sixth month, it rained.

Guliang. To speak of "rain," after its absence had been recorded, expresses joy at the rain. To rejoice at rain is to have the people's welfare at heart.

Annals. In autumn, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the men of Jiang, and the men of Huang met at Yanggu (陽穀).

Guliang. At the meeting of Yanggu, Duke Huan, in ceremonial cap and robe, tablet tucked at his belt, received the lords in audience, and the lords all understood Duke Huan's intent.

Annals. In winter, our lord's son Ji You (季友) went to Qi to attend the covenant in the duke's place.

Guliang. "To attend" means to occupy the position in the ruler's stead. That the day is not recorded is because the covenant had been fixed in advance. That the text does not say "and," joining another party, is because it credits the state as a whole with this act. That it does not name any individual on the other side is likewise because it credits the state as a whole.

Annals. Men of Chu attacked Zheng.

Year 4 (僖公四年)

Annals. In the fourth year, in spring, in the king's first month, our lord met the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen (陳), the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Baron of Xu (許), and the Earl of Cao, and raided Cai (蔡). Cai fell apart.

Guliang. The word "fell apart" means that high and low no longer held together. To "raid" is a light matter. That Cai was raided and thereupon fell apart shows that Duke Huan knew where to raid. That the allied lords did not take the land as territory nor divide up its people makes clear their uprightness.

Annals. They then went on to attack Chu, and encamped at Xing (陘).

Guliang. "Then" marks a continuing action. "Encamped" means "halted."

Annals. In summer, Xinchen (新臣), Baron of Xu, died.

Guliang. When a lord dies within his own state, the place is not recorded; when he dies abroad, the place is recorded. He died with the army, away from his state — why then is the place not recorded? Because the Guliang treats Duke Huan's army as an internal matter.

Annals. Qu Wan (屈完) of Chu came to covenant with the army, covenanting at Zhaoling (召陵).

Guliang. Chu has no officially recognized grandees; why then does the text name Qu Wan? Because he came to meet with Duke Huan, and so the text completes him as a grandee. That it does not say he was sent by his ruler means the authority lay with Qu Wan himself — is this then correct? It is not correct. Yet because he came to meet the assembled lords, this is treated as weighty. What does "came" mean? It treats Duke Huan's army as an internal matter. "With the army" — this had been fixed in advance. "At Zhaoling" — this shows that Duke Huan got what he wished. To "get what one wishes" here really means not fully getting what one wished — Duke Huan's getting his wish is reckoned but a small thing.

Qu Wan said: "Why does a great state turn its troops toward Chu?" Duke Huan said: "When King Zhao (昭王) made his southern expedition, he did not return, and the tribute of clustered thoroughwort (菁茅) has not arrived — hence the house of Zhou cannot perform its sacrifices." Qu Wan said: "That the tribute of thoroughwort has not arrived — this, yes, we admit. But when King Zhao made his southern expedition and did not return, that you must ask of the waters of the Jiang."

Annals. Men of Qi seized Yuan Taotu (袁濤塗) of Chen.

Guliang. "Men of Qi" here means the Marquis of Qi himself; why then does the text call him a "man"? Because at this point the text pointedly disowns the Marquis of Qi — it does not sanction his crossing through another's state to make the seizure.

Annals. In autumn, our forces joined with the men of Jiang and the men of Huang in attacking Chen.

Guliang. Why does the text not name who it was that joined them? Because it was our own army.

Annals. In the eighth month, our lord returned from attacking Chu.

Guliang. When two events occur together, the return is recorded under the later event. But if the later event is minor, the return is recorded under the earlier event. That this return is recorded under "attacking Chu" shows that the attack on Chu was accounted the greater deed.

Annals. Duke Mu of Xu (許穆公) was buried.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, Gongsun Zi (公孫茲) led an army and met with the men of Qi, the men of Song, the men of Wey, the men of Zheng, the men of Xu, and the men of Cao, and raided Chen.

Year 5 (僖公五年)

Annals. In the fifth year, in spring, the Marquis of Jin killed his heir apparent, Shen Sheng (申生).

Guliang. To name the Marquis of Jin directly as the killer condemns the Marquis of Jin.

Annals. Boji (伯姬) of Qi (杞) came to Lu and presented her son in audience.

Guliang. Once a woman has married out, she does not cross the border — to cross the border is improper. When lords meet each other it is called "court audience"; Boji made it her intent to bring her son to court. That Boji made it her intent to bring her son to court shows that the Earl of Qi had lost the proper way of a husband! When lords meet each other it is called "court audience" — to treat a man's son with the ceremony due to a lord's father-in-audience is improper. Hence the text says "Boji of Qi came and brought her son to court" — this carries a threefold censure.

Annals. In summer, Gongsun Zi went to Mou (牟).

Annals. Our lord, together with the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Baron of Xu, and the Earl of Cao, met the royal heir apparent at Shoudai (首戴).

Guliang. "Together with... met" honors him. Why honor him? To call him "the royal heir apparent" is to name him as none other than the king's second in authority. Saying so allows weight to reside there — this honors him. What weight is this? The heir apparent of the Son of Heaven will in time hold the whole world.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, the lords covenanted at Shoudai.

Guliang. There having been no intervening event, why does the text again list the lords as if convening anew? Because the Guliang honors the royal heir apparent, and the lords dared not have him join in the covenant. Since he was honored, why did they not dare have him join the covenant? A covenant is made precisely because the parties do not trust one another, and so the making of it is a cautious pledge of good faith. The lords dared not apply to one they honored something founded on distrust — this is an act by which Duke Huan showed his leadership of the lords. That the lords generally could not go to court before the Son of Heaven — this is a failure to act as subjects. The royal heir apparent, being a son, sat there and calmly accepted the lords' honoring of him, taking his place above them — this is a failure to act as a son. If Duke Huan's lords failed as subjects, and the royal heir apparent failed as a son, then what is it here that the Guliang approves? This is uprightness within an altered circumstance. The Son of Heaven's power had waned, and the lords no longer presented themselves at court. Duke Huan reined in the great states and upheld the small; though he led the lords and could not bring them to court before the Son of Heaven, he likewise did not dare to have the Heavenly King himself come to them. Honoring the royal heir apparent at Shoudai was thus a means of honoring the Heavenly King's mandate. That the heir apparent, bearing the king's command, met with Duke Huan of Qi, was likewise a means of honoring the Heavenly King's mandate. Was it permissible for the heir apparent to accept this? This too is uprightness within an altered circumstance. The Son of Heaven's power had waned, and the lords no longer presented themselves at court; the heir apparent's acceptance of the lords' honoring of him was itself what honored the Heavenly King — so it was permissible for the heir apparent to accept it.

Annals. The Earl of Zheng fled home without covenanting.

Guliang. Because he abandoned the assembled lords, the text calls it "fled."

Annals. Men of Chu extinguished Xian (弦); the Viscount of Xian fled to Huang.

Guliang. Xian was a state; that the day of its fall is not recorded shows it was an insignificant state.

Annals. In the ninth month, on the first day, wushen, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. In winter, men of Jin seized the Duke of Yu.

Guliang. Normally, when someone is "seized," the place is stated; here it is not, because he was held captive within Jin itself. Why does the text call him "Duke"? It is as if to say the language of one seized by his inferiors. Why is it as if the language of one seized by his inferiors? Because Jin's commands were already running among the people of Yu. That Yu and Guo rescued each other in the past was not merely a mutual favor between equals. Today Guo perished, and tomorrow Yu perished as well!

Year 6 (僖公六年)

Annals. In the sixth year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Annals. In summer, our lord met the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wey, and the Earl of Cao, and attacked Zheng, besieging Xincheng (新城).

Guliang. When the text records attacking a state, it does not also say "besieged" a town within it; here it says "besieged" — why? To afflict Zheng with blame, making manifest the Earl of Zheng's offense.

Annals. In autumn, men of Chu besieged Xu (許); the lords thereupon went to the rescue of Xu.

Guliang. This approves the rescue of Xu.

Annals. In winter, our lord returned from attacking Zheng.

Guliang. Why is his return not recorded under "rescuing Xu"? Because the attack on Zheng was accounted the greater deed.

Year 7 (僖公七年)

Annals. In the seventh year, in spring, men of Qi attacked Zheng.

Annals. In summer, the Viscount of Xiaozhu (小邾) came to court.

Annals. Zheng killed its grandee Shen Hou (申侯).

Guliang. When the state, rather than the ruler, is named as the one who killed a grandee, it means the one killed was without guilt.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, our lord met the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, Kuan (款) the heir apparent of Chen, and Hua (華) the heir apparent of Zheng, and covenanted at Ningmu (寧母).

Guliang. This was a meeting of robes and skirts.

Annals. Ban (班), Earl of Cao, died.

Annals. Our lord's son You (友) went to Qi.

Annals. In winter, Duke Zhao of Cao was buried.

Year 8 (僖公八年)

Annals. In the eighth year, in spring, in the king's first month, our lord met the king's man, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Baron of Xu, the Earl of Cao, and Kuan the heir apparent of Chen, and covenanted at Tao (洮).

Guliang. Why is the king's man placed before the lords? Because the king's command is honored. Though court robes be worn thin, they are still put on above everything else; though the ceremonial cap be old, it is still placed upon the head; though the house of Zhou has declined, it must still come before the lords. This was a meeting under arms.

Annals. The Earl of Zheng begged to join the covenant.

Guliang. This refers back to his earlier flight home without covenanting, for which he now begged to be included. "Begged" is weighty language — it treats this covenant as a weighty matter. "To beg" is to remain in one's own place and request to be included. This, it would seem, was a way of taking his measure.

Annals. In summer, the Di (狄) attacked Jin.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, the di sacrifice was performed at the Great Temple; our lord thereby installed her as Lady.

Guliang. "Thereby" signals something that ought not to have been done thus. "Installed" signals something that ought not to have been done. To speak of "the Lady" one must always give her clan and surname. To speak of "the Lady" without giving clan and surname means this was not truly the Lady — this is the language for setting up a concubine as if she were the wife, and it is improper. Yet having called her "the Lady," can we then refuse to call her Lady elsewhere? Having recorded her death and burial as the Lady's, can we then refuse to record her death and burial as such? On the one hand, the text approaches this through the ancestral temple and only then demotes her by omitting her surname; on the other, by this omission it treats her, from without, as not truly the Lady, and thereby uprightness is made visible.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, on dingwei day, the Heavenly King passed away.

Year 9 (僖公九年)

Annals. In the ninth year, in spring, in the king's third month, on dingchou day, Yushuo (禦說), Duke of Song, died.

Annals. In summer, our lord met the Steward, Duke Zhou of the royal house, the Marquis of Qi, the Viscount of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Baron of Xu, and the Earl of Cao, at Kuiqiu (葵丘).

Guliang. The Son of Heaven's steward, in this role, communicates with all within the four seas. Why is the new ruler of Song styled "Viscount"? Because his father was not yet buried. By the rites: while the coffin still rests in the hall, the orphaned heir has no business abroad. That he now turned his back on the unburied coffin to go out and attend a meeting shows that the Viscount of Song was without grief!

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on yiyou day, Boji died.

Guliang. She was a daughter of our own house. Normally a woman's death is not recorded if she has not yet married — why then is her death recorded here? Once betrothed, a girl has her hair pinned up and is given a name; upon her death she is then treated with the mourning rites of an adult.

Annals. In the ninth month, on wuchen day, the lords covenanted at Kuiqiu.

Guliang. Ordinarily Duke Huan's covenants do not record the day; why is the day recorded here? To praise it. Because it displays the prohibitions of the Son of Heaven, the record is made complete. At the meeting of Kuiqiu, the sacrificial victim was laid out but not slaughtered, and the document was read and laid atop the victim, once making clear the Son of Heaven's prohibitions, which said: Do not dam up the springs; do not cut off the grain trade between states; do not change the established heir; do not make a concubine your wife; do not let women take part in affairs of state.

Annals. On jiazi day, Guizhu (詭諸), Marquis of Jin, died.

Annals. In winter, Li Ke (里克) of Jin killed his ruler's son, Xi Qi (奚齊).

Guliang. Calling him merely "his ruler's son," rather than "the heir apparent," shows that the people of the state did not accept him as a legitimate heir. Why did the people of the state not accept him as such? Because they did not sanction Duke Xian's killing of the heir apparent Shen Sheng and setting up Xi Qi in his place.

Year 10 (僖公十年)

Annals. In the tenth year, in spring, in the king's first month, our lord went to Qi.

Annals. The Di extinguished Wen (溫); the Viscount of Wen fled to Wey.

Annals. Li Ke of Jin assassinated his ruler, Zhuo (卓), and along with him killed his grandee Xun Xi.

Guliang. This proceeds from the honored to the humble. Xun Xi had stood guard over the young ruler, and so was killed with him.

Annals. In summer, the Marquis of Qi and the Baron of Xu attacked the Northern Rong (北戎).

Annals. Jin killed its grandee Li Ke.

Guliang. When the state, rather than a person, is named as the killer, the offense is laid upon those above. Li Ke had assassinated two rulers and one grandee — why then does the text use language that lays the blame above? Because Li Ke was put to death without his true crime being the cause. How was he put to death without his true crime being the cause? What Li Ke had truly done his killing for was on behalf of Chong'er (重耳). Yiwu (夷吾) said: "Will this man not also go on to kill me?" — and so had him killed, not for his stated crime. How was it that he killed on behalf of Chong'er?

Duke Xian of Jin attacked Guo and obtained Li Ji (麗姬); Duke Xian took her as his private favorite. She had two sons: the elder was called Xi Qi, the younger Zhuozi (卓子). Li Ji wished to bring about disorder, and so said to her lord: "Last night I dreamed the Lady came hurrying to me and said, 'I am sorely afraid.' Why not send a grandee at the head of guardsmen to watch over her grave-mound?" The Duke said: "Who might be sent?" She said: "None of your servants is more honored than the heir apparent; the heir apparent will do." So the ruler said to the heir apparent: "Li Ji dreamed the Lady came hurrying to her and said, 'I am sorely afraid' — will you lead the guardsmen and go to watch over her mound?" The heir apparent said: "Respectfully, yes." He built a shrine-hall there. When the hall was completed, Li Ji again said: "Last night I dreamed the Lady came hurrying to me and said, 'I am sorely hungry.' The heir apparent's hall is now complete — why not have him offer sacrifice there?" So Duke Xian said to the heir apparent: "Perform the sacrifice." The heir apparent sacrificed, and once done, brought the sacrificial meat as a blessing to his lord. The lord was out hunting and not present; Li Ji laced the wine with poison, and doctored the dried meat with venom. When Duke Xian returned from the hunt, Li Ji said: "The heir apparent has already sacrificed, and so has brought this blessing-offering to you." As the lord was about to eat, Li Ji knelt and said: "Food that has come from outside must not go untested." She poured the wine upon the ground, and the ground bulged up; she gave the dried meat to a dog, and the dog died. Li Ji went down from the hall, weeping and crying out: "Heaven! Heaven! This state is your son's state — why is he in such haste to become its ruler?" The lord sighed heavily and said: "Between the two of us there was never any deep grievance — how can he have gone this far against me!" He sent someone to say to the heir apparent: "You had best consider your course."

The heir apparent's tutor, Li Ke, said to the heir apparent: "Go in and clear yourself. If you go in and clear yourself, you may live; if you do not go in and clear yourself, you cannot live." The heir apparent said: "My lord is already old, and already befuddled. If I go in now to clear myself in this way, Li Ji is sure to die; and if Li Ji dies, my lord will not be at peace. Rather than be the cause of my lord's unease, I had better die myself. I would rather kill myself to give my lord peace." Entrusting Chong'er with his cause, he cut his own throat and died. This is why what Li Ke had truly done his killing for was on behalf of Chong'er; and this is why Yiwu said: "Will this man not also go on to kill me?"

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month.

Annals. In winter, there was a great fall of snow.

Year 11 (僖公十一年)

Annals. In the eleventh year, in spring, Jin killed its grandee Pi Zhengfu (丕鄭父).

Guliang. Naming the state as the killer means the guilt of the killing is laid upon those above.

Annals. In summer, our lord together with the Lady, of the Jiang clan, met the Marquis of Qi at Yanggu.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, there was a great rain-sacrifice.

Guliang. For the rain-sacrifice, recording the month is correct. When such a ceremony obtains rain it is called "the rain-sacrifice"; when it does not obtain rain it is called "drought."

Annals. In winter, men of Chu attacked Huang.

Year 12 (僖公十二年)

Annals. In the twelfth year, in spring, in the king's first month, on gengwu day, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. In summer, men of Chu extinguished Huang.

Guliang. At the covenant of Guan, Guan Zhong (管仲) had said: "Jiang and Huang are far from Qi and near to Chu; Chu is a state that profits from this. If they are attacked and we cannot come to their rescue, then we shall have no way to serve as head of the lords!" Duke Huan did not listen, and went on to covenant with them anyway. After Guan Zhong died, Chu attacked Jiang and extinguished Huang, and Duke Huan was unable to come to the rescue. Hence the noble man grieved over it.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, on dingchou day, Chujiu (杵臼), Marquis of Chen, died.

Year 13 (僖公十三年)

Annals. In the thirteenth year, in spring, the Di raided Wey.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, Duke Xuan of Chen was buried.

Annals. Our lord met the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Baron of Xu, and the Earl of Cao at Xian (鹹).

Guliang. This was a meeting under arms.

Annals. In autumn, in the ninth month, there was a great rain-sacrifice.

Annals. In winter, our lord's son You went to Qi.

Year 14 (僖公十四年)

Annals. In the fourteenth year, in spring, the lords walled Yuanling (緣陵).

Guliang. Its saying "the lords" is scattering language. The lords were gathered together, yet the text calls it scattered — why? Because when several lords jointly wall a place, there is always this scattering language attached — it shows that Duke Huan's virtue had declined.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, Ji Ji (季姬) met with the Viscount of Zeng (繒) at Fang (防), and had him come to court.

Guliang. "To meet" is language for a jointly planned encounter. "Came to court" means he came to request her hand. Ordinarily, speaking of a court visit, the text does not say someone "had him sent" — saying "had him sent" is improper. This afflicts the Viscount of Zeng with blame.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on xinmao day, the height of Shalu (沙鹿) collapsed.

Guliang. Where forest joins to a mountain it is called "lu." Sha is the name of the mountain. It had no normal way to collapse, and yet it collapsed — hence the text records it. That the day is recorded shows the gravity given to this anomaly.

Annals. The Di raided Zheng.

Annals. In winter, Xi (肹), Marquis of Cai, died.

Guliang. When a lord's death is recorded only by season, this expresses disapproval of him.

Year 15 (僖公十五年)

Annals. In the fifteenth year, in spring, in the king's first month, our lord went to Qi.

Annals. Men of Chu attacked Xu (徐).

Annals. In the third month, our lord met the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Baron of Xu, and the Earl of Cao, and covenanted at Muqiu (牡丘).

Guliang. This was a meeting under arms.

Annals. They then encamped at Kuang (匡).

Guliang. "Then" marks a continuing action. "Encamped" means "halted" — there was apprehension that prompted the halt.

Annals. Gongsun Ao (公孫敖) led an army, and together with the grandees of the assembled lords, went to the rescue of Xu.

Guliang. This approves the rescue of Xu.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, the armies of Qi and Cao attacked Li (厲).

Annals. In the eighth month, there was a plague of locusts.

Guliang. Locusts are an insect calamity. When severe, the month is recorded; when not severe, only the season.

Annals. In the ninth month, our lord returned from the meeting.

Annals. Ji Ji was married into Zeng.

Annals. On jimao day, the last day of the month, thunder struck the shrine of Yi Bo (夷伯).

Guliang. "The last day of the month" means the dark, moonless end of the lunar month. "震" means thunder. Yi Bo was a grandee of Lu. Through this the text shows that from the Son of Heaven down to the officer-class, all have ancestral shrines. The Son of Heaven has seven shrines, the lords five, grandees three, officers two. Hence those of deeper virtue have their line extend further in glory, and those of thinner virtue have it extend only to a lower degree — and so these rules honor the root of virtue at its origin. The one first enfeoffed must always be treated as the founding ancestor.

Annals. In winter, men of Song attacked Cao.

Annals. Men of Chu defeated Xu at Loulin (婁林).

Guliang. When barbarian peoples defeat one another, the text still records it.

Annals. In the eleventh month, on renxu day, the Marquis of Jin fought with the Earl of Qin (秦) at Han (韓). The Marquis of Jin was captured.

Guliang. At the battle of Han, the Marquis of Jin had lost his people — for his army had not been defeated, and yet its ruler was captured.

Year 16 (僖公十六年)

Annals. In the sixteenth year, in spring, in the king's first month, on the first day, wushen, stones fell in Song — five of them.

Guliang. Why does the text speak first of "falling" and only after of "stones"? Because they fell, and only afterward were seen to be stones. "In Song" means within Song's four borders. Placing the number after the stones is scattering language, reflecting that this was known through the ear, hearing them fall one by one.

Annals. In this same month, six yi-birds (鶂) flew backward, passing over the capital of Song.

Guliang. "In this same month" settles that the day could not be given, only the month. "Six yi-birds flew backward, passing over the capital of Song" — placing the number first is gathering language, reflecting that this was known through the eye, seen all at once. The Master said: "Stones are things without awareness; yi-birds, though small, are things with awareness. Because stones are without awareness, their falling is dated by day; because yi-birds, though small, are things with awareness, their flight is dated by month. In the noble man's dealing with things, there is nothing careless in it. If even stones and birds have their wording fully worked out, how much more should it be so with men! Hence, if the wording concerning the five stones and the six yi-birds were not set out with such care, the kingly Way would not stand firm!" A place where the people are gathered is called a "capital."

Annals. In the third month, on renshen day, our lord's son Ji You died.

Guliang. When a grandee's death is recorded by day, this is correct. To style him "the duke's younger brother, Shuzhong" honors his worth. For a grandee, the text ordinarily does not say "lord's son" or "lord's grandson" — this is to distance him.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on bingshen day, Ji Ji of Zeng died.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on jiazi day, Gongsun Zi died.

Guliang. When a grandee's death is recorded by day, this is correct.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, our lord met the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Baron of Xu, the Marquis of Xing (邢), and the Earl of Cao, at Huai (淮).

Guliang. This was a meeting under arms.

Year 17 (僖公十七年)

Annals. In the seventeenth year, in spring, men of Qi and men of Xu attacked Yingshi (英氏).

Annals. In summer, [someone] extinguished Xiang (項).

Guliang. Who extinguished it? Duke Huan did. Why then does the text not name Duke Huan? To conceal it, out of regard for a worthy man. Xiang was a state — how could it be extinguished, and yet it was extinguished? Duke Huan knew that Xiang could be extinguished, but did not know that he himself ought not to be the one to extinguish it. Having gone and extinguished another's state — what worth is there in that? Yet the noble man, in hating what is bad, is quick to condemn it at its beginning, while in approving what is good, he takes pleasure in it to its very end. Duke Huan had once achieved the merit of preserving the endangered and continuing the extinguished lines of states — hence the noble man conceals this act for his sake.

Annals. In autumn, the Lady, of the Jiang clan, met the Marquis of Qi at Bian (卞). In the ninth month, our lord returned from the meeting.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, on yihai day, Xiaobai (小白), Marquis of Qi, died.

Guliang. This was improper — why then is the day recorded? Because his impropriety had already been shown earlier in the record. How had his impropriety been shown earlier? Because he entered an emptied state improperly, and so the text, in recording the date now, expresses merely a matter of avoiding suspicion, nothing more.

Year 18 (僖公十八年)

Annals. In the eighteenth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the Duke of Song, the Earl of Cao, men of Wey, and men of Zhu (邾) attacked Qi.

Guliang. This was not an attack upon a state in mourning.

Annals. In summer, an army went to the rescue of Qi.

Guliang. This approves the rescue of Qi.

Annals. In the fifth month, on wuyin day, the army of Song fought with the army of Qi at Yan (甗). The army of Qi was utterly defeated.

Guliang. Ordinarily, when speaking of a "battle," the text does not also say "attacked"; and when the visiting party is recorded as instigator, it does not say "joined battle with." Saying "joined battle with" here casts blame on Song.

Annals. The Di went to the rescue of Qi.

Guliang. This approves the rescue of Qi.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on dinghai day, Duke Huan of Qi was buried.

Annals. In winter, men of Xing and men of the Di attacked Wey.

Guliang. Why are the Di styled "men"? Because a good deed, once accumulated, subsequently advances their standing in the text. Their attacking Wey was in fact a means of rescuing Qi.

Year 19 (僖公十九年)

Annals. In the nineteenth year, in spring, in the king's third month, men of Song seized Yingqi (嬰齊), Viscount of Teng (滕).

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, the Duke of Song, men of Cao, and men of Zhu covenanted south of Cao.

Annals. The Viscount of Zeng met and covenanted at Zhu.

Annals. On jiyou day, men of Zhu seized the Viscount of Zeng and used him as a sacrifice.

Guliang. The ruler of an insignificant state, through Zhu, sought to join in covenant with them. When another sought, through him, to enter covenant with them, Zhu instead welcomed him and then seized him — this is condemned, and so the day is carefully recorded. "Used him" means they struck his nose to smear the altar of the soil with his blood.

Annals. In autumn, men of Song besieged Cao.

Annals. Men of Wey attacked Xing.

Annals. In winter, [our men] met with men of Chen, men of Cai (蔡), men of Chu, and men of Zheng, and covenanted at Qi.

Annals. Liang (梁) perished.

Guliang. It perished of itself. Its ruler was besotted with wine and given over to excess in women; his mind was befogged, his ears and eyes stopped up; above, there was no upright governance from those set over the people; the great ministers turned to rebellion, and the common people became bandits and thieves. "Liang perished" — it perished of itself. If instead the blame lay in imposing forced labor, then the drunkenness would not be worth mentioning. "Liang perished" and "Zheng abandoned its army" — in neither case did we add anything to bring it about; the text merely rectifies the name of what happened, nothing more! "Liang perished" — the wording brings its blame out into the open, rightly so. "Zheng abandoned its army" condemns its leader.

Year 20 (僖公二十年)

Annals. In the twentieth year, in spring, Lu newly made the southern gate.

Guliang. "Made" means "constructed" — implying an enlargement beyond its former measure. Saying "new" implies there was an old one already there — this was not truly a construction from nothing. The southern gate was the gate of ritual pattern.

Annals. In summer, the Viscount of Gao (郜) came to court.

Annals. In the fifth month, on yisi day, there was a fire in the Western Palace.

Guliang. To call it "the new palace" would place it close, as the shrine of a father just deceased; to speak of it by a posthumous title would make it seem as though distanced. On this basis, it is taken to be the palace of Duke Min.

Annals. Men of Zheng entered Hua (滑).

Annals. In autumn, men of Qi and men of the Di covenanted at Xing.

Guliang. Xing was treated as the host of this covenant. Xing was small — why then was it treated as host? Because it had served as host in the rescue of Qi.

Annals. In winter, men of Chu attacked Sui (隨).

Guliang. Sui was a state.

Year 21 (僖公二十一年)

Annals. In the twenty-first year, in spring, the Di raided Wey.

Annals. Men of Song, men of Qi, and men of Chu covenanted at Lushang (鹿上).

Annals. In summer, there was a great drought.

Guliang. Recording a drought by season is correct.

Annals. In autumn, the Duke of Song, the Viscount of Chu, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Cai, the Earl of Zheng, the Baron of Xu, and the Earl of Cao met at Yu (雩); [Chu] seized the Duke of Song and used him to attack Song.

Guliang. "Used" is weighty language.

Annals. In winter, our lord attacked Zhu.

Annals. Men of Chu sent Yi Shen (宜申) to come and present the spoils of victory.

Guliang. "Spoils" means what an army has gained in war. Why does the text not say "spoils from Song"? Because it does not grant that Chu's victory was properly won over Song.

Annals. In the twelfth month, on guichou day, our lord met the assembled lords and covenanted at Bo (薄).

Guliang. Calling it a "meeting" means that an outsider served as host.

Annals. [Chu] released the Duke of Song.

Guliang. Ordinarily a release of a captive by outsiders is not recorded — why then is it recorded here? Because our lord's covenanting with him draws attention to it. That the text does not name Chu means it does not grant Chu the sole authority to release him.

Year 22 (僖公二十二年)

Annals. In the twenty-second year, in spring, our lord attacked Zhu and took Xugou (須句).

Annals. In summer, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Baron of Xu, and the Viscount of Teng attacked Zheng.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on dingwei day, [our forces] fought with men of Zhu at Shengxing (升陘).

Guliang. The text conceals our own defeat, and cites only what may decently be told. That it does not name who it was that fought is because we were defeated. That it does not say who "joined battle" is for the sake of concealing it on our own side.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, on the first day, jisi, the Duke of Song fought with men of Chu at Hong (泓). The army of Song was utterly defeated.

Guliang. When an event's day happens to coincide with the first of the month, it is called "the first day." Among the Chunqiu's thirty-four battles, there has never been one in which the honored was defeated by the humble, or an army defeated by mere men — for to have the honored defeated by the humble, or an army defeated by men, would be to make the enemy arrogant. That Duke Xiang (襄公), with an army, was defeated by men, and yet this did not make the enemy arrogant — why is that? Because the text holds him responsible.

The battle of Hong was undertaken to redeem the disgrace of Yu. As for the disgrace at Yu, Duke Xiang of Song had brought it upon himself. He attacked Qi in its time of mourning, seized the Viscount of Teng, besieged Cao, and convened the meeting at Yu, giving no thought to whether his strength was sufficient, and summoned King Cheng of Chu (楚成王). King Cheng grew angry and seized him. Hence it is said: if one treats another with ritual courtesy and receives no answer, one should look back to one's own reverence; if one loves another and is not drawn close in return, one should look back to one's own humaneness; if one governs others and they remain ungoverned, one should look back to one's own wisdom. To err and not amend it, and to repeat the error — this is called true error. This describes Duke Xiang.

In antiquity, to don armor and helmet was not a means of raising up one's state, but a means of chastising the Wayless — how could it be said that this was to avenge his own disgrace!

When the Duke of Song fought with the men of Chu above the waters of Hong, the Marshal, Zifan (子反), said: "Chu's numbers are many, ours are few; let us sound the drums while they are still in peril and strike them — victory would then be assured!" Duke Xiang said: "The noble man does not press another when he is in danger, nor attack another when he is in distress; let us wait until they have come across." Once they had come across, their banners were in disarray above and their ranks in disorder below. Zifan said: "Chu's numbers are many, ours are few; strike them now — victory would then be assured!" Duke Xiang said: "One does not sound the drums against ranks not yet formed; let us wait until their ranks are formed, and only then strike." Thereupon his own troops were utterly defeated and he himself was wounded, and in the seventh month he died.

When one's forces are double the enemy's, attack; when evenly matched, give battle; when fewer, hold to the defense. That by which a man is a man is his word; if a man cannot keep his word, how can he be counted a man? That by which a word is a true word is good faith; if a word is without good faith, how can it be counted a word? That by which good faith is true good faith is the Way; if good faith is without the Way, how can it be counted the Way? What the Way prizes is timeliness — its working out is a matter of gauging the circumstances.

Year 23 (僖公二十三年)

Annals. In the twenty-third year, in spring, the Marquis of Qi attacked Song, besieging Min (閔).

Guliang. Ordinarily, when attacking a state, the text does not also say "besieged" a town; here it says "besieged" — why? Because it does not sanction repaying evil with evil.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on gengyin day, Zifu (茲父), Duke of Song, died.

Guliang. Why is there no record of Zifu's burial? Because he had lost the people. How had he lost the people? Because he had not trained his people in warfare — this is to abandon one's own army. If, being a ruler of men, one abandons one's own army, which of the people would still regard him as their ruler!

Annals. In autumn, men of Chu attacked Chen.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, the Viscount of Qi (杞) died.

Year 24 (僖公二十四年)

Annals. In the twenty-fourth year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Annals. In summer, the Di attacked Zheng.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month.

Annals. In winter, the Heavenly King went out and dwelt in Zheng.

Guliang. The Son of Heaven properly has no "going out." To "go out" in this sense means he had lost the allegiance of all under Heaven. "Dwelt" means to occupy one's rightful place. Though he had lost all under Heaven, no one dared to claim it for himself.

Annals. Yiwu, Marquis of Jin, died.

Year 25 (僖公二十五年)

Annals. In the twenty-fifth year, in spring, in the king's first month, on bingwu day, Hui (毀), Marquis of Wey, extinguished Xing.

Guliang. Why is Hui named directly? Because it does not sanction his attacking the root and extinguishing a state of the same surname as his own.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on guiyou day, Hui, Marquis of Wey, died.

Annals. Dang Boji (蕩伯姬) of Song came to fetch a bride.

Guliang. Once a woman has married out, she does not cross the border. That Dang Boji of Song came to fetch a bride is improper. Why does the text call the one to be fetched "the bride"? Because the wording follows from the perspective of the mother-in-law.

Annals. Song killed its grandee.

Guliang. That his name and surname are not given is because he held the rank of an ancestor — this honors him.

Annals. In autumn, men of Chu besieged Chen, and restored the Viscount of Dun (頓) to Dun.

Guliang. "Restored" implies that those within did not accept him willingly. The siege was one matter; the restoration was another matter; yet the text links them together, because, it would seem, it was Chen that had necessitated the restoring of the Viscount of Dun.

Annals. Duke Wen of Wey was buried.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, on guihai day, our lord met the Viscount of Wey and Ju Qing (莒慶), and covenanted at Tao.

Guliang. Ju has no recognized grandees; why then does the text name Ju Qing? Because our lord's meeting with him marks him out.

Year 26 (僖公二十六年)

Annals. In the twenty-sixth year, in spring, in the king's first month, on jiwei day, our lord met the Viscount of Ju and Ning Su (甯速) of Wey, and covenanted at Xiang (向).

Guliang. Our lord does not properly "meet" with a mere grandee — why then does the text name Ning Su? Because his accompanying the Viscount of Ju makes it possible to speak of it as a "meeting."

Annals. Men of Qi raided our western borderlands. Our lord pursued the army of Qi as far as Xi (巂), but did not catch up with it.

Guliang. "Men" here means persons of little standing. "Raided" is a light matter. That our lord pursued them was improper. "As far as Xi" is language of urgency. "Did not catch up" means he did not go so far as to engage them — he could have caught up but did not dare to. When speaking of their raiding, it says "men"; when speaking of the pursuit, it says "army" — this exalts our lord's not catching up with them. "Did not catch up" is language chosen out of concern for our own side.

Annals. In summer, men of Qi attacked our northern borderlands.

Annals. Men of Wey attacked Qi. Our lord's son Sui (遂) went to Chu to beg for troops.

Guliang. "Begged" is weighty language. Why is it weighty? Because it gives weight to the deaths of men — this is not a thing to be lightly requested. When an army goes forth, it does not necessarily return; in battle, it does not necessarily win — hence this is treated as weighty.

Annals. In autumn, men of Chu extinguished Kui (夔), and took the Viscount of Kui back with them.

Guliang. Kui was a state. That the day is not recorded shows it was an insignificant state. "Took... back" is still better than "seized."

Annals. In winter, men of Chu attacked Song, besieging Min.

Guliang. Ordinarily, when attacking a state, the text does not also say "besieged" a town; here it says "besieged" — why? Because our own army was used alongside them, and so the text marks the event particularly — it was not the proper way to employ an army.

Annals. Our lord used the army of Chu to attack Qi, taking Gu (穀).

Guliang. "Used" here means something that should not have been used. The people are the root of a ruler; to send the people to their deaths in an improper cause is not the correct way.

Annals. Our lord returned from attacking Qi.

Guliang. Ordinarily a disgraceful affair is not recorded as a "return" — why then is it recorded here? To mark the peril our lord had put himself in.

Year 27 (僖公二十七年)

Annals. In the twenty-seventh year, in spring, the Viscount of Qi (杞) came to court.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, on gengyin day, Zhao (昭), Marquis of Qi, died.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on yiwei day, Duke Xiao of Qi was buried.

Annals. On yisi day, our lord's son Sui led an army and entered Qi (杞).

Annals. In winter, men of Chu, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Cai, the Earl of Zheng, and the Baron of Xu besieged Song.

Guliang. "Men of Chu" here means the Viscount of Chu himself; why then does the text call him "men"? To style the Viscount of Chu as a mere "man" is a means of likewise styling the other lords as mere "men." Why style the lords as mere "men"? Because it does not sanction their placing trust in a barbarian power and using it to attack the central states.

Annals. In the twelfth month, on jiaxu day, our lord met the assembled lords and covenanted at Song.

Year 28 (僖公二十八年)

Annals. In the twenty-eighth year, in spring, the Marquis of Jin raided Cao.

Annals. The Marquis of Jin attacked Wey.

Guliang. (Zhuan note:) To name "the Marquis of Jin" twice expresses wariness of him.

Annals. Our lord's son Mai (買) garrisoned Wey; he did not complete the garrison duty, and was executed.

Guliang. Naming him first and then recording his execution shows that the one killed was guilty. Our lord's son Qi (啟) said: "One who does not complete garrison duty — it was possible for him to have completed it." That it was possible to complete it and yet he did not is where the reproach against our lord's son lies; his execution was justified.

Annals. Men of Chu went to the rescue of Wey.

Annals. In the third month, on bingwu day, the Marquis of Jin entered Cao, seized the Earl of Cao, and handed him over to the men of Song.

Guliang. "Entered" implies that those within did not accept him willingly. That the day of the entering is recorded expresses disapproval of the one who entered. Naming the Marquis of Jin directly as the one who seized the Earl of Cao expresses disapproval of the Marquis of Jin. "Handed over" means "gave." Why does the text say "men of Song" rather than "the Duke of Song"? Because it does not sanction the Marquis of Jin handing him over to a fellow ruler as an equal transaction.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on jisi day, the Marquis of Jin, the army of Qi, the army of Song, and the army of Qin fought with men of Chu at Chengpu (城濮). The army of Chu was utterly defeated.

Annals. Chu killed its grandee Dechen (得臣).

Annals. The Marquis of Wey fled abroad to Chu.

Annals. In the fifth month, on guichou day, our lord met the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Cai, the Earl of Zheng, the Viscount of Wey, and the Viscount of Ju, and covenanted at Jiantu (踐土).

Guliang. This conceals the fact that our lord met the Heavenly King in person.

Annals. The Marquis of Chen went to the meeting.

Guliang. "Went to the meeting" places him outside the original meeting — he received the summons only at the meeting, already underway.

Annals. Our lord paid court at the king's place.

Guliang. Ordinarily, a court visit does not specify a "place" — to specify a "place" means it was not the king's proper place.

Annals. In the sixth month, Zheng (鄭), Marquis of Wey, returned from Chu back to Wey.

Guliang. "From Chu" means that Chu had lent him support. "Returned" means he was restored to the central states. "Went back" means he returned to his rightful place. That the ruler Zheng is named by his personal name shows that he had once lost his state.

Annals. Yuan Xuan (元咺) of Wey fled abroad to Jin.

Annals. Kuan, Marquis of Chen, died.

Annals. In autumn, Boji of Qi (杞) came to Lu.

Annals. Our lord's son Sui went to Qi.

Annals. In winter, our lord met the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Cai, the Earl of Zheng, the Viscount of Chen, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, and men of Qin, at Wen (溫).

Guliang. This conceals the fact that our lord met the Heavenly King.

Annals. The Heavenly King held watch at Heyang (河陽).

Guliang. This preserves the dignity of the Heavenly King's movements intact, as though he had gone to hold watch as a matter of his own initiative and only incidentally encountered the lords' court visit — this conceals the truth out of regard for the Heavenly King. North of a river is called "yang," the sunlit side; south of a mountain is likewise called "yang." Wen is Heyang.

Annals. On renshen day, our lord paid court at the king's place.

Guliang. To hold court at the ancestral temple is the rite; to hold it in the open is not the rite. That only our lord's court visit is recorded stands for all the lords' court visits together. That the day is recorded is because our lord came before the Son of Heaven a second time, and so the day is carefully noted. Good conduct is credited from within; ill conduct is marked as coming from without. To phrase it as "our lord held court" is language running against the plain fact — yet it honors the Son of Heaven. Speaking of "meeting at Wen" refers to the meeting as involving only the lesser lords. Wen is territory north of the Yellow River; to speak of it as "Heyang" magnifies the Son of Heaven. Ordinarily the day is linked to the month, and the month linked to the season; yet in "on renshen, our lord held court at the king's place," the month is not given — this loses its proper linkage. Some hold this to have truly been the doing of Duke Wen of Jin — and this view is thoroughly mistaken!

Annals. Men of Jin seized the Marquis of Wey and delivered him to the capital.

Guliang. This was an entering, followed by a seizure — why then does the text not say "entered"? Because it does not treat the king's command as something external to Wey. "Delivered him to the capital" is lenient language — the judgment on his fate rested with the capital.

Annals. Yuan Xuan of Wey returned from Jin back to Wey.

Guliang. "From Jin" means Jin had lent him support. "Returned" means he was restored to the central states. "Went back" means he returned to his rightful place.

Annals. The lords then went on to besiege Xu (許).

Guliang. "Then" marks a continuing action.

Annals. Xiang (襄), Earl of Cao, returned back to Cao.

Guliang. "Returned" means he was restored to the central states. The Son of Heaven pardoned him, and thereupon he took part in the meeting. Its saying "returned" communicates the king's command that restored him.

Annals. [He] then went on to meet the lords and besiege Xu.

Guliang. "Then" marks a continuing action.

Year 29 (僖公二十九年)

Annals. In the twenty-ninth year, in spring, Ge Lu (葛盧) of Jie (介) came to Lu.

Guliang. Jie was a state. Ge Lu was the ruler of an insignificant state, one not yet formally invested with a rank. That the text says merely "came" reflects his low standing.

Annals. Our lord returned from the siege of Xu.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, our lord met the king's man, men of Jin, men of Song, men of Qi, men of Chen, men of Cai, and men of Qin, and covenanted at Diquan (翟泉).

Annals. In autumn, there was a great fall of hail.

Annals. In winter, Ge Lu of Jie came again.

Year 30 (僖公三十年)

Annals. In the thirtieth year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Annals. In summer, the Di raided Qi.

Annals. In autumn, Wey put to death its grandee Yuan Xuan (元咺).

Guliang. To name the state as the killer casts blame upward, upon the one above; this is because the case is treated as a lawsuit against the ruler. The Marquis of Wey was abroad — why then does the text use language that casts blame upward, as if he were present? Because the text waits until after the execution to record his return.

Annals. ...and Prince Xia (公子瑕).

Guliang. Prince Xia is drawn in as an entangled case; this is an instance of the honored reaching to draw in the lowly.

Annals. The Marquis of Wey, Zheng (鄭), returned to Wey.

Annals. The men of Jin and the men of Qin besieged Zheng.

Annals. The men of Jie (介) raided Xiao (蕭).

Annals. In winter, the king sent Steward Zhougong (宰周公) on a diplomatic visit.

Guliang. The Son of Heaven's steward has authority reaching to the four seas.

Annals. Prince Sui (公子遂) went to the capital. He then went on to Jin.

Guliang. The word 遂 ("thereupon") carries him from the honored destination to the lowly; this shows that he dared not turn his back on the capital.

Year 31 (僖公三十一年)

Annals. In the thirty-first year, in spring, [Lu] took the fields west of the Ji (濟).

Annals. Prince Sui went to Jin.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, they divined by turtle-shell four times for the suburban sacrifice (郊). It was not favorable, so they released the sacrificial victim, yet still performed the Three Vistas (三望) sacrifice.

Guliang. "In summer, the fourth month" — this was not the proper season. To divine four times was contrary to the rites. As for releasing the victim: they dressed it in a black robe and a smoked-red lower garment; the officer in charge, in the dark ceremonial cap and robe, escorted it in reverence as far as the southern altar. Releasing the ox followed the same procedure. The word 乃 ("thereupon") is language expressing that the proper person was lacking. The word 猶 ("yet still") is language expressing that the rite could have been stopped.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month.

Annals. In winter, Boji of Qi (杞伯姬) came to seek a wife [for her son].

Guliang. Once a woman is married, she does not cross the border [into her natal state]. That Boji of Qi came to seek a wife was improper.

Annals. The Di besieged Wey.

Annals. In the twelfth month, Wey moved its capital to Diqiu (帝丘).

Year 32 (僖公三十二年)

Annals. In the thirty-second year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on the day jichou, the Earl of Zheng, Jie (捷), died.

Annals. The men of Wey raided the Di.

Annals. In autumn, the men of Wey made covenant with the Di.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, on the day jimao, the Marquis of Jin, Chong'er (重耳), died.

Year 33 (僖公三十三年)

Annals. In the thirty-third year, in spring, in the king's second month, the men of Qin entered Hua (滑).

Guliang. Hua was a state.

Annals. The Marquis of Qi sent Guo Guifu (國歸父) on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on the day xinsi, the men of Jin together with the Jiang Rong (姜戎) defeated the army of Qin at Yao (殽).

Guliang. Why does the text not say "fought" but say "defeated"? Because it treats Qin as Di. Why does it treat Qin as Di? Qin crossed a thousand li of dangerous terrain to enter an undefended state; advancing, it could not hold what it took; retreating, its army and troops were defeated. It threw the teaching proper to sons and daughters into disorder, having no distinction between men and women. That Qin became reckoned as Di began from the Battle of Yao.

The Earl of Qin was about to launch a surprise attack on Zheng. Baili Zi (百里子) and Jianshu Zi (蹇叔子) remonstrated, saying: "To attack another state a thousand li away — there has never been a case that did not end in ruin." The Earl of Qin said: "The trees on your grave-mounds are already a span thick in girth — what do you know!" The army set out.

Baili Zi and Jianshu Zi saw off their sons and warned them, saying: "If you die, it will surely be beneath the cliffs and defiles of Yao. I will lay out your corpse there." As the army set out, Baili Zi and Jianshu Zi followed their sons, weeping for them. The Earl of Qin, angered, said: "Why do you weep for my army?" The two elders said: "We would not dare weep for the army — we weep for our sons. We are old! If they do not die, then we shall."

The men of Jin, together with the Jiang Rong, intercepted and struck them at Yao; not a single horse or wheel returned. "The men of Jin" — the one meant is the viscount of Jin. Why does it say "men" rather than naming the ruler? To diminish him. Why diminish him? Because it does not approve of his setting aside the coffin-vigil to take charge of the battle himself.

Annals. On the day guisi, [Jin] buried Duke Wen of Jin.

Guliang. To record the burial by day shows that there was danger, such that a proper burial could not be carried out.

Annals. The Di raided Qi.

Annals. The Duke [of Lu] attacked Zhu (邾) and took Zilou (訾樓).

Annals. In autumn, Prince Sui led the army to attack Zhu.

Annals. The men of Jin defeated the Di at Ji (箕).

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, the Duke went to Qi. In the twelfth month, the Duke returned from Qi.

Annals. On the day yisi, the Duke passed away in the Small Chamber (小寢).

Guliang. The Small Chamber was not the proper place [for a ruler to die].

Annals. Frost fell but did not kill the grasses.

Guliang. When something could not yet properly be killed but was killed, the graver case is cited. When something could properly be killed but was not, the lighter case is cited.

Annals. The plum (李) and the mei (梅) bore fruit.

Guliang. "Fruited" (實), as a word here, means just what it says: bore fruit.

Annals. The men of Jin, the men of Chen, and the men of Zheng attacked Xu (許).

Duke Wen (文公)

Year 1 (文公元年)

Annals. In the first year, in spring, in the king's first month, the Duke took his place [as ruler].

Guliang. To succeed properly and take one's place as ruler is proper.

Annals. In the second month, on the day guihai, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. The king sent Shufu (叔服) to come and join in the burial rites.

Guliang. To speak of joining (會) the burial, rather than merely attending, records that weight was given to the rites of the Son of Heaven.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on the day dingsi, [Lu] buried our ruler, Duke Xi.

Guliang. In death, to call him "duke" (公) cites the higher honorific. To speak of "burying our ruler" joins high and low together in one expression. Duke Xi was buried, and only then was his posthumous title raised — for a posthumous title is what completes a man's virtue in record. It is added upon the completion of his affairs!

Annals. The king sent Mao Bo (毛伯) to come and confer command upon the Duke.

Guliang. By the rites, there is the rite of receiving the command [at the royal court], but there is no rite of coming [to the vassal's own state] to confer the command. To confer command in this way was improper.

Annals. The Marquis of Jin attacked Wey.

Annals. Shusun Dechen (叔孫得臣) went to the capital.

Annals. The men of Wey attacked Jin.

Annals. In autumn, Gongsun Ao (公孫敖) met the Marquis of Jin at Qi (戚).

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on the day dingwei, the heir apparent of Chu, Shangchen (商臣), assassinated his ruler, Kun (髡).

Guliang. To record by day the death of Kun is the means of treating with care the assassination by Shangchen. For the Yi and Di, the text does not speak of "proper" or "improper" regarding succession.

Annals. Gongsun Ao went to Qi.

Year 2 (文公二年)

Annals. In the second year, in spring, in the king's second month, on the day jiazi, the Marquis of Jin fought with the army of Qin at Pengya (彭衙). The army of Qin was utterly defeated.

Annals. On the day dingchou, [Lu] made the spirit tablet (主) for Duke Xi.

Guliang. "Made" (作) means "made" — that is, they made the spirit tablet for Duke Xi. In establishing the tablet: the mourning tablet is set up at the yu sacrifice [shortly after burial]; the auspicious tablet is set up at the lian sacrifice [after a year's mourning]. That they "made" Duke Xi's tablet only now criticizes its lateness. Making the tablet also meant altering the ancestral temple — there is a proper time and day for this, at the lian! As for altering the temple: the proper way permits changing the eaves, and permits re-plastering the walls.

Annals. In the third month, on the day yisi, [we] made covenant with Chufu (處父) of Jin.

Guliang. That it does not say "the Duke" made covenant is because Chufu was too presumptuous [to be named as the Duke's equal], and the text conceals this for the Duke's sake. How do we know it was the Duke who made covenant with him? By the fact that a day is recorded. Why does it not say the Duke went to Jin for this? Because it was a shameful matter. His departure is not recorded, and his return is not formally reported, either.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, Gongsun Ao met the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Earl of Zheng, and Shi Gu (士穀) of Jin, and made covenant at Chuilian (垂斂).

Guliang. A grandee of the home state may meet with the feudal lords of other states.

Annals. From the twelfth month, no rain fell, until the seventh month of autumn.

Guliang. To pass through several seasons and only then speak of "no rain" shows that Duke Wen did not grieve over the lack of rain. Not to grieve over rain is to have no concern for the people.

Annals. In the eighth month, on the day dingmao, a great rite was performed in the Grand Temple (太廟), advancing Duke Xi [in precedence].

Guliang. What is "the great rite"? It magnifies this matter — it marks the xia sacrifice held together with the autumn chang offering. In the xia sacrifice, the tablets of rulers whose temples have already been dismantled are arrayed before the tablet of the Grand Ancestor, and the tablets of rulers whose temples have not yet been dismantled are all raised up to join the sacrifice before the Grand Ancestor. "Advance" (躋) means "raise up" — here it put the near kin before the more distant ancestor: this is a reversed sacrifice. A reversed sacrifice means there is no proper order of zhao and mu [the alternating generational ranks]. To have no zhao and mu is to have no ancestors. To have no ancestors is to have no Heaven. Hence it is said: Duke Wen had no Heaven. To have no Heaven is to act as though there were no Heaven. The gentleman does not let love of kin harm honor for the honored — this is the meaning of the Spring and Autumn.

Annals. In winter, the men of Jin, the men of Song, the men of Chen, and the men of Zheng attacked Qin.

Annals. Prince Sui went to Qi to present the betrothal gifts.

Year 3 (文公三年)

Annals. In the third year, in spring, in the king's first month, Shusun Dechen met with the men of Jin, the men of Song, the men of Chen, the men of Wey, and the men of Zheng, and attacked Shen (沈). Shen collapsed [in rout].

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, the king's son, Hu (虎), died.

Guliang. This is Shufu — one whose death would not ordinarily be recorded. Why then is his death recorded? Because he had come to join in our burial rites, and so we record his death. Some say it is because he had once held weighty responsibility in guarding [the royal house].

Annals. The men of Qin attacked Jin.

Annals. In autumn, the men of Chu besieged Jiang (江).

Annals. Locusts rained down on Song.

Guliang. Calamities in other states are not ordinarily recorded — why then is this recorded? It is said: because the calamity was extreme. How was it extreme? The thatch of the roofs was entirely consumed! They clung above and were seen falling below — this is called "raining."

Annals. In winter, the Duke went to Jin.

Annals. In the twelfth month, on the day jisi, the Duke and the Marquis of Jin made covenant.

Annals. Yang Chufu (陽處父) of Jin led the army to attack Chu, to rescue Jiang.

Guliang. This was an attack on Chu — why then does it speak of "rescuing Jiang"? Jiang was far and Chu was near; attacking Chu was the means of rescuing Jiang.

Year 4 (文公四年)

Annals. In the fourth year, in spring, the Duke returned from Jin.

Annals. In summer, [someone] went to meet the bride Jiang (婦姜) in Qi.

Guliang. That it calls her "the bride Jiang" is because her marriage rites were completed in Qi. Who was it that went to meet her? When one meets a bride in person, she is called "bride." Was it perhaps the Duke himself? How could he call her "bride" so quickly? It is said: it was indeed the Duke. Why then does it not say "the Duke"? Because the marriage rites were not completed with Qi in the manner befitting the Duke's own participation. To say "bride" is language implying she now has a mother-in-law. Why does it not state her clan name? To demean her. Why demean her? Because the Duke's lady is also implicated in the demotion.

Annals. The Di raided Qi.

Annals. In autumn, the men of Chu extinguished Jiang.

Annals. The Marquis of Jin attacked Qin.

Annals. The Marquis of Wey sent Ning Yu (甯俞) on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, on the day renyin, the Duke's lady, of the Feng clan (風氏), passed away.

Year 5 (文公五年)

Annals. In the fifth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the king sent Rong Shu (榮叔) to bring the mouth-jade (含) and also the burial gifts (賵).

Guliang. The mouth-jade is one matter; the burial gifts are another matter; to bring both together was improper. That it says "also" (且) records that the two were combined. That it does not say "came," as with an ordinary courtesy visit, is because these gifts were not put to their proper use in time. The burial gifts came too early, while the mouth-jade came too late.

Annals. In the third month, on the day xinhai, [we] buried our lesser lady, Cheng Feng (成風).

Annals. The king sent Mao Bo to come and join in the burial rites.

Guliang. The rite of joining a burial is performed at the border.

Annals. In summer, Gongsun Ao went to Jin.

Annals. The men of Qin entered Ruo (鄀).

Annals. In autumn, the men of Chu extinguished Liu (六).

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on the day jiashen, the Baron of Xu, Ye (業), died.

Year 6 (文公六年)

Annals. In the sixth year, in spring, [they] buried Duke Xi of Xu.

Annals. In summer, Jisun Xingfu (季孫行父) went to Chen.

Annals. In autumn, Jisun Xingfu went to Jin.

Annals. In the eighth month, on the day yihai, the Marquis of Jin, Huan (驩), died.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, Prince Sui went to Jin.

Annals. [They] buried Duke Xiang of Jin.

Annals. Jin put to death its grandee Yang Chufu (陽處父).

Guliang. To name the state as the killer implicates the one above in guilt. Duke Xiang had already been buried — why then does the text use language implicating the one above? Because the ruler had leaked words that led to this. When the one above leaks secrets, the ones below are left in the dark; when the ones below are in the dark, the one above is deaf to them. Being both in darkness and deaf, ruler and ministers had no means of communicating with each other — this is how Yegu (夜姑) came to be killed.

How did the killing of Yegu happen? It is said: Jin was about to do battle with the Di, and Duke Xiang made Hu Yegu (狐夜姑) commander of the army, with Zhao Dun (趙盾) as his lieutenant. Yang Chufu said: "This will not do! In antiquity, when a ruler employed his ministers, he made the benevolent assist the worthy; he did not make the worthy assist the benevolent. Now Zhao Dun is worthy and Yegu is merely benevolent — is this not wrong?" Duke Xiang said: "Very well." He said to Yegu: "At first I made Dun your lieutenant. Now you shall be Dun's lieutenant!" Yegu said: "Respectfully, so be it." Duke Xiang died, and Chufu took charge of affairs at the border; Yegu sent men to kill him. The ruler had leaked words — therefore the gentleman-officer, in going before his lord to speak, uses guarded language when he comes out from the audience, saying only: "If my counsel is used, well and good; if it is not used, let it not disorder his virtue."

Annals. Hu Yegu of Jin fled into exile among the Di.

Annals. In the intercalary month, the new moon was not announced, yet [the Duke] still held court in the ancestral temple.

Guliang. What does it mean that the new moon was not announced? It means that the first-day (朔) was not announced. If the first-day was not announced, then why does the text not simply say "first-day"? An intercalary month is the surplus days appended to the regular months — it is formed by accumulating fractional remainders into a whole extra month. The Son of Heaven does not announce the first-day [for an intercalary month], and matters of mourning are not counted by it either. The word "yet still" (猶) is language showing that the court visit could have been dispensed with.

Year 7 (文公七年)

Annals. In the seventh year, in spring, the Duke attacked Zhu. In the third month, on the day jiaxu, [Lu] took Xuju (須句).

Guliang. Taking a settlement is not ordinarily dated — why is this one dated? Because it does not approve of taking it a second time, and so the text treats it with caution and dates it.

Annals. [Lu] then walled Wu (郚).

Guliang. "Then" (遂) marks a continuation of the preceding affair.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, the Duke of Song, Renchen (壬臣), died.

Annals. The men of Song killed their grandee.

Guliang. To name "the men" as the killers shows that a guilty man was punished.

Annals. On the day wuzi, the men of Jin fought with the men of Qin at Linghu (令狐).

Annals. Xian Mie (先蔑) of Jin fled to Qin.

Guliang. It does not say he "went out" into exile because he was already outside the state, at the front. To break off from the battle and flee to Qin — this is treated as deserting the army.

Annals. The Di raided our western borderlands.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, the Duke met with the feudal lords and the grandees of Jin, and made covenant at Hu (扈).

Guliang. That it says "the feudal lords," without naming them, is to abbreviate the list.

Annals. In winter, Xu (徐) attacked Ju (莒).

Annals. Gongsun Ao went to Ju to attend (蒞) the covenant.

Guliang. "Attend" (蒞) means to take one's place in a ceremony already arranged. Why does it say "place"? Because the covenant had been fixed in advance. That it is not dated is because a covenant fixed in advance is not dated.

Year 8 (文公八年)

Annals. In the eighth year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on the day wushen, the king passed away.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on the day renwu, Prince Sui met with Zhao Dun of Jin, and made covenant at Hengyong (衡雍). On the day yiyou, Prince Sui met with the Luo Rong (雒戎), and made covenant at Bao (暴).

Annals. Gongsun Ao went to the capital. He did not arrive but turned back; on the day bingxu, he fled to Ju.

Guliang. It does not say where he arrived, because he never actually went. If he never went, then he never truly "turned back" either. That it says he "went" though he never went is so as not to set aside the ruler's command. That it says he "turned back" though he never truly turned back is so as not to make it seem he took the ruler's command into his own hands. His "going" was not truly a going; his "turning back" was not truly a turning back. Only his fleeing to Ju was true — and so the text treats it with care and dates it.

Annals. There were locusts.

Annals. The men of Song killed their grandee, the Marshal (司馬).

Guliang. "Marshal" is an office. That he is called by his office is language showing the state was as if it had no ruler.

Annals. The Minister of Works (司城) of Song fled here [to Lu].

Guliang. "Minister of Works" is an office. That he is called by his office is language showing the state had no ruler. For one who flees here, the text does not say he "went out" into exile — it cites instead the fact of his being received by us.

Year 9 (文公九年)

Annals. In the ninth year, in spring, Mao Bo came to seek gold.

Guliang. To seek chariots would still be tolerable; to seek gold is going too far.

Annals. The Duke's lady, of the Jiang clan, went to Qi.

Annals. In the second month, Shusun Dechen went to the capital (京師).

Guliang. "Capital" (京) means "great"; "multitude" (師) means "the many." In speaking of the Zhou royal seat, one must speak of it in terms of the many and the great.

Annals. On the day xinchou, [they] buried King Xiang (襄王).

Guliang. For the Son of Heaven, the Annals record his death but do not ordinarily record his burial — for when the whole world bears one man to burial, the matter is beyond doubt. That the burial is recorded here shows there was danger, such that burial could not be properly carried out. To date it makes this extreme! It is language implying, in effect, that he was not properly buried.

Annals. The men of Jin killed their grandee Xian Du (先都).

Annals. In the third month, the Duke's lady, of the Jiang clan, returned from Qi.

Guliang. The lowly is reported with the formal rite of arrival as though honored — this censures Duke Wen.

Annals. The men of Jin killed their grandee Shi Hu (士縠), and Ji Zhengfu (箕鄭父).

Guliang. To name "the men" as the killers shows that guilty men were punished; Zhengfu was implicated, drawn in with Shi Hu.

Annals. The men of Chu attacked Zheng.

Annals. Prince Sui met with the men of Jin, the men of Song, the men of Wey, and the men of Xu, to rescue Zheng.

Annals. In summer, the Di raided Qi.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, the Earl of Cao, Xiang (襄), died.

Annals. In the ninth month, on the day guiyou, there was an earthquake.

Guliang. "Quake" means "to move." The earth is that which does not normally quake; that it quaked is why the text treats it with care and dates it.

Annals. In winter, the Viscount of Chu sent Qiu (萩) on a diplomatic visit.

Guliang. Chu is treated as having no grandees worthy of individual naming — why then does it name him Qiu? Because he came to us, and the text honors him for it.

Annals. The men of Qin came to bring mourning-clothes for Duke Xi and Cheng Feng.

Guliang. The men of Qin did not recognize Cheng Feng as the Duke's lady — the text takes this outside state's failure to recognize her as lady, and by it shows what is proper.

Annals. [They] buried Duke Gong of Cao.

Year 10 (文公十年)

Annals. In the tenth year, in spring, in the king's third month, on the day xinmao, Zangsun Chen (臧孫辰) died.

Annals. In summer, Qin attacked Jin.

Annals. Chu killed its grandee Yishen (宜申).

Annals. From the first month, no rain fell, until the seventh month of autumn.

Guliang. To pass through several seasons and only then speak of "no rain" shows that Duke Wen did not grieve over the lack of rain. Not to grieve over rain is to have no concern for the people.

Annals. [We] made covenant with the Viscount of Su (蘇子) at Nüli (女栗).

Annals. In winter, the Di raided Song.

Annals. The Viscount of Chu and the Marquis of Cai encamped at Juehe (厥貉).

Year 11 (文公十一年)

Annals. In the eleventh year, in spring, the Viscount of Chu attacked Jun (麇).

Annals. In summer, Shu Pengsheng (叔彭生) met with Xi Que (郤缺) of Jin at Chengkuang (承匡).

Annals. In autumn, the Earl of Cao came for a court visit.

Annals. Prince Sui went to Song.

Annals. The Di raided Qi.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on the day jiawu, Shusun Dechen defeated the Di at Xian (鹹).

Guliang. Why does it not say he "led the army" but say he "defeated" them? To simply say "defeated" is language proper to the deed of a single man. If it was a single man, why does it speak of "defeating" as if a whole army were involved? Because the numbers involved on the enemy side are spoken of. Tradition says: these were the Chang Di, the "Tall Di." There were three brothers, who ranged wildly through the Central States, whom neither tile nor stone could harm. Shusun Dechen was the very best archer; he shot one of them in the eye. His body lay stretched across nine mu of ground; Dechen cut off his head and loaded it onto his chariot, and his eyebrows could be seen resting on the chariot rail. Why then does the text not say he "captured" him? It is said: in antiquity, one did not strike twice at an already-wounded man, nor take prisoner the gray-haired; therefore the text does not say "captured," out of consideration for our own side. As for the brother who went to Qi — Prince Chengfu (王子成父) killed him; but it is not known what became of the one who went to Jin.

Year 12 (文公十二年)

Annals. In the twelfth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the Earl of Cheng (郕) fled here [to Lu].

Annals. The Earl of Qi came for a court visit.

Annals. In the second month, on the day gengzi, Zi Shuji (子叔姬) died.

Guliang. That it calls her Zi Shuji shows her nobility — she was a sister of the Duke's mother. One tradition says: she had only been promised in marriage, and it was on that basis that her death is recorded with this form of the name. A man is capped at twenty, and once capped takes his place among grown men; he marries at thirty. A woman is promised in marriage at fifteen, and marries at twenty.

Annals. In summer, the men of Chu besieged Chao (巢).

Annals. In autumn, the Viscount of Teng came for a court visit.

Annals. The Earl of Qin sent Shu (術) on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, on the day wuwu, the men of Jin and the men of Qin fought at Hequ (河曲).

Guliang. It does not say "and," linking them in the usual formula — battles between Qin and Jin had already become so frequent that the text abbreviates the account.

Annals. Jisun Xingfu led the army, and walled Zhu (諸) and Yun (鄆).

Guliang. To say he "led the army" for this indicates that there was danger threatening it.

Year 13 (文公十三年)

Annals. In the thirteenth year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on the day renwu, the Marquis of Chen, Shuo (朔), died.

Annals. The Viscount of Zhu, Quchu (籧篨), died.

Annals. From the first month, no rain fell, until the seventh month of autumn.

Annals. The roof of the Great Chamber (大室) collapsed.

Guliang. That the roof of the Great Chamber collapsed shows that there was a prior cause of decay — the text censures the failure to maintain it. The "Great Chamber" is the same as the "hereditary chamber" (世室). The Duke of Zhou's temple was called the "Grand Temple"; his son Boqin's was called the "Great Chamber"; the temples of the other lords were called "palaces." By the rites, in matters of the ancestral temple, the ruler himself carves the sacrificial meat, and his lady herself pounds the grain — this is the utmost of reverence. Duke Wen, as lord over the altars of soil and grain, allowed the temple of a former ruler to fall into ruin; the text states this in the fullest terms, to record his irreverence.

Annals. In winter, the Duke went to Jin.

Annals. The Marquis of Wey met the Duke at Ta (沓).

Annals. The Di raided Wey.

Annals. In the twelfth month, on the day jichou, the Duke and the Marquis of Jin made covenant; [the Duke] returned from Jin.

Guliang. "Returned" (還), used alone, shows that the affair was not yet complete. "Returned from Jin" shows that by then the affair was complete.

Annals. The Earl of Zheng met the Duke at Fei (棐).

Year 14 (文公十四年)

Annals. In the fourteenth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the Duke returned from Jin.

Annals. The men of Zhu attacked our southern borderlands.

Annals. Shu Pengsheng led the army to attack Zhu.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on the day yihai, the Marquis of Qi, Pan (潘), died.

Annals. In the sixth month, the Duke met with the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Xu, the Earl of Cao, and Zhao Dun of Jin. On the day guiyou, they made a joint covenant at Xincheng (新城).

Guliang. "Joint" (同) implies that there was something held in common — together they excluded Chu.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, a comet (孛) entered the Northern Dipper.

Guliang. "Comet" (孛), as a word, is like "sweeping-obscuring" (茀). That it says the comet "entered" the Northern Dipper shows that the Dipper has an encircling domain of its own.

Annals. The Duke returned from the meeting.

Annals. The men of Jin sought to install Jiezi (捷菑) in Zhu, but were unable to install him.

Guliang. This was the work of Xi Ke (郤克) — why then does it say "the men"? To diminish him. Why diminish him? With five hundred great chariots, stretching over a thousand li of territory, they passed through Song, Zheng, Teng, and Xue, marching far to enter a state of a thousand chariots, seeking to change another's ruler — and only upon reaching the city walls did they realize their purpose could not be achieved. How late was this realization! Hence "were unable to install him." Before the attack had even happened, why does it already say "unable"? Because the attempt was unable to achieve its righteous purpose. Jiezi was born of a Jin mother; Juoju (貜且) was born of a Qi mother. Juoju was the proper heir; Jiezi was not proper.

Annals. In the ninth month, on the day jiashen, Gongsun Ao died in Qi.

Guliang. For a grandee who has fled into exile, the text does not ordinarily record his death — why then does it record it here? Because Lu received his body for burial, and so it could not but record his death. The place is given because it happened abroad.

Annals. Prince Shangren (商人) of Qi assassinated his ruler, She (舍).

Guliang. She had not yet completed a full year as ruler — why then does the text call him "ruler"? To confirm She as truly having been ruler, so as to weigh more gravely Shangren's assassination. Why does it not identify Shangren by the state clan-name? So as not to let one suspicion replace another. Why is She's death not dated? Because he had not fully completed his status as ruler.

Annals. Zi'ai (子哀) of Song fled here.

Guliang. That it calls him Zi'ai is an error in the record.

Annals. In winter, Shan Bo (單伯) went to Qi.

Annals. The men of Qi seized Shan Bo.

Guliang. This was a private offense. Shan Bo had committed adultery in Qi, and the men of Qi seized him.

Annals. The men of Qi seized Zi Shuji.

Guliang. Shuji shared the same guilt.

Year 15 (文公十五年)

Annals. In the fifteenth year, in spring, Jisun Xingfu went to Jin.

Annals. In the third month, the Marshal of Song, Huasun (華孫), came to make covenant.

Guliang. "Marshal" is an office. That he is called by his office is language showing the state was as if it had no ruler. What does "came to make covenant" mean? That it had been fixed in advance. That it does not say "and," naming a Lu counterpart, is because the text credits the state as a whole with the act.

Annals. In summer, the Earl of Cao came for a court visit.

Annals. The men of Qi returned the body of Gongsun Ao.

Annals. In the sixth month, on the first day, xinchou, the sun was eclipsed; drums were beaten and a victim was offered at the altar of the soil.

Annals. Shan Bo returned from Qi.

Guliang. When a grandee has been seized abroad and later returns, the text formally reports his arrival, and when it reports his arrival, it names him — why then is he not named here? Because he was a grandee commissioned by the Son of Heaven.

Annals. Xi Que of Jin led the army to attack Cai.

Annals. On the day wushen, [they] entered Cai.

Annals. In autumn, the men of Qi raided our western borderlands.

Guliang. That it says "borderlands" (鄙) distances it from the heartland. Why distance it? So as not to let the trouble touch our state proper.

Annals. Jisun Xingfu went to Jin.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, the feudal lords made covenant at Hu.

Annals. In the twelfth month, the men of Qi came to return Zi Shuji.

Guliang. That it calls her Zi Shuji honors her. Why does it speak of Qi "returning" her to us? Because parents, toward their child, even though she has done wrong, still wish to see her pardoned.

Annals. The Marquis of Qi raided our western borderlands.

Annals. [He] then attacked Cao, and entered its outer walls.

Year 16 (文公十六年)

Annals. In the sixteenth year, in spring, Jisun Xingfu met the Marquis of Qi at Yanggu (陽穀). The Marquis of Qi did not go so far as to make covenant [with him].

Guliang. "Did not go so far as to" is language favorable to us. Xingfu had failed in his mission, yet the record lets Qi bear this favorable phrasing.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, the Duke four times failed to observe the new-moon rite (視朔).

Guliang. The Son of Heaven announces the new moon to the feudal lords, and the feudal lords receive it in the temple of their father — this is the rite. That the Duke four times failed to observe the new-moon rite shows that the Duke was not acting as a minister ought. It shows that the Duke's weariness of government had become extreme.

Annals. In the sixth month, on the day wuchen, Prince Sui and the Marquis of Qi made covenant at Shiqiu (師丘).

Guliang. This renewed the covenant that Xingfu had failed to secure.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on the day xinwei, the Duke's lady, of the Jiang clan, passed away.

Annals. [Lu] tore down the Springs Terrace (泉臺).

Guliang. During mourning, one does not take up a second undertaking; to take up a second undertaking is to treat the mourning lightly. By this act, Duke Wen showed himself guilty of many lapses from the proper way! The terrace had been built since antiquity; to tear it down now — it would have been better simply to leave it unused, and no more.

Annals. The men of Chu, the men of Qin, and the men of Ba (巴) extinguished Yong (庸).

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, the men of Song assassinated their ruler, Chujiu (杵臼).

Year 17 (文公十七年)

Annals. In the seventeenth year, in spring, the men of Jin, the men of Wey, the men of Chen, and the men of Zheng attacked Song.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on the day guihai, [we] buried our lesser lady, Sheng Jiang (聲姜).

Annals. The Marquis of Qi attacked our western borderlands.

Annals. In the sixth month, on the day guiwei, the Duke and the Marquis of Qi made covenant at Gu (穀).

Annals. The feudal lords met at Hu.

Annals. In autumn, the Duke returned from Gu.

Annals. In winter, Prince Sui went to Qi.

Year 18 (文公十八年)

Annals. In the eighteenth year, in spring, in the king's second month, on the day dingchou, the Duke passed away below the Terrace (臺下).

Guliang. "Below the Terrace" was not the proper place [for a ruler to die].

Annals. The Earl of Qin, Ying (罃), died.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on the day wuxu, the men of Qi assassinated their ruler, Shangren.

Annals. In the sixth month, on the day guiyou, [we] buried our ruler, Duke Wen.

Annals. In autumn, Prince Sui and Shusun Dechen went to Qi.

Guliang. When an embassy raises up its chief envoy, it does not also name a deputy (介). Here it does not approve of two men of the same rank serving as each other's deputy, and so it lists and enumerates them both.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, the young lord (子) died.

Guliang. That the young lord's death is not dated is deliberate.

Annals. The Duke's lady, of the Jiang clan, returned to Qi.

Guliang. This shows the wickedness of Duke Xuan. There are cases where, without waiting for explicit demotion or denunciation, the crime and evil are already apparent from the bare record; and there are cases where the record waits for demotion and denunciation, and only then does the condemnation follow. The nieces and younger sisters who accompany a bride as secondary wives (侄娣) embody the intent that no child of the primary wife should be left motherless — if one of the several wives has a son, even the other three loosen their sashes [in shared joy]. One account says: this custom exists so that succession goes to the worthiest heir.

Annals. Jisun Xingfu went to Qi.

Annals. Ju assassinated its ruler, Shuqi (庶其).

Duke Xuan (宣公)

Year 1 (宣公元年)

Annals. In the first year, in spring, in the king's first month, the Duke took his place [as ruler].

Guliang. To speak of "taking his place" when succeeding after an irregular happening shows that he had a part in knowing of that happening.

Annals. Prince Sui went to Qi to meet the bride. In the third month, Sui, together with the Duke's lady, the bride Jiang (婦姜), arrived from Qi.

Guliang. That it does not give her clan name is because the mourning period was not yet complete, and so the text abbreviates. That it calls her "bride" is language framed in relation to her mother-in-law. That Sui is linked together with her in one clause comes from the one above causing it to be reported this way.

Annals. In summer, Jisun Xingfu went to Qi.

Annals. Jin banished its grandee Xu Jiafu (胥甲父) to Wey.

Guliang. "Banish" (放) is like "set aside" (屏). To name the state as the one banishing him shows that the one banished was without guilt.

Annals. The Duke met the Marquis of Qi at Pingzhou (平州). Prince Sui went to Qi. In the sixth month, the men of Qi took the fields west of the Ji.

Guliang. For the home state, the text does not ordinarily say "took" — that it says "took" here shows that they were handed over. This is treated as a bribe given to Qi.

Annals. In autumn, the Viscount of Zhu came for a court visit.

Annals. The Viscount of Chu and the men of Zheng raided Chen, and then raided Song.

Guliang. "Then" (遂) marks a continuation of the affair.

Annals. Zhao Dun of Jin led the army to rescue Chen.

Guliang. The text approves of the rescue of Chen.

Annals. The Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wey, and the Earl of Cao met the army of Jin at Feilin (棐林), and attacked Zheng.

Guliang. To list the feudal lords one by one and have them meet with Zhao Dun of Jin magnifies Zhao Dun's undertaking. Why does it say "army" rather than naming him directly? Because it magnifies him by this very indirection. To locate them at Feilin, and only afterward attack Zheng, is language of uncertainty. Why give this place at all? To make manifest its excellence.

Annals. In winter, Zhao Chuan (趙穿) of Jin led the army to raid Chong (崇).

Annals. The men of Jin and the men of Song attacked Zheng.

Guliang. Attacking Zheng was the means of rescuing Song.

Year 2 (宣公二年)

Annals. In the second year, in spring, in the king's second month, on the day renzi, Hua Yuan (華元) of Song led the army, and Prince Guisheng (歸生) of Zheng led the army, and they fought at Daji (大棘). The army of Song was utterly defeated, and Hua Yuan of Song was captured.

Guliang. "Captured" is language that withholds approval. It says that Song exhausted its whole host in order to save its commander. Since Zheng's three armies together opposed Hua Yuan alone, though Hua Yuan was captured, it was no disgrace to him.

Annals. The army of Qin attacked Jin.

Annals. In summer, the men of Jin, the men of Song, the men of Wey, and the men of Chen raided Zheng.

Annals. In autumn, in the ninth month, on the day yichou, Zhao Dun of Jin assassinated his ruler, Yigao (夷皋).

Guliang. It was Zhao Chuan (趙穿) who did the killing; Dun did not kill him — why then does it say Dun killed him? To place the blame on Dun. Why place the blame on Dun? It is said: Duke Ling held court for his grandees and wantonly shot pellets at them, watching them dodge the pellets. Zhao Dun went in to remonstrate, but was not heeded. He fled into exile, and had reached the outskirts of the capital when Zhao Chuan assassinated the Duke, and only then did Dun turn back. The scribe Shi Hu (史狐) recorded the deed, writing: "Zhao Dun assassinated the ruler." Dun said: "Heaven! Heaven! I am not guilty. Who could be Zhao Dun and yet bear to assassinate his own ruler?" Shi Hu said: "You were the chief minister; you went in to remonstrate and were not heeded. You fled, but not far; when the ruler was assassinated, you returned but did not punish the assassin — your intent was thus the same as his. When the intent is the same, the record lays the greater weight on you — if not you, then who? Therefore the record reads: 'Zhao Dun of Jin assassinated his ruler Yigao' — because the fault lay with the one below." It is said: in the case of Dun, we see the utmost of a loyal minister; in the case of Zhi, the heir apparent of Xu, we see the utmost of a filial son.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on the day yihai, the king passed away.

Year 3 (宣公三年)

Annals. In the third year, in spring, in the king's first month, the mouth of the suburban-sacrifice ox was injured.

Guliang. "Its mouth" is lenient language — the injury arose from the ox itself.

Annals. They re-divined for another ox; the ox died, and so the suburban sacrifice was not held.

Guliang. This was an alteration of the normal course of affairs. The word "thereupon" (乃) is language expressing that the proper person was lacking.

Annals. Yet still they performed the Three Vistas sacrifice.

Annals. [They] buried King Kuang (匡王).

Annals. The Viscount of Chu attacked the Luhun Rong (陸渾戎).

Annals. In summer, the men of Chu raided Zheng.

Annals. In autumn, the Red Di raided Qi.

Annals. The army of Song besieged Cao.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on the day bingxu, the Earl of Zheng, Lan (蘭), died.

Annals. [They] buried Duke Mu of Zheng.

Year 4 (宣公四年)

Annals. In the fourth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the Duke, together with the Marquis of Qi, made peace between Ju and Tan (郯); the men of Ju were unwilling.

Guliang. "Together with" (及) shows that the home state took the initiative in this. "Made peace" (平) means "brought to completion." That they were "unwilling" implies that they could have consented.

Annals. The Duke attacked Ju and took Xiang (向).

Guliang. To attack would still be tolerable; to take Xiang goes too far — the men of Ju had refused to accept our arbitration. To attack Ju was a righteous use of arms; to take Xiang was wrong — it rode upon righteousness in order to seize profit.

Annals. The Earl of Qin, Dao (稻), died.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, on the day yiyou, Prince Guisheng of Zheng assassinated his ruler, Yi (夷).

Annals. The Red Di raided Qi.

Annals. In autumn, the Duke went to Qi; the Duke returned from Qi.

Annals. In winter, the Viscount of Chu attacked Zheng.

Year 5 (宣公五年)

Annals. In the fifth year, in spring, the Duke went to Qi.

Annals. In summer, the Duke returned from Qi.

Annals. In autumn, in the ninth month, Gao Gu (高固) of Qi came to meet Zi Shuji [as his bride].

Guliang. When a feudal lord marries his daughter to a grandee of another state, he entrusts her to a grandee of his own state to give her away. That Gao Gu came here himself to fetch her treats our state as a party to be dealt with directly; the text disapproves of this direct dealing, and therefore does not grant them the designation of husband and wife.

Annals. Shusun Dechen died.

Annals. In winter, Gao Gu of Qi, together with Zi Shuji, came.

Guliang. "Together with" (及) means together with our own Zi Shuji. In being made to come with him, it carries the sense that she is not being allowed simply to be given away in the ordinary manner.

Annals. The men of Chu attacked Zheng.

Year 6 (宣公六年)

Annals. In the sixth year, in spring, Zhao Dun of Jin and Sun Mian (孫免) of Wey raided Chen.

Guliang. This was in fact a leading of the army — why then does it not say "led the army"? Because it does not approve of his ruining the earlier affair, and so it does not credit him with properly leading the army.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, there were locusts.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month.

Year 7 (宣公七年)

Annals. In the seventh year, in spring, the Marquis of Wey sent Sun Liangfu (孫良夫) to come and make covenant.

Guliang. "Came to make covenant" means it had been fixed in advance. That it does not say "and," naming a Lu counterpart, is because the text credits the state as a whole with the act. That it does not name the man involved is likewise crediting the state with it. That it is not dated is because a covenant fixed in advance is not dated.

Annals. In summer, the Duke met the Marquis of Qi and attacked Lai (萊).

Annals. In autumn, the Duke returned from attacking Lai.

Annals. There was a great drought.

Annals. In winter, the Duke met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, and the Earl of Cao at Heirang (黑壤).

Year 8 (宣公八年)

Annals. In the eighth year, in spring, the Duke returned from the meeting.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, Prince Sui went to Qi; upon reaching Huang (黃), he thereupon turned back.

Guliang. The word "thereupon" (乃) is language expressing that the proper person was lacking. "Turned back" (復) shows that the affair was concluded, yet also that he did not take the ruler's command wholly into his own hands.

Annals. On the day xinsi, a rite was held in the Grand Temple.

Annals. Zhong Sui (仲遂) died at Chui (垂).

Guliang. This is framed as though he had returned to report his mission before dying. This was in fact a prince of the ruling house — why then does it call him "Zhong"? To distance him. Why distance him? Because he is one whose death would not ordinarily be recorded. If he were not distanced, there would be no way to show that his death would not ordinarily be recorded — so why then is his death recorded here? To censure Duke Xuan. Why censure Xuan? Because on hearing of a grandee's death, the proper response is to set aside the music and conclude the affair respectfully.

Annals. On the day renwu, yet still they performed the yi (繹) sacrifice.

Guliang. The word "yet still" (猶) is language showing it could have been stopped. The yi is the feast for guests held on the morning after the sacrifice.

Annals. The Wan dance was performed, but the yue-flutes were omitted.

Guliang. Because this was a departure from the norm for the rite, the text criticizes it.

Annals. On the day wuzi, the Duke's lady, of the Xiong clan (熊氏), passed away.

Annals. The army of Jin and the White Di attacked Qin.

Annals. The men of Chu extinguished Shuliao (舒鄝).

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on the day jiazi, the sun was eclipsed, totally.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on the day jichou, [we] buried our lesser lady, Qing Xiong (頃熊). Rain prevented the burial.

Guliang. When a date has already been set for a burial, one does not stop for rain — this is the rite. That rain prevented the burial shows that the mourning was not conducted according to proper regulation.

Annals. On the day gengyin, at midday, they were able to complete the burial.

Guliang. "And" (而) is lenient language, language expressing that the day sufficed.

Annals. [Lu] walled Pingyang (平陽).

Annals. The army of Chu attacked Chen.

Year 9 (宣公九年)

Annals. In the ninth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the Duke went to Qi. The Duke returned from Qi.

Annals. In summer, Zhongsun Mie (仲孫蔑) went to the capital.

Annals. The Marquis of Qi attacked Lai.

Annals. In autumn, [Lu] took Genmou (根牟).

Annals. In the eighth month, the Viscount of Teng died.

Annals. In the ninth month, the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, and the Earl of Cao met at Hu.

Annals. Xun Linfu (荀林父) of Jin led the army to attack Chen.

Annals. On the day xinyou, the Marquis of Jin, Heitun (黑臀), died at Hu.

Guliang. The place is given because it happened abroad. The day is given because he had not yet crossed back over the border into his own state.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on the day guiyou, the Marquis of Wey, Zheng (鄭), died. The men of Song besieged Teng. The Viscount of Chu attacked Zheng. Xi Que of Jin led the army to rescue Zheng.

Annals. Chen put to death its grandee Xie Ye (泄冶).

Guliang. To name the state as the killer of its grandee shows that one without guilt was killed. How was Xie Ye without guilt? Duke Ling of Chen carried on an affair with a woman of the house of Xia Zhengshu (夏徵舒), and Gongsun Ning (公孫寧) and Yi Hangfu (儀行父) also carried on affairs with that house. Some of them wore her garments, some wore her undergarments next to their skin, and they mocked one another over it at court. Xie Ye heard of this, and went in to remonstrate, saying: "If the people of the state hear of this, it would still be tolerable; but if men of benevolence hear of it, it will not do." The ruler was ashamed before Xie Ye, and being unable to heed his words, killed him instead.

Year 10 (宣公十年)

Annals. In the tenth year, in spring, the Duke went to Qi. The Duke returned from Qi. The men of Qi returned to us the fields west of the Ji.

Guliang. The Duke had married a lady of Qi, and Qi therefore treated Lu as brotherly kin; in returning the fields, the text does not say Qi "came" to deliver them — the Duke went to Qi and received them there.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on the day bingchen, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. On the day jisi, the Marquis of Qi, Yuan (元), died.

Annals. The Cui clan (崔氏) of Qi fled into exile in Wey.

Guliang. "Clan" (氏) is language used when the whole lineage is driven out.

Annals. The Duke went to Qi. In the fifth month, the Duke returned from Qi.

Annals. On the day guisi, Xia Zhengshu of Chen assassinated his ruler, Pingguo (平國).

Annals. In the sixth month, the army of Song attacked Teng.

Annals. Gongsun Guifu (公孫歸父) went to Qi, to bury Duke Hui of Qi.

Annals. The men of Jin, the men of Song, the men of Wey, and the men of Cao attacked Zheng.

Annals. In autumn, the king sent Wang Jizi (王季子) on a diplomatic visit.

Guliang. That he is called "Wang Ji" shows he was a son of the king. That he is called "zi" honors him. "Diplomatic visit" (聘) means "to inquire after."

Annals. Gongsun Guifu led the army to attack Zhu, and took Yi (繹).

Annals. There was a great flood.

Annals. Jisun Xingfu went to Qi.

Annals. In winter, Gongsun Guifu went to Qi.

Annals. The Marquis of Qi sent Guo Zuo (國佐) on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. There was famine.

Annals. The Viscount of Chu attacked Zheng.

Year 11 (宣公十一年)

Annals. In the eleventh year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Annals. In summer, the Viscount of Chu, the Marquis of Chen, and the Earl of Zheng made covenant at Yiling (夷陵).

Annals. Gongsun Guifu met with the men of Qi and attacked Ju.

Annals. In autumn, the Marquis of Jin met with the Di at Zanhan (櫕函).

Guliang. It does not say "and" — this treats the Di as outsiders.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, the men of Chu killed Xia Zhengshu of Chen.

Guliang. This was in fact an entering of Chen followed by a killing — why then does it not say "entered"? Because it treats Zhengshu as an outsider to Chen. Why treat Zhengshu as an outsider to Chen? To make clear that Chu's punishment fell on one who was guilty.

Annals. On the day dinghai, the Viscount of Chu entered Chen.

Guliang. "Entered" (入) is language showing that the state within did not accept the entry. To date the entry marks disapproval of the one who entered. Why does the text withhold acceptance? So as not to let a Yi-Di power act as master of the Central States.

Annals. [Chu] restored Gongsun Ning and Yi Hangfu to Chen.

Guliang. "Restored" (納) is language showing that the state within did not accept this. To assist another when he cannot govern his people, and to punish wrongdoers on his behalf — this is still tolerable; but to enter another's state, to control the high and low within it, and cause it to lose the proper way between ruler and minister — this is not to be allowed.

Year 12 (宣公十二年)

Annals. In the twelfth year, in spring, [they] buried Duke Ling of Chen.

Annals. The Viscount of Chu besieged Zheng.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, on the day yimao, Xun Linfu of Jin led the army, and fought with the Viscount of Chu at Bi (邲). The army of Jin was utterly defeated (敗績).

Guliang. Ji (績, "achievement") means "accomplishment"; "accomplishment" means "the affair in its outcome." To date it marks that the affair ended in defeat.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, on the day wuyin, the Viscount of Chu extinguished Xiao (蕭).

Annals. The men of Jin, the men of Song, the men of Wey, and the men of Cao made a joint covenant at Qingqiu (清丘).

Annals. The army of Song attacked Chen.

Annals. The men of Wey rescued Chen.

Year 13 (宣公十三年)

Annals. In the thirteenth year, in spring, the army of Qi attacked Ju.

Annals. In summer, the Viscount of Chu attacked Song.

Annals. In autumn, there were locusts.

Annals. In winter, Jin killed its grandee Xian Gu (先穀).

Year 14 (宣公十四年)

Annals. In the fourteenth year, in spring, Wey put to death its grandee Kong Da (孔達).

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on the day renshen, the Earl of Cao, Shou (壽), died.

Annals. The Marquis of Jin attacked Zheng.

Annals. In autumn, in the ninth month, the Viscount of Chu besieged Song.

Annals. [They] buried Duke Wen of Cao.

Annals. In winter, Gongsun Guifu met the Marquis of Qi at Gu (穀).

Year 15 (宣公十五年)

Annals. In the fifteenth year, in spring, Gongsun Guifu met the Viscount of Chu at Song.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, the men of Song and the men of Chu made peace.

Guliang. "Peace" (平) means "brought to completion" — it approves of their gauging their strength and turning back to righteousness. "Men" (人) is language of the multitude. That the peace is credited to the multitude shows that both high and low desired it. Peace made between outside states is not ordinarily recorded — it is recorded here because our own men were present at it, and so it is recorded.

Annals. In the sixth month, on the day guimao, the army of Jin extinguished the Red Di state of the Lu clan (潞氏), and returned with its ruler, the Viscount of Lu, Ying'er (嬰兒).

Guliang. In recording the extinguishing of a state, there are three conventions: for a Central State, the day is carefully noted; for a lesser state, the month; for a Yi-Di state, no day is given. That the day is given here for the Viscount of Lu, Ying'er, shows he was worthy.

Annals. The men of Qin attacked Jin.

Annals. Wang Zhazi killed the Earl of Shao and the Earl of Mao.

Guliang. "Wang Zhazi" is a term used of one who acts against his superior. In killing the Earl of Shao and the Earl of Mao, why does the text not say [what rank they held]? Because it was a case of two subordinates killing each other. When two subordinates kill each other, the Chunqiu does not ordinarily record it — why then does it record this? Because [Wang Zhazi] forged the king's command in order to kill them; it was not a matter of killing done out of personal rage, and so it says: he killed by [claiming] the king's command. If he killed by the king's command, then what is being recorded? He who is lord over all under Heaven is Heaven itself; he who carries on Heaven's work is the ruler; that on which the ruler's standing rests is the mandate. For a subject to seize hold of his ruler's mandate and make use of it is to fail as a subject; for a ruler to lose [command of] his mandate is to fail as a ruler. When the ruler fails to be a ruler, and the subject fails to be a subject — this is how the realm comes to totter.

Annals. In autumn, there was a locust plague.

Annals. Zhongsun Mie met Gao Gu of Qi (齊) at Wulou.

Annals. For the first time, [Lu] taxed by the mu.

Guliang. "For the first time" means "beginning." In antiquity the rate was one part in ten, taken through communal labor on the well-field, not levied by the mu. "For the first time taxing by the mu" was improper. In antiquity three hundred paces made a li, and this was called the well-field. In a well-field there were nine hundred mu, of which the public field held one share. If the private fields' crops failed, the officers were blamed; if the public field's crop failed, the people were blamed. "For the first time taxing by the mu" did not mean the ruler gave up the public field — rather, he walked out the fields and took one part in ten from each. This meant the ruler had already taken from the people everything there was to take! In antiquity the public field held the common dwellings; the wells, the hearths, and the plots of onion and leek there, the people took for their own use in full.

Annals. In winter, locust nymphs appeared.

Guliang. The locust nymphs were not [in themselves counted as] a disaster. That the text calls them "nymphs" is to say that this was not the disaster of the mu-taxation.

Annals. There was famine.

Year 16 (宣公十六年)

Annals. In the sixteenth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the people of Jin extinguished the Red Di of Jiashi, and also Liuyu.

Annals. In summer, there was a fire at the Xuan Pavilion of Chengzhou.

Guliang. [Ordinary] fires at [the Zhou capital of] Chengzhou are not recorded. Why then does the text say "Xuan Pavilion"? Because it marks the place by naming where the musical instruments were stored.

Annals. In autumn, Lady Bo Ji of Tan came back [to Lu].

Annals. In winter, there was a year of great abundance.

Guliang. When the five grains ripen in abundance, it is called "a year of great abundance."

Year 17 (宣公十七年)

Annals. In the seventeenth year, in spring, in the king's first month, on gengzi, Xi Wo, Baron of Xu, died.

Annals. On dingwei, Shen, Marquis of Cai, died.

Annals. In summer, Duke Zhao of Xu was buried.

Annals. Duke Wen of Cai was buried.

Annals. In the sixth month, on guimao, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. On jiwei, the Duke met with the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Cao, and the Viscount of Zhu, and together they covenanted at Duandao.

Guliang. "Together" means there was a shared purpose — together they excluded Chu.

Annals. In autumn, the Duke arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, on renwu, the Duke's younger brother Shu Xi died.

Guliang. In calling him "the Duke's younger brother, Shu Xi," [the text] deems him worthy. Why deem him worthy? Because Duke Xuan had committed assassination, and Shu Xi condemned him for it. If he condemned him, why then did he not leave [Lu]? It is said: they were brothers — where could he go, and to whom? When given wealth he would say, "I have enough." He wove sandals in order to eat, and to the end of his life would not eat Duke Xuan's food. The gentleman regarded this as thoroughgoing kindness [toward kin, despite disapproval of the ruler], and for it he is accorded honor in the Chunqiu.

Year 18 (宣公十八年)

Annals. In the eighteenth year, in spring, the Marquis of Jin and Zang, heir apparent of Wey, attacked Qi (齊).

Annals. The Duke attacked Qi (杞).

Annals. In summer, the fourth month.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, the people of Zhu killed by violence the Viscount of Zeng, at Zeng.

Guliang. "To kill by violence" is like "to maim" — it means to strike down and kill.

Annals. On jiaxu, Lü, Viscount of Chu, died.

Guliang. The deaths of rulers of the Yi and Di are not [ordinarily] recorded with "died"; recording "died" here is a small advance [in recognition]. [Ordinarily] when "died" is recorded, no day is given; giving the day here is a small advance. Yet even giving the day, [the text] does not go on to call it "proper" — not calling it proper is to treat it summarily.

Annals. Gongsun Guifu went to Jin.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on renxu, the Duke passed away in the state chamber.

Guliang. This was the proper chamber.

Annals. Guifu was on his way back from Jin.

Guliang. "On his way back" indicates that his affairs were not yet finished; "from Jin" indicates that his affairs were finished. It is fitting that a man's son keep watch by his father's coffin. To abandon the coffin and, as one's father's envoy, flee onward — this amounts to fleeing from one's father.

Annals. He reached Cheng, and then fled to Qi (齊).

Guliang. "Then" indicates a continuation of the affair already under way.

Duke Cheng (成公)

Year 1 (成公元年)

Annals. In the first year, in spring, in the king's first month, the Duke assumed his position.

Annals. In the second month, on xinyou, our lord Duke Xuan was buried.

Annals. There was no ice.

Guliang. When there is still no ice by the end of the [cold] season, it is recorded; here it speaks of "no ice" before the season had ended — why? Because there was no ice through to the very end. This is a form of words used to remark upon the cold.

Annals. In the third month, the mound-levy of armor was instituted.

Guliang. "Instituted" means "made." "Mound" [refers to the unit that] produced the armor. The mound-levy of armor was a matter of state. That the mound[-units] were made to produce armor was improper. Why was this improper? In antiquity, when a state was established, the hundred offices were all in place, and farmers and artisans each had a charge by which they served their superiors. In antiquity there were four kinds of people: officer-people, merchant-people, farmer-people, and artisan-people. Now, armor is not something every person is capable of making. [Thus] the mound[-unit] making armor was improper.

Annals. In summer, Zangsun Xu and the Marquis of Jin covenanted at Chiji.

Annals. In autumn, the royal army was routed at Maorong.

Guliang. [The text] does not speak of "battle," because none dared to stand as its equal. For the honored, one conceals confrontation, but does not conceal defeat; for kin, one conceals defeat, but does not conceal confrontation. This is the principle of honoring the honored and holding close to one's kin. Who then defeated it? Jin did.

Annals. In winter, the tenth month.

Guliang. Jisun Xingfu was bald; Xi Ke of Jin was blind in one eye; Sun Liangfu of Wey was lame; Prince Shou of Cao was hunchbacked — at the same time they went on a diplomatic visit to Qi (齊). Qi had the bald man drive for the bald man, the one-eyed man drive for the one-eyed man, the lame man drive for the lame man, and the hunchback drive for the hunchback. Xiao Tong Zhizi stood on a terrace and laughed at them; word of it reached the guests, and the guests, displeased, departed. They stood together at the gate tower and talked, the sun moving on while they did not disperse. Among the people of Qi there was one who understood, and said, "Qi's troubles will surely begin from this!"

Year 2 (成公二年)

Annals. In the second year, in spring, the Marquis of Qi (齊) attacked our northern borderlands.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on bingxu, Sun Liangfu of Wey led an army and battled the army of Qi (齊) at Xinzhu. The army of Wey was routed.

Annals. In the sixth month, on guiyou, Jisun Xingfu, Zangsun Xu, Shusun Qiaoru, and Gongsun Yingqi led an army, met with Xi Ke of Jin, Sun Liangfu of Wey, and Prince Shou of Cao, and battled the Marquis of Qi (齊) at An. The army of Qi was routed.

Guliang. As for the day being given — some say it is given because it was a [major] battle; some say it is given because [Lu's] full levy was engaged. Cao has no grandees [in the Chunqiu's convention] — why then does the text say "prince"? Because our own four grandees were present, [the text] raises up the most honored of Cao's men [to match their rank].

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, the Marquis of Qi (齊) sent Guo Zuo to the army. On jiyou, [Lu] covenanted with Guo Zuo at Yuanlou.

Guliang. An was five hundred li from the [Qi] capital. Yuanlou was fifty li from the [Qi] capital. In a single battle [the coalition's advance] swept unbroken across five hundred li of land — they burned the thatch of the Yong Gate, and their chariots raided eastward as far as the sea. When the gentleman heard of it he said, "These are indeed words of the utmost extremity. Qi brought this upon itself." How did Qi bring this upon itself? By routing the army of Wey at Xinzhu, by raiding our northern borderlands, and by mocking Xi Xianzi — in these ways Qi brought it upon itself. Yuanlou lay outside [the range of the army's advance]. Xi Ke said, "Return the lands taken from Lu and Wey, bring the yan-vessel of the Marquis of Ji, take the mother of Xiao Tong Zhizi as hostage, and make the ploughmen all turn their furrows eastward — only then will I make covenant with you." Guo Zuo said, "To return the lands taken from Lu and Wey, and to bring the yan-vessel of the Marquis of Ji — this I agree to. But to take the mother of Xiao Tong Zhizi as hostage — she is the mother of the Marquis of Qi. The mother of the Marquis of Qi is as the mother of the lord of Jin; the mother of the lord of Jin is as the mother of the Marquis of Qi. To make the ploughmen all turn their furrows eastward would be to turn our very soil toward you to the very end. This cannot be — I ask instead for a battle. If one battle does not settle it, I ask for a second. If the second does not, a third. If the third does not, a fourth. If the fourth does not, a fifth. If the fifth does not, then I offer up the whole state." At this, [Xi Ke] made covenant with him.

Annals. In the eighth month, on renwu, Bao, Duke of Song, died.

Annals. On gengyin, Su, Marquis of Wey, died.

Annals. [Lu] took the lands of Wenyang.

Annals. In winter, the armies of Chu and Zheng raided Wey.

Annals. In the eleventh month, the Duke met Prince Yingqi of Chu at Shu.

Guliang. Chu has no grandees [in the Chunqiu's convention] — why then does the text say "prince"? Because Yingqi held himself as an equal [in standing].

Annals. On bingshen, the Duke, together with men of Chu, Qin, Song, Chen, Wey, Zheng, Qi (齊), Cao, Zhu, Xue, and Zeng, covenanted at Shu.

Guliang. Why does the text call Chu "men"? Because from this point on, the Duke obtained his proper place. When a meeting and a covenant fall in the same month, the place of the meeting is recorded but not the place of the covenant. When they do not fall in the same month, both places are recorded. Why here does it give the place of both meeting and covenant? Because it wishes to make plain that the Duke obtained his proper place, and to set out the matter in full. Today's submission was yesterday's arrogance.

Year 3 (成公三年)

Annals. In the third year, in spring, in the king's first month, the Duke met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, and the Earl of Cao, and attacked Zheng.

Annals. On xinhai, Duke Mu of Wey was buried.

Annals. In the second month, the Duke arrived back from attacking Zheng.

Annals. On jiazi, there was a fire at the New Temple, and [the court] wailed for three days.

Guliang. The "New Temple" was the temple of [Duke Cheng's] deceased father. Wailing for three days was grief. That the grief was shown was proper ritual. That it was too soon [after the death] for the text to name it directly as the father's temple is reverence. That the wording is both reverent and grieving means that, of Duke Cheng, there is nothing here to fault.

Annals. On yihai, Duke Wen of Song was buried.

Annals. In summer, the Duke went to Jin.

Annals. Prince Quji of Zheng led an army and attacked Xu.

Annals. The Duke arrived back from Jin.

Annals. In autumn, Shusun Qiaoru led an army and besieged Ji.

Annals. There was a great rain-sacrifice.

Annals. Xi Ke of Jin and Sun Liangfu of Wey attacked Qiangjiuru.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, the Marquis of Jin sent Xun Geng on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. The Marquis of Wey sent Sun Liangfu on a diplomatic visit. On bingwu, [Lu] covenanted with Xun Geng. On dingwei, [Lu] covenanted with Sun Liangfu.

Guliang. That the days are given is because of the Duke [being personally party to it] — they came on a visit and sought a covenant. That the text does not say "and" [in a reciprocal construction] is because it is credited to the state. That it does not name the men is likewise because it is credited to the state. That it does not say "sought" is because both sides desired it alike.

Annals. Zheng attacked Xu.

Year 4 (成公四年)

Annals. In the fourth year, in spring, the Duke of Song sent Hua Yuan on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. In the third month, on renshen, Jian, Earl of Zheng, died.

Annals. The Earl of Qi (杞) came to court.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on jiayin, Zangsun Xu died.

Annals. The Duke went to Jin.

Annals. Duke Xiang of Zheng was buried.

Annals. In autumn, the Duke arrived back from Jin.

Annals. In winter, [Lu] walled Yun.

Annals. The Earl of Zheng attacked Xu.

Year 5 (成公五年)

Annals. In the fifth year, in spring, in the king's first month, Lady Shu Ji of Qi (杞) came back [to Lu].

Guliang. By the proper usage for women: to marry is called "returning"; to come back [from a broken marriage] is called "coming back."

Annals. Zhongsun Mie went to Song.

Annals. In summer, Shusun Qiaoru met Xun Shou of Jin at Gu.

Annals. Mount Liang collapsed.

Guliang. Why is no day given? Because for lofty things there is a natural way by which they may collapse. If there is a natural way for it, why then is it recorded at all? It is said: when Mount Liang collapsed, it dammed the River so that for three days it did not flow, and the lord of Jin summoned Bo Zun to ask him about it. On his way Bo Zun met a man pulling a hand-cart; the cart-puller would not yield the road, so Bo Zun had the man on his chariot's right get down and whip him. The cart-puller said, "The reason you whip me is that the road you must take is a long one." Bo Zun got down from his chariot and asked him, "Have you heard anything?" He answered, "Mount Liang collapsed, and dammed the River so that for three days it has not flowed." Bo Zun said, "It is for this that my lord has summoned me — what is to be done?" The cart-puller said, "Heaven has mountains, and Heaven collapses them; Heaven has rivers, and Heaven dams them. Even summoning Bo Zun, what can be done?" Bo Zun, out of genuine concern, pressed him further. The cart-puller said, "Let the ruler himself wear plain white, and lead his assembled ministers in wailing for it, and afterward offer sacrifice — then it will flow again." When Bo Zun arrived, the ruler asked him, "Mount Liang has collapsed, damming the River so that for three days it has not flowed — what is to be done?" Bo Zun said, "Let the ruler himself wear plain white, and lead his assembled ministers in wailing for it, and afterward offer sacrifice — then it will flow again." When Confucius heard of this he said, "Did Bo Zun not lack real achievement here! He stole the credit for another man's good counsel."

Annals. In autumn, there was a great flood.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, on jiyou, the Heavenly King passed away.

Annals. In the twelfth month, on jichou, the Duke met with the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi (齊), the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Zhu, and the Earl of Qi (杞), and together they covenanted at Chonglao.

Year 6 (成公六年)

Annals. In the sixth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the Duke arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. In the second month, on xinsi, [Lu] established the Temple of Martial [Duke Wu].

Guliang. "Established" [here signals that] it was not fitting for it to be established.

Annals. [Lu] took Zhuan.

Guliang. Zhuan was a state.

Annals. Sun Liangfu of Wey led an army and raided Song.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, the Viscount of Zhu came to court.

Annals. Gongsun Yingqi went to Jin.

Annals. On renshen, Fei, Earl of Zheng, died.

Annals. In autumn, Zhongsun Mie and Shusun Qiaoru led an army and raided Song.

Annals. Prince Yingqi of Chu led an army and attacked Zheng.

Annals. In winter, Jisun Xingfu went to Jin.

Annals. Luan Shu of Jin led an army to rescue Zheng.

Year 7 (成公七年)

Annals. In the seventh year, in spring, in the king's first month, field-mice gnawed the horn of the suburban-sacrifice ox.

Guliang. That no day is given is a phrase of urgency, placing the fault upon the officers in charge. As for the suburban-sacrifice ox: by displaying its curved horns [daily for inspection], damage could be known — the way of "displaying" was thereby carried out in full; but the way of guarding against calamity was not carried out in full.

Annals. [They] divined anew for another ox, and the field-mice again gnawed its horn.

Guliang. "Again" is a phrase of repetition. Its wording is lenient, saying: it lies beyond human [control]! It is not something people are capable of preventing. This is the means by which the fault of the officers in charge is excused.

Annals. Then [they] released the ox [from its role as sacrificial victim].

Guliang. "Then" is likewise a phrase [saying the matter] lies beyond human [control]. In releasing a sacrificial victim, one dresses it in a black upper garment and a madder-red lower garment; the officers in charge, in dark formal robes, respectfully escort it to the southern suburb. Releasing the ox was done in the same way. [When] a victim is released, the text does not say the suburban sacrifice was not held; releasing the ox is likewise so.

Annals. Wu attacked Tan.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, the Earl of Cao came to court.

Annals. [Lu] did not hold the suburban sacrifice, but still performed the Three Watching-sacrifices.

Annals. In autumn, Prince Yingqi of Chu led an army and attacked Zheng.

Annals. The Duke met with the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi (齊), the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, and the Earl of Qi (杞), to rescue Zheng.

Annals. In the eighth month, on wuchen, they covenanted together at Maling. The Duke arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. Wu entered Zhoulai.

Annals. In winter, there was a great rain-sacrifice.

Guliang. [Ordinarily] the rain-sacrifice is recorded by season without the month; [here too] the month is not given — this too is a form of censure. In winter there is no occasion for a rain-sacrifice.

Annals. Sun Linfu of Wey fled into exile to Jin.

Year 8 (成公八年)

Annals. In the eighth year, in spring, the Marquis of Jin sent Han Chuan to speak concerning the lands of Wenyang, [that they be] returned to Qi (齊).

Guliang. "To Qi" is a lenient phrase — it does not make the whole burden appear to fall upon us.

Annals. Luan Shu of Jin led an army and raided Cai.

Annals. Gongsun Yingqi went to Ju.

Annals. The Duke of Song sent Hua Yuan on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. In summer, the Duke of Song sent Gongsun Shou to bring betrothal gifts.

Annals. Jin killed its grandees Zhao Tong and Zhao Kuo.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, the Son of Heaven sent the Earl of Shao to come and bestow commission upon the Duke.

Guliang. In [proper] ritual there is [the rite of a lord] receiving commission [by going to the king]; there is no [rite of] coming to bestow commission — to come and bestow commission was improper. Why does the text say "the Son of Heaven"? It is said: to mark it as a singular designation.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on guimao, Lady Shu Ji of Qi (杞) died.

Annals. The Marquis of Jin sent Shi Xie on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. Shusun Qiaoru met with Shi Xie of Jin, men of Qi (齊), and men of Zhu, and attacked Tan.

Annals. Men of Wey came to provide attendant-brides.

Guliang. [Providing] attendant-brides is a minor matter, not [ordinarily] recorded — why then is it recorded here? Because Bo Ji did not obtain her proper place, and so [the text] records the matter in full.

Year 9 (成公九年)

Annals. In the ninth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the Earl of Qi (杞) came to receive the coffin of Lady Shu Ji, to take it back with him.

Guliang. The tradition says: it is not [normal ritual] for a husband to go and receive the coffin of a wife he had cast out — yet he did so.

Annals. The Duke met with the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi (齊), the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, and the Earl of Qi (杞), and together they covenanted at Pu. The Duke arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. In the second month, Lady Bo Ji went [in marriage] to Song.

Annals. In summer, Jisun Xingfu went to Song to deliver the lady formally.

Guliang. "To deliver" [is a phrase used of one who need] not [be delivered in this way]. A woman, while in her [natal] household, is governed by her father; once married, she is governed by her husband. That [Lu sent someone] to Song to deliver her means that we carried the matter through to its very end ourselves. This was improper, and so the text does not credit it with our usual internal phrasing. Because the one who received her was of low rank, [Lu] delivered her in person. By setting out the matter in full, [the text] deems Bo Ji worthy.

Annals. Men of Jin came to provide attendant-brides.

Guliang. [Providing] attendant-brides is a minor matter, not [ordinarily] recorded — why then is it recorded here? Because Bo Ji did not obtain her proper place, and so [the text] records the matter in full.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on bingzi, Wuye, Marquis of Qi (齊), died.

Annals. Men of Jin seized the Earl of Zheng.

Annals. Luan Shu of Jin led an army and attacked Zheng.

Guliang. [The text] does not speak of "battle," on account of the Earl of Zheng. For the honored, one conceals shame; for the worthy, one conceals fault; for kin, one conceals affliction.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, Duke Qing of Qi (齊) was buried.

Annals. Prince Yingqi of Chu led an army and attacked Ju.

Annals. On gengshen, Ju collapsed.

Guliang. That the day is given is because, although Ju was of the Yi and Di, it was still counted among the central states. That its grandees, on Ju's collapse, went over to Chu, shows that this was the doing of those above. [The text] condemns this, and so carefully records the day.

Annals. Men of Chu entered Yun.

Annals. Men of Qin and the White Di attacked Jin; men of Zheng besieged Xu.

Annals. [Lu] walled the inner city.

Guliang. "Walling the inner city" had nothing to do with people from outside.

Year 10 (成公十年)

Annals. In the tenth year, in spring, Heibei, younger brother of the Marquis of Wey, led an army and raided Zheng.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, [they] divined five times for the suburban sacrifice; [the omens] did not comply, and so it was not held.

Guliang. "Summer, the fourth month" was not the proper season. Divining five times was forcing the matter. "Then" is a phrase [saying the matter] lies beyond human [control].

Annals. In the fifth month, the Duke met with the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi (齊), the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, and the Earl of Cao, and attacked Zheng.

Annals. Men of Qi (齊) came to provide attendant-brides.

Annals. On bingwu, Nou, Marquis of Jin, died.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, the Duke went to Jin.

Annals. In winter, the tenth month.

Year 11 (成公十一年)

Annals. In the eleventh year, in spring, in the king's third month, the Duke arrived back from Jin.

Annals. The Marquis of Jin sent Xi Chou on a diplomatic visit. On jichou, [Lu] covenanted with Xi Chou.

Annals. In summer, Jisun Xingfu went to Jin.

Annals. In autumn, Shusun Qiaoru went to Qi (齊).

Annals. In winter, the tenth month.

Year 12 (成公十二年)

Annals. In the twelfth year, in spring, the Duke of Zhou fled into exile to Jin.

Guliang. For [ministers of] Zhou there is only ever the record of entering [office], never of leaving — that the text here says "left" is to show, in one instance, [the failure of] both superior and inferior. It means that the proper way between superior and inferior had nothing left to sustain it. Even if the superior had failed in it, how would the inferior have dared to seize hold of it? Now both superior and inferior have failed in it alike!

Annals. In summer, the Duke met with the Marquis of Jin and the Marquis of Wey at Suoze.

Annals. In autumn, men of Jin defeated the Di at Jiaogang.

Guliang. Between the central states and the Yi and Di, [the text] does not speak of "battle" — it always says "defeated"; for the Yi and Di, no day is given.

Annals. In winter, the tenth month.

Year 13 (成公十三年)

Annals. In the thirteenth year, in spring, the Marquis of Jin sent Xi Qi to come and beg for troops.

Guliang. "To beg" is a weighty phrase. The people of antiquity placed weight on [the raising of] troops, and so they spoke of it using "to beg."

Annals. In the third month, the Duke went to the [Zhou] capital.

Guliang. [Ordinarily] when the Duke goes to the capital, the month is not given; that the month is given here is not [really about the timing of] "going." That, though it was not truly [an ordinary act of] "going," the text still calls it "going," is so as not to appear to turn away from the capital.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, the Duke arrived back from the capital, and thereupon met with the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi (齊), the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, men of Zhu, and men of Teng, and attacked Qin.

Guliang. This states that [the campaign] was undertaken on receiving [royal] command, [to show Lu] did not dare turn against Zhou.

Annals. Lu, Earl of Cao, died while with the army.

Guliang. The tradition says: this expresses pity for him. When the Duke's grandees are with the army, [their location] is called "the army"; when at a meeting, it is called "the meeting."

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, the Duke arrived back from attacking Qin.

Annals. In winter, Duke Xuan of Cao was buried.

Guliang. That the burial fell in its proper season was correct.

Year 14 (成公十四年)

Annals. In the fourteenth year, in spring, in the king's first month, Zhu, Viscount of Ju, died.

Annals. In summer, Sun Linfu of Wey returned from Jin to Wey.

Annals. In autumn, Shusun Qiaoru went to Qi (齊) to receive a bride.

Annals. Prince Xi of Zheng led an army and attacked Xu.

Annals. In the ninth month, Qiaoru, together with the lady, wife-consort Jiang, arrived from Qi (齊).

Guliang. A grandee is not [properly paired in phrasing] with "the lady"; that [the text] pairs him with her is improper. This criticizes [the Duke] for not going himself to receive her. That Qiaoru is thus singled out by name is because [the fault] is passed down from his superior.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on gengyin, Zang, Marquis of Wey, died.

Annals. The Earl of Qin died.

Year 15 (成公十五年)

Annals. In the fifteenth year, in spring, in the king's second month, Duke Ding of Wey was buried. In the third month, on yisi, Zhong Yingqi died.

Guliang. This man was a duke's grandson — why then does the text call him "Zhong"? The son is set at a remove [in style] by the standing of his father.

Annals. On guichou, the Duke met with the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, Cheng heir apparent of Song, Guo Zuo of Qi (齊), and men of Zhu, and together they covenanted at Qi (戚). The Marquis of Jin seized the Earl of Cao and sent him to the [Zhou] capital.

Guliang. In naming the Marquis of Jin outright as the one who seized the Earl of Cao, [the text] condemns the Marquis of Jin. To offer no further explanation is a phrase of urgency — the decision lay with the Marquis of Jin alone.

Annals. The Duke arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, Gu, Duke of Song, died.

Annals. The Viscount of Chu attacked Zheng.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on gengchen, Duke Gong of Song was buried.

Guliang. [When] both the month [of death] and the day of burial are given, this marks one who was not [properly] buried — why then does the text here speak of "burial" [without that implication]? Because the burial of Lady Gongji made it so that Duke Gong could not be left unburied [in the record]. Why is it that, having buried Lady Gongji, Duke Gong could not be left unburied? By the proper standing of a wife, she does not surpass her lord — this is done to exalt the worthy.

Annals. Hua Yuan of Song fled into exile to Jin. Hua Yuan of Song returned from Jin to Song.

Annals. Song killed its grandee Shan.

Annals. Yu Shi of Song fled into exile to Chu.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, Shusun Qiaoru met with Shi Xie of Jin, Gao Wujiu of Qi (齊), Hua Yuan of Song, Sun Linfu of Wey, Prince Qiu of Zheng, and men of Zhu, and met with Wu at Zhongli.

Guliang. A meeting held [merely] to arrange [another] meeting treats [the party met] as outside [the fold].

Annals. Xu moved [its capital] to Ye.

Guliang. "Moved" is used of one who still retained his state and household in going there. That the place is given is because Xu appears again [in the record].

Year 16 (成公十六年)

Annals. In the sixteenth year, in spring, in the king's first month, it rained and the trees iced over.

Guliang. That it rained and the trees iced over is recorded as an anomaly. The tradition says: roots and branches snapped.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on xinwei, the Viscount of Teng died.

Annals. Gongsun Xi of Zheng led an army and raided Song.

Annals. In the sixth month, on the new moon, bingyin, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. The Marquis of Jin sent Luan Yan to come and beg for troops.

Annals. On jiawu, the last day of the month, the Marquis of Jin battled the Viscount of Chu and the Earl of Zheng at Yanling. The Viscount of Chu and the army of Zheng were routed.

Guliang. When an event falls on the last day of the month, it is called "hui." When [an army's] four limbs are cut off and severed, it is called "routed." That the text names "routed" here is to give it a visible mark. For Chu, the text does not say "the army" [but names the Viscount himself] — the ruler outweighs the army.

Annals. Chu killed its grandee Prince Ce. In autumn, the Duke met with the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi (齊), the Marquis of Wey, Hua Yuan of Song, and men of Zhu at Suisui. [The Duke] was not received.

Guliang. "Not received" means it was possible for him to have been received. That it was possible, and yet he was not received, is a censure directed at the assembled lords.

Annals. The Duke arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. The Duke met with Viscount Yin, the Marquis of Jin, Guo Zuo of Qi (齊), and men of Zhu, and attacked Zheng.

Annals. The Earl of Cao returned from the [Zhou] capital.

Guliang. That the text does not say to where he returned is because his return was accounted good. When [a ruler's] going out and coming in are not marked by his personal name, it is taken to mean he did not lose his state. Return accounted as good is recorded thus; "returned from such-and-such" ranks next.

Annals. In the ninth month, men of Jin seized Jisun Xingfu, and lodged him at Tiaoqiu.

Guliang. One who is seized is not [ordinarily] lodged; that he was lodged is because it was near where the Duke was. One who is seized is [ordinarily] reported [on arrival abroad]; that it is not reported here is because the Duke was there in person. Why does his seizure carry this wording at all? Because he was, in effect, still with the Duke. The intent to keep the Duke safe was thereby also preserved. The Duke was kept safe.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on yihai, Shusun Qiaoru fled into exile to Qi (齊).

Annals. In the twelfth month, on yichou, Jisun Xingfu covenanted with Xi Chou of Jin at Hu.

Annals. The Duke arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. On yiyou, Prince Yan was stabbed to death.

Guliang. [Ordinarily,] when a grandee dies only the day is given, and this is proper. That here "stabbed" is stated before the name shows he was killed without guilt.

Year 17 (成公十七年)

Annals. In the seventeenth year, in spring, Beigong Kuo of Wey led an army and raided Zheng.

Annals. In summer, the Duke met with Viscount Yin, Viscount Shan, the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi (齊), the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Cao, and men of Zhu, and attacked Zheng. In the sixth month, on yiyou, they covenanted together at Keling.

Guliang. The covenant at Keling was made to plan a renewed attack on Zheng.

Annals. In autumn, the Duke arrived back from the meeting.

Guliang. That it does not say "arrived back from attacking Zheng" is because the Duke did not take full part in the attack. How do we know the Duke did not take full part in attacking Zheng? Because the text reports his return in terms of "the meeting." How do we know the covenant was meant for a renewed attack on Zheng? Because all who later met [again for the attack] had been among those who made the covenant. If he did not take full part in attacking Zheng, why then is the day given for his return? To say that the Duke did not turn his back on the covenant of Keling.

Annals. Gao Wujiu of Qi (齊) fled into exile to Ju.

Annals. In the ninth month, on xinchou, [Lu] carried out the suburban sacrifice.

Guliang. The beginning of summer may follow upon spring, but for the end of autumn to follow upon the beginning of spring — surely this cannot be allowed! To carry out the suburban sacrifice in the ninth month — this carrying-out was not fitting to be carried out. If the [ritual] chambers are not properly prepared, one may not sacrifice; if the vestments are not properly kept, one may not sacrifice; if the chariots, horses, vessels, and implements are not complete, one may not sacrifice; if even one of the officers in charge fails his office, one may not sacrifice. Sacrifice is the offering of the proper season, the offering of reverence, the offering of excellence — it is not [merely] the enjoyment of flavor.

Annals. The Marquis of Jin sent Xun Ying to come and beg for troops.

Annals. In winter, the Duke met with Viscount Shan, the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Cao, men of Qi (齊), and men of Zhu, and attacked Zheng.

Guliang. This states that the Duke did not turn his back on the covenant of Keling.

Annals. In the eleventh month, the Duke arrived back from attacking Zheng.

Annals. On renshen, Gongsun Yingqi died at Lishen.

Guliang. The eleventh month has no day renshen — renshen in fact falls in the tenth month. That this is recorded only after the Duke's return is reported is the proper conduct of a minister. That the place is given is because he had not yet crossed back over the border.

Annals. In the twelfth month, on the new moon, dingsi, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. Juoqie, Viscount of Zhu, died.

Annals. Jin killed its grandees Xi Qi, Xi Chou, and Xi Zhi.

Guliang. From this, calamity for [Jin] itself began to arise!

Annals. Men of Chu extinguished Shuyong.

Year 18 (成公十八年)

Annals. In the eighteenth year, in spring, in the king's first month, Jin killed its grandee Xu Tong. On gengshen, Jin assassinated its ruler Zhoupu.

Guliang. To name the state as the agent that assassinated its ruler means the ruler's own faults were extreme!

Annals. Qi (齊) killed its grandee Guo Zuo.

Annals. The Duke went to Jin.

Annals. In summer, the Viscount of Chu and the Earl of Zheng attacked Song. Yu Shi of Song re-entered Pengcheng.

Annals. The Duke arrived back from Jin.

Annals. The Marquis of Jin sent Shi Gai on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. In autumn, the Earl of Qi (杞) came to court. In the eighth month, the Viscount of Zhu came to court.

Annals. [Lu] built the Deer Park.

Guliang. [Ordinarily] building is not recorded — why then is it recorded here? The benefits of mountains, forests, marshes, and wetlands are meant to be shared with the people in common; to reserve them [exclusively] was improper.

Annals. On jichou, the Duke passed away in the state chamber.

Guliang. [Dying in] the state chamber was proper. A man should not end his life in the hands of women — [dying here] was to end with propriety.

Annals. In winter, men of Chu and men of Zheng raided Song.

Annals. The Marquis of Jin sent Shi Fang to come and beg for troops.

Annals. In the twelfth month, Zhongsun Mie met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Viscount of Zhu, and Cui Zhu of Qi (齊), and together they covenanted at Xuting.

Annals. On dingwei, our lord Duke Cheng was buried.

Duke Xiang (襄公)

Year 1 (襄公元年)

Annals. In the first year, in spring, in the king's first month, the Duke assumed his position.

Guliang. To assume one's position in continuation of a proper [succession] was proper.

Annals. Zhongsun Mie met with Luan Yan of Jin, Hua Yuan of Song, Ning Zhi of Wey, men of Cao, men of Ju, men of Zhu, men of Teng, and men of Xue, and besieged Pengcheng of Song.

Guliang. To attach Pengcheng to Song [in the phrasing] withholds recognition from Yu Shi — this was proper.

Annals. In summer, Han Jue of Jin led an army and attacked Zheng.

Annals. Zhongsun Mie met with Cui Zhu of Qi (齊), men of Cao, men of Zhu, and men of Qi (杞), and encamped at Zeng.

Annals. In autumn, Prince Renfu of Chu led an army and raided Song.

Annals. In the ninth month, on xinyou, the Heavenly King passed away.

Annals. The Viscount of Zhu came to court.

Annals. In winter, the Marquis of Wey sent Gongsun Piao on a diplomatic visit. The Marquis of Jin sent Xun Ying on a diplomatic visit.

Year 2 (襄公二年)

Annals. In the second year, in spring, in the king's first month, King Jian was buried.

Annals. The army of Zheng attacked Song.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on gengyin, Lady Jiang passed away.

Annals. In the sixth month, on gengchen, Gun, Earl of Zheng, died.

Annals. The armies of Jin and Song, and Ning Zhi of Wey, raided Zheng.

Guliang. That the text names "Ning Zhi of Wey" is because, here, he is named in keeping with [how he was named] in an earlier matter.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, Zhongsun Mie met with Xun Ying of Jin, Hua Yuan of Song, Sun Linfu of Wey, men of Cao, and men of Zhu, at Qi (戚).

Annals. On jichou, our lesser lord Lady Qi Jiang was buried.

Annals. Shusun Bao went to Song.

Annals. In winter, Zhongsun Mie met with Xun Ying of Jin, Cui Zhu of Qi (齊), Hua Yuan of Song, Sun Linfu of Wey, men of Cao, men of Zhu, men of Teng, men of Xue, and men of Lesser Zhu, at Qi (戚), and thereupon walled Hulao.

Guliang. As though speaking of [an act of] the central states [together] — it draws Zheng within the fold.

Annals. Chu killed its grandee Prince Shen.

Year 3 (襄公三年)

Annals. In the third year, in spring, Prince Yingqi of Chu led an army and attacked Wu.

Annals. The Duke went to Jin.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on renxu, the Duke and the Marquis of Jin covenanted at Changchu.

Annals. The Duke arrived back from Jin.

Annals. In the sixth month, the Duke met with Viscount Shan, the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, and Guang, heir apparent of Qi (齊). On jiwei, they together covenanted at Jize.

Guliang. "Together" means there was a shared purpose — together they excluded Chu.

Annals. The Marquis of Chen sent Yuan Qiao to go to the meeting.

Guliang. "Went to the meeting" means he was outside [the original body of] the meeting — he received his commission [to join] at the meeting itself.

Annals. On wuyin, Shusun Bao, together with the grandees of the assembled lords, covenanted with Yuan Qiao of Chen.

Guliang. The doubled "together with, together with" means he was admitted [as an equal party]. The assembled lords, if they judged one fit to be admitted, admitted him; if not fit, they set him aside. The lords had already covenanted, and then the grandees, among themselves, made a further private covenant — this is the grandees overreaching. Hence at the meeting of Jize the assembled lords first began to lose what was proper! When grandees seize hold of the power of the state, the text names "Yuan Qiao," marking it out as a thing apart.

Annals. In autumn, the Duke arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. In winter, Xun Ying of Jin led an army and attacked Xu.

Year 4 (襄公四年)

Annals. In the fourth year, in spring, in the king's third month, on jiyou, Wu, Marquis of Chen, died.

Annals. In summer, Shusun Bao went to Jin.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on wuzi, Lady Si passed away.

Annals. Duke Cheng of Chen was buried.

Annals. In the eighth month, on xinhai, our lesser lord Lady Ding Si was buried.

Annals. In winter, the Duke went to Jin.

Annals. Men of Chen besieged Dun.

Year 5 (襄公五年)

Annals. In the fifth year, in spring, the Duke arrived back from Jin.

Annals. In summer, the Earl of Zheng sent Prince Fa on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. Shusun Bao and Wu, heir apparent of Zeng, went to Jin.

Guliang. For outsiders, [the text] does not [ordinarily] speak of "going" [in this construction] — that it does here is because he went on account of a matter concerning us.

Annals. Zhongsun Mie and Sun Linfu of Wey met with Wu at Shandao.

Guliang. Wu calls "shan" (善) "yi," and calls "dao" (稻) "huan" — the title follows the usage of the central states, while the name follows that of its own people.

Annals. In autumn, there was a great rain-sacrifice.

Annals. Chu killed its grandee Prince Renfu.

Annals. The Duke met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, Guang heir apparent of Qi (齊), men of Wu, and men of Zeng, at Qi (戚). The Duke arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. In winter, [Lu] garrisoned Chen.

Guliang. This is phrasing from [Lu's] own internal perspective.

Annals. Prince Zhen of Chu led an army and attacked Chen.

Annals. The Duke met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, and Guang heir apparent of Qi (齊), to rescue Chen. In the twelfth month, the Duke arrived back from rescuing Chen.

Guliang. This approves of the rescue of Chen.

Annals. On xinwei, Jisun Xingfu died.

Year 6 (襄公六年)

Annals. In the sixth year, in spring, in the king's third month, on renwu, Gurong, Earl of Qi (杞), died.

Annals. In summer, Hua Ruo of Song fled here [to Lu] for refuge.

Annals. In autumn, Duke Huan of Qi (杞) was buried.

Annals. The Viscount of Teng came to court.

Annals. Men of Ju extinguished Zeng.

Guliang. [Yet] this was not [truly] an extinguishing. For the central states, [such events are recorded] by day; for lesser states, by month; for the Yi and Di, by season. Zeng was a central state, yet [this] is recorded only by season — [which shows] this was not [truly] an extinguishing. A household may already be lost, a state may already be extinguished, and yet be extinguished without itself realizing it — this comes of there being a distinction [that ought to be kept] which was not kept. [Thus, though] men of Ju extinguished Zeng, this was not [truly] the extinguishing — rather, setting up one of a different clan-surname to preside over the sacrifices was already the true way by which it had perished.

Annals. In winter, Shusun Bao went to Zhu.

Annals. Jisun Su went to Jin.

Annals. In the twelfth month, the Marquis of Qi (齊) extinguished Lai.

Year 7 (襄公七年)

Annals. In the seventh year, in spring, the Viscount of Tan came to court.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, [they] divined three times for the suburban sacrifice; [the omens] did not comply, and so [they] released the sacrificial victim.

Guliang. "Summer, the fourth month" was not the proper season. Divining three times was proper ritual. "Then" is a phrase [saying the matter] lies beyond human [control].

Annals. The Viscount of Lesser Zhu came to court.

Annals. [Lu] walled Bi.

Annals. In autumn, Jisun Su went to Wey.

Annals. In the eighth month, there was a locust plague.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, the Marquis of Wey sent Sun Linfu on a diplomatic visit. On renxu, [Lu] covenanted with Sun Linfu.

Annals. Prince Zhen of Chu led an army and besieged Chen.

Annals. In the twelfth month, the Duke met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, and the Viscount of Zhu, at Wei (鄬). Kunyuan, Earl of Zheng, went to the meeting, [but] did not [reach and] see the assembled lords. On bingxu, he died at Cao (操).

Guliang. [Though] he did not see the assembled lords, why does the text say "went to the meeting"? To convey his full intent. By ritual, the assembled lords are not named while living — why then is he named here while [in effect] living? It is the naming proper to death. If it is the naming proper to death, why then is it placed above "went to the meeting"? To show that he is recorded as having died [while still counted as] going to the meeting. Why is he shown this way? The Earl of Zheng was about to meet with the central states, but his own ministers wished to follow Chu; unable to overcome them, he was assassinated and died. Why does the text not say "assassinated"? So as not to let the subjects of the Yi and Di be reckoned as having overpowered a ruler of the central states. That the place is given is because it was outside [his own territory]; that the day is given is because he had not yet crossed back over the border. Giving the day of death and only the season of burial was proper.

Annals. The Marquis of Chen fled back to his state.

Guliang. Because he had departed from the company of the assembled lords, the text calls it "fled."

Year 8 (襄公八年)

Annals. In the eighth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the Duke went to Jin.

Annals. In summer, Duke Xi of Zheng was buried.

Annals. Men of Zheng raided Cai, and captured Prince Shi of Cai.

Guliang. "Men" indicates persons of low standing. "Raiding" is a minor affair. Yet in it a prince was captured — the prince himself was at fault!

Annals. Jisun Su met with the Marquis of Jin, the Earl of Zheng, men of Qi (齊), men of Song, men of Wey, and men of Zhu, at Xingqiu.

Guliang. This shows Lu's departure from what was proper: the Duke was present [in the state], yet it was a grandee who attended the meeting.

Annals. The Duke arrived back from Jin.

Annals. Men of Ju attacked our eastern borderlands.

Annals. In autumn, in the ninth month, there was a great rain-sacrifice.

Annals. In winter, Prince Zhen of Chu led an army and attacked Zheng.

Annals. The Marquis of Jin sent Shi Gai on a diplomatic visit.

Year 9 (襄公九年)

Annals. In the ninth year, in spring, there was a fire in Song.

Guliang. Fires among outside states are not [ordinarily] recorded — why then is it recorded here? Because of Song.

Annals. In summer, Jisun Su went to Jin.

Annals. In the fifth month, on xinyou, Lady Jiang passed away.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on guiwei, our lesser lord Lady Mu Jiang was buried.

Annals. In winter, the Duke met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi (杞), the Viscount of Lesser Zhu, and Guang heir apparent of Qi (齊), and attacked Zheng. In the twelfth month, on jihai, they together covenanted at Xi.

Guliang. Not to set Zheng apart approves of [this campaign's] winning over of Zheng. That [the Duke's] arrival is not reported is because it would be shameful — an admission that they were unable to hold Zheng securely.

Annals. The Viscount of Chu attacked Zheng.

Year 10 (襄公十年)

Annals. In the tenth year, in spring, the Duke met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi (杞), the Viscount of Lesser Zhu, and Guang heir apparent of Qi (齊), and met with Wu at Zha.

Guliang. A meeting held [merely] to arrange [another] meeting treats [the party met] as outside [the fold].

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on jiawu, [they] thereupon extinguished Fuyang.

Guliang. "Thereupon" [here] means a direct continuation. Why does the text say "thereupon"? So as not to make the central states appear to follow after the Yi and Di [in this act].

Annals. The Duke arrived back from the meeting.

Guliang. [Normally] meetings with the Yi and Di are not reported [on return], and shameful affairs are not reported — why then is it reported here? To preserve [the honor of] the central states. When the central states have a worthy affair to their credit, [the report of return] is joined together with it; when there is no worthy affair, it is kept apart and separately preserved. The recovery of the Earl of Zheng, and [before it] the Marquis of Chen's flight back to his state — by contrast, the reporting of the return from the meeting at Zha preserves [the honor of] the central states.

Annals. Zi Zhen of Chu and Gongsun Zhe of Zheng led an army and attacked Song.

Annals. The army of Jin attacked Qin.

Annals. In autumn, men of Ju attacked our eastern borderlands.

Annals. The Duke met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, Guang heir apparent of Qi (齊), the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi (杞), and the Viscount of Lesser Zhu, and attacked Zheng.

Annals. In winter, bandits killed Prince Fei, Prince Fa, and Gongsun Zhe of Zheng.

Guliang. To name "bandits" as those who killed the grandees, without stating it in the proper way of superior and inferior, condemns those above.

Annals. [Lu] garrisoned Hulao of Zheng.

Guliang. That the text says "Hulao of Zheng" settles Hulao as belonging to Zheng.

Annals. Prince Zhen of Chu led an army to rescue Zheng.

Annals. The Duke arrived back from attacking Zheng.

Year 11 (襄公十一年)

Annals. In the eleventh year, in spring, in the king's first month, [Lu] instituted three armies.

Guliang. "Instituted" means "made." In antiquity the Son of Heaven had six armies, and the [regional] lords had one army each. To institute three armies was improper.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, [they] divined four times for the suburban sacrifice. [The omens] did not comply, and so it was not held.

Guliang. "Summer, the fourth month" was not the proper season. Divining four times was improper ritual.

Annals. Gongsun Shezhi of Zheng led an army and raided Song.

Annals. The Duke met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Cao, Guang heir apparent of Qi (齊), the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi (杞), and the Viscount of Lesser Zhu, and attacked Zheng.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on jiwei, they together covenanted north of the [Zheng] capital.

Annals. The Duke arrived back from attacking Zheng.

Guliang. His return is not reported as coming afterward [as a separate event] — after the covenant they attacked Zheng again [in the same continuous action].

Annals. The Viscount of Chu and the Earl of Zheng attacked Song.

Annals. The Duke met with the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Cao, Guang heir apparent of Qi (齊), the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi (杞), and the Viscount of Lesser Zhu, and attacked Zheng, meeting at Xiaoyu. The Duke arrived back from the meeting.

Guliang. [Though] the attack came before the meeting, his return is not reported as [coming] from attacking Zheng — this is the phrasing used for having won over the Earl of Zheng.

Annals. Men of Chu seized Liang Xiao, envoy of Zheng.

Guliang. "Envoy" is a phrase that carries [the weight of representing] the whole state.

Annals. In winter, men of Qin attacked Jin.

Year 12 (襄公十二年)

Annals. In the twelfth year, in spring, in the king's third month, men of Ju (莒) attacked our eastern borderlands and besieged Tai (邰).

Guliang. In attacking a state, the text does not mention besieging a settlement — it singles out the graver deed. When a settlement is taken, the text does not write "besieged" — how would that be significant enough to record?

Annals. Jisun Su (季孫宿) led an army to rescue Tai, and thereupon entered Yun (鄆).

Guliang. "Thereupon" indicates a continuing action. He had received orders to rescue Tai, but without having received orders he entered Yun — this condemns Jisun Su.

Annals. In summer, the Marquis of Jin sent Shi Fang (士魴) to come on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. In autumn, in the ninth month, the Viscount of Wu, Cheng (乘), died.

Annals. In winter, Prince Zhen (貞) of Chu led an army and raided Song.

Annals. Our lord went to Jin.

Year 13 (襄公十三年)

Annals. In the thirteenth year, in spring, our lord arrived back from Jin.

Annals. In summer, [we] took Shi (邿).

Annals. In autumn, in the ninth month, on gengchen day, the Viscount of Chu, Shen (審), died.

Annals. In winter, [we] walled Fang (防).

Year 14 (襄公十四年)

Annals. In the fourteenth year, in spring, in the king's first month, Jisun Su and Shu Lao (叔老) met Shi Gai (士丐) of Jin, men of Qi, men of Song, men of Wey (衛), Gongsun Chai (公孫蠆) of Zheng, men of Cao, men of Ju, men of Zhu (邾), men of Teng (滕), men of Xue (薛), men of Qi (杞), and men of Xiaozhu (小邾), and met with Wu at Xiang (向).

Annals. In the second month, on yiwei, the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, Shusun Bao (叔孫豹) met Xun Yan (荀偃) of Jin, men of Qi, men of Song, Beigong Kuo (北宮括) of Wey, Gongsun Chai of Zheng, men of Cao, men of Ju, men of Zhu, men of Teng, men of Xue, men of Qi (杞), and men of Xiaozhu, and attacked Qin.

Annals. On jiwei day, the Marquis of Wey fled into exile in Qi.

Annals. Men of Ju raided our eastern borderlands.

Annals. In autumn, Prince Zhen of Chu led an army and attacked Wu.

Annals. In winter, Jisun Su met Shi Gai of Jin, Hua Yue (華閱) of Song, Sun Linfu (孫林父) of Wey, Gongsun Chai of Zheng, men of Ju, and men of Zhu, at Qi (戚).

Year 15 (襄公十五年)

Annals. In the fifteenth year, in spring, the Duke of Song sent Xiang Xu (向戌) to come on a diplomatic visit. In the second month, on jihai day, [our lord] covenanted with Xiang Xu at Liu (劉).

Annals. Liu Xia (劉夏) went to Qi to escort the queen.

Guliang. He passed through our state, and so [the event] is recorded.

Annals. In summer, the Marquis of Qi attacked our northern borderlands and besieged Cheng (成); our lord went to rescue Cheng, and got as far as Yu (遇).

Annals. Jisun Su and Shusun Bao led an army and walled the outer wall of Cheng.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on dingsi day, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. Men of Zhu attacked our southern borderlands.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, on guihai day, the Marquis of Jin, Zhou (周), died.

Year 16 (襄公十六年)

Annals. In the sixteenth year, in spring, in the king's first month, Duke Dao of Jin was buried.

Annals. In the third month, our lord met the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi (杞), and the Viscount of Xiaozhu, at Jiliang (湨梁). On wuyin day, the grandees covenanted.

Guliang. At the meeting of Jiliang, the lords lost the proper form! The lords held a meeting, yet the text says "the grandees covenanted" — the authority lay with the grandees. The lords were present, yet the text does not say "the lords' grandees" — this shows the grandees did not act as subjects.

Annals. Men of Jin seized the Viscount of Ju and the Viscount of Zhu and returned home with them.

Annals. The Marquis of Qi attacked our northern borderlands.

Annals. In summer, our lord arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. In the fifth month, on jiazi day, there was an earthquake.

Annals. Shu Lao met the Earl of Zheng, Xun Yan of Jin, Ning Zhi (甯殖) of Wey, and men of Song, and attacked Xu (許).

Annals. In autumn, the Marquis of Qi attacked our northern borderlands and besieged Cheng.

Annals. There was a great rain-sacrifice.

Annals. In winter, Shusun Bao went to Jin.

Year 17 (襄公十七年)

Annals. In the seventeenth year, in spring, in the king's second month, on gengwu day, the Viscount of Zhu, Jian (瞷), died.

Annals. Men of Song attacked Chen.

Annals. In summer, Shi Mai (石買) of Wey led an army and attacked Cao.

Annals. In autumn, the Marquis of Qi attacked our northern borderlands and besieged Tao (桃). Gao Hou (高厚) of Qi led an army and attacked our northern borderlands, besieging Fang.

Annals. In the ninth month, there was a great rain-sacrifice.

Annals. Hua Chen (華臣) of Song fled into exile in Chen.

Annals. In winter, men of Zhu attacked our southern borderlands.

Year 18 (襄公十八年)

Annals. In the eighteenth year, in spring, the White Di came.

Annals. In summer, men of Jin seized Shi Mai, envoy of Wey.

Guliang. He is styled "envoy" because the grudge against him reaches up to his ruler.

Annals. In autumn, the Marquis of Qi attacked our northern borderlands.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, our lord met the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi (杞), and the Viscount of Xiaozhu, and together besieged Qi.

Guliang. It was not [truly] a siege, yet the text says "besieged" — Qi had committed a great wrong, and so it also suffered for it. It was not [in itself] so grave an act as to warrant uniting all the lords, yet the text says they acted together — the lords jointly held Qi guilty, and so it suffered for that as well.

Annals. The Earl of Cao, Fuchu (負芻), died in the army.

Guliang. [The text] grieves for him.

Annals. Prince Wu (午) of Chu led an army and attacked Zheng.

Year 19 (襄公十九年)

Annals. In the nineteenth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the lords covenanted at Zhuke (祝柯).

Annals. Men of Jin seized the Viscount of Zhu.

Annals. Our lord arrived back from attacking Qi.

Guliang. It is the principle of the Chunqiu that, when a lord has already made an attack and then covenants, and afterward attacks again, his arrival is recorded as "arriving from the attack"; when he covenants and does not attack again, his arrival is recorded as "arriving from the meeting." At the covenant of Zhuke, did the covenanting party attack Qi again? It is said: no. Then why is his arrival recorded as "from the attack"? It is said: he had taken part with others in a joint undertaking, in the course of which one ruler was seized and another's territory was taken.

Annals. [We] took land from Zhu, [with the boundary] from the Guo River (漷水).

Guliang. This is language of a high-handed act. That no day is recorded condemns the covenant.

Annals. Jisun Su went to Jin.

Annals. Duke Cheng of Cao was buried.

Annals. In summer, Sun Linfu of Wey led an army and attacked Qi.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on xinmao day, the Marquis of Qi, Huan (環), died.

Annals. Shi Gai of Jin led an army and raided Qi. Reaching Gu (穀), he heard the Marquis of Qi had died, and thereupon turned back.

Guliang. "Turned back" is language for an affair left unfinished. He had received orders to punish Qi, and whether the ruler was alive or dead should have made no difference to his anger; that he did not attack a state in mourning is approved. If it is approved, then why call it "unfinished"? A ruler should not personally handle small matters, and a subject should not monopolize great renown. When an act is good it should be credited to the ruler; when it is a fault it should be taken on oneself — only then will the people learn to yield. Shi Gai, on his own authority abroad, monopolized his ruler's command — hence the text faults him. Then what ought a man in Shi Gai's place to have done? He ought to have set up a screened altar-ground and referred the decision back through his deputy.

Annals. In the eighth month, on bingchen day, Zhongsun Mie (仲孫蔑) died.

Annals. Qi killed its grandee Gao Hou.

Annals. Zheng killed its grandee Prince Jia (嘉).

Annals. In winter, Duke Ling of Qi was buried.

Annals. [We] walled the western outer wall.

Annals. Shusun Bao met Shi Gai of Jin at Ke (柯).

Annals. [We] walled Wucheng (武城).

Year 20 (襄公二十年)

Annals. In the twentieth year, in spring, in the king's first month, on xinhai day, Zhongsun Su (仲孫速) met men of Ju and covenanted at Xiang.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, on gengshen day, our lord met the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi (杞), and the Viscount of Xiaozhu, and covenanted at Zhanyuan (澶淵). In autumn, our lord arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. Zhongsun Su led an army and attacked Zhu.

Annals. Cai killed its grandee Prince Shi (濕); Prince Lü (履) of Cai fled into exile in Chu.

Annals. The younger brother of the Marquis of Chen, Guang (光), fled into exile in Chu.

Guliang. Given the dignity of a lord, his brothers may not be linked to him by the ordinary term of kinship. That the text calls him "younger brother" here shows intimacy toward him. To treat him with intimacy and yet record that he fled into exile — this condemns the deed.

Annals. Shu Lao went to Qi.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on bingchen, the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. Jisun Su went to Song.

Year 21 (襄公二十一年)

Annals. In the twenty-first year, in spring, in the king's first month, our lord went to Jin.

Annals. Shuqi (庶其) of Zhu came in flight [to Lu], bringing Qi (漆) and Lüqiu (閭丘) with him.

Guliang. "Bringing" is said of one who ought not to have been able to bring such things. Of one who "comes in flight," the text does not say "went out" — it singles out the party who received him. That the text does not link "Qi" and "Lüqiu" with "and" [及] is because the small and the great are treated as equal in rank.

Annals. In summer, our lord arrived back from Jin.

Annals. In autumn, Luan Ying (欒盈) of Jin fled into exile in Chu.

Annals. In the ninth month, on gengxu, the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on gengchen, the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. The Earl of Cao came to court.

Annals. Our lord met the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, and the Viscount of Zhu, at Shangren (商任). On gengzi day, Confucius was born.

Year 22 (襄公二十二年)

Annals. In the twenty-second year, in spring, in the king's first month, our lord arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. In summer, the fourth month.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on xinyou day, Shu Lao died.

Annals. In winter, our lord met the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi (杞), and the Viscount of Xiaozhu, at Shasui (沙隨). Our lord arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. Chu killed its grandee Prince Zhuishu (追舒).

Year 23 (襄公二十三年)

Annals. In the twenty-third year, in spring, in the king's second month, on guiyou, the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. In the third month, on jisi day, the Earl of Qi (杞), Gai (丐), died.

Annals. In summer, Beiwo (畀我) of Zhu came in flight [to Lu].

Annals. Duke Xiao of Qi (杞) was buried.

Annals. Chen killed its grandee Qing Hu (慶虎), and Qing Yin (慶寅).

Guliang. When the text names the state itself as the killer, the guilt implicates those above. "And Qing Yin" — Qing Yin was implicated [in Qing Hu's crime].

Annals. The younger brother of the Marquis of Chen, Guang, returned from Chu to Chen.

Annals. Luan Ying of Jin returned once more into Jin, entering Quwo (曲沃).

Annals. In autumn, the Marquis of Qi attacked Wey, and thereupon attacked Jin.

Annals. In the eighth month, Shusun Bao led an army to rescue Jin, and halted at Yongyu (雍渝).

Guliang. To say "rescue" and then afterward "halted" means it was not a true rescue.

Annals. On jimao day, Zhongsun Su died.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on yihai day, Zangsun He (臧孫紇) fled into exile in Zhu.

Guliang. That a day is given makes correct the record of Zangsun He's flight. Qu Boyu (蘧伯玉) said: "One who does not serve his ruler by the Way — is this not his proper going-out?"

Annals. Men of Jin killed Luan Ying.

Guliang. This condemns him; he is not acknowledged as one of Jin's own.

Annals. The Marquis of Qi made a surprise attack on Ju.

Year 24 (襄公二十四年)

Annals. In the twenty-fourth year, in spring, Shusun Bao went to Jin.

Annals. Zhongsun Jie (仲孫羯) led an army and raided Qi.

Annals. In summer, the Viscount of Chu attacked Wu.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on jiazi, the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed, totally.

Annals. Cui Zhu (崔杼) of Qi led an army and attacked Ju.

Annals. There was a great flood.

Annals. In the eighth month, on guisi, the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. Our lord met the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi (杞), and the Viscount of Xiaozhu, at Yiyi (夷儀).

Annals. In winter, the Viscount of Chu, the Marquis of Cai, the Marquis of Chen, and the Baron of Xu (許) attacked Zheng.

Annals. Our lord arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. Zhen Yijiu (鍼宜咎) of Chen fled into exile in Chu.

Annals. Shusun Bao went to the royal capital.

Annals. There was a great famine.

Guliang. When none of the five grains ripen, it is called a great famine. When one grain fails to ripen, it is called "want"; when two grains fail, it is called "famine"; when three grains fail, it is called "dearth"; when four grains fail, it is called "hardship"; when all five grains fail, it is called "great calamity." In the rites for a great calamity: the ruler's meals do not combine more than one dish, terraces and pavilions go unplastered, the ceremonial archery-targets are set aside, the roads of the court are not cleared, the hundred officers are stationed but not fully regulated, and the spirits are prayed to but not sacrificed to. These are the rites for a great calamity.

Year 25 (襄公二十五年)

Annals. In the twenty-fifth year, in spring, Cui Zhu of Qi led an army and attacked our northern borderlands.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on yihai day, Cui Zhu of Qi assassinated his ruler, Guang (光).

Guliang. Duke Zhuang had been careless of speech, and committed adultery with a woman of the Cui clan.

Annals. Our lord met the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi (杞), and the Viscount of Xiaozhu, at Yiyi.

Annals. In the sixth month, on renzi day, Gongsun Shezhi (公孫舍之) of Zheng led an army and entered Chen.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on jisi day, the lords together covenanted at Chongqiu (重丘).

Annals. Our lord arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. The Marquis of Wey entered Yiyi.

Annals. Qu Jian (屈建) of Chu led an army and extinguished Shujiu (舒鳩).

Annals. In winter, Gongsun Xia (公孫夏) of Zheng led an army and attacked Chen.

Annals. In the twelfth month, the Viscount of Wu, Ye (謁), attacked Chu, [fought] at the gate of Chao (巢), and died.

Guliang. In the course of the attack on Chu, he fought at the gate of Chao, and died. "At Chao" places it outside of Chu. "At the gate of Chao" — this was in fact part of the attack on Chu. The lords, while living, are not named directly; here the text takes his name, ordinarily reserved for the record of death, and places it above "attacked Chu" — this shows that he is regarded as having died in the course of attacking Chu. Why is he shown as having died in the attack on Chu? In antiquity, when a great state passed by a small settlement, the small settlement would invariably adorn its walls and request pardon for its offense — this was the proper rite. The Viscount of Wu, Ye, attacked Chu and reached Chao; he entered its gate, and the gatekeepers shot the Viscount of Wu; he was wounded by an arrow, returned to his lodging, and died. In antiquity, though there might be affairs of civil observance, there was invariably military preparedness as well. It was not that Chao had failed to adorn its walls and request pardon; nor was it that the Viscount of Wu had simply taken himself too lightly.

Year 26 (襄公二十六年)

Annals. In the twenty-sixth year, in spring, in the king's second month, on xinmao day, Ning Xi (甯喜) of Wey assassinated his ruler, Piao (剽).

Guliang. This was not proper conduct — why then is a day given? [Ning] Zhi (殖) had set him up as ruler, and [Ning] Xi had served him as ruler — in giving the day, this much is proper.

Annals. Sun Linfu of Wey entered Qi (戚) and rebelled. On jiawu day, the Marquis of Wey, Kan (衎), returned once more to Wey.

Guliang. That a day is given for his return shows that he knew of the assassination.

Annals. In summer, the Marquis of Jin sent Xun Wu (荀吳) to come on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. Our lord met men of Jin, Liang Xiao (良霄) of Zheng, men of Song, and men of Cao, at Zhanyuan.

Annals. In autumn, the Duke of Song killed his heir apparent, Cuo (痤).

Annals. Men of Jin seized Ning Xi of Wey.

Annals. In the eighth month, on renwu day, the Baron of Xu (許), Ning (甯), died in Chu.

Annals. In winter, the Viscount of Chu, the Marquis of Cai, and the Marquis of Chen attacked Zheng.

Annals. Duke Ling of Xu (許) was buried.

Year 27 (襄公二十七年)

Annals. In the twenty-seventh year, in spring, the Marquis of Qi sent Qing Feng (慶封) to come on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. In summer, Shusun Bao met Zhao Wu (趙武) of Jin, Qu Jian of Chu, Gongsun Guisheng (公孫歸生) of Cai, Shi E (石惡) of Wey, Kong Huan (孔奐) of Chen, Liang Xiao of Zheng, men of Xu (許), and men of Cao, at Song.

Annals. Wey killed its grandee Ning Xi.

Guliang. When the text names the state itself as the killer, the guilt implicates those above. Ning Xi had assassinated his ruler — why then does the text speak of him in language that implicates those above? Because he had once served as a grandee, and had shared with him in the conduct of public affairs. That Ning Xi, acting on his ruler's own instigation, assassinated his ruler, and yet is not charged with the crime of regicide, condemns Duke Xian.

Annals. The younger brother of the Marquis of Wey, Zhuan (專), fled into exile in Jin.

Guliang. Zhuan was [Ning] Xi's associate. Why was Zhuan Xi's associate? Though he himself was only eager to bring his elder brother back in, he plotted with another's subject to assassinate that subject's ruler — this too makes him one who assassinates a ruler. Why then does the text call him "younger brother"? Because Zhuan kept faith in this matter: the ruler's bribe-goods, promised to Ning Xi, were not delivered to him, and yet the ruler killed Xi — this showed the ruler had not dealt straightly with him, and so Zhuan fled into exile in Jin. He wove sashes at Handan, and to the end of his life never spoke of Wey again. Zhuan's departure accords with the judgment of the Chunqiu.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on xinsi day, [Shusun] Bao and the grandees of the lords covenanted at Song.

Guliang. At the meeting of Jiliang, the lords were present, yet the text did not say "the lords' grandees" — the grandees did not act as subjects. Zhao Wu of Jin was ashamed of this. That the text here names "Bao" is language of deference. The lords were not present, yet the text says "the lords' grandees" — here the grandees did act as subjects. That their conduct as subjects was so deferential was owing to Zhao Wu of Jin's having convened the meeting.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, on yihai, the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

Year 28 (襄公二十八年)

Annals. In the twenty-eighth year, in spring, there was no ice.

Annals. In summer, Shi E of Wey fled into exile in Jin.

Annals. The Viscount of Zhu came to court.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, there was a great rain-sacrifice.

Annals. Zhongsun Jie went to Jin.

Annals. In winter, Qing Feng of Qi came in flight [to Lu].

Annals. In the eleventh month, our lord went to Chu.

Annals. In the twelfth month, on jiayin day, the Heavenly King passed away.

Annals. On yiwei day, the Viscount of Chu, Zhao (昭), died.

Year 29 (襄公二十九年)

Annals. In the twenty-ninth year, in spring, in the king's first month, our lord was in Chu.

Guliang. The text grieves for our lord.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, our lord arrived back from Chu.

Guliang. This rejoices over him. When the text records a ruler's arrival, it is because his going was fraught with danger; and here it rejoices in his return — this is the meaning behind the convention of recording a ruler's arrival.

Annals. On gengwu day, the Marquis of Wey, Kan, died.

Annals. A gatekeeper assassinated the Viscount of Wu, Yuji (餘祭).

Guliang. A "gatekeeper" is a door-warden, a eunuch attendant. That he is not called by personal name and surname is because a gatekeeper cannot be ranked as equal to other men; that the text does not simply name his ruler in the ordinary style is because a gatekeeper cannot properly claim his ruler as his own ruler. By the rites: a ruler should not employ the shameless, should not keep mutilated men close by him, should not treat an enemy familiarly, and should not draw near to those who bear him a grudge. The base are not to be honored, the honored are not to be subjected to punishment, and the punished are not to be kept close. To raise up one of the utmost baseness and set him beside the Viscount of Wu shows that the Viscount of Wu had kept a mutilated man too close. That a gatekeeper assassinated the Viscount of Wu, Yuji, treats him as an enemy.

Annals. Zhongsun Jie met Xun Ying (荀盈) of Jin, Gao Zhi (高止) of Qi, Hua Ding (華定) of Song, Shishu Yi (世叔儀) of Wey, Gongsun Duan (公孫段) of Zheng, men of Cao, men of Ju, men of Zhu, men of Teng, men of Xue, and men of Xiaozhu, and walled Qi (杞).

Guliang. In antiquity, when the Son of Heaven enfeoffed a lord, the land was sufficient to hold its people, and its people were sufficient to fill the city walls and defend themselves. Qi (杞) was in danger and could not defend itself, and so the grandees of the lords, leading one another, walled it for them. This is uprightness within an altered circumstance.

Annals. The Marquis of Jin sent Shi Yang (士鞅) to come on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. The Viscount of Qi (杞) came to covenant.

Annals. The Viscount of Wu sent Zha (札) to come on a diplomatic visit.

Guliang. Why is Wu here styled "Viscount"? Because it is approved for having well employed Jizi of Yanling (延陵季子) as its envoy, and so the text advances it in rank. To be personally worthy is worthiness; to employ a worthy man is likewise worthiness. The worthiness of Jizi of Yanling honored his ruler. That he is named directly completes the showing of honor rendered upward to his ruler.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, Duke Xian of Wey was buried.

Annals. Gao Zhi of Qi fled into exile in Northern Yan.

Guliang. That it says "Northern Yan" follows the wording of the historical record.

Annals. In winter, Zhongsun Jie went to Jin.

Year 30 (襄公三十年)

Annals. In the thirtieth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the Viscount of Chu sent Wei Pi (薳罷) to come on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, the heir apparent of Cai, Ban (般), assassinated his ruler, Gu (固).

Guliang. That no day is given is because, when a son seizes his father's rule, this is called "effacing" him.

Annals. In the fifth month, on jiawu day, there was a fire in Song, and Boji (伯姬) died.

Guliang. The text takes the day of her death and places it above the record of the fire — this shows that she died by the fire. How does it show that she died by the fire? Boji's chambers caught fire; those about her said: "My lady, will you not briefly withdraw from the fire?" Boji said: "It is the rule for a woman that, if her governess is not present, she does not go down from the hall at night." Those about her said again: "My lady, will you not briefly withdraw from the fire?" Boji said: "It is the rule for a woman that, if her nurse is not present, she does not go down from the hall at night." So she was overtaken by the fire and died. A woman takes chastity as her conduct — Boji fulfilled the way of a woman to the utmost! The text details this affair because it deems Boji worthy.

Annals. The Heavenly King killed his younger brother, Ningfu (佞夫).

Guliang. The Zhuan says: even a lord is not ordinarily charged as chief instigator of evil — how much more so the Son of Heaven! A ruler has no proper claim to bear cruelty toward his own kin; those whom the Son of Heaven and the lords hold dear are only the eldest son and the sons of the same mother. That the Heavenly King killed his younger brother Ningfu — the text regards this as especially grave!

Annals. The king's son Xia (瑕) fled to Jin.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, Shu Gong (叔弓) went to Song, to attend the burial of Lady Gong (共姬).

Guliang. For a lady married out to another state, the text ordinarily does not record her burial — why then does it speak of her burial here? Because she was our own daughter. She died by disaster, and so the text treats it with special tenderness and records her burial.

Annals. Liang Xiao of Zheng fled into exile in Xu (許), and from Xu entered Zheng. The men of Zheng killed Liang Xiao.

Guliang. That the text does not call him "grandee" condemns him.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, Duke Jing of Cai was buried.

Guliang. When his death was not given a day, yet his burial is given a month, this is in principle a case where burial should not be recorded. That the text nonetheless has him buried is because it could not bear to let the father lose the people's proper regard to the son.

Annals. Men of Jin, men of Qi, men of Song, men of Wey, men of Zheng, men of Cao, men of Ju, men of Zhu, men of Teng, men of Xue, men of Qi (杞), and men of Xiaozhu met at Zhanyuan, on account of the fire in Song.

Guliang. Ordinarily, when the text records a meeting, it does not state its purpose; why then does it say "on account of the fire in Song"? Because, without stating the reason, there would be no way to show the goodness of this meeting. Why does it call the participants "men"? Because relieving a disaster is a matter for the many. What relief did they give? They replaced the wealth Song had lost. At the meeting of Zhanyuan, the central states did not raid or attack the Yi and Di, and the Yi and Di did not enter the central states; for eight years there was no raiding or attacking — the text approves of this. It was owing to the strength of Zhao Wu of Jin and Qu Jian of Chu.

Year 31 (襄公三十一年)

Annals. In the thirty-first year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, on xinsi day, our lord passed away in the Chu Palace.

Guliang. "The Chu Palace" — this was improper.

Annals. In autumn, in the ninth month, on guisi day, Ziye (子野) died.

Guliang. That the death of an heir-son is given a day is proper.

Annals. On jihai day, Zhongsun Jie died.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, the Viscount of Teng came to attend the burial. On guiyou day, our lord, Duke Xiang, was buried.

Annals. In the eleventh month, men of Ju assassinated their ruler, Mizhou (密州).

Duke Zhao (昭公)

Year 1 (昭公元年)

Annals. In the first year, in spring, in the king's first month, our lord ascended the throne.

Guliang. To ascend the throne in succession to a proper predecessor is itself proper.

Annals. Shusun Bao met Zhao Wu of Jin, Prince Wei (圍) of Chu, Guo Ruo (國弱) of Qi, Xiang Xu of Song, Qi E (齊惡) of Wey, Prince Zhao (招) of Chen, Gongsun Guisheng of Cai, Han Hu (罕虎) of Zheng, men of Xu (許), and men of Cao, at Guo (郭). In the third month, [we] took Yun.

Annals. In summer, the younger brother of the Earl of Qin, Zhen (鍼), fled into exile in Jin.

Guliang. Given the dignity of a lord, his brothers may not be linked to him by the ordinary term of kinship. That the text calls him "younger brother" here shows intimacy toward him. To treat him with intimacy and yet record that he fled into exile — this condemns the deed.

Annals. In the sixth month, on dingsi day, the Viscount of Zhu, Hua (華), died.

Annals. Xun Wu of Jin led an army, and defeated the Di at Taiyuan (太原).

Guliang. The Zhuan says: the central states call it Taiyuan; the Yi and Di call it Tailu (太鹵). In its designation, the text follows the central states; in the place-name, it follows the possessor.

Annals. In autumn, Ju Quji (莒去疾) returned from Qi and entered Ju.

Annals. Ju Zhan (莒展) fled into exile in Wu.

Annals. Shu Gong led an army and fixed the borders of the fields of Yun.

Guliang. "To border" as a word is much like "to bound."

Annals. Duke Dao of Zhu was buried.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, on jiyou day, the Viscount of Chu, Juan (卷), died.

Annals. Prince Bi (比) of Chu fled into exile in Jin.

Year 2 (昭公二年)

Annals. In the second year, in spring, the Marquis of Jin sent Han Qi (韓起) to come on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. In summer, Shu Gong went to Jin.

Annals. In autumn, Zheng killed its grandee Gongsun Hei (公孫黑).

Annals. In winter, our lord went to Jin, but on reaching the [Yellow] River turned back.

Guliang. The text was ashamed at the failure of the visit to Jin, and so it plainly records that he had fallen ill.

Annals. Jisun Su went to Jin.

Guliang. Our lord went to Jin and was not received; Jisun Su went to Jin and was received — this condemns Jisun Su.

Year 3 (昭公三年)

Annals. In the third year, in spring, in the king's first month, on dingwei day, the Viscount of Teng, Yuan (原), died.

Annals. In summer, Shu Gong went to Teng. In the fifth month, Duke Cheng of Teng was buried.

Annals. In autumn, the Viscount of Xiaozhu came to court.

Annals. In the eighth month, there was a great rain-sacrifice.

Annals. In winter, there was a great fall of hail.

Annals. The Earl of Northern Yan, Kuan (款), fled into exile in Qi.

Guliang. That it says "Northern Yan" follows the wording of the historical record.

Year 4 (昭公四年)

Annals. In the fourth year, in spring, in the king's first month, there was a great fall of snow.

Annals. In summer, the Viscount of Chu, the Marquis of Cai, the Marquis of Chen, the Earl of Zheng, the Baron of Xu (許), the Viscount of Xu (徐), the Viscount of Teng, the Viscount of Dun (頓), the Viscount of Hu (胡), the Viscount of Shen (沈), the Viscount of Xiaozhu, Zuo (佐) the heir apparent of Song, and the Huai Yi (淮夷) met at Shen (申). Men of Chu seized the Viscount of Xu (徐).

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, the Viscount of Chu, the Marquis of Cai, the Marquis of Chen, the Baron of Xu (許), the Viscount of Dun, the Viscount of Hu, the Viscount of Shen, and the Huai Yi attacked Wu. They seized Qing Feng of Qi and killed him.

Guliang. This was a case of entering [Wu's territory] and then killing him — why does the text not say "entered"? Qing Feng had been enfeoffed at Zhongli (鍾離) in Wu. Why does the text not say "attacked Zhongli"? Because it does not sanction Wu's enfeoffment of him there. Why is Qing Feng here identified with the Qi clan-name? Because the punishment was carried out on Qi's behalf. King Ling of Chu sent a man to proclaim, using Qing Feng, before the army: "Is there any such as Qing Feng of Qi, who assassinated his ruler?" Qing Feng said: "Give me one breath's pause, and I too will say one thing: 'Is there any such as Prince Wei of Chu, who assassinated his elder brother's son and took his place as ruler?'" The soldiers all burst out laughing. That Qing Feng assassinated his ruler, and yet is not charged with the crime of regicide, is because Qing Feng did not submit to King Ling, and the text does not sanction Chu's carrying out this punishment. It is the principle of the Chunqiu that the honored should govern the base, and the worthy should govern the unworthy — one does not use disorder to govern disorder. Confucius said: "To harbor evil and presume to punish another for it — though one dies, one does not submit in one's heart. Is this not what is meant here?"

Annals. Thereupon, [Chu] extinguished Li (厲).

Guliang. "Thereupon" is language for a continuing action.

Annals. In the ninth month, [Chu's forces] took up residence at Zeng (繒).

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, on yimao day, Shusun Bao died.

Year 5 (昭公五年)

Annals. In the fifth year, in spring, in the king's first month, [Lu] disbanded the central army.

Guliang. The text values the return to the proper old order.

Annals. Chu killed its grandee Qu Shen (屈申).

Annals. Our lord went to Jin.

Annals. In summer, Mou Yi (牟夷) of Ju came in flight [to Lu], bringing Moulou (牟婁) and Fangci (防茲) with him.

Guliang. "Bringing" is said of one who ought not to have been able to bring such things. Of one who "comes in flight," the text does not say "went out." "And Fangci" links the greater to the lesser. Ju has no recognized grandees — why then does the text name "Mou Yi"? Because he came bringing territory. If he came bringing territory, why is that recorded? Because territory is weighty enough to record.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, our lord arrived back from Jin.

Annals. On wuchen day, Shu Gong led an army and defeated the army of Ju at Benquan (賁泉).

Guliang. The Di people call Benquan "Shitai" (失臺); the text's designation follows the central states, its place-name follows the possessor.

Annals. The Earl of Qin died.

Annals. In winter, the Viscount of Chu, the Marquis of Cai, the Marquis of Chen, the Baron of Xu (許), the Viscount of Dun, the Viscount of Shen, men of Xu (徐), and men of Yue attacked Wu.

Year 6 (昭公六年)

Annals. In the sixth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the Earl of Qi (杞), Yigu (益姑), died.

Annals. Duke Jing of Qin was buried.

Annals. In summer, Jisun Su went to Jin.

Annals. Duke Wen of Qi (杞) was buried.

Annals. Hua Hebi (華合比) of Song fled into exile in Wey.

Annals. In autumn, in the ninth month, there was a great rain-sacrifice.

Annals. Wei Pi of Chu led an army and attacked Wu.

Annals. In winter, Shu Gong went to Chu.

Annals. The Marquis of Qi attacked Northern Yan.

Year 7 (昭公七年)

Annals. In the seventh year, in spring, in the king's first month, [we] made peace with Qi.

Guliang. "Peace" means coming to a settlement. "Jointly with" [暨] carries the force of the doubled form "resolute, resolute." "Jointly with" implies that it could not be helped. When the outer party is linked to the inner party in this way, it is called "jointly with."

Annals. In the third month, our lord went to Chu.

Annals. Shusun Ruo (叔孫婼) went to Qi to attend and confirm the covenant.

Guliang. "To attend" means "to take one's place." When the arrangement is fixed beforehand from within, it is called "to attend"; when it is fixed beforehand from without, it is called "to come."

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on jiachen, the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on wuchen day, the Marquis of Wey, E (惡), died.

Guliang. Earlier the text said "Qi E of Wey"; now it says "the Marquis of Wey, E" — why is it that ruler and subject share the same name here? The noble man does not strip a man of his name, nor strip him of the name given by his own kin — the text honors the reason by which the name came to him: it was their grandfather who had named both of the sons.

Annals. In the ninth month, our lord arrived back from Chu.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, on guiwei day, Jisun Su died. In the twelfth month, on guihai day, Duke Xiang of Wey was buried.

Year 8 (昭公八年)

Annals. In the eighth year, in spring, the younger brother of the Marquis of Chen, Zhao (招), killed the heir apparent of Chen, Yanshi (偃師).

Guliang. Earlier the text said "Prince Zhao of Chen"; now it says "the younger brother of the Marquis of Chen, Zhao" — why is that? It is said: the text gives him his kinship in full, and by this condemns Zhao. When two of equal, lesser standing kill one another, it is not ordinarily recorded in the Chunqiu — why then is this recorded? Because "heir apparent" means one who is second only to the ruler himself. Speaking of him this way shows that his death, being of weight, is therefore recorded. Given the dignity of a lord, his brothers may not be linked to him by the ordinary term of kinship; that the text calls him "younger brother" here shows intimacy toward him. To treat him with intimacy and yet record that he killed the heir apparent — this condemns the deed.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on xinchou day, the Marquis of Chen, Ni (溺), died.

Annals. Shu Gong went to Jin.

Annals. Men of Chu seized Gan Zhengshi (干徵師), envoy of Chen, and killed him.

Guliang. To call the captors "men" in seizing a grandee means the one seized was guilty. To style him "envoy" means the grudge against him reaches up to his ruler.

Annals. Prince Liu (留) of Chen fled into exile in Zheng.

Annals. In autumn, there was a hunting-review at Hong (紅).

Guliang. This was proper. By means of the hunting-review, the army practiced the use of military affairs — this is among the greatest of the rites. They cut mugwort to make a boundary-screen, set up banners to make a chariot-gate, and covered stakes with kudzu-cloth to make marker-posts. Hunters flowed along the sides, hand to hand; those whose chariots collided with the line were not permitted to enter. The chariot-tracks kept to their proper track, the horses watched their footing, the game was driven together in a herd, and the drivers did not lose control of their driving — only then could the archers hit their mark. Game that passed beyond the boundary-screen was not pursued — this was not the way of chasing after fleeing game. Game wounded in the face was not offered up; game not properly brought down was not offered up. However much game there was, the Son of Heaven took thirty head of it, and the rest was given to the officers and men. By this they practiced archery at the archery-hall: if one shot and hit the mark, then even if the hunt itself yielded no game, the archer still "obtained game"; if the hunt yielded game but the shot did not hit the mark, then he did not "obtain game." From this one knows that the ancients honored humaneness and righteousness, and held cheap mere valor and strength.

Annals. The men of Chen killed their grandee Prince Guo (過).

Annals. There was a great rain-sacrifice.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on renwu day, the army of Chu extinguished Chen, seized Prince Zhao of Chen, and banished him to Yue. They killed Kong Huan of Chen.

Guliang. This condemns the Viscount of Chu.

Annals. Duke Ai of Chen was buried.

Guliang. The text does not sanction Chu's extinguishing of Chen — it grieves for the duke.

Year 9 (昭公九年)

Annals. In the ninth year, in spring, Shu Gong met the Viscount of Chu at Chen.

Annals. Xu (許) moved its capital to Yi (夷).

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, there was a fire in Chen.

Guliang. For a state capital, the text calls it a "disaster"; for a mere settlement, it calls it a "fire." A mere fire is not ordinarily recorded — why then is this recorded? The text grieves for Chen, and so preserves the record of it.

Annals. In autumn, Zhongsun Jue (仲孫貜) went to Qi.

Annals. In winter, [we] built the park at Lang (郎囿).

Year 10 (昭公十年)

Annals. In the tenth year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Annals. In summer, Luan Shi (欒施) of Qi came in flight [to Lu].

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, Jisun Yiru (季孫意如), Shu Gong, and Zhongsun Jue led an army and attacked Ju.

Annals. On wuzi day, the Marquis of Jin, Biao (彪), died.

Annals. In the ninth month, Shusun Jue (叔孫貜) went to Jin.

Annals. Duke Ping of Jin was buried.

Annals. In the twelfth month, on jiazi day, the Duke of Song, Cheng (成), died.

Year 11 (昭公十一年)

Annals. In the eleventh year, in spring, in the king's second month, Shu Gong went to Song, to attend the burial of Duke Ping of Song.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on dingsi day, the Viscount of Chu, Qian (虔), lured the Marquis of Cai, Ban (般), and killed him at Shen.

Guliang. Why is he named directly? Because a ruler of the Yi and Di lured a ruler of the central states and killed him — and so the text is scrupulous and names him, to fix the blame. Naming the season, naming the month, naming the day, and naming the place — all of this shows the text's scrupulousness.

Annals. Prince Qiji (棄疾) of Chu led an army and besieged Cai.

Annals. In the fifth month, on jiashen day, the duke's wife, of the Gui clan (歸氏), passed away.

Annals. There was a great hunting-review at Bipu (比蒲).

Annals. Zhongsun Jue met the Viscount of Zhu, and covenanted at Jinxiang (祲祥).

Annals. In autumn, Jisun Yiru met Han Qi of Jin, Guo Ruo of Qi, Hua Hai (華亥) of Song, Beigong Tuo (北宮佗) of Wey, Han Hu of Zheng, men of Cao, and men of Qi (杞), at Jueyin (厥憖).

Annals. In the ninth month, on jihai day, our lesser lord's lady, Qigui (齊歸), was buried.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, on dingyou day, the army of Chu extinguished Cai, seized the heir apparent of Cai, You (友), and took him back with them, and used him [as a sacrificial victim].

Guliang. This was merely a son — why then does the text call him "heir apparent"? Because the text does not sanction Chu's killing of him. That the text fixes attention on this single matter is the means by which it condemns the Viscount of Chu.

Year 12 (昭公十二年)

Annals. In the twelfth year, in spring, Gao Yan (高偃) of Qi led an army, and brought the Earl of Northern Yan back into Yang (陽).

Guliang. "Brought back in" is said when the inside does not receive the person being restored. Why is the Earl of Yan not named directly? Because the text does not have Gao Yan take charge of the Earl of Yan.

Annals. In the third month, on renshen day, the Earl of Zheng, Jia (嘉), died.

Annals. In summer, the Duke of Song sent Hua Ding to come on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. Our lord went to Jin. At the [Yellow] River, he turned back.

Guliang. The Jisun clan did not let him go through to Jin.

Annals. In the fifth month, Duke Jian of Zheng was buried.

Annals. Chu killed its grandee Cheng Hu (成虎).

Annals. In autumn, the seventh month.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, Prince Yin (憖) fled into exile in Qi.

Annals. The Viscount of Chu attacked Xu (徐).

Annals. Jin attacked Xianyu (鮮虞).

Guliang. That the text says "Jin," without naming a leader, treats it as a Di state. Why does it treat Jin as a Di state? Because the text does not sanction Jin's joining with the Yi and Di to attack the central states together, and so it styles it as Di.

Year 13 (昭公十三年)

Annals. In the thirteenth year, in spring, Shu Gong led an army and besieged Bi (費).

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, Prince Bi (比) of Chu returned from Jin to Chu, and assassinated his ruler, Qian, at Ganxi (乾溪).

Guliang. "From Jin" — Jin had lent him support. Having returned, he then assassinated his ruler — yet the text does not simply say "returned and assassinated" as two disjoined acts; to say "returned" is not in itself to say "assassinated." "Returning" is one matter, "assassinating" is another matter, and yet the text speaks of them together — this links Bi to the returning-and-assassinating; but Bi did not himself do the assassinating. Whoever assassinates a ruler has a day given for the deed; that no day is given here shows that Bi did not do the assassinating.

Annals. Prince Qiji of Chu killed Prince Bi.

Guliang. This is language proper to one above. Language proper to one above means that the text does not call the killers "men" in the killing, but rather has the ruler himself do the killing. To punish a traitor with language proper to one above means that the killing was not itself an act of regicide. That Bi did not commit regicide is shown in four ways. One who seizes a state by regicide is normally named together with his state as the one who assassinated; here, Prince Qiji of Chu killed Prince Bi — Bi is thus cleared of suspicion. The Chunqiu does not let one suspected party stand in for another suspected party; Qiji had directed the affair, and so it is he who is under suspicion.

Annals. In autumn, our lord met the Viscount of Liu (劉), the Marquis of Jin, the Marquis of Qi, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Wey, the Earl of Zheng, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi (杞), and the Viscount of Xiaozhu, at Pingqiu (平丘).

Annals. On shenxu, in the eighth month, [the lords] together covenanted at Pingqiu. Our lord did not take part in the covenant.

Guliang. "Together" means there was something held in common — held in common in excluding Chu. That our lord did not take part in the covenant: he might have taken part but did not — the reproach falls upon our lord. That a day is given approves of this covenant.

Annals. Men of Jin seized Jisun Yiru and took him back with them. Our lord arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. The Marquis of Cai, Lu (廬), returned to Cai. The Marquis of Chen, Wu (吳), returned to Chen.

Guliang. The text approves that the meeting brought this about and so returned them to their states, and so it scrupulously gives the day. These two had in fact never truly possessed their states any longer — yet the text makes it read as though they had merely lost their states — because it does not sanction Chu's extinguishing of them.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, Duke Ling of Cai was buried.

Guliang. Among altered circumstances, there are three cases in which burial is not recorded: when a ruler loses proper virtue, burial is not recorded; when a ruler is assassinated, burial is not recorded; when a state is extinguished, burial is not recorded. And yet here the text nonetheless records his burial — because it does not sanction Chu's extinguishing of Cai, and also because it completes the record of the lords' undertaking.

Annals. Our lord went to Jin. At the [Yellow] River, he turned back.

Annals. Wu extinguished Zhoulai (州來).

Year 14 (昭公十四年)

Annals. In the fourteenth year, in spring, [Jisun] Yiru arrived back from Jin.

Guliang. When a grandee is seized and later released, his arrival is recorded; when his arrival is recorded, he is named. Yiru was in himself contemptible, and yet his arrival is recorded — this shows the proper rite between ruler and subject.

Annals. In the third month, the Earl of Cao, Teng (滕), died.

Annals. In summer, the fourth month.

Annals. In autumn, Duke Wu of Cao was buried.

Annals. In the eighth month, the Viscount of Ju, Quji (去疾), died.

Annals. In winter, Ju killed its prince, Yihui (意恢).

Guliang. The text speaks of "prince" and not "grandee" because Ju has no recognized grandees. Ju has no grandees, and yet the text names "Prince Yihui" — because Yihui was worthy. Both Cao and Ju lack recognized grandees, but the reasons why each lacks grandees differ in principle.

Year 15 (昭公十五年)

Annals. In the fifteenth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the Viscount of Wu, Yimo (夷末), died.

Annals. In the second month, on guiyou day, there was a sacrifice at the Martial Hall (武宮); as the flute-players entered, Shu Gong died; [our lord] set aside the music and completed the rite.

Guliang. When the ruler is in the midst of a sacrificial rite with music, and word comes of a grandee's death, then setting aside the music and completing the rite is proper. But when the ruler is in the midst of a sacrificial rite with music, is it permissible for word of a grandee's misfortune to be reported to him at all? A grandee is part of the body of the state. The men of antiquity treated death with gravity, and a ruler's command was to be conveyed through without exception.

Annals. In summer, Chao Wu (朝吳) of Cai fled into exile in Zheng.

Annals. In the sixth month, on dingsi, the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. In autumn, Xun Wu of Jin led an army and attacked Xianyu.

Annals. In winter, our lord went to Jin.

Year 16 (昭公十六年)

Annals. In the sixteenth year, in spring, the Marquis of Qi attacked Xu (徐). The Viscount of Chu lured the Viscount of Rongman (戎蠻子) and killed him. In summer, our lord arrived back from Jin.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on jihai day, the Marquis of Jin, Yi (夷), died.

Annals. In the ninth month, there was a great rain-sacrifice.

Annals. Jisun Yiru went to Jin.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, Duke Zhao of Jin was buried.

Year 17 (昭公十七年)

Annals. In the seventeenth year, in spring, the Viscount of Xiaozhu came to court.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, on jiaxu, the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. In autumn, the Viscount of Tan (郯) came to court.

Annals. In the eighth month, Xun Wu of Jin led an army and extinguished the Luhun Rong (陸渾戎).

Annals. In winter, a comet appeared at Dachen (大辰).

Guliang. To speak of a thing as now present, now gone, is called "there is." "At Dachen" means it spread its light as far as Dachen.

Annals. Men of Chu and Wu fought at Chang'an (長岸).

Guliang. When two Yi-and-Di states fight, it is called "defeated"; when a central state and a Yi-or-Di state fight, it is likewise called "defeated." Men of Chu and men of Wu fought at Chang'an — the text advances the Viscount of Chu in standing, and so calls it a "battle."

Year 18 (昭公十八年)

Annals. In the eighteenth year, in spring, in the king's third month, the Earl of Cao, Xu (須), died.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on renwu day, there were fires in Song, Wey, Chen, and Zheng.

Guliang. That this is recorded is because it happened on the same day; that the day is given is likewise because it happened on the same day. Some say: a man said to Zichan (子產) of Zheng, "On such-and-such a day there will be a disaster." Zichan said, "Heaven is a spirit — how could you, a mere man, know it?" On the same day, disaster struck all four states.

Annals. In the sixth month, men of Zhu entered Yu (鄅).

Annals. In autumn, Duke Ping of Cao was buried.

Annals. In winter, Xu (許) moved its capital to Baiyu (白羽).

Year 19 (昭公十九年)

Annals. In the nineteenth year, in spring, the Duke of Song attacked Zhu.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on wuchen day, the heir apparent of Xu, Zhi (止), assassinated his ruler, Mai (買).

Guliang. That a day is given for an assassination ordinarily confirms a proper, natural death. If it was a proper death, then in fact Zhi did not assassinate his father. That the text nonetheless says "assassinated," though he did not assassinate him, is to hold Zhi responsible. Zhi himself said: "I will not stand in the position of one who has assassinated his ruler," and gave the succession to his younger brother Hui (虺). He wept and wailed, took only thin gruel, and grief closed his throat so that it could not take a grain of rice. He died before the year was out — and so the noble man, following Zhi's own self-reproach, likewise holds him to blame.

Annals. On jimao day, there was an earthquake.

Annals. In autumn, Gao Fa (高發) of Qi led an army and attacked Ju.

Annals. In winter, Duke Dao of Xu was buried.

Guliang. His death is given a day, but his burial only a season — this is so as not to make Zhi bear the guilt of having assassinated his father. It is said: once a child is born, if he is not kept safe from water and fire, this is the mother's fault. Once his hair is bound and he becomes a grown boy, if he is not sent to a teacher, this is the father's fault. Once he goes to a teacher, if his learning follows no proper method and his mind and will do not become attuned, this is his own fault. Once his mind and will have become attuned, if his reputation is not heard of, this is his friends' fault. Once his reputation is heard of, if the officers in charge do not recommend him, this is the fault of the officers in charge. Once the officers in charge have recommended him, if the king does not employ him, this is the king's own fault. The heir apparent of Xu did not know to taste his father's medicine [before it was given to him] — the fault comes back at last to entangle the ruler of Xu himself.

Year 20 (昭公二十年)

Annals. In the twentieth year, in spring, in the king's first month.

Annals. In summer, Gongsun Hui (公孫會) of Cao fled from Meng (夢) into exile in Song.

Guliang. "From Meng" means he held Meng as his own private domain. Cao has no recognized grandees — why then does the text call him "Gongsun"? To say that he took Meng by virtue of his own noble rank, and not by rebellion.

Annals. In autumn, a brigand killed Zhe (輒), elder brother of the Marquis of Wey.

Guliang. "Brigand" (盜) marks one of low standing. That the text calls him "elder brother" is because he was an elder brother by the same mother. It fixes attention on the Marquis of Wey because the Marquis of Wey is implicated. If so, then why did he not become ruler himself? Because one who bears a Heaven-inflicted affliction may not enter the ancestral temple. What is "zhe" (輒)? It means: the two feet cannot pass each other in walking. Qi (齊) calls this "qi" (綦); Chu calls it "zhe" (踂); Wey calls it "zhe" (輒).

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, Hua Hai (華亥), Xiang Ning (向寧), and Hua Ding (華定) of Song fled to Chen.

Annals. In the eleventh month, on xinmao, the Marquis of Cai, Lu (廬), died.

Year 21 (昭公二十一年)

Annals. In the twenty-first year, in spring, in the king's third month, [we] buried Duke Ping of Cai.

Annals. In summer, the Marquis of Jin sent Shi Yang (士鞅) to come on a diplomatic visit.

Annals. Hua Hai, Xiang Ning, and Hua Ding of Song came from Chen and entered Nanli of Song, in rebellion.

Guliang. "From Chen" — Chen had lent them support. "Entered" is the term used when those within did not accept them. That it calls the place "Nanli of Song" is because it was the southern border-town of Song. "With" (以) is the term used for something not properly done "with." "Rebelled" means it was a plain and simple rebellion.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on renwu, the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. In the eighth month, on yihai, Uncle Zhe (叔輒) died.

Annals. In winter, the Marquis of Cai, Dong (東), fled to Chu.

Guliang. "Dong" is short for "Dongguo" (東國), his full name. Why does the text call him [merely] "Dong"? His grandfather lured [a kinsman] and killed him; his father seized [a kinsman] and made use of him. He had already fled once, and now fled again. Calling him "Dong" expresses disapproval of him, and so demotes him.

Annals. The duke went to Jin; he reached the [Yellow] River, and then turned back.

Year 22 (昭公二十二年)

Annals. In the twenty-second year, in spring, the Marquis of Qi (齊) attacked Ju.

Annals. Hua Hai, Xiang Ning, and Hua Ding of Song fled from Nanli of Song to Chu.

Guliang. "From Nanli of Song" — [naming the place thus] shows that they held it under their own private authority.

Annals. [The duke] held a great hunting-review at Changjian (昌間).

Guliang. The great hunting-review is properly termed "sou" (蒐/搜) when held in autumn. This one was held in spring — why then does the text call it "sou"? Because it classifies the affair by the nature of a hunting-review, [without regard to the season].

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on yichou, the Heavenly King died.

Annals. In the sixth month, Uncle Yang (叔鞅) went to the capital, to bury King Jing (景王).

Annals. The royal house fell into disorder.

Guliang. "Disorder" (亂) is a word used to say that the affair had not yet reached any settled resolution.

Annals. Liuzi (劉子) and Danzi (單子), with Wang Meng (王猛), resided at Huang (皇).

Guliang. "With" (以) is the term used for something not properly done "with." [Naming him only] "Wang Meng" [without title] expresses doubt [about the legitimacy of his standing].

Annals. In autumn, Liuzi and Danzi brought Wang Meng into the royal capital.

Guliang. "With" (以) is the term used for something not properly done "with." "Entered" is the term used when those within did not accept him.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, Prince Meng (王子猛) died.

Guliang. This is a case where, [by rule], his death should not properly be recorded as "died" — yet the text says "died." This is to let go of the earlier doubt [about his standing, now that he is dead].

Annals. In the twelfth month, on guiyou, the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

Year 23 (昭公二十三年)

Annals. In the twenty-third year, in spring, in the king's first month, Shusun Ruo (叔孫婼) went to Jin.

Annals. On guichou, Uncle Yang died.

Annals. Men of Jin seized our envoy, Shusun Ruo.

Annals. Men of Jin besieged Jiao (郊).

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, the Marquis of Cai, Dongguo (東國), died in Chu.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, Viscount Gengyu of Ju (莒子庚輿) came to us in flight.

Annals. On wuchen, Wu defeated the armies of Dun, Hu, Shen, Cai, Chen, and Xu at Jifu (雞甫). The Viscount of Hu, Kun (髡), and the Viscount of Shen, Ying (盈), were annihilated.

Guliang. For the Central States, the text does not [ordinarily] speak of "defeat" — why then does it speak of "defeat" here? If the Central States [i.e., these allied lords] were not [merely] defeated, would not the Viscount of Hu, Kun, and the Viscount of Shen, Ying, [instead] have been annihilated outright? Speaking of "defeat" here explains away their annihilation.

Annals. [Wu] captured Xia Nie of Chen (夏嚙).

Guliang. "Captured" (獲) is not a phrase that grants deference to him; it is a term used between a superior party and an inferior one.

Annals. The Heavenly King took up residence at Diquan (狄泉).

Guliang. This marks the beginning of his kingship. Only now does the text call him "the Heavenly King," because it treats his taking up residence there as [the moment of] his becoming king.

Annals. Yin Shi (尹氏) set up Prince Chao (王子朝).

Guliang. "Set up" is the term used for one who should not properly have been set up. Why is Chao not given the formal naming due to him? To keep clear the distinction from ["the court (朝) of Yin Shi" — the two being alike in sound] — this sets aside the confusion of "Yin Shi's Chao/court."

Annals. In the eighth month, on yiwei, there was an earthquake.

Annals. In winter, the duke went to Jin. He reached the [Yellow] River; the duke fell ill, and so turned back.

Guliang. Illness is not [ordinarily] recorded — why then is it recorded here? To explain why he could not enter Jin.

Year 24 (昭公二十四年)

Annals. In the twenty-fourth year, in spring, in the king's second month, on bingxu, Zhongsun Jue (仲孫貜) died.

Annals. [Shusun] Ruo arrived back from Jin.

Guliang. When a grandee has been seized [by another state, and later released], his return is recorded as an "arrival," and when recorded thus, it is stated with particular emphasis. This is because it was through effort from above [the ruler's own effort] that his return was secured.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on yiwei, the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, [we] held the great rain-sacrifice.

Annals. On dingyou, the Earl of Qi (杞), Yuli (郁釐), died.

Annals. In winter, Wu annihilated Chao (巢). [We] buried Duke Ping of Qi (杞).

Year 25 (昭公二十五年)

Annals. In the twenty-fifth year, in spring, Shusun Nie (叔孫嫟) went to Song.

Annals. In summer, Shu Ni (叔倪) met with Zhao Yang of Jin (趙鞅), Yue Daxin of Song (樂大心), Beigong Xi of Wey (北宮喜), You Ji of Zheng (游吉), and men of Cao, Zhu, Teng, Xue, and Lesser Zhu, at Huangfu (黃父).

Annals. There were mynah birds that came and nested.

Guliang. When a thing is sometimes present and sometimes absent, its appearance is called "there were" (有). "Came" (來) means: came to the Central States. Mynah birds properly nest in holes — that the text says they "nested" perhaps makes more of the matter than it was.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on the first xin day, [we] held the great rain-sacrifice; on the last xin day [of the month, we] held the rain-sacrifice again.

Guliang. "Last" (季) is a phrase used to show there was a middle [i.e., that this was the last of a sequence within the month]. "Again" (又) is a phrase used to show there was a continuation.

Annals. In the ninth month, on yihai, the duke withdrew to Qi (齊).

Guliang. "Withdrew" (孫) is a word used as the ordinary word "yield/withdraw" is used — it avoids [the plain word] "fled" (奔).

Annals. He halted at Yangzhou (陽州).

Guliang. "Halted" (次) means "stopped."

Annals. The Marquis of Qi (齊) offered the duke condolences at Yejing (野井).

Guliang. To console one who has lost his state is called "condolence" (唁). This condolence to the duke means he could not enter Lu.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on wuchen, Shusun Ruo died.

Annals. In the eleventh month, on jihai, Duke Zuo of Song (宋公佐) died at Quji (曲棘).

Guliang. [This notice] reflects [the situation of] the exiled duke.

Annals. In the twelfth month, the Marquis of Qi (齊) took Yun (鄆).

Guliang. "Took" (取) is a phrase of ease. When it concerns our own state, the text does not [ordinarily] speak of "taking" — but because [Qi] took it on the duke's behalf, the text therefore speaks of it thus, with ease.

Year 26 (昭公二十六年)

Annals. In the twenty-sixth year, in spring, in the king's first month, [we] buried Duke Yuan of Song.

Annals. In the third month, the duke arrived back from Qi (齊), and resided at Yun (鄆).

Guliang. The duke had [only] halted at Yangzhou — why then does the text say he "arrived back from Qi"? Because the Marquis of Qi had an audience with the duke, it becomes possible to speak of "arriving back from Qi." "Resided at Yun" means the duke was outside [Lu]. "Arrived back from Qi" — the principle of the text does not treat the duke as outside [his own state].

Annals. In summer, the duke besieged Cheng (成).

Guliang. For anything other than [an attack on] a [foreign] state, the text does not [ordinarily] speak of "besieged." The reason it speaks of "besieged" here is to make much of the duke['s effort].

Annals. In autumn, the duke met with the Marquis of Qi (齊), the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, and the Earl of Qi (杞), and covenanted at Zhuanling (鄟陵). The duke arrived back from the meeting, and resided at Yun.

Guliang. The duke was outside [Lu]. "Arrived back from the meeting" — the principle of the text does not treat the duke as outside.

Annals. In the ninth month, on gengshen, Ju (居), Viscount of Chu, died.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, the Heavenly King entered Chengzhou (成周).

Guliang. For [the royal house of] Zhou, [the record shows] entering, never leaving.

Annals. Yin Shi, Duke Zhao of Shao (召伯), and Duke Bo of Mao (毛伯) fled to Chu with Prince Chao.

Guliang. [Their flight] was far indeed, and wrong. "Fled" (奔) is a plain and simple case of flight.

Year 27 (昭公二十七年)

Annals. In the twenty-seventh year, in spring, the duke went to Qi (齊). The duke arrived back from Qi, and resided at Yun.

Guliang. The duke was outside [Lu].

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, Wu assassinated its ruler, Liao (僚).

Annals. Chu killed its grandee Xi Wan (郄宛).

Annals. In autumn, Shi Yang of Jin, Yue Qili of Song (樂祁犁), Beigong Xi of Wey, and men of Cao, Zhu, and Teng met at Hu (扈).

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, the Earl of Cao, Wu (午), died.

Annals. Zhu Kuai (邾快) came to us in flight.

Annals. The duke went to Qi. The duke arrived back from Qi, and resided at Yun.

Year 28 (昭公二十八年)

Annals. In the twenty-eighth year, in spring, in the king's third month, [we] buried Duke Dao of Cao.

Annals. The duke went to Jin, and halted at Ganhou (乾侯).

Guliang. The duke was outside [Lu].

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on bingxu, the Earl of Zheng, Ning (寧), died.

Annals. In the sixth month, [we] buried Duke Ding of Zheng.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on guisi, the Viscount of Teng, Ning (寧), died.

Annals. In winter, [we] buried Duke Dao of Teng.

Year 29 (昭公二十九年)

Annals. In the twenty-ninth year, in spring, the duke arrived back from Ganhou, and resided at Yun.

Annals. The Marquis of Qi (齊) sent Gao Zhang (高張) to come and offer the duke condolences.

Guliang. This condolence to the duke means he could not enter Lu.

Annals. The duke went to Jin, and halted at Ganhou.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on gengzi, Shu Ni died. Jisun Yiru (季孫意如) said: "That Shu Ni died with no illness — all this comes from our having no duke [in the capital]. It is Heaven's mandate; it is no fault of mine."

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month. [No event.]

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, Yun (鄆) collapsed [into disorder].

Guliang. "Collapsed" (潰) is a word used to say that superiors and inferiors were no longer in accord with one another. When superiors and inferiors are no longer in accord, this is a bad state of affairs, and so this too censures the duke. Duke Zhao had fled into exile, and the people, as if a heavy burden had been lifted from them, [let the place fall].

Year 30 (昭公三十年)

Annals. In the thirtieth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the duke was at Ganhou.

Guliang. The Central States do not [ordinarily] preserve [the record of] the duke's whereabouts — that they preserve it here is precisely the point.

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, on gengchen, the Marquis of Jin, Quji (去疾), died.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, [we] buried Duke Qing of Jin.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, Wu annihilated Xu (徐).

Annals. Viscount Zhangyu of Xu (徐子章羽) fled to Chu.

Year 31 (昭公三十一年)

Annals. In the thirty-first year, in spring, in the king's first month, the duke was at Ganhou.

Annals. Jisun Yiru met with Xun Li of Jin (荀櫟) at Shili (適歷).

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on dingsi, the Earl of Xue, Gu (穀), died.

Annals. The Marquis of Jin sent Xun Li to offer the duke condolences at Ganhou.

Guliang. This condolence to the duke means he could not enter Lu. [Xun Li] said: "I have already spoken on the ruler's behalf; the one who will not allow it is [Jisun] Yiru."

Annals. In autumn, [we] buried Duke Xian of Xue.

Annals. In winter, Hei Gong (黑肱) came to us in flight, bringing Lan (濫) [with him].

Guliang. Why does the text not call him "Hei Gong of Zhu"? To distinguish him from Zhu [the state itself]. Why does it not call him "Viscount of Lan"? Because [Lan] was not a place enfeoffed by the Son of Heaven. He came to us in flight; the text does not speak of "rebellion" [in his case].

Annals. In the twelfth month, on xinhai, the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

Year 32 (昭公三十二年)

Annals. In the thirty-second year, in spring, in the king's first month, the duke was at Ganhou; [Lu] took Kan (闞).

Annals. In summer, Wu attacked Yue.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month. [No event.]

Annals. In winter, Zhongsun Heji (仲孫何忌) met with Han Buxin of Jin (韓不信), Gao Zhang of Qi (齊), Song Jiji (宋仲幾), Taishu Shen of Wey (衛太叔申), Guo Can of Zheng (鄭國參), and men of Cao, Ju, Zhu, Xue, Qi (杞), and Lesser Zhu, and walled Chengzhou (成周).

Guliang. The Son of Heaven's [power] had grown slight, and the feudal lords no longer offered him tribute or audience. What remained to the Son of Heaven were only the sacrifices and the [royal] title. And so the grandees of the feudal lords, leading one another, walled [his capital] for him. This is the correct [response] within a state of decline.

Annals. In the twelfth month, on jiwei, the duke passed away at Ganhou.

Duke Ding (定公)

Year 1 (定公元年)

Annals. In the first year, in spring, [in] the king['s reign].

Guliang. The text does not speak of "the first month," because Duke Ding had no [regular, correctly marked] "first." Why did Duke Ding have no correct "first"? Duke Zhao's end was not a correct end; Duke Ding's beginning was [therefore] not a correct beginning. Because Duke Zhao had no correct end, Duke Ding had no correct beginning. The text does not speak of his "accession," because the mourning rites took place outside [Lu, while Duke Zhao was in exile].

Annals. In the third month, men of Jin seized Song Zhongji (宋仲幾) at the royal capital.

Guliang. This man was [in fact] a grandee. Why does the text call him [merely] "a man"? To hold him in slight regard. Why hold him in slight regard? [The text] does not sanction seizing a man in the place of one so honored; nor does it sanction the chief of the grandees carrying out a punitive action there, [on his own authority].

Annals. In summer, in the sixth month, on guihai, the duke's [funeral] cortège arrived back from Ganhou. On wuchen, the duke acceded.

Guliang. [The body] was laid out for the encoffining rite, and only then did [Duke Ding] accede. Duke Ding had no correct "first" — this shows there was nothing by which to make it correct. When [an heir's accession] does not take place until after the year has turned, the text does not [ordinarily] speak of "acceding" — [not speaking of it] shows there was cause [for the delay]. To speak of "acceding" shows there was no such cause. "Acceding" concerns the way of giving and receiving [the position]. If the former ruler had no correct end, the succeeding ruler has no correct beginning; if the former ruler had a correct end, the succeeding ruler has a correct beginning. "On wuchen, the duke acceded" is spoken with special care. The matter of Duke Ding's accession cannot but be closely examined. Why does the text date the duke's accession by day? Only after the day wuchen did he in fact accede. [But] on guihai the duke's cortège had [already] arrived back from Ganhou — why then did he not accede until wuchen? Because he first had to be made correct as ruler within the state, and only then acceded. Master Shen (沈子) said: "[He first had] the coffin set correctly between the two pillars [of the hall], and only then acceded." Among our own great affairs, [the text ordinarily] dates by day; "acceding" is a great affair of the ruler — why then does it not [ordinarily] date it by day? Because it is settled by the year, not settled by the day. Why then in this case does it date it? To mark it out especially. Why mark it out? Acceding [only] after the year has turned is a painful thing. And within that painful thing, there is yet a point of righteousness! Before the encoffining, even a mandate from the Son of Heaven would not be presumed upon — how much less, then, to preside over one's own ministers! When a man of Zhou had a mourning, and a man of Lu had a mourning, men of Zhou offered condolence, but men of Lu did not. Men of Zhou said: "He is, after all, our own subject; it suffices to send a messenger." Men of Lu said: "He is our ruler, one to be treated with the intimacy [due a parent]; it will not do to send merely a grandee." And so men of Zhou offered condolence while men of Lu did not, because it was not long since [the reigns of] Cheng and Kang. The ruler is the most honored of all — to leave his father's encoffined bier and go off to offer condolence [to another] would not be presumed upon; how much less, then, before his own encoffining, to preside over his ministers!

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on guisi, [we] buried our ruler, Duke Zhao.

Annals. In the ninth month, [we] held the great rain-sacrifice.

Guliang. Holding the rain-sacrifice in [its proper] month is the correct form of the rain-sacrifice. A great rain-sacrifice in autumn is not correct; a great rain-sacrifice in winter is not correct. Why is a great rain-sacrifice in autumn not correct? Because [at that time] the fine hairs [of the ripening crops] have not yet been exhausted, and human labor has not yet been spent — it is not yet proper to hold the rain-sacrifice. Holding the rain-sacrifice in [its proper] month is the correct form of the rain-sacrifice. Why is that the correct form? Because only when the season has run its course and human labor is spent does one then hold the rain-sacrifice — this is the correct form of the rain-sacrifice. What is meant by "the season has run its course, human labor is spent"? If in this month it does not rain, then [the crops] cannot be reached in time; if in this year [the fields] are not reaped, then there will be no food — this is what is meant by "the season has run its course, human labor is spent." Why must the rain-sacrifice wait for the season to run its course and human labor to be spent? The rain-sacrifice is what is performed to seek [relief] from drought. To "seek" is to "request," and the men of antiquity set great weight on making requests. Why set such weight on a request? What makes a person a person is yielding [to others]. The way of requesting sets yielding aside — this is to abandon that by which one is human. This is why it is treated with such weight — how, then, could one make such a request lightly? The request is made to the High Lords who respond. The spiritual men of antiquity who could move the High Lords who respond understood [how to pass] through yin and yang; the ruler in person led the grandees in following their way, and by this means made the request. Now, making such a request is not something that can be entrusted to another and sent off in one's stead — one must attend to it in person. This is why it is treated with such weight.

Annals. [We] set up the Yang shrine.

Guliang. "Set up" is the term used for something that should not properly have been set up.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, frost fell and killed the beans.

Guliang. [Frost] that could not yet properly kill [crops, at that early date], yet killed them — [the text] cites the more serious case; [conversely, frost] that could [properly] kill, yet did not — [the text] cites the lighter case. That it names "beans" specifically is to cite the more serious case.

Year 2 (定公二年)

Annals. In the second year, in spring, in the king's first month. [No event.]

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on renchen, the Pheasant Gate and the Twin Towers were destroyed by fire.

Guliang. Why does the text not say "the Pheasant Gate was destroyed by fire, along with the Twin Towers"? Because the fire began at the Twin Towers, but [the text] does not treat the more honored structure as struck by the fire in its own person — it names the Pheasant Gate first, honoring the honored.

Annals. In autumn, men of Chu attacked Wu.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, [we] newly built the Pheasant Gate and the Twin Towers.

Guliang. Speaking of "newly" [built] implies there had been an old one. "Built" (作) means "made" — it means there was an addition to its former measure. Why is it not judged incorrect that these structures, being of such honored standing, were rebuilt in person? Though not [strictly] correct, in point of splendor it may still pass.

Year 3 (定公三年)

Annals. In the third year, in spring, in the king's first month, the duke went to Jin; he reached the [Yellow] River, and then turned back.

Annals. In the third month, on xinmao, the Viscount of Zhu, Chuan (穿), died.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month. [No event.]

Annals. In autumn, [we] buried Duke Zhuang of Zhu.

Annals. In winter, Zhongsun Heji and the Viscount of Zhu covenanted at Ba (拔).

Year 4 (定公四年)

Annals. In the fourth year, in spring, in the king's second month, on guisi, the Marquis of Chen, Wu (吳), died.

Annals. In the third month, the duke met with Liuzi (劉子), the Marquis of Jin, the Duke of Song, the Marquis of Cai, the Marquis of Wey, the Viscount of Chen, the Earl of Zheng, the Baron of Xu, the Earl of Cao, the Viscount of Ju, the Viscount of Zhu, the Viscount of Dun, the Viscount of Hu, the Viscount of Teng, the Earl of Xue, the Earl of Qi (杞), the Viscount of Lesser Zhu, and Guo Xia of Qi (齊國夏), at Zhaoling (召陵), and invaded Chu.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on gengchen, Gongsun Xing of Cai (蔡公孫姓) led troops and annihilated Shen (沈), bringing back the Viscount of Shen, Jia (嘉), and put him to death.

Annals. In the fifth month, the duke and the assembled lords covenanted at Gaoyou (皋鼬).

Guliang. Afterward there was a second meeting; the duke's presence is recorded at the later meeting. "Later" [is used to] show there was some doubt [about the record].

Annals. The Earl of Qi (杞), Cheng (成), died at the meeting.

Annals. In the sixth month, [we] buried Duke Hui of Chen.

Annals. Xu moved to Rongcheng (容城).

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, the duke arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. Liu Juan (劉卷) died.

Guliang. This is a case where, [by rule], his death should not properly be recorded as "died," yet it is recorded as "died" — this honors him as worthy. He was a lord within the royal domain, not a feudal lord enfeoffed with territory — how then does his death come to be recorded here? Because the Heavenly King had [recently] died, and he had served as the presiding figure for the assembled lords.

Annals. [We] buried Duke Dao of Qi (杞).

Annals. Men of Chu besieged Cai.

Annals. Shi Yang of Jin and Kong Yu of Wey (孔圉) led troops and attacked Xianyu (鮮虞).

Annals. [We] buried Duke Wen of Liu.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, on gengwu, the Marquis of Cai, bringing along the Viscount of Wu, fought the men of Chu at Bojü (伯舉). The Chu army was utterly defeated.

Guliang. Why is the ruler of Wu here styled "viscount"? Because the Marquis of Cai brought him along [in this fashion], the text raises him to designate the more honored of the two. If the Marquis of Cai brought him along, why should the text raise him as the more honored? Wu here trusted in the Central States and drove off the Yi and Di barbarians — in this, Wu made progress. How did it come to trust the Central States and drive off the barbarians? Zixu's (子胥) father had been executed in Chu; [Zixu] tucked a bow under his arm and held arrows, and sought out Helü (闔廬). Helü said: "How great a matter! How bold a matter! For this you wish to raise an army and attack Chu." Zixu remonstrated, saying: "Your servant has heard: a ruler does not raise an army for a commoner. Moreover, to serve one's ruler is like serving one's father — to compromise what is right for my ruler in order to avenge my father, this your servant will not do." And so the matter was dropped. Duke Zhao of Cai paid court to Chu; he had a fine fur robe. On that very day, Nang Wa (囊瓦) demanded it of him, and Duke Zhao would not give it up. For this, [Nang Wa] detained Duke Zhao at southern Ying (郢). Several years passed before he was able to return. On his return, he took action at the Han [River], saying: "If any of the lords wish to attack Chu, I, the unworthy one, ask to serve in the vanguard!" When men of Chu heard this, they were enraged, and for this raised an army and attacked Cai. Cai sought rescue from Wu. Zixu said: "Cai has committed no offense; it is Chu that lacks the Way. If our lord has it in his heart to be troubled for the Central States, then this is the moment!" And for this Wu raised an army and attacked Chu. Why does the text not speak of "rescue"? Because the rescue was on too grand a scale [for that modest word].

Annals. Nang Wa of Chu fled to Zheng.

Annals. On gengchen, Wu entered Chu.

Guliang. Dating the "entering" by day is the phrasing used when Chu is treated as, in effect, no longer existing. What is meant by treating it as no longer existing? [Wu] destroyed [Chu's] ancestral temples, removed the vessels of state from the ancestral hall, and flogged [the corpse in] King Ping's grave. Why does the text not speak of "annihilating" [Chu]? Because it wishes still to preserve Chu. How did it come to wish to preserve Chu? King Zhao's army was defeated, and he fled. As the elders escorted him, he said: "I am unworthy — I have lost the city of my forefathers. Elders, turn back; why be troubled at having no ruler? I shall now take myself off into the sea!" The elders said: "That we have a ruler as worthy as this!" Reckoning that in numbers they could not match Wu, but that in willingness to fight to the death Wu could not match them, they struck at [the Wu forces] together, and in a single night defeated the men of Wu three times, and [King Zhao] was restored. Why then does the text still call it "Wu"? Because it treats them as barbarians. What is meant by treating them as barbarians? The ruler [of Wu] took up residence in the bedchamber of Chu's ruler, and made a wife of that ruler's wife; the grandees [of Wu] took up residence in the bedchambers of Chu's grandees, and made wives of those grandees' wives. There was even one who wished to make a wife of King [Zhao]'s mother — it is not correct to ride upon a defeated people's ruin and profit so deeply by it. To dwell in another's state [in this fashion] — and so the text reverts to the way of treating them as barbarians.

Year 5 (定公五年)

Annals. In the fifth year, in spring, in the king's third month, on xinhai, the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. In summer, [we] sent grain to Cai.

Guliang. When the feudal lords have no grain, for the feudal lords to send grain to one another is correct. Who sent it? The feudal lords [collectively]. That the text does not say who sent it is because the wording covers them all together — the meaning lying close at hand.

Annals. Yue [於越] entered Wu.

Annals. In the sixth month, on bingshen, Jisun Yiru died.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on renzi, Shusun Bugan (叔孫不敢) died.

Annals. In winter, Shi Yang of Jin led troops and besieged Xianyu.

Year 6 (定公六年)

Annals. In the sixth year, in spring, in the king's first month, on guihai, You Su of Zheng (游速) led troops and annihilated Xu, bringing back the Baron of Xu, Si (斯).

Annals. In the second month, the duke invaded Zheng. The duke arrived back from invading Zheng.

Annals. In summer, Jisun Si (季孫斯) and Zhongsun Heji went to Jin.

Annals. In autumn, men of Jin seized Yue Qili, envoy of Song.

Annals. In winter, [we] walled the Central Wall.

Guliang. "Walling the Central Wall" was [an act of] the Three Houses extending [their own power]. Some say it was not [built] against the people outside.

Annals. Jisun Si and Zhongsun Ji (仲孫忌) led troops and besieged Yun.

Year 7 (定公七年)

Annals. In the seventh year, in spring, in the king's first month. [No event.]

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month. [No event.]

Annals. In autumn, the Marquis of Qi (齊) and the Earl of Zheng covenanted at Xian (鹹). Men of Qi seized Beigong Jie, envoy of Wey (北宮結), while invading Wey.

Guliang. "While" (以) is a phrase of weight — men of Wey set great store by Beigong Jie.

Annals. The Marquis of Qi and the Marquis of Wey covenanted at Sha (沙).

Annals. [We] held the great rain-sacrifice.

Annals. Guo Xia of Qi (齊國夏) led troops and attacked our western border.

Annals. In the ninth month, [we] held the great rain-sacrifice.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month. [No event.]

Year 8 (定公八年)

Annals. In the eighth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the duke invaded Qi (齊). The duke arrived back from invading Qi. In the second month, the duke invaded Qi. In the third month, the duke arrived back from invading Qi.

Guliang. When the duke's going is recorded by season and his arrival back is recorded by month, this treats the arrival as fraught with danger. When the going is recorded by month and the arrival by season, this treats the going as fraught with danger. When both the going and the arrival are recorded by month, [as here], this expresses disapproval.

Annals. The Earl of Cao, Lu (露), died.

Annals. In summer, Guo Xia of Qi led troops and attacked our western border.

Annals. The duke met with the army of Jin at Wa (瓦). The duke arrived back from Wa.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on wuchen, the Marquis of Chen, Liu (柳), died.

Annals. Shi Yang of Jin led troops and invaded Zheng, then went on to invade Wey.

Annals. [We] buried Duke Jing of Cao.

Annals. In the ninth month, [we] buried Duke Huai of Chen.

Annals. Jisun Si and Zhongsun Heji led troops and invaded Wey.

Annals. In winter, the Marquis of Wey and the Earl of Zheng covenanted at Qupu (曲濮).

Annals. [We] resumed the sacrifices to our former rulers, [in their correct order].

Guliang. This honors the restoration of the correct [ritual order].

Annals. A brigand stole the treasured jade and the great bow.

Guliang. "The treasured jade" was the enfeoffment tablet [of jade]. "The great bow" was King Wu's war-bow. The Duke of Zhou received it as a gift, and it was kept in storage in Lu. To give to another what is not one's own to give is called "losing" [it]; to take what is not one's own to take is called "theft."

Year 9 (定公九年)

Annals. In the ninth year, in spring, in the king's first month. [No event.]

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on wushen, the Earl of Zheng, Chai (蠆), died.

Annals. [We] recovered the treasured jade and the great bow.

Guliang. Why does the text not give the place [where they were recovered]? The treasured jade and the great bow, [kept] in a private house, would themselves be a matter of shame — too shameful even to look at directly. How were they recovered? They were recovered under an embankment. Some say Yang Hu (陽虎) [did this] to appease the people.

Annals. In the sixth month, [we] buried Duke Xian of Zheng.

Annals. In autumn, the Marquis of Qi (齊) and the Marquis of Wey halted at Wushi (五氏).

Annals. The Earl of Qin died. In winter, [we] buried Duke Ai of Qin.

Year 10 (定公十年)

Annals. In the tenth year, in spring, in the king's third month, [we] made peace with Qi (齊).

Annals. In summer, the duke met with the Marquis of Qi at Jiagu (頰穀). The duke arrived back from Jiagu.

Guliang. For a meeting apart [from covenant-making], the text does not [ordinarily] record the [duke's] arrival — why is his arrival recorded here? To mark the danger of it. If it marks the danger, why then record the arrival by place? Because of the danger involved. What was the danger? At the meeting at Jiagu, Confucius acted as assistant [to the duke]. The two rulers ascended the altar; the two assistants bowed to one another; men of Qi raised a clamor of drums and rose up, wishing thereby to seize the ruler of Lu. Confucius mounted the steps, not completing even a single tier, and, looking back toward the Marquis of Qi, said: "When two rulers meet in friendship, what business have the people of the Yi and Di barbarians to come here?" He ordered the Marshal to stop them. The Marquis of Qi, drawing back in confusion, apologized, saying: "This is my own fault." He withdrew and addressed his several grandees, saying: "That man leads his ruler in carrying out the way of the men of antiquity — you, gentlemen, alone have led me into the customs of the Yi and Di barbarians. What is the meaning of this?" And the meeting broke up. Men of Qi then had entertainers dance beneath the curtained pavilion of the ruler of Lu. Confucius said: "The punishment for one who mocks his ruler is death." He had the Marshal carry out the law upon them, and their heads and feet went out by different gates. That men of Qi afterward came and restored to us the fields of Yun, Huan, Gui, and Yin — this was surely on account of this affair. From this one may see: even where there is the business of refined ceremony, there must also be preparation for arms. Confucius, at the meeting of Jiagu, made this plain.

Annals. Zhao Yang of Jin led troops and besieged Wey.

Annals. Men of Qi came and restored to us the fields of Yun, Huan, Gui, and Yin.

Annals. Shusun Zhouchou (叔孫州仇) and Zhongsun Heji led troops and besieged Hou (郈). In autumn, Shusun Zhouchou and Zhongsun Heji led troops and besieged Hou.

Annals. Yue Daxin of Song fled to Cao. Gongzi Di of Song (宋公子地) fled to Chen.

Annals. In winter, the Marquis of Qi (齊), the Marquis of Wey, and You Su of Zheng met at Anfu (安甫).

Annals. Shusun Zhouchou went to Qi (齊).

Annals. The Duke of Song's younger brother Chen (辰), together with Song Zhongtuo (仲佗) and Shi Qu (石彄), fled to Chen.

Year 11 (定公十一年)

Annals. In the eleventh year, in spring, the Duke of Song's younger brother Chen, together with Zhongtuo, Shi Qu, and Gongzi Di, coming from Chen, entered Xiao (蕭), in rebellion.

Guliang. "The Duke of Song's younger brother Chen" — this has not [yet] cost him the standing of "younger brother." "Together with Zhongtuo, Shi Qu, and Gongzi Di" — the more honored is joined together with the less honored. "From Chen" — Chen had given him support. "Entered Xiao, in rebellion" — "entered" is the term used when those within did not accept them; "with" (以) is not [used in its ordinary sense of] "with"; "rebelled" is a plain and simple rebellion.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month. [No event.]

Annals. In autumn, Yue Daxin of Song entered Xiao from Cao.

Annals. In winter, [we] made peace with Zheng.

Annals. Uncle Huan (叔還) went to Zheng to attend the covenant.

Year 12 (定公十二年)

Annals. In the twelfth year, in spring, the Earl of Xue, Ding (定), died.

Annals. In summer, [we] buried Duke Xiang of Xue.

Annals. Shusun Zhouchou led troops and dismantled [the walls of] Hou.

Guliang. "Dismantled" (墮) is like "took."

Annals. Gongmeng Ku of Wey (公孟彄) led troops and attacked Cao.

Annals. Jisun Si and Zhongsun Heji led troops and dismantled [the walls of] Fei (費).

Annals. In autumn, [we] held the great rain-sacrifice.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on guihai, the duke met with the Marquis of Qi (齊) and covenanted at Huang (黃).

Annals. In the eleventh month, on bingyin, the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. The duke arrived back from Huang.

Annals. In the twelfth month, the duke besieged Cheng (成).

Guliang. For anything other than [an attack on] a [foreign] state, the text does not [ordinarily] speak of "besieged." [Speaking of] "besieging Cheng" makes much of the duke['s effort].

Annals. The duke arrived back from besieging Cheng.

Guliang. Why does the text record his arrival? To mark the danger. What was the danger? [Cheng] bordered on Qi (齊).

Year 13 (定公十三年)

Annals. In the thirteenth year, in spring, the Marquis of Qi (齊) halted at Chuijia (垂葭).

Annals. In summer, [we] built the Sheyuan (蛇淵) park.

Annals. [We] held the great hunting-review at Bipu (比蒲).

Annals. Gongmeng Ku of Wey led troops and attacked Cao.

Annals. In autumn, Zhao Yang of Jin entered Jinyang (晉陽), in rebellion.

Guliang. "With" (以) is not [used in its ordinary sense]. "Rebelled" is a plain and simple rebellion.

Annals. Xun Yin of Jin (荀寅) and Shi Jishe (士吉射) entered Chaoge (朝歌), in rebellion.

Annals. Zhao Yang of Jin returned to Jin.

Guliang. This was a rebellion — why then does the text speak of it as a "return"? Because it honors his returning [Jinyang] together with its land. If it honors his returning with the land, is this not then a great gain [for him, and so improper to honor]? It is not [praised as] a great gain — [rather, the text] allows for his having repented his fault. If it allows for his repentance, then why does it still speak of "rebellion"? Because he made his territory correct within the state [only after acting wrongly]. If he made his territory correct within the state, why does it still speak of "rebellion"? Because his entering [Jinyang, at the first,] was without the ruler's command.

Annals. Xue assassinated its ruler, Bi (比).

Year 14 (定公十四年)

Annals. In the fourteenth year, in spring, Gongshu Shu of Wey (公叔戍) came to us in flight.

Annals. Zhao Yang of Jin fled to Song.

Annals. In the second month, on xinsi, Prince Jie of Chu (楚公子結) and Gongsun Tuoren of Chen (陳公孫佗人) led troops and annihilated Dun (頓), bringing back the Viscount of Dun, Zang (牂).

Annals. In summer, Beigong Jie of Wey (衛北宮結) came to us in flight.

Annals. In the fifth month, Yue defeated Wu at Zuili (槜李).

Annals. Viscount Guang of Wu (吳子光) died.

Annals. The duke met with the Marquis of Qi (齊) and the Marquis of Wey at Qian (牽). The duke arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. In autumn, the Marquis of Qi (齊) and the Duke of Song met at Tao (洮).

Annals. The Heavenly King sent Shi Shang (石尚) to come and bring us shen (脤) [sacrificial meat].

Guliang. What is "shen"? It is the flesh set out on the sacrificial stand — meat from the sacrifices. Raw, it is called "shen"; cooked, it is called "fan" (膰). That the text names him "Shi Shang" [by personal name] shows he was [merely] an officer. How do we know he was an officer? A grandee of the Son of Heaven is [ordinarily] not named. Shi Shang wished [this act] to be recorded in the Spring and Autumn, and remonstrated, saying: "It has been long indeed since Zhou practiced [proper] ritual toward Lu! I ask to carry out [the sending of] shen, to honor the restoration of the correct [order]."

Annals. Kuaikui (蒯聵), heir apparent of Wey, fled to Song. Gongmeng Ku of Wey fled to Zheng.

Annals. The Duke of Song's younger brother Chen came to us in flight, from Xiao.

Annals. [We] held the great hunting-review at Bipu.

Annals. The Viscount of Zhu came to meet the duke.

Annals. [We] walled Jufu (莒父) and Xiao (霄).

Year 15 (定公十五年)

Annals. In the fifteenth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the Viscount of Zhu came to court.

Annals. Field mice ate the suburban-sacrifice ox; the ox died, and [we] divined afresh for [another] ox.

Guliang. Nothing is a graver want of reverence than this.

Annals. In the second month, on xinchou, the Viscount of Chu annihilated Hu (胡), bringing back the Viscount of Hu, Bao (豹).

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on xinhai, [we] performed the suburban sacrifice.

Annals. On renshen, the duke passed away in the Lofty Chamber (高寢).

Guliang. The Lofty Chamber was not the correct [place for a ruler to die].

Annals. Han Da of Zheng (罕達) led troops and attacked Song.

Annals. The Marquis of Qi (齊) and the Marquis of Wey halted at Quchu (渠蒢).

Annals. The Viscount of Zhu came in haste to attend the mourning.

Guliang. The mourning was urgent, and so it is spoken of with the word "came in haste" (奔).

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on renshen, Lady Yi (弋氏) died.

Guliang. This is the phrasing used for a concubine — she was Duke Ai's mother.

Annals. In the eighth month, on gengchen, the first day of the month, the sun was eclipsed.

Annals. In the ninth month, the Viscount of Teng came to attend the burial. On dingsi, [we] buried our ruler, Duke Ding. Rain prevented the burial from proceeding.

Guliang. Once a day has been set for the burial, [the rite] is not halted on account of rain — this is the [proper] ritual. That the rain here prevented the burial shows the mourning rites had not been carried out according to due order.

Annals. On wuwu, when the sun was low toward the horizon, [we] were at last able to complete the burial.

Guliang. "At last" (乃) is a phrase of urgency — it shows there was not [quite] enough daylight left.

Annals. On xinsi, [we] buried Ding Yi (定弋).

Annals. In winter, [we] walled Qi (漆).

Duke Ai (哀公)

Year 1 (哀公元年)

Annals. In the first year, in spring, in the king's first month, the duke acceded.

Annals. The Viscount of Chu, the Marquis of Chen, the Marquis of Sui, and the Baron of Xu besieged Cai.

Annals. Field mice ate the horns of the suburban-sacrifice ox; [we] divined afresh for [another] ox. In summer, in the fourth month, on xinsi, [we] performed the suburban sacrifice.

Guliang. This gathers together the irregularities [of the year] and sets them out in order. Within this account of irregularity, there is yet more to say. "Field mice ate the horns of the suburban ox; [we] divined afresh for an ox" — this records the want of reverence. On the day [before] the suburban sacrifice, [the attendants] spread out and examined the animal's horns, and so knew of the injury — the process of examination was thereby exhausted. The suburban sacrifice, from the first month through the third month, [falls within] the proper season for the suburban sacrifice. To perform it in the fourth month of summer is not timely; to perform it in the fifth month is not timely. The beginning of summer may perhaps still carry on from spring — but to carry the beginning of spring on into the end of autumn, that surely cannot be allowed! To make use of [the rite] in the ninth month — "to make use of" [here] means "to use it when it should not be used." Divining three times for the suburban sacrifice is the [proper] ritual; four times is not ritual; five times is forcing the matter. In divining whether to excuse the sacrificial animal [from its duty, on account of injury]: if auspicious, it is excused; if inauspicious, it is not. That the ox's injury is not spoken of as anyone's fault is because the injury arose from the ox itself — hence the wording is left loose. Whole, [the animal] is called "sheng" (牲, sacrificial victim); injured, it is called "niu" (牛, plain ox); not yet consecrated as sheng, it too is called "niu" — the animal is the same one throughout, but the reason it is called "ox" differs [by circumstance]. When there has been such an irregularity, [we] do not proceed to perform the suburban sacrifice, and so [we] divine to excuse the ox. Since it is [already, merely] an [uninjured] "ox," why does the text still speak of divining to excuse it? By ritual, rather than have nothing at all, it is better to have something. [The animal] had once been set apart for the High Lord [Heaven] — and so only after divination is it excused; [we] dare not decide the matter on our own authority. If the divination is inauspicious, what then? [We] do not excuse it, but set it aside safely, keeping it tethered, and wait until the first jia day of the sixth month, when [the officers] begin to prepare the sacrificial victims, and only then dispose of the matter. What is spoken of here concerns irregularities in the sacrificial victim. Yet [the text] says, [in effect]: "I gather together in this one account the irregularities of the suburban sacrifice, and set them out in order" — why so? Because [we] use the first jia day of the sixth month to begin preparing the victim, and the first jia day of the tenth month to begin tethering the victim. In the eleventh and twelfth months, even if there is some irregularity in the victim, it is not spoken of. [We] wait for the first month, and only then speak of irregularities in the victim — this is what is meant by "gathering together" the account of the suburban sacrifice. The suburban sacrifice is a rite of offering. It values its [proper] timing; it makes much of its ritual — as for the raising of the sacrificial animal, though this be a small matter, it need not be complete in every particular. Why does the text not omit [mention of] the third-month divination for the suburban sacrifice? The suburban sacrifice, from the first month through the third month, is the proper season for the suburban sacrifice. We divine, on the last xin day of the twelfth month, for the first xin day of the first month; if [the response] does not comply, we divine, on the last xin day of the first month, for the first xin day of the second month; if it does not comply, we divine, on the last xin day of the second month, for the first xin day of the third month; if it does not comply, then the suburban sacrifice is not held at all!

Annals. In autumn, the Marquis of Qi (齊) and the Marquis of Wey attacked Jin.

Annals. In winter, Zhongsun Heji led troops and attacked Zhu.

Year 2 (哀公二年)

Annals. In the second year, in spring, in the king's second month, Jisun Si, Shusun Zhouchou, and Zhongsun Heji led troops and attacked Zhu, taking the fields east of the Huo (漷).

Guliang. [The territory] east of the Huo was not entirely taken.

Annals. And [taking] the fields west of the Yi (沂).

Guliang. [The territory] west of the Yi was not entirely taken.

Annals. On guisi, Shusun Zhouchou and Zhongsun Heji, together with the Viscount of Zhu, covenanted at Juyi (句繹).

Guliang. Three men attacked, yet [only] two men [made] the covenant — why so? Each covenanted only for what he himself had gained.

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on bingzi, the Marquis of Wey, Yuan (元), died.

Annals. The Viscount of Teng came to court.

Annals. Zhao Yang of Jin led troops and brought Kuaikui, heir apparent of Wey, into Qi (戚).

Guliang. "Brought in" (納) is the term used when those within did not accept him. That it speaks of "leading troops" before "brought in" shows there was [armed] attack involved. Why was he not accepted? Because Zhe (輒) would not accept him. That Zhe would not accept his father's command was because he accepted instead the command of his grandfather. To honor the father and reject the grandfather would be to fail to honor the grandfather. His not accepting [his father] was in order to honor the grandfather.

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on jiaxu, Zhao Yang of Jin led troops, and, together with Han Da of Zheng leading troops, fought at Tie (鐵). The Zheng army was utterly defeated.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, [we] buried Duke Ling of Wey.

Annals. In the eleventh month, Cai moved to Zhoulai (州來).

Annals. Cai killed its grandee Gongzi Si (公子駟).

Year 3 (哀公三年)

Annals. In the third year, in spring, Guo Xia of Qi (齊國夏) and Shi Mangu of Wey (衛石曼姑) led troops and besieged Qi (戚).

Guliang. This was properly a matter for Wey [alone] — why then does the text name Guo Xia first? Because a son does not besiege his father. That the text does not attach "Qi" to "Wey" is because a son does not [properly] claim his father [as his own to besiege].

Annals. In summer, in the fourth month, on jiawu, there was an earthquake.

Annals. In the fifth month, on xinmao, the Huan shrine and the Xi shrine were destroyed by fire.

Guliang. Speaking of them together — among ancestors there is a difference of higher and lower rank, but as concerns ourselves in speaking of it, they are treated as one and the same.

Annals. Jisun Si and Shusun Zhouchou led troops and walled Qiyang (啟陽).

Annals. Yue Kun of Song (樂髡) led troops and attacked Cao.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on bingzi, Jisun Si died.

Annals. Men of Cai banished their grandee Gongsun Lie (公孫獵) to Wu.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month, on guimao, the Earl of Qin died.

Annals. Shusun Zhouchou and Zhongsun Heji led troops and besieged Zhu.

Year 4 (哀公四年)

Annals. In the fourth year, in spring, in the king's second month, on gengxu, a brigand assassinated the Marquis of Cai, Shen (申).

Guliang. To style [the killer] "a brigand" while [yet] speaking of "assassinating" the ruler is [a case where the text] does not use the wording proper to superior and inferior. Treating him as our own ruler on the inside while treating the killer as an outsider — [the text] does not use the wording proper to [ordinary] assassination. The Spring and Autumn recognizes three kinds of "brigand": to kill a grandee covertly is called "brigandage"; to take what is not one's own to take is called "brigandage"; to sidestep the correct way of the Central States in pursuit of private gain is called "brigandage."

Annals. Cai Gongsun Chen (蔡公孫辰) fled to Wu.

Annals. [We] buried Duke Hui of Qin.

Annals. Men of Song seized the Viscount of Lesser Zhu.

Annals. In summer, Cai killed its grandees Gongsun Xing (公孫姓) and Gongsun Huo (公孫霍).

Annals. Men of Jin seized Chi (赤), viscount of the Rong-Man barbarians, and delivered him to Chu.

Annals. [We] walled the western outer wall.

Annals. In the sixth month, on xinchou, the Bo altar (亳社) was destroyed by fire.

Guliang. The Bo altar was the [earth-]altar of Bo. Bo was a fallen state. The altar of a fallen state is kept, to serve as a warning against [the same fate]. That its roof does not let it communicate upward [with Heaven, unlike a living state's open altar, this too follows the same rule].

Annals. In autumn, in the eighth month, on jiayin, the Viscount of Teng, Jie (結), died.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, [we] buried Duke Zhao of Cai.

Annals. [We] buried Duke Qing of Teng.

Year 5 (哀公五年)

Annals. In the fifth year, in spring, [we] walled Pi (毗).

Annals. In summer, the Marquis of Qi (齊) attacked Song.

Annals. Zhao Yang of Jin led troops and attacked Wey.

Annals. In autumn, in the ninth month, on guiyou, the Marquis of Qi, Chujiu (杵臼), died.

Annals. In winter, Uncle Huan (叔還) went to Qi (齊).

Annals. In the intercalary month, [we] buried Duke Jing of Qi.

Guliang. This holds as improper the [use of an] intercalary month [for the burial].

Year 6 (哀公六年)

Annals. In the sixth year, in spring, [we] walled Zhuxia (邾瑕).

Annals. Zhao Yang of Jin led troops and attacked Xianyu.

Annals. Wu attacked Chen.

Annals. In summer, Guo Xia and Gao Zhang of Qi (齊) came to us in flight.

Annals. Uncle Huan met with Wu at Zha (柤).

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on gengyin, Zhen (軫), Viscount of Chu, died.

Annals. Yangsheng of Qi (齊陽生) entered Qi. Chen Qi of Qi (陳乞) assassinated its ruler, Tu (荼).

Guliang. Yangsheng entered and assassinated his ruler, yet [the text] makes Chen Qi the one responsible — why so? Because it does not treat Yangsheng as having [properly] become Tu's ruler [by this act]. Why does it not treat Yangsheng as Tu's ruler? Because Yangsheng was the correct [heir], and Tu was not correct. If Tu was not correct, why then does the text [still] call him "ruler"? Though Tu was not correct, he had nonetheless already received the [succession] mandate! "Entered" is the term used when those within did not accept him. If Tu was not correct, on what grounds did they not accept [Yangsheng]? Because [Tu] had received the mandate, it becomes possible to speak of "not accepting" [Yangsheng's return]. Why is Yangsheng identified by the name of the state [rather than a personal name]? Because he took the state from Tu.

Annals. In winter, Zhongsun Heji led troops and attacked Zhu.

Annals. Xiang Chao of Song (向巢) led troops and attacked Cao.

Year 7 (哀公七年)

Annals. In the seventh year, in spring, Huang Yuan of Song (皇瑗) led troops and raided Zheng.

Annals. Wei Manduo of Jin (魏曼多) led troops and raided Wey.

Annals. In summer, the duke met with Wu at Zeng (繒).

Annals. In autumn, the duke attacked Zhu.

Annals. In the eighth month, on jiyou, [we] entered Zhu, bringing back the Viscount of Zhu, Yi (益).

Guliang. "With" (以) is the term used for something not properly done "with." Naming Yi [by his personal name] expresses disapproval. The Spring and Autumn has wording that looks down upon all under Heaven, wording that looks down upon a single state, and wording that looks down upon a single household. In speaking of him as having "come" [to us], there is a wording that treats Lu itself as outside [the proper center].

Annals. Men of Song besieged Cao.

Annals. In winter, Si Hong of Zheng (駟弘) led troops to rescue Cao.

Year 8 (哀公八年)

Annals. In the eighth year, in spring, in the king's first month, the Duke of Song entered Cao, bringing back the Earl of Cao, Yang (陽).

Annals. Wu attacked us.

Annals. In summer, men of Qi (齊) took Huan and Chan (闡).

Guliang. This condemns us [for our part in the loss].

Annals. [Qi] returned the Viscount of Zhu, Yi, to Zhu.

Guliang. Naming Yi [by his personal name] marks his having lost his state.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month. [No event.]

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, on guihai, the Earl of Qi (杞), Guo (過), died.

Annals. Men of Qi (齊) returned Huan and Chan.

Year 9 (哀公九年)

Annals. In the ninth year, in spring, in the king's second month, [we] buried Duke Xi of Qi (杞).

Annals. Huang Yuan of Song took the Zheng army at Yongqiu (雍丘).

Guliang. "Took" (取) is a phrase of ease. That an [entire] army could be "taken" with such ease shows how gravely Zheng suffered!

Annals. In summer, men of Chu attacked Chen.

Annals. In autumn, the Duke of Song attacked Zheng.

Annals. In winter, in the tenth month. [No event.]

Year 10 (哀公十年)

Annals. In the tenth year, in spring, in the king's second month, the Viscount of Zhu, Yi, came to us in flight.

Annals. The duke met with Wu and attacked Qi (齊).

Annals. In the third month, on wuxu, the Marquis of Qi (齊), Yangsheng (陽生), died.

Annals. In summer, men of Song attacked Zheng.

Annals. Zhao Yang of Jin (趙鞅) led troops to raid Qi.

Annals. In the fifth month, the duke arrived back from attacking Qi.

Annals. [We] buried Duke Dao of Qi.

Annals. Gongmeng Ku of Wey (衛公孟彄) returned to Wey from Qi.

Annals. The Earl of Xue, Yi, died.

Annals. In autumn, [we] buried Duke Hui of Xue.

Annals. In winter, Prince Jie of Chu (楚公子結) led troops to attack Chen. Wu went to the rescue of Chen.

Year 11 (哀公十一年)

Annals. In the eleventh year, in spring, Guo Shu of Qi (齊國書) led troops to attack us.

Annals. In summer, Yuan Po of Chen (陳轅頗) fled to Zheng.

Annals. In the fifth month, the duke met with Wu and attacked Qi.

Annals. On the day jiaxu, Guo Shu of Qi led troops, and fought with Wu at Ailing (艾陵). The army of Qi was utterly defeated. Guo Shu of Qi was captured.

Annals. In autumn, in the seventh month, on the day xinyou, Viscount Yumu of Teng (滕子虞母) died.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, [we] buried Duke Yin of Teng.

Annals. Shishu Qi of Wey (衛世叔齊) fled to Song.

Year 12 (哀公十二年)

Annals. In the twelfth year, in spring, [the state] levied a tax on the fields.

Guliang. In antiquity, the public fields yielded one part in ten. To levy a tax on the fields was not proper.

Annals. In summer, in the fifth month, on the day jiachen, Meng Zi died.

Guliang. Meng Zi — who was she? She was the wife of Duke Zhao. Why does [the text] not call her "the duke's wife"? It conceals the taking of a wife of the same surname.

Annals. The duke met with Wu at Tuogao (橐皋).

Annals. In autumn, the duke met with the Marquis of Wey and Huang Yuan of Song (宋皇瑗) at Yun (鄖).

Annals. Xiang Chao of Song (宋向巢) led troops to attack Zheng.

Annals. In winter, in the twelfth month, there were locusts.

Year 13 (哀公十三年)

Annals. In the thirteenth year, in spring, Han Da of Zheng (鄭罕達) led troops and took the army of Song at Yan (嵒).

Guliang. "Took" is a word of ease. That an army could be taken with such ease — Song was in dire straits.

Annals. In summer, the Baron of Xu, Cheng, died.

Annals. The duke met with the Marquis of Jin and the Viscount of Wu at Huangchi (黃池).

Guliang. At the meeting at Huangchi — did the viscount of Wu advance? He was indeed confirmed as viscount. Wu is a state of the Yi and Di [barbarian peoples]; its people cut their hair short and tattoo their bodies. [Its ruler] wished to rely on the rites of Lu and the authority of Jin, and asked to wear the ceremonial cap and don the robe in the proper form. By relying on Chengzhou [the Zhou royal capital], so as to honor the Heavenly King, Wu advanced. Wu is a great state of the east; again and again it brought lesser states to meet with the assembled lords, so as to align itself with the Central States. That Wu was able to do this — was this not to act as a subject [of the Zhou order]? Wu advanced. "King" is an honored title; "viscount" is a humble title. [Wu] set aside the honored title and took the humble one, in order to meet with the assembled lords and so honor the Heavenly King. The King of Wu, Fuchai, said, "Bring a fine cap." Confucius said, "How great! Fuchai was not yet able to speak properly of the cap, and yet he wished to wear it."

Annals. Prince Shen of Chu (楚公子申) led troops to attack Chen.

Annals. Yue (於越) entered Wu.

Annals. In autumn, the duke arrived back from the meeting.

Annals. Wei Manduo of Jin (晉魏曼多) led troops to raid Wey.

Annals. [We] buried Duke Yuan of Xu.

Annals. In the ninth month, there were locusts.

Annals. In winter, in the eleventh month, a comet appeared in the east.

Annals. Bandits killed Xia Qufu of Chen (陳夏區夫).

Annals. In the twelfth month, there were locusts.

Year 14 (哀公十四年)

Annals. In the fourteenth year, in spring, hunting in the west, they captured a lin (麟, a qilin).

Guliang. It means that the creature was drawn in and taken. Hunting [properly] has its ground [recorded]; without the ground given, it is not [a properly recorded] hunt. It was not [in the strict, proper sense] a hunt, and yet it is called a hunt — because the capture of the lin was a great thing, and so [the text] makes grand the outing. That it does not say the lin "came" is because it does not treat the lin as something foreign, brought in from outside the Central States. That it does not say "there was" a lin is so as not to make it seem that the lin is not a constant presence within the Central States.

Colophon

This translation was prepared for the Chinese shelf of the Good Works Library and made independently from the classical Chinese text printed in full below. The source's two layers are kept distinct throughout: each chronicle line is set as a bulleted Annals block, and the catechism that follows it, where the source supplies one, is set as a Guliang block; where an entry carries no catechism, the Annals line stands alone, following the source exactly. The commentary's recurring formulas — fixed phrases such as 'entered' means those within did not accept them, or 'rebelled' means a plain and simple rebellion, repeated nearly verbatim at many points across the text — are kept in the same fixed English wording each time they recur, following the source's own repetition.

No live search for prior translations could be made when this file was prepared; what follows is the limit of our present knowledge. We know of no complete published English translation of the Guliang Commentary — general studies of the Chunqiu commentaries touch on it, and partial renderings of individual passages exist, but no complete translation has come to our attention. This translation was made independently from the Chinese, and no claim of firstness is made for it.

A note on terms and names. The state of Wei (衛) is spelled Wey throughout this file, to keep it apart in English from the larger and unrelated state of Wei (魏); Qi (杞), an old Xia-descended state, is likewise kept apart from Qi (齊), the great eastern power, by giving the Chinese character in parentheses at each occurrence. Mourning and death terms are kept graded by rank as the commentary itself distinguishes them: beng for the Son of Heaven, hong for a feudal lord, zu for a grandee or lesser ruler.

Prepared for the Good Work Library by the Tianmu Anglican Church with AI-assisted translation and editorial work.

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Source Text: 春秋穀梁傳

Classical Chinese text in the Chinese Wikisource transcription. Presented complete for reference, study, and verification alongside the English translation above.

隱公

隱公元年

元年春，王正月。〔雖無事，必舉正月，謹始也。公何以不言即位？成公志也。焉成之？言君之不取為公也。君之不取為公，何也？將以讓桓也。讓桓正乎？曰：不正。《春秋》成人之美，不成人之惡。隱不正而成之，何也？將以惡桓也。其惡桓，何也？隱將讓而桓弒之，則桓惡矣；桓弒而隱讓，則隱善矣。善則其不正焉，何也？《春秋》貴義而不貴惠，信道而不信邪。孝子揚父之美，不揚父之惡。先君之欲與桓，非正也，邪也；雖然，既勝其邪心以與隱矣。己探先君之邪志，而遂以與桓，則是成父之惡也。兄弟，天倫也。為子受之父，為諸侯受之君。己廢天倫，而忘君父，以行小惠，曰小道也。若隱者，可謂輕千乘之國。蹈道，則未也。〕

三月，公及邾婁儀父盟于眛。〔及者何？內為志焉爾。儀，字也。父，猶傅也，男子之美稱也。其不言邾子，何也？邾之上古微，未爵命於周也。不日，其盟渝也。眛，地名也。〕

夏，五月，鄭伯克段于鄢。〔克者何？能也。何能也？能殺也。何以不言殺？見段之有徒眾也。段，鄭伯弟也。何以知其為弟也？殺世子母弟目君，以其目君，知其為弟也。段，弟也，而弗謂弟；公子也，而弗謂公子—貶之也。段失子弟之道矣，賤段而甚鄭伯也。何甚乎鄭伯？甚鄭伯之處心積慮，成於殺也。于鄢，遠也，猶曰取之其母之懷中而殺之云爾，甚之也。然則為鄭伯者宜奈何？緩追逸賊，親親之道也。〕

秋，七月，天王使宰咺來歸惠公、仲子之赗。〔母以子氏，仲子者何？惠公之母、孝公之妾也。禮，赗人之母則可，赗人之妾則不可。君子以其可辭受之，其志，不及事也。赗者，何也？乘馬曰赗，衣衾曰襚，貝玉曰含，錢財曰賻。〕

九月，及宋人盟于宿。〔及者何？內卑者也。宋人，外卑者也。卑者之盟不日。宿，邑名也。〕

冬，十有二月，祭伯來。〔來者，來朝也，其弗謂朝，何也？寰內諸侯，非有天子之命，不得出會諸侯，不正其外交，故弗與朝也。聘弓鍭矢，不出竟埸。束修之肉，不行竟中。有至尊者，不貳之也。〕

公子益師卒。〔大夫日卒，正也；不日卒，惡也。〕

隱公二年

二年春，公會戎于潛。〔會者，外為主焉爾。知者慮，義者行，仁者守。有此三者，然後可以出會。會戎，危公也。〕

夏，五月，莒人入向。〔入者，內弗受也。向，我邑也。〕

無侅帥師入極。〔入者，內弗受也。極，國也。茍焉以入人為志者，人亦入之矣。不稱氏者，滅同姓，貶也。〕

秋，八月庚辰，公及戎盟于唐。

九月，紀履緰來逆女。〔逆女，親者也。使大夫，非正也。以國氏者，為其來交接於我，故君子進之也。〕

冬，十月，伯姬歸于紀。〔禮：婦人謂嫁曰歸，反曰來歸。從人者也。婦人在家，制於父；既嫁，制於夫；夫死，從長子。婦人不專行，必有從也。「伯姬歸于紀」，此其如專行之辭，何也？曰：非專行也。吾伯姬歸于紀，故志之也。其不言使，何也？逆之道微，無足道焉爾。〕

紀子，伯莒子盟于密。〔或曰紀子伯，莒子而與之盟，或曰年同爵同，故紀子以伯先也。〕

十有二月乙卯，夫人子氏薨。〔夫人薨，不地。夫人者，隱之妻也。卒而不書葬，夫人之義，從君者也。〕

鄭人伐衛。

隱公三年

三年春，王二月己巳，日有食之。〔言日不言朔。食，晦日也。其「日有食之」，何也？吐者外壤，食者內壤；闕然不見其壤，「有食之」者也。「有」，內辭也，或外辭也。「有食之」者，內於日也。其不言食之者，何也？知其不可知，知也。〕

三月庚戌，天王崩。〔高曰崩，厚曰崩，尊曰崩。天子之崩，以尊也。其崩之，何也？以其在民上，故崩之。其不名，何也？大上，故不名也。〕

夏，四月辛卯，尹氏卒。〔尹氏者，何也？天子之大夫也。外大夫不卒，此何以卒之也？於天子之崩為魯主，故隱而卒之。〕

秋，武氏子來求賻。〔武氏子者，何也？天子之大夫也。天子之大夫，其稱武氏子，何也？未畢喪，孤未爵；未爵使之，非正也。其不言使，何也？無君也。歸死者曰赗，歸生者曰賻。曰歸之者，正也；求之者，非正也。周雖不求，魯不可以不歸；魯雖不歸，周不可以求之。求之為言，得不得，未可知之辭也。交譏之。〕

八月庚辰，宋公和卒。〔諸侯日卒，正也。〕

冬，十有二月，齊侯、鄭伯盟于石門。癸未，葬宋繆公。〔日葬，故也；危不得葬也。〕

隱公四年

四年春，王二月，莒人伐杞，取牟婁。傳曰：言伐言取，所惡也。諸侯相伐、取地於是始。故謹而志之也。

戊申，衛祝吁弒其君完。大夫弒其君，以國氏者，嫌也。弒而代之也。

夏，公及宋公遇于清。及者，內為志焉爾。遇者，志相得也。

宋公、陳侯、蔡人、衛人伐鄭。

秋，翚帥師會宋公、陳侯、蔡人、衛人伐鄭。翚者，何也？公子翚也。其不稱公子，何也？貶之也。何為貶之也？與于弒公，故貶也。

九月，衛人殺祝吁于濮。稱人以殺，殺有罪也。祝吁之挈，失嫌也。其月，謹之也。于濮者，譏失賊也。

冬，十有二月，衛人立晉。衛人者，眾辭也。立者不宜立也。晉之名惡也，其稱人以立之，何也？得眾也，得眾則是賢也。賢則其曰不宜立，何也？《春秋》之義：諸侯與正而不與賢也。

隱公五年

五年春，公觀魚于棠。傳曰：常事曰事，非常曰觀。禮：尊不親小事，卑不尸大功。魚，卑者之事也，公觀之，非正也。

夏，四月，葬衛桓公。月葬，故也。

秋，衛師入郕。入者，內弗受也。郕，國也。將卑師眾曰師。

九月，考仲子之宮。考者，何也？考者，成之也，成之為夫人也。禮：庶子為君。為其母筑宮，使公子主其祭也。於子祭，於孫止。仲子者，惠公之母，隱孫而修之，非隱也。

初獻六羽。初，始也。穀梁子曰：「舞《夏》，天子八佾，諸公六佾，諸侯四佾。初獻六羽，始僭樂矣。」尸子曰：「舞《夏》，自天子至諸侯，皆用八佾。初獻六羽，始厲樂矣。」

邾人、鄭人伐宋。

螟。蟲災也。甚則月，不甚則時。

冬，十有二月辛巳，公子彄卒。隱不爵命大夫，其曰公子彄，何也？先君之大夫也。

宋人伐鄭，圍長葛。伐國不言圍邑，此其言圍，何也？久之也。伐不逾時，戰不逐奔，誅不填服。苞人民、毆牛馬，曰侵；斬樹木、壞宮室，曰伐。

隱公六年

六年春，鄭人來輸平。輸者，墮也。平之為言，以道成也。來輸平者，不果成也。

夏，五月辛酉，公會齊侯，盟于艾。

秋，七月。

冬，宋人取長葛。外取邑不志，此其志，何也？久之也。

隱公七年

七年春，王三月，叔姬歸于紀。其不言逆，何也？逆之道微，無足道焉爾。

滕侯卒。滕侯無名，少曰世子，長曰君--狄道也，其不正者名也。

夏，城中丘。城，為保民為之也。民眾城小，則益城。益城無極。凡城之志，皆譏也。

齊侯使其弟年來聘。諸侯之尊，弟兄不得以屬通。其弟云者，以其來接於我，舉其貴者也。

秋，公伐邾。

冬，天王使凡伯來聘，戎伐凡伯于楚丘以歸。凡伯者，何也？天子之大夫也。國而曰伐，此一人而曰伐，何也？大天子之命也。戎者，衛也；戎衛者，為其伐天子之使，貶而戎之也。楚丘，衛之邑也。以歸，猶愈乎執也。

隱公八年

八年春，宋公、衛侯遇于垂。不期而會曰遇。遇者，志相得也。

三月，鄭伯使宛來歸邴。名宛，所以貶鄭伯，惡與地也。

庚寅，我入邴。入者，內弗受也。日入，惡入者也。邴者，鄭伯所受命於天子，而祭泰山之邑也。

夏，六月己亥，蔡侯考父卒。諸侯日卒，正也。

辛亥，宿男卒。宿，微國也。未能同盟，故男卒也。

秋，七月庚午，宋公、齊侯、衛侯盟于瓦屋。外盟不日，此其日，何也？諸侯之參盟於是始，故謹而日之也。誥誓不及五帝，盟詛不及三王，交質子不及二伯。

八月，葬蔡宣公。月葬，故也。

九月辛卯，公及莒人盟于包來。可言公及人，不可言公及大夫。

螟。

冬，十有二月，無侅卒。無侅之名，未有聞焉。或曰隱不爵大夫也，或說曰故貶之也。

隱公九年

九年春，天王使南季來聘。南，氏姓也。季，字也。聘，問也。聘諸侯，非正也。

三月癸酉，大雨，震電。震，雷也。電，霆也。

庚辰，大雨雪。志疏數也。八日之間，再有大變，陰陽錯行，故謹而日之也。雨月，志正也。

俠卒。俠者，所俠也。弗大夫者，隱不爵大夫也。隱之不爵大夫，何也？曰：不成為君也。

夏，城郎。

秋，七月。無事焉，何以書？不遺時也。

冬，公會齊侯于防。會者，外為主焉爾。

隱公十年

十年春，王二月，公會齊侯、鄭伯于中丘。

夏，翚帥師會齊人、鄭人伐宋。

六月壬戌，公敗宋師于菅。內不言戰，舉其大者也。

辛未取郜，辛巳取防。取邑不日，此其日，何也？不正其乘敗人而深為利，取二邑，故謹而日之也。

秋，宋人、衛人入鄭。

宋人、蔡人、衛人伐載，鄭伯伐取之。不正其因人之力而易取之，故主其事也。

冬，十月壬午，齊人、鄭人入郕。入者，內弗受也。日入，惡入者也。郕，國也。

隱公十一年

十有一年春，滕侯、薛侯來朝。天子無事，諸侯相朝，正也。考禮修德，所以尊天子也。諸侯來朝，時正也。特言，同時也。累數，皆至也。

夏，五月，公會鄭伯于時來。

秋，七月壬午，公及齊侯、鄭伯入許。

冬，十有一月壬辰，公薨。公薨不地，故也。隱之，不忍地也。其不言葬，何也？君弒賊不討，不書葬，以罪下也。隱十年無正，隱不自正也；元年有正，所以正隱也。

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桓公

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桓公元年

元年春王。〔桓無王，其曰王，何也？謹始也。其曰無王，何也？桓弟弒兄、臣弒君，天子不能定，諸侯不能救，百姓不能去，以為無王之道，遂可以至焉爾。元年有王，所以治桓也。〕

正月，公即位。〔繼故不言即位，正也。繼故不言即位之為正，何也？曰：先君不以其道終，則子弟不忍即位也。繼故而言即位，則是與聞乎弒也。繼故而言即位，是為與聞乎弒，何也？曰：先君不以其道終，己正即位之道而即位，是無恩於先君也。〕

三月，公會鄭伯于垂。〔會者，外為主焉爾。〕

鄭伯以璧假許田。〔假不言以，言以非假也。非假而曰假，諱易地也。禮，天子在上，諸侯不得以地相與也。無田則無許可知矣。不言許，不與許也。許田者，魯朝宿之邑也。邴者，鄭伯之所受命而祭泰山之邑也。用見魯之不朝於周，而鄭之不祭泰山也。〕

夏，四月丁未，公及鄭伯盟于越。〔及者，內為志焉爾。越，盟地之名也。〕

秋，大水。〔高下有水災曰大水。〕

冬，十月。〔無事焉，何以書？不遺時也。《春秋》編年，四時具而後為年。〕

桓公二年

二年春，王正月戊申，宋督弒其君與夷。桓無王，其曰王，何也？正與夷之卒也。及其大夫孔父。孔父先死，其曰及，何也？書尊及卑，《春秋》之義也。孔父之先死，何也？督欲弒君而恐不立，於是乎先殺孔父，孔父閑也。何以知其先殺孔父也？曰：子既死，父不忍稱其名；臣既死，君不忍稱其名，以是知君之累之也。孔氏父字，謚也。或曰：其不稱名，蓋為祖諱也。孔子故宋也。

滕子來朝。

三月，公會齊侯、陳侯、鄭伯于稷，以成宋亂。以者，內為志焉爾。公為志乎成是亂也，此成矣，取不成事之辭而加之焉。於內之惡，而君子無遺焉爾。

夏，四月，取郜大鼎于宋。戊申，納于太廟。桓內弒其君，外成人之亂，受賂而退，以事其祖，非禮也。其道以周公為弗受也。郜鼎者，郜之所為也。曰宋，取之宋也，以是為討之鼎也。孔子曰：「名從主人，物從中國。」故曰郜大鼎也。

秋，七月，紀侯來朝。朝時，此其月，何也？桓內弒其君，外成人之亂，於是為齊侯、陳侯、鄭伯討。數日以賂，己即是事而朝之。惡之，故謹而月之也。

蔡侯、鄭伯會于鄧。

九月，入杞。我入之也。

公及戎盟于唐。冬，公至自唐。桓無會而其致，何也？遠之也。

桓公三年

三年春，正月，公會齊侯于嬴。

夏，齊侯、衛侯胥命于蒲。胥之為言猶相也。相命而信諭，謹言而退，以是為近古也。是必一人先，其以相言之，何也？不以齊侯命衛侯也。

六月，公會杞侯于郕。

秋，七月壬辰朔，日有食之，既。言日言朔，食正朔也。既者，盡也，有繼之辭也。

公子翚如齊逆女。逆女，親者也。使大夫，非正也。

九月，齊侯送姜氏于讙。禮送女，父不下堂，母不出祭門，諸母兄弟不出闕門。父戒之曰：「謹慎從爾舅之言。」母戒之曰：「謹慎從爾姑之言。」諸母般申之曰：「謹慎從爾父母之言。」送女逾竟，非禮也。

公會齊侯于讙。無譏乎，曰：為禮也。齊侯來也，公之逆而會之可也。

夫人姜氏至自齊。其不言翚之以來，何也？公親受之于齊侯也。子貢曰：「冕而親迎，不已重乎？」孔子曰：「合二姓之好，以繼萬世之後，何謂已重乎！」

冬，齊侯使其弟年來聘。

有年。五穀皆熟，為有年也。

桓公四年

四年春，正月，公狩于郎。四時之田，皆為宗廟之事也。春曰田，夏曰苗，秋曰搜，冬曰狩。四時之田用三焉，唯其所先得，一為乾豆，二為賓客，三為充君之庖。

夏，天王使宰渠伯糾來聘。

桓公五年

五年春，正月甲戌、己丑，陳侯鮑卒。鮑卒何為以二日卒之？《春秋》之義：信以傳信，疑以傳疑。陳侯以甲戌之日出，己丑之日得，不知死之日，故舉二日以包也。

夏，齊侯、鄭伯如紀。

天王使任叔之子來聘。任叔之子者，錄父以使子也。故微其君臣而著其父子，不正父在子代仕之辭也。

葬陳桓公。

城祝丘。

秋，蔡人、衛人、陳人從王伐鄭。舉從者之辭也。其舉從者之辭，何也？為天王諱伐鄭也。鄭，同姓之國也，在乎冀州，於是不服，為天子病矣。

大雩。

螽。螽，蟲災也。甚則月，不甚則時。

冬，州公如曹。外相如不書，此其書，何也？過我也。

桓公六年

六年春，正月，寔來。寔來者，是來也。何謂是來？謂州公也。其謂之是來，何也？以其畫我，故簡言之也，諸侯不以過相朝也。

夏，四月，公會紀侯于郕。

秋，八月壬午，大閱。大閱者何？閱兵車也。修教明諭，國道也。平而修戎事，非正也。其日以為崇武，故謹而日之，蓋以觀婦人也。

蔡人殺陳佗。陳佗者，陳君也，其曰陳佗，何也？匹夫行，故匹夫稱之也。其匹夫行奈何？陳侯喜獵，淫獵于蔡，與蔡人爭禽。蔡人不知其是陳君也而殺之。何以知其是陳君也？兩下相殺不道；其不地，於蔡也。

九月丁卯，子同生。疑故志之，時曰同乎人也。

冬，紀侯來朝。

桓公七年

七年春，二月己亥，焚咸丘。其不言邾咸丘，何也？疾其以火攻也。

夏，穀伯綏來朝。鄧侯吾離來朝。其名，何也？失國也。失國則其以朝言之，何也？嘗以諸侯與之接矣。雖失國，弗損吾異日也。

桓公八年

八年春，正月己卯，烝。烝，冬事也，春興之，志不時也。

天王使家父來聘。

夏，五月丁丑，烝。烝，冬事也，春、夏興之，黷祀也。志不敬也。

秋，伐邾。

冬，十月，雨雪。

祭公來，遂逆王后于紀。其不言使焉，何也？不正。其以宗廟之大事，即謀於我，故弗與使也。遂，繼事之辭也。其曰「遂逆王后」，故略之也。或曰天子無外，王命之則成矣。

桓公九年

九年春，紀季姜歸于京師。為之中者歸之也。

夏，四月。

秋，七月。

冬，曹伯使其世子射姑來朝。朝不言使，言使非正也。使世子伉諸侯之禮而來朝，曹伯失正矣！諸侯相見曰朝，以待人父之道待人之子，以內為失正矣！內失正，曹伯失正，世子可以已矣！則是故命也。尸子曰：「夫已，多乎道。」

桓公十年

十年春，王正月庚申，曹伯終生卒。桓無王，其曰王，何也？正終生之卒也。

夏，五月，葬曹桓公。

秋，公會衛侯于桃丘。弗遇。弗遇者，志不相得也。弗，內辭也。

冬，十有二月丙午，齊侯、衛侯、鄭伯來戰于郎。來戰者，前定之戰也。內不言戰，言戰則敗也。不言其人，以吾敗也。不言及者，為內諱也。

桓公十一年

十有一年春，正月，齊人、衛人、鄭人盟于惡曹。

夏，五月癸未，鄭伯寤生卒。

秋，七月，葬鄭莊公。

九月，宋人執鄭祭仲。宋人者，宋公也，其曰人，何也？貶之也。

突歸于鄭。曰突，賤之也。曰歸，易辭也。祭仲易其事，權在祭仲也。死君難，臣道也，今立惡而黜正，惡祭仲也。

鄭忽出奔衛。鄭忽者，世子忽也。其名，失國也。

柔會宋公、陳侯、蔡叔盟于折。柔者何？吾大夫之未命者也。

公會宋公于夫鍾。

冬，十有二月，公會宋公于闞。

桓公十二年

十有二年春，正月。

夏，六月壬寅，公會紀侯、莒子盟于曲池。

秋，七月丁亥，公會宋公、燕人盟于穀丘。

八月壬辰，陳侯躍卒。

公會宋公于虛。

冬，十有一月，公會宋公于龜。

丙戌，公會鄭伯盟于武父。

丙戌，衛侯晉卒。再稱日，決日義也。

十有二月，及鄭師伐宋；丁未，戰于宋。非與所與伐戰也。不言與鄭戰，恥不和也。於伐與戰，敗也。內諱敗，舉其可道者也。

桓公十三年

十有三年春，二月，公會紀侯、鄭伯。

己巳，及齊侯、宋公、衛侯、燕人。戰齊師、宋師、衛師、燕師。敗績。其言及者，由內及之也。其曰戰者，由外言之也。戰稱人，敗稱師，重眾也。其不地，於紀也。

三月，葬衛宣公。

夏，大水。

秋，七月。

冬，十月。

桓公十四年

十有四年春，正月，公會鄭伯于曹。

無冰。無冰，時燠也。

夏五。鄭伯使其弟禦來盟。諸侯之尊，弟兄不得以屬通。其弟云者，以其來我舉其貴者也。來盟，前定也。不日，前定之盟不日。孔子曰：「聽遠音者，聞其疾而不聞其舒；望遠者，察其貌而不察其形。立乎定、哀，以指隱、桓，隱、桓之日遠矣。『夏五』傳疑也。」

秋，八月壬申，御廩災。乙亥，嘗。御廩之災不志，此其志何也？以為唯未易災之餘，而嘗可也，志不敬也。天子親耕，以共粢盛；王后親蠶，以共祭服。國非無良農工女也，以為人之所盡，事其祖禰，不若以己所自親者也。何用見其未易災之餘而嘗也？曰甸粟，而內之三宮；三宮米，而藏之御廩。夫嘗必有兼甸之事焉。壬申，御廩災；乙亥，嘗。以為未易災之餘而嘗也。

冬，十有二月丁巳，齊侯祿父卒。

宋人以齊人、蔡人、衛人、陳人伐鄭。以者，不以者也。民者，君之本也。使人以其死，非正也。

桓公十五年

十有五年春，二月，天王使家父來求車。古者諸侯時獻于天子，以其國之所有，故有辭讓，而無徵求。求車，非禮也；求金，甚矣！

三月乙未，天王崩。

夏，四月己巳，葬齊僖公。

五月，鄭伯突出奔蔡。譏奪正也。

鄭世子忽復歸于鄭。反正也。

許叔入于許。許叔，許之貴者也，莫宜乎許叔。其曰入，何也？其歸之道，非所以歸也。

公會齊侯于蒿。

邾人、牟人、葛人來朝。

秋，九月，鄭伯突入于櫟。

冬，十有一月，公會宋公、衛侯、陳侯、于袲伐鄭。地而後伐，疑辭也，非其疑也。

桓公十六年

十有六年春，正月，公會宋公、蔡侯、衛侯于曹。

夏，四月，公會宋公、衛侯、陳侯、蔡侯伐鄭。

秋，七月，公至自伐鄭。桓無會，其致何也？危之也。

冬，城向。

十有一月，衛侯朔出奔齊。朔之名，惡也，天子召而不往也。

桓公十七年

十有七年春，正月丙辰，公會齊侯、紀侯盟于黃。

二月丙午，公及邾儀父盟于趡。

夏，五月丙午，及齊師戰于郎。內諱敗，舉其可道者也。不言其人，以吾敗也。不言及之者，為內諱也。

六月丁丑，蔡侯封人卒。

秋，八月，蔡季自陳歸于蔡。蔡季，蔡之貴者也。自陳，陳有奉焉爾。

癸巳，葬蔡桓侯。

及宋人、衛人伐邾。

冬，十月朔，日有食之。言朔不言日，食既朔也。

桓公十八年

十有八年春，王正月，公會齊侯于濼。公與夫人姜氏遂如齊。濼之會，不言及夫人，何也？以夫人之伉，弗稱數也。

夏，四月丙子，公薨于齊。其地，於外也。薨稱公，舉上也。

丁酉，公之喪至自齊。

秋，七月。

冬，十有二月，己丑，葬我君桓公。葬我君，接上下也。君弒，賊不討不書葬，此其言葬，何也？不責逾國而討于是也。桓公葬而後舉謚，謚所以成德也，於卒事乎加之矣。知者慮，義者行，仁者守。有此三者備，然後可以會矣。

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莊公

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莊公元年

元年春，王正月。繼弒君不言即位，正也。繼弒君不言即位之為正，何也？曰：先君不以其道終，則子不忍即位也。

三月，夫人孫于齊。孫之為言猶孫也。諱奔也。接練時，錄母之變，始人之也。不言氏姓，貶之也。人之於天也，以道受命；於人也，以言受命。不若於道者，天絕之也；不若於言者，人絕之也。臣子大受命。

夏，單伯逆王姬。單伯者何？吾大夫之命乎天子者也。命大夫，故不名也。其不言如，何也？其義不可受於京師也。其義不可受於京師，何也？曰：躬君弒於齊，使之主婚姻，與齊為禮，其義固不可受也。

秋，筑王姬之館于外。筑，禮也。于外，非禮也。筑之為禮，何也？主王姬者，必自公門出。於廟則已尊，於寢則已卑。為之筑，節矣。筑之外，變之正也。筑之外，變之為正，何也？仇讎之人非所以接婚姻也，衰麻非所以接弁冕也。其不言齊侯之來逆，何也？不使齊侯得與吾為禮也。

冬，十月乙亥，陳侯林卒。諸侯日卒，正也。

王使榮叔來錫桓公命。禮有受命，無來錫命；錫命非正也。生服之，死行之，禮也。生不服，死追錫之，不正甚矣。

王姬歸于齊。為之中者歸之也。

齊師遷紀，郱、鄑、郚。紀，國也。郱、鄑、郚，國也。或曰遷紀于郱、鄑、郚。

莊公二年

二年春，王二月，葬陳莊公。

夏，公子慶父帥師，伐於余丘。國而曰伐。於余丘，邾之邑也。其曰伐何也？公子貴矣，師重矣。而敵人之邑，公子病矣。病公子，所以譏乎公也。其一曰君在而重之也。

秋，七月，齊王姬卒。為之主者，卒之也。

冬，十有二月，夫人姜氏會齊侯于禚。婦人既嫁不逾竟，逾竟非正也。婦人不言會，言會非正也。饗甚矣。

乙酉，宋公馮卒。

莊公三年

三年春，王正月。溺會齊侯伐衛。溺者何也？公子溺也。其不稱公子，何也？惡其會仇讎而伐同姓，故貶而名之也。

夏，四月，葬宋莊公。月葬，故也。

五月，葬桓王。傳曰：改葬也。改葬之禮緦，舉下，緬也。或曰卻尸以求諸侯。天子志崩不志葬，必其時也。何必焉？舉天下而葬一人，其義不疑也。志葬，故也，危不得葬也。曰：近不失崩。不志崩，失天下也。獨陰不生，獨陽不生，獨天不生，三合然後生。故曰：母之子也可，天之子也可。尊者取尊稱焉，卑者取卑稱焉。其曰王者，民之所歸往也。

秋，紀季以酅入于齊。酅，紀之邑也。入于齊者，以酅事齊也。入者，內弗受也。

冬，公次于郎。次，止也，有畏也。欲救紀而不能也。

莊公四年

四年春，王二月，夫人姜氏饗齊侯于祝丘。饗，甚矣。饗齊侯，所以病齊侯也。

三月，紀伯姬卒。外夫人不卒，此其言卒，何也？吾女也。適諸侯則尊同，以吾為之變，卒之也。

夏，齊侯、陳侯、鄭伯遇于垂。

紀侯大去其國。大去者，不遺一人之辭也，言民之從者四年而後畢也。紀侯賢而齊侯滅之。不言滅，而曰大去其國者，不使小人加乎君子。

六月乙丑，齊侯葬紀伯姬。外夫人不書葬，此其書葬，何也？吾女也。失國，故隱而葬之。

秋，七月。

冬，公及齊人狩于郜。齊人者，齊侯也，其曰人何也？卑公之敵，所以卑公也。何為卑公也？不復讎，而怨不釋，刺釋怨也。

莊公五年

五年春，王正月。

夏，夫人姜氏如齊師。師而曰如，眾也。婦人既嫁不逾竟，逾竟非禮也。

秋，郳黎來來朝。郳，國也。黎來，微國之君，未爵命者也。

冬，公會齊人、宋人、陳人、蔡人伐衛。是齊侯、宋公也，其曰人何也？人諸侯，所以人公也。其人公何也？逆天王之命也。

莊公六年

六年春，王二月，王人子突救衛。王人，卑者也。稱名，貴之也。善救衛也。救者善，則伐者不正矣。

夏，六月，衛侯朔，入于衛。其不言伐衛納朔，何也？不逆天王之命也。入者，內弗受也。何用弗受也？為以王命絕之也。朔之名惡也，朔入逆，則出順矣；朔出入名，以王命絕之也。

秋，公至自伐衛。惡事不致，此其致，何也？不致，則無用見公之惡、事之成也。

螟。

冬，齊人來歸衛寶。以齊首之分惡於齊也。使之如下齊而來我然，惡戰則殺矣。

莊公七年

七年春，夫人姜氏會齊侯于防。婦人不會，會非正也。

夏，四月辛卯，昔，恒星不見。恒星者，經星也。日入至於星出謂之昔。不見者，可以見也。

夜中星隕如雨。其隕也如雨，是夜中與？《春秋》著以傳著，疑以傳疑。中之，幾也；而曰夜中，著焉爾。何用見其中也？失變而錄其時，則夜中矣！其不曰恒星之隕何也？我知恒星之不見，而不知其隕也。我見其隕而接於地者，則是雨說也。著於上，見於下，謂之雨；著於下，不見於上，謂之隕。豈雨說哉！

秋，大水。高下有水災曰大水。

無麥、苗。麥、苗同時也。

冬，夫人姜氏會齊侯于穀。婦人不會，會非正也。

莊公八年

八年春，王正月，師次于郎，以俟陳人、蔡人。次，止也。俟，待也。

甲午，治兵。出曰治兵，習戰也。入曰振旅，習戰也。治兵而陳、蔡不至矣。兵事以嚴終，故曰善陳者不戰，此之謂也。善為國者不師，善師者不陳，善陳者不戰，善戰者不死，善死者不亡。

夏，師及齊師圍郕。郕降于齊師。其曰降于齊師何？不使齊師加威於郕也。

秋，師還。還者，事未畢也，遁也。

冬，十有一月癸未，齊無知弒其君諸兒。大夫弒其君，以國氏者，嫌也。弒而代之也。

莊公九年

九年春，齊人殺無知。無知之挈，失嫌也。稱人以殺大夫，殺有罪也。

公及齊大夫盟于暨。公不及大夫，大夫不名，無君也。盟納子糾也。不日，其盟渝也。當齊無君，制在公矣。當可納而不納，故惡內也。

夏，公伐齊，納糾。當可納而不納，齊變而後伐，故乾時之戰不諱敗，惡內也。

齊小白入于齊。大夫出奔反，以好曰歸，以惡曰入。齊公孫無知弒襄公，公子糾、公子小白不能存，出亡。齊人殺無知，而迎公子糾於魯，公子小白不讓公子糾，先入，又殺之于魯。故曰齊小白入于齊，惡之也。

秋，七月丁酉，葬齊襄公。

八月庚申，及齊師戰于乾時，我師敗績。

九月，齊人取子糾殺之。外不言取，言取，病內也。取，易辭也，猶曰取其子糾而殺之云爾。十室之邑，可以逃難；百室之邑，可以隱死。以千乘之魯，而不能存子糾，以公為病矣。

冬，浚洙。浚洙者，深洙也。著力不足也。

莊公十年

十年春，王正月，公敗齊師于長勺。不日，疑戰也。疑戰而曰敗，勝內也。

二月，公侵宋。侵時，此其月何也？乃深其怨於齊，又退侵宋以眾其敵，惡之。故謹而月之。

三月，宋人遷宿。遷，亡辭也。其不地，宿不復見也。遷者，猶未失其國家以往者也。

夏，六月，齊師、宋師次于郎。次，止也。畏我也。

公敗宋師于乘丘。不日，疑戰也。疑戰而曰敗，勝內也。

秋，九月，荊敗蔡師于莘，以蔡侯獻武歸。荊者，楚也。何為謂之荊？狄之也。何為狄之？聖人立，必後至；天子弱，必先叛。故曰荊，狄之也。蔡侯何以名也？絕之也。何為絕之？獲也。中國不言敗，此其言敗何也？中國不言敗，蔡侯其見獲乎！其言敗何也？釋蔡侯之獲也。以歸，猶愈乎執也。

冬，十月，齊師滅譚。

譚子奔莒。

莊公十一年

十有一年春，王正月。

夏，五月戊寅，公敗宋師于鄑。內事不言戰，舉其大者，其日，成敗之也。宋萬之獲也。

秋，宋大水。外災不書，此何以書？王者之後也。高下有水災曰大水。

冬，王姬歸于齊。其志過我也。

莊公十二年

十有二年春，王三月，紀叔姬歸于酅。國而曰歸，此邑也，其曰歸何也？吾女也，失國喜得其所，故言歸焉爾。

夏，四月。

秋，八月甲午，宋萬弒其君捷。宋萬，宋之卑者也。卑者以國氏，及其大夫仇牧以尊及卑也。仇牧，閑也。

冬，十月，宋萬出奔陳。

莊公十三年

十有三年春，齊人、宋人、陳人、蔡人、邾人會于北杏。是齊侯、宋公也，其曰人何也？始疑之。何疑焉？桓非受命之伯也，將以事授之者也。曰：可矣乎？未乎？舉人，眾之辭也。

夏，六月，齊人滅遂。遂，國也。其不日，微國也。

秋，七月。

冬，公會齊侯盟于柯。曹劌之盟也，信齊侯也。桓盟雖內與，不日，信也。

莊公十四年

十有四年春，齊人、陳人、曹人伐宋。

夏，單伯會伐宋。會，事之成也。

秋，七月，荊入蔡。荊者，楚也，其曰荊何也？州舉之也。州不如國，國不如名，名不如字。

冬，單伯會齊侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯于鄄。復同會也。

莊公十五年

十有五年春，齊侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、鄭伯會于鄄。復同會也。

夏，夫人姜氏如齊。婦人既嫁不逾竟，逾竟非禮也。

秋，宋人、齊人、邾人伐郳。

鄭人侵宋。

冬，十月。

莊公十六年

十有六年春，王正月。

夏，宋人、齊人、衛人伐鄭。

秋，荊伐鄭。

冬，十有二月，會齊侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、鄭伯、許男、曹伯、滑伯、滕子，同盟于幽。同者，有同也，同尊周也。不言公，外內寮一，疑之也。

邾子克卒。其曰子，進之也。

莊公十七年

十有七年春，齊人執鄭詹。入者，眾辭也。以人執，與之辭也。鄭詹，鄭之卑者。卑者不志，此其志何也？以其逃來志之也。逃來則何志焉？將有其末，不得不錄其本也。鄭詹，鄭之佞人也。

夏，齊人殲于遂。殲者，盡也。然則何為不言遂人？盡齊人也，無遂之辭也。無遂則何為言遂？其猶存遂也。存遂奈何？曰：齊人滅遂，使人戍之，遂之因氏飲戍者酒而殺之，齊人殲焉。此謂狎敵也。

秋，鄭詹自齊逃來。逃義曰逃。

冬，多麋。

莊公十八年

十有八年春，王三月，日有食之。不言日，不言朔，夜食也。何以知其夜食也？曰：王者朝日，故雖為天子，必有尊也；貴為諸侯，必有長也。故天子朝日，諸侯朝朔。

夏，公追戎于濟西。其不言戎之伐我，何也？以公之追之，不使戎邇於我也。于濟西者，大之也。何大焉？為公之追之也。

秋，有蜮。一有一亡曰有。蜮，射人者也。

冬，十月。

莊公十九年

十有九年春，王正月。

夏，四月。

秋，公子結媵陳人之婦于鄄，遂及齊侯、宋公盟。媵，淺事也，不志；此其志何也？辟要盟也。何以見其辟要盟也？媵，禮之輕者也；盟，國之重也。以輕事遂乎國重無說，其曰陳人之婦，略之也。其不日，數渝，惡之也。

夫人姜氏如莒。婦人既嫁不逾竟，逾竟非正也。

冬，齊人、宋人、陳人伐我西鄙。其曰鄙，遠之也。其遠之何也？不以難邇我國也。

莊公二十年

二十年春，王二月，夫人姜氏如莒。婦人既嫁不逾竟，逾竟非正也。

夏，齊大災。其志，以甚也。

秋，七月。

冬，齊人伐我。

莊公二十一年

二十有一年春，王正月。

夏，五月辛酉，鄭伯突卒。

秋，七月戊戌，夫人姜氏薨。婦人弗目也。

冬，十有二月，葬鄭厲公。

莊公二十二年

二十有二年春，王正月，肆大眚。肆，失也。眚，災也。災紀也，失故也，為嫌天子之葬也。

癸丑，葬我小君文姜。小君非君也，其曰君何也？以其為公配，可以言小君也。

陳人殺其公子禦寇。言公子而不言大夫，公子未命為大夫也；其曰公子，何也？公子之重視大夫，命以執公子。

夏，五月。

秋，七月丙申，及齊高傒盟于防。不言公，高傒伉也。

冬，公如齊納幣。納幣，大夫之事也。禮有納采，有問名，有納徵，有告期，四者備而後娶，禮也。公之親納幣，非禮也，故譏之。

莊公二十三年

二十有三年春，公至自齊。

祭叔來聘。其不言使，何也？天子之內臣也。不正其外交，故不與使也。

夏，公如齊觀社。常事曰視，非常曰觀。觀，無事之辭也，以是為尸女也，無事不出竟。公至自齊。公如，往時，正也。致月，故也。如往月致，月有懼焉爾。

荊人來聘。善累而後進之。其曰人何也？舉道不待再。

公及齊侯遇于穀。及者，內為志焉爾。遇者，志相得也。

蕭叔朝公。微國之君，未爵命者，其不言來，於外也。朝於廟，正也；於外，非正也。

秋，丹桓宮楹。禮：天子、諸侯黝堊，大夫倉，士黈。丹楹，非禮也。

冬，十有一月，曹伯射姑卒。

十有二月甲寅，公會齊侯盟于扈。

莊公二十四年

二十有四年春，王三月，刻桓宮桷。禮：天子之桷，斲之礱之，加密石焉；諸侯之桷，斲之礱之。大夫斲之，士斲木刻桷，非正也。夫人，所以崇宗廟也。取非禮與非正，而加之於宗廟，以飾夫人，非正也。刻桓宮桷，丹桓宮楹，斥言桓宮，以惡莊也。

葬曹莊公。

夏，公如齊逆女。親迎，恒事也，不志，此其志何也？不正其親迎於齊也。

秋，公至自齊。迎者，行見諸，舍見諸。先至，非正也。

八月丁丑，夫人姜氏入。入者，內弗受也。日入，惡入者也。何用不受也？以宗廟弗受也。其以宗廟弗受，何也？娶仇人子弟，以薦舍於前，其義不可受也。

戊寅，大夫宗婦，覿用幣。覿，見也。禮：大夫不見夫人，不言及不正，其行婦道，故列數之也。男子之贄，羔雁雉腒；婦人之贄，棗栗鍛修。用幣，非禮也。用者，不宜用者也。大夫，國體也，而行婦道，惡之，故謹而日之也。

大水。

冬，戎侵曹，曹羈出奔陳。

赤歸于曹郭公。赤蓋，郭公也，何為名也？禮：諸侯無外歸之義。外歸，非正也。

莊公二十五年

二十有五年春，陳侯使女叔來聘。其不名，何也？天子之命大夫也。

夏，五月癸丑，衛侯朔卒。

六月辛未朔，日有食之。言日言朔，食正朔也。

鼓用牲于社。鼓，禮也；用牲，非禮也。天子救日，置五麾，陳五兵、五鼓；諸侯置三麾，陳三鼓、三兵；大夫擊門，士擊柝，言充其陽也。

伯姬歸于杞。其不言逆，何也？逆之道微，無足道焉爾。

秋，大水，鼓用牲于社于門。高下有水災曰大水。既戒鼓而駭眾，用牲可以已矣。救日以鼓兵，救水以鼓眾。

冬，公子友如陳。

莊公二十六年

二十有六年春，公伐戎。

夏，公至自伐戎。

曹殺其大夫。言大夫而不稱名姓，無命大夫也。無命大夫而曰大夫，賢也。為曹羈崇也。

秋，公會宋人、齊人伐徐。

冬，十有二月癸亥朔，日有食之。

莊公二十七年

二十有七年春，公會杞伯姬于洮。

夏，六月，公會齊侯、宋公、陳侯、鄭伯，同盟于幽。同者，有同也，同尊周也，於是而後授之諸侯也。其授之諸侯何也？齊侯得眾也。桓會不致，安之也。桓盟不日，信之也。信其信，仁其仁。衣裳之會十有一，未嘗有歃血之盟也--信厚也。兵車之會四，未嘗有大戰也--愛民也。

秋，公子友如陳，葬原仲。言葬不言卒，不葬者也。不葬而曰葬，諱出奔也。

冬，杞伯姬來。

莒慶來逆叔姬。諸侯之嫁子於大夫，主大夫以與之。來者接內也，不正其接內，故不與夫婦之稱也。

杞伯來朝。

公會齊侯于城濮。

莊公二十八年

二十有八年春，王三月甲寅，齊人伐衛，衛人及齊人戰。衛人敗績。於伐與戰，安戰也。戰衛，戰則是師也，其曰人，何也？微之也。何為微之也？今授之諸侯，而後有侵伐之事，故微之也。其人衛，何也？以其人齊，不可不人衛也。衛小齊大，其以衛及之，何也？以其微之，可以言及也。其稱人以敗，何也？不以師敗於人也。

夏，四月丁未，邾子瑣卒。

秋，荊伐鄭。荊者，楚也。其曰荊，州舉之也。

公會齊人、宋人，救鄭。善救鄭也。

冬，筑微。山林藪澤之利，所以與民共也。虞之，非正也。

大無麥禾。大者，有顧之辭也，於無禾及無麥也。

臧孫辰告糴于齊。國無三年之畜，曰國非其國也。一年不升，告糴諸侯。告，請也。糴，糴也。不正，故舉臧孫辰以為私行也。國無九年之畜，曰不足；無六年之畜，曰急；無三年之畜，曰國非其國也。諸侯無粟，諸侯相歸粟，正也。臧孫辰告糴于齊，告，然後與之，言內之無外交也。古者稅什一，豐年補敗，不外求而上下皆足也，雖累兇年民弗病也。一年不艾而百姓饑，君子非之。不言如，為內諱也。

莊公二十九年

二十有九年春，新延廄。延廄者，法廄也。其言新有故也。有故則何為書也？古之君人者，必時視民之所勤。民勤於力，則功筑罕；民勤於財，則貢賦少；民勤於食，則百事廢矣。冬筑微，春新延廄，以其用民力為已悉矣！

夏，鄭人侵許。

秋，有蜚。一有一亡，曰有。

冬，十有二月，紀叔姬卒。

城諸及防。可城也，以大及小也。

莊公三十年

三十年春，王正月。

夏，師次于成。次，止也，有畏也。欲救鄣而不能也。不言公恥，不能救鄣也。

秋，七月，齊人降鄣。降，猶下也。鄣，紀之遺邑也。

八月癸亥，葬紀叔姬。不日卒而日葬，閔紀之亡也。

九月庚午朔，日有食之，鼓用牲于社。

冬，公及齊侯遇于魯濟。及者，內為志焉爾。遇者，志相得也。

齊人伐山戎。齊人者，齊侯也，其曰人，何也？愛齊侯乎！山戎也，其愛之何也？桓內無因國，外無從諸侯，而越千里之險，北伐山戎，危之也，則非之乎，善之也。何善乎爾？燕，周之分子也；貢職不至，山戎為之伐矣。

莊公三十一年

三十有一年春，筑臺于郎。

夏，四月，薛伯卒。

筑臺于薛。

六月，齊侯來獻戎捷。齊侯來獻捷者，內齊侯也。不言使，內與同，不言使也。獻戎捷，軍得曰捷，戎菽也。

秋，筑臺于秦。不正罷民三時，虞山林藪澤之利。且財盡則怨，力盡則懟，君子危之，故謹而志之也。或曰倚諸桓也。桓外無諸侯之變，內無國事，越千里之險，北伐山戎，為燕辟地。魯外無諸侯之變，內無國事，一年罷民三時，虞山林藪澤之利，惡內也。

冬，不雨。

莊公三十二年

三十有二年春，城小穀。

夏，宋公、齊侯遇于梁丘。遇者，志相得也。梁丘在曹、邾之間，去齊八百里，非不能從諸侯而往也。辭所遇，遇所不遇，大齊桓也。

秋，七月癸巳，公子牙卒。

八月癸亥，公薨于路寢。路寢，正寢也。寢疾居正寢，正也。男子不絕于婦人之手，以齊終也。

冬，十月乙未，子般卒。子卒日，正也；不日，故也。有所見則日。

公子慶父如齊。此奔也，其曰如，何也？諱莫如深，深則隱。茍有所見，莫如深也。

狄伐邢。

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閔公

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閔公元年

元年春，王正月。繼弒君不言即位，正也。親之非父也，尊之非君也，繼之如君父也者，受國焉爾。

齊人救邢。善救邢也。

夏，六月辛酉，葬我君莊公。莊公葬而後舉謚，謚所以成德也，於卒事乎加之矣。

秋，八月，公及齊侯盟于洛姑。盟納季子也。

季子來歸。其曰季子，貴之也。其曰來歸，喜之也。

冬，齊仲孫來。其曰齊仲孫，外之也。其不目而曰仲孫，疏之也。其言齊，以累桓也。

閔公二年

二年春，王正月，齊人遷陽。

夏，五月乙酉，吉禘于莊公。吉禘者，不吉者也。喪事未畢而舉吉祭，故非之也。

秋，八月辛丑，公薨。不地，故也。其不書葬，不以討母葬子也。

九月，夫人姜氏孫于邾。孫之為言猶孫也。諱奔也。

公子慶父出奔莒。其曰出，絕之也，慶父不復見矣。

冬，齊高子來盟。其曰來，喜之也。其曰高子，貴之也。盟立僖公也，不言使，何也？不以齊侯使高子也。

十有二月，狄入衛。

鄭棄其師。惡其長也，兼不反其眾，則是棄其師也。

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僖公

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僖公元年

元年春，王正月。繼弒君不言即位，正也。

齊師、宋師、曹師次于聶北，救邢。救不言次，言次非救也，非救而曰救，何也？遂齊侯之意也。是齊侯與？齊侯也。何用見其是齊侯也？曹無師。曹師者，曹伯也，其不言曹伯，何也？以其不言齊侯，不可言曹伯也。其不言齊侯，何也？以其不足乎揚，不言齊侯也。

夏，六月，邢遷于夷儀。遷者，猶得其國家以往者也。其地，邢復見也。

齊師、宋師、曹師城邢。是向之師也，使之如改事然，美齊侯之功也。

秋，七月戊辰，夫人姜氏薨于夷。夫人薨不地。地，故也。

齊人以歸。不言以喪歸，非以喪歸也。加喪焉，諱以夫人歸也。其以歸，薨之也。

楚人伐鄭。

八月，公會齊侯、宋公、鄭伯、曹伯、邾人于檉。

九月，公敗邾師于偃。不日，疑戰也。疑戰而曰敗，勝內也。

冬，十月壬午，公子友帥師，敗莒師于麗。獲莒挐。莒無大夫，其曰莒挐，何也？以吾獲之目之也。內不言獲，此其言獲，何也？惡公子之紿。紿者奈何？公子友謂莒挐曰：「吾二人不相說，士卒何罪？」屏左右而相搏。公子友處下。左右曰：「孟勞。」孟勞者，魯之寶刀也。公子友以殺之。然則何以惡乎紿也？曰：棄師之道也。

十有二月丁巳，夫人氏之喪至自齊。其不言姜，以其殺二子，貶之也。或曰為齊桓諱殺同姓也。

僖公二年

二年春，王正月，城楚丘。楚丘者何？衛邑也。國而曰城；此邑也，其曰城，何也？封衛也。則其不言城衛，何也？衛未遷也。其不言衛之遷焉，何也？不與齊侯專封也。其言城之者，專辭也。故非天子不得專封諸侯，諸侯不得專封諸侯。雖通其仁，以義而不與也。故曰：仁不勝道。

夏，五月辛巳，葬我小君哀姜。

虞師、晉師滅夏陽。非國而曰滅，重夏陽也。虞無師，其曰師，何也？以其先晉，不可以不言師也。其先晉，何也？為主乎滅夏陽也。夏陽者，虞、虢之塞邑也，滅夏陽而虞、虢舉矣；虞之為主乎滅夏陽，何也？晉獻公欲伐虢。荀息曰：「君何不以屈產之乘，垂棘之璧，而借道乎虞也？」公曰：「此晉國之寶也。如受吾幣而不借吾道，則如之何？」荀息曰：「此小國之所以事大國也。彼不借吾道，必不敢受吾幣。如受吾幣而借吾道，則是我取之中府，而藏之外府；取之中廄，而置之外廄也。」公曰：「宮之奇存焉，必不使受之也。」荀息曰：「宮之奇之為人也，達心而懦，又少長於君。達心則其言略，懦則不能強諫，少長于君，則君輕之。且夫玩好在耳目之前，而患在一國之後，此中知以上，乃能慮之。臣料虞君，中知以下也。」公遂借道而伐虢。宮之奇諫曰：「晉國之使者，其辭卑而幣重，必不便於虞。」虞公弗聽，遂受其幣而借之道。宮之奇諫曰：「語曰：『唇亡則齒寒』，其斯之謂與！」挈其妻子以奔曹。獻公亡虢，五年而後舉虞，荀息牽馬操璧而前曰：「璧則猶是也，而馬齒加長矣。」

秋，九月，齊侯、宋公、江人、黃人盟于貫。貫之盟，不期而至者，江人、黃人也。江人、黃人者，遠國之辭也。中國稱齊、宋，遠國稱江、黃，以為諸侯皆來至也。

冬，十月，不雨。不雨者，勤雨也。

楚人侵鄭。

僖公三年

三年春，王正月，不雨。不雨者，勤雨也。

夏，四月，不雨。一時言不雨者，閔雨也。閔雨者，有志乎民者也。

徐人取舒。

六月，雨。雨云者，喜雨也。喜雨者，有志乎民者也。

秋，齊侯、宋公、江人、黃人會于陽穀。陽穀之會，桓公委端搢笏而朝諸侯，諸侯皆諭乎桓公之志。

冬，公子季友如齊蒞盟。蒞者位也。其不日，前定也。不言及者，以國與之也。不言其人，亦以國與之也。

楚人伐鄭。

僖公四年

四年春，王正月，公會齊侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、鄭伯、許男、曹伯侵蔡。蔡潰。潰之為言，上下不相得也。侵，淺事也。侵蔡而蔡潰，以桓公為知所侵也。不土其地，不分其民，明正也。遂伐楚，次于陘。遂，繼事也。次，止也。

夏，許男新臣卒。諸侯死於國，不地；死於外，地。死於師，何為不地？內桓師也。

楚屈完來盟于師，盟于召陵。楚無大夫，其曰屈完，何也？以其來會桓，成之為大夫也。其不言使，權在屈完也，則是正乎？曰：非正也。以其來會諸侯，重之也。來者何？內桓師也。于師，前定也。于召陵，得志乎桓公也。得志者，不得志也，以桓公得志為僅矣。屈完曰：「大國之以兵向楚，何也？」桓公曰：「昭王南征不反，菁茅之貢不至，故周室不祭。」屈完曰：「菁茅之貢不至，則諾，昭王南征不反，我將問諸江。」

齊人執陳袁濤涂。齊人者，齊侯也，其人之，何也？於是哆然外齊侯也。不正其逾國而執也。

秋，及江人、黃人伐陳。不言其人及之者何？內師也。

八月，公至自伐楚。有二事偶，則以後事致。後事小，則以先事致。其以伐楚致，大伐楚也。

葬許穆公。

冬，十有二月，公孫茲帥師，會齊人、宋人、衛人、鄭人、許人、曹人，侵陳。

僖公五年

五年春，晉侯殺其世子申生。目晉侯斥殺，惡晉侯也。

杞伯姬來朝其子。婦人既嫁，不逾竟；逾竟非正也。諸侯相見曰朝，伯姬為志乎朝其子也。伯姬為志乎朝其子，則是杞伯失夫之道矣！諸侯相見曰朝，以待人父之道待人之子，非正也。故曰「杞伯姬來朝其子」，參譏也。

夏，公孫茲如牟。

公及齊侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、鄭伯、許男、曹伯，會王世子于首戴。及以會，尊之也。何尊焉？王世子云者，唯王之貳也。云可以重之存焉，尊之也。何重焉？天子世子世天下也。

秋，八月，諸侯盟于首戴。無中事而復舉諸侯，何也？尊王世子，而不敢與盟也。尊則其不敢與盟，何也？盟者，不相信也，故謹信也。不敢以所不信而加之尊者，桓諸侯也。不能朝天子，是不臣也。王世子，子也，塊然受諸侯之尊己，而立乎其位，是不子也。桓不臣，王世子不子，則其所善焉何也？是則變之正也。天子微，諸侯不享覲。桓控大國，扶小國；統諸侯不能以朝天子，亦不敢致天王。尊王世子于首戴，乃所以尊天王之命也。世子含王命會齊桓，亦所以尊天王之命也。世子受之可乎？是亦變之正也。天子微，諸侯不享覲。世子受諸侯之尊己，而天王尊矣，世子受之可也。

鄭伯逃歸不盟。以其去諸侯，故逃之也。

楚人滅弦，弦子奔黃。弦，國也；其不日，微國也。

九月戊申朔，日有食之。

冬，晉人執虞公。執不言所於地，缊於晉也。其曰公，何也？猶曰其下執之之辭也。其猶下執之之辭，何也？晉命行乎虞民矣。虞、虢之相救，非相為賜也。今日亡虢，而明日亡虞矣！

僖公六年

六年春，王正月。

夏，公會齊侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、曹伯伐鄭，圍新城。伐國不言圍邑，此其言圍，何也？病鄭也。著鄭伯之罪也。

秋，楚人圍許，諸侯遂救許。善救許也。

冬，公至自伐鄭。其不以救許致，何也？大伐鄭也。

僖公七年

七年春，齊人伐鄭。

夏，小邾子來朝。

鄭，殺其大夫申侯。稱國以殺大夫，殺無罪也。

秋，七月，公會齊侯、宋公、陳世子款、鄭世子華，盟于寧母。衣裳之會也。

曹伯班卒。

公子友如齊。

冬，葬曹昭公。

僖公八年

八年春，王正月，公會王人、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、許男、曹伯、陳世子款，盟于洮。王人之先諸侯，何也？貴王命也。朝服雖敝，必加於上；弁冕雖舊，必加於首；周室雖衰，必先諸侯。兵車之會也。

鄭伯乞盟。以向之逃歸乞之也。乞者，重辭也，重是盟也。乞者，處其所而請與也。蓋汋之也。

夏，狄伐晉。

秋，七月，禘于太廟。用致夫人。用者，不宜用者也。致者，不宜致者也。言夫人必以其氏姓。言夫人而不以氏姓，非夫人也，立妾之辭也，非正也。夫人之，我可以不夫人之乎？夫人卒葬之，我可以不卒葬之乎？一則以宗廟臨之而後貶焉，一則以外之弗夫人而見正焉。

冬，十有二月丁未，天王崩。

僖公九年

九年春，王三月丁丑，宋公禦說卒。

夏，公會宰周公、齊侯、宋子、衛侯、鄭伯、許男、曹伯于葵丘。天子之宰，通于四海，宋其稱子，何也？未葬之辭也。禮：柩在堂上，孤無外事。今背殯而出會，以宋子為無哀矣！

秋，七月乙酉，伯姬卒。內女也，未適人不卒，此何以卒也？許嫁笄而字之，死則以成人之喪治之。

九月戊辰，諸侯盟于葵丘。桓盟不日，此何以日？美之也。為見天子之禁，故備之也。葵丘之會，陳牲而不殺，讀書加于牲上，壹明天子之禁，曰：毋雍泉，毋訖糴，毋易樹子，毋以妾為妻，毋使婦人與國事。

甲子，晉侯詭諸卒。

冬，晉里克殺其君之子奚齊。其君之子云者，國人不子也。國人不子，何也？不正其殺世子申生而立之也。

僖公十年

十年春，王正月，公如齊。

狄滅溫，溫子奔衛。

晉里克弒其君卓，及其大夫荀息。以尊及卑也，荀息閑也。

夏，齊侯、許男伐北戎。

晉殺其大夫里克。稱國以殺，罪累上也。里克弒二君與一大夫，其以累上之辭言之，何也？其殺之不以其罪也。其殺之不以其罪，奈何？里克所為弒者，為重耳也。夷吾曰：「是又將殺我乎？」故殺之，不以其罪也。其為重耳弒，奈何？晉獻公伐虢，得麗姬，獻公私之。有二子，長曰奚齊，稚曰卓子。麗姬欲為亂，故謂君曰：「吾夜者夢夫人趨而來，曰：『吾苦畏。』胡不使大夫將衛士而衛冢乎？」公曰：「孰可使？」曰：「臣莫尊於世子，則世子可。」故君謂世子曰：「麗姬夢夫人趨而來曰『吾苦畏』，女其將衛士而往衛冢乎？」世子曰：「敬諾。」筑宮。宮成，麗姬又曰：「吾夜者夢夫人趨而來，曰：『吾苦饑。』世子之宮已成，則何為不使祠也？」故獻公謂世子曰：「其祠。」世子祠。已祠，致福於君。君田而不在，麗姬以酖為酒，藥脯以毒。獻公田來，麗姬曰：「世子已祠。故致福於君。」君將食，麗姬跪曰：「食自外來者，不可不試也。」覆酒於地而地賁，以脯與犬，犬死。麗姬下堂而啼呼曰：「天乎！天乎！國子之國也，子何遲於為君？」君喟然嘆曰：「吾與女未有過切，是何與我之深也！」使人謂世子曰：「爾其圖之。」世子之傅里克謂世子曰：「入自明。入自明，則可以生；不入自明，則不可以生。」世子曰：「吾君已老矣，已昏矣。吾若此而入自明，則麗姬必死。麗姬死，則吾君不安。所以使吾君不安者，吾不若自死。吾寧自殺以安吾君。」以重耳為寄矣，刎脰而死。故里克所為弒者，為重耳也。夷吾曰：「是又將殺我也。」

秋，七月。

冬，大雨雪。

僖公十一年

十有一年春，晉殺其大夫丕鄭父。稱國，以殺罪累上也。

夏，公及夫人姜氏會齊侯于陽穀。

秋，八月，大雩。雩，月正也。雩，得雨曰雩，不得雨曰旱。

冬，楚人伐黃。

僖公十二年

十有二年春，王正月庚午，日有食之。

夏，楚人滅黃。貫之盟，管仲曰：「江、黃遠齊而近楚，楚為利之國也。若伐而不能救，則無以宗諸侯矣！」桓公不聽，遂與之盟。管仲死，楚伐江、滅黃，桓公不能救。故君子閔之也。

秋，七月。

冬，十有二月丁丑，陳侯杵臼卒。

僖公十三年

十有三年春，狄侵衛。

夏，四月，葬陳宣公。

公會齊侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、鄭伯、許男、曹伯于鹹。兵車之會也。

秋，九月，大雩。

冬，公子友如齊。

僖公十四年

十有四年春，諸侯城緣陵。其曰諸侯，散辭也。聚而曰散，何也？諸侯城，有散辭也。桓德衰矣。

夏，六月，季姬及繒子遇于防，使繒子來朝。遇者，同謀也。來朝者，來請己也。朝不言使，言使，非正也。以病繒子也。

秋，八月辛卯，沙鹿崩。林屬於山為鹿。沙，山名也。無崩道而崩，故志之也。其日，重其變也。

狄侵鄭。

冬，蔡侯肹卒。諸侯時卒，惡之也。

僖公十五年

十有五年春，王正月，公如齊。

楚人伐徐。

三月，公會齊侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、鄭伯、許男、曹伯，盟于牡丘。兵車之會也。

遂次于匡。遂，繼事也。次，止也，有畏也。

公孫敖帥師，及諸侯之大夫救徐。善救徐也。

夏，五月，日有食之。

秋，七月，齊師、曹師伐厲。

八月，螽。螽，蟲災也。甚則月，不甚則時。

九月，公至自會。

季姬歸于繒。

己卯，晦，震夷伯之廟。晦，冥也。震，雷也。夷伯，魯大夫也。因此以見天子至于士，皆有廟。天子七廟，諸侯五，大夫三，士二。故德厚者流光，德薄者流卑。是以貴始德之本也。始封必為祖。

冬，宋人伐曹。

楚人敗徐于婁林。夷狄相敗，志也。

十有一月壬戌，晉侯及秦伯戰于韓。獲晉侯。韓之戰，晉侯失民矣。以其民未敗而君獲也。

僖公十六年

十有六年春，王正月戊申朔，隕石于宋，五。先隕而後石，何也？隕而後石也。于宋，四竟之內曰宋。後數，散辭也，耳治也。

是月，六鶂退飛，過宋都。是月者，決不日而月也。六鶂退飛過宋都，先數，聚辭也，目治也。子曰：「石，無知之物；鶂微，有知之物。石無知，故日之；鶂微，有知之物，故月之。君子之於物，無所茍而已。石、鶂且猶盡其辭，而況於人乎！故五石六鶂之辭不設，則王道不亢矣！」民所聚曰都。

三月壬申，公子季友卒。大夫日卒，正也。稱公弟叔仲，賢也。大夫不言公子公孫，疏之也。

夏，四月丙申，繒季姬卒。

秋，七月甲子，公孫茲卒。大夫日卒，正也。

冬，十有二月，公會齊侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、鄭伯、許男、邢侯、曹伯于淮。兵車之會也。

僖公十七年

十有七年春，齊人、徐人伐英氏。

夏，滅項。孰滅之？桓公也。何以不言桓公也？為賢者諱也。項，國也，不可滅而滅之乎，桓公知項之可滅也，而不知己之不可以滅也。既滅人之國矣，何賢乎？君子惡惡疾其始，善善樂其終。桓公嘗有存亡繼絕之功，故君子為之諱也。

秋，夫人姜氏會齊侯于卞。九月，公至自會。

冬，十有二月乙亥，齊侯小白卒。此不正，其日之，何也？其不正前見矣。其不正之前見，何也？以不正入虛國，故稱嫌焉爾。

僖公十八年

十有八年春，王正月，宋公、曹伯、衛人、邾人伐齊。非伐喪也。

夏，師救齊。善救齊也。

五月戊寅，宋師及齊師戰于甗。齊師敗績。戰不言伐，客不言及。言及，惡宋也。

狄救齊。善救齊也。

秋，八月丁亥，葬齊桓公。

冬，邢人、狄人伐衛。狄其稱人，何也？善累而後進之。伐衛，所以救齊也。

僖公十九年

十有九年春，王三月，宋人執滕子嬰齊。

夏，六月，宋公、曹人、邾人盟于曹南。

繒子會盟于邾。

己酉，邾人執繒子，用之。微國之君，因邾以求與之盟。人因己以求與之盟，己迎而執之--惡之，故謹而日之也。用之者，叩其鼻以衈社也。

秋，宋人圍曹。

衛人伐邢。

冬，會陳人、蔡人、楚人、鄭人，盟于齊。

梁亡。自亡也。湎於酒，淫於色，心昏，耳目塞；上無正長之治，大臣背叛，民為寇盜。梁亡，自亡也。如加力役焉，湎不足道也。梁亡，鄭棄其師，我無加損焉，正名而已矣！梁亡，出惡正也。鄭棄其師，惡其長也。

僖公二十年

二十年春，新作南門。作，為也，有加其度也。言新，有故也，非作也。南門者，法門也。

夏，郜子來朝。

五月乙巳，西宮災。謂之新宮，則近為禰宮；以謚言之，則如疏之然。以是為閔宮也。

鄭人入滑。

秋，齊人、狄人盟于邢。邢為主焉爾。邢小，其為主，何也？其為主乎救齊。

冬，楚人伐隨。隨，國也。

僖公二十一年

二十有一年春，狄侵衛。

宋人、齊人、楚人盟于鹿上。

夏，大旱。旱時，正也。

秋，宋公、楚子、陳侯、蔡侯、鄭伯、許男、曹伯會于雩，執宋公以伐宋。以，重辭也。

冬，公伐邾。

楚人使宜申來獻捷。捷，軍得也。其不曰宋捷，何也？不與楚捷於宋也。

十有二月癸丑，公會諸侯盟于薄。會者，外為主焉爾。

釋宋公。外釋不志，此其志，何也？以公之與之盟目之也。不言楚，不與楚專釋也。

僖公二十二年

二十有二年春，公伐邾，取須句。

夏，宋公、衛侯、許男、滕子伐鄭。

秋，八月丁未，及邾人戰于升陘。內諱敗，舉其可道者也。不言其人，以吾敗也。不言及之者，為內諱也。

冬，十有一月己巳朔，宋公及楚人戰于泓。宋師敗績。日事遇朔曰朔。《春秋》三十有四戰，未有以尊敗乎卑、以師敗乎人者也。以尊敗乎卑、以師敗乎人，則驕其敵。襄公以師敗乎人，而不驕其敵，何也？責之也。泓之戰，以為復雩之恥也。雩之恥，宋襄公有以自取之。伐齊之喪，執滕子，圍曹，為雩之會，不顧其力之不足，而致楚成王。成王怒而執之，故曰：禮人而不答，則反其敬；愛人而不親，則反其仁；治人而不治，則反其知。過而不改，又之，是謂之過。襄公之謂也。古者被甲嬰胄，非以興國也，則以征無道也。豈曰以報其恥哉！宋公與楚人戰于泓水之上，司馬子反曰：「楚眾我少，鼓險而擊之，勝無幸焉！」襄公曰：「君子不推人危，不攻人厄，須其出。」既出，旌亂於上，陳亂於下。子反曰：「楚眾我少，擊之，勝無幸焉！」襄公曰：「不鼓不成列，須其成列而後擊之。」則眾敗而身傷焉，七月而死。倍則攻，敵則戰，少則守。人之所以為人者，言也；人而不能言，何以為人？言之所以為言也，信也；言而不信，何以為言？信之所以為信者，道也；信而不道，何以為道？道之貴者時，其行勢也。

僖公二十三年

二十有三年春，齊侯伐宋，圍閔。伐國不言圍邑，此其言圍，何也？不正其以惡報惡也。

夏，五月庚寅，宋公茲父卒。茲父之不葬，何也？失民也。其失民，何也？以其不教民戰，則是棄其師也。為人君而棄其師，其民孰以為君哉！

秋，楚人伐陳。

冬，十有一月，杞子卒。

僖公二十四年

二十有四年春，王正月。

夏，狄伐鄭。

秋，七月。

冬，天王出居于鄭。天子無出。出，失天下也。居者，居其所也。雖失天下，莫敢有也。

晉侯夷吾卒。

僖公二十五年

二十有五年春，王正月丙午，衛侯毀滅邢。毀之名何也？不正其伐本而滅同姓也。

夏，四月癸酉，衛侯毀卒。

宋蕩伯姬來逆婦。婦人既嫁，不逾竟。宋蕩伯姬來逆婦，非正也。其曰婦，何也？緣姑言之之辭也。

宋殺其大夫。其不稱名姓，以其在祖之位，尊之也。

秋，楚人圍陳，納頓子于頓。納者，內弗受也。圍，一事也；納，一事也；而遂言之，蓋納頓子者，陳也。

葬衛文公。

冬，十有二月癸亥，公會衛子、莒慶，盟于洮。莒無大夫，其曰莒慶，何也？以公之會目之也。

僖公二十六年

二十有六年春，王正月己未，公會莒子、衛甯速盟于向。公不會大夫，其曰甯速，何也？以其隨莒子可以言會也。

齊人侵我西鄙，公追齊師至巂，弗及。人，微者也。侵，淺事也。公之追之，非正也。至巂，急辭也。弗及者，弗與也，可以及而不敢及也。其侵也，曰人；其追也，曰師。以公之弗及，大之也。弗及，內辭也。

夏，齊人伐我北鄙。

衛人伐齊。公子遂如楚乞師。乞，重辭也。何重焉？重人之死也，非所乞也。師出，不必反；戰，不必勝，故重之也。

秋，楚人滅夔，以夔子歸。夔，國也。不日，微國也。以歸，猶愈乎執也。

冬，楚人伐宋圍閔。伐國不言圍邑，此其言圍，何也？以吾用其師、目其事也，非道用師也。

公以楚師伐齊，取穀。以者，不以者也。民者，君之本也。使民以其死，非其正也。

公至自伐齊。惡事不致，此其致之，何也？危之也。

僖公二十七年

二十有七年春，杞子來朝。

夏，六月庚寅，齊侯昭卒。

秋，八月乙未，葬齊孝公。

乙巳，公子遂帥師入杞。

冬，楚人、陳侯、蔡侯、鄭伯、許男圍宋。楚人者，楚子也，其曰人，何也？人楚子，所以人諸侯也。其人諸侯，何也？不正其信夷狄而伐中國也。

十有二月甲戌，公會諸侯盟于宋。

僖公二十八年

二十有八年春，晉侯侵曹。

晉侯伐衛。（傳）再稱晉侯，忌也。

公子買戍衛，不卒戍，刺之。先名後刺，殺有罪也。公子啟曰：「不卒戍者，可以卒也。」可以卒而不卒，譏在公子也，刺之可也。

楚人救衛。

三月丙午，晉侯入曹，執曹伯，畀宋人。入者，內弗受也。日入，惡入者也。以晉侯而斥執曹伯，惡晉侯也。畀，與也。其曰人，何也？不以晉侯畀宋公也。

夏，四月己巳，晉侯、齊師、宋師、秦師，及楚人戰于城濮，楚師敗績。

楚殺其大夫得臣。

衛侯出奔楚。

五月癸丑，公會晉侯、齊侯、宋公、蔡侯、鄭伯、衛子、莒子，盟于踐土。諱會天王也。

陳侯如會。如會，外乎會也。於會受命也。

公朝于王所。朝不言所；言所者，非其所也。

六月，衛侯鄭自楚復歸于衛。自楚，楚有奉焉爾。復者，復中國也。歸者，歸其所也。鄭之名，失國也。

衛元咺出奔晉。

陳侯款卒。

秋，杞伯姬來。

公子遂如齊。

冬，公會晉侯、宋公、蔡侯、鄭伯、陳子、莒子、邾子、秦人于溫。諱會天王也。

天王守于河陽。全天王之行也，為若將守而遇諸侯之朝也，為天王諱也。水北為陽，山南為陽。溫，河陽也。

壬申，公朝於王所。朝於廟，禮也；於外，非禮也。獨公朝，與諸侯盡朝也。其日，以其再致天子，故謹而日之。主善以內，目惡以外。言曰公朝，逆辭也，而尊天子。會于溫，言小諸侯。溫，河北地，以河陽言之，大天子也。日系於月，月系於時，「壬申，公朝于王所」，其不月，失其所系也。以為晉文公之行事，為已傎矣！

晉人執衛侯，歸之于京師。此入而執，其不言入，何也？不外王命於衛也。歸之于京師，緩辭也，斷在京師也。

衛元咺自晉復歸于衛。自晉，晉有奉焉爾。復者，復中國也。歸者，歸其所也。

諸侯遂圍許。遂，繼事也。

曹伯襄復歸于曹。復者，復中國也。天子免之，因與之會。其曰復，通王命也。

遂會諸侯圍許。遂，繼事也。

僖公二十九年

二十有九年春，介葛盧來。介，國也。葛盧，微國之君，未爵者也。其曰來，卑也。

公至自圍許。

夏，六月，公會王人、晉人、宋人、齊人、陳人、蔡人、秦人，盟于翟泉。

秋，大雨雹。

冬，介葛盧來。

僖公三十年

三十年春，王正月。

夏，狄侵齊。

秋，衛殺其大夫元咺。稱國以殺，罪累上也，以是為訟君也。衛侯在外，其以累上之辭言之，何也？待其殺而後入也。

及公子瑕。公子瑕，累也，以尊及卑也。

衛侯鄭歸于衛。

晉人、秦人圍鄭。

介人侵蕭。

冬，天王使宰周公來聘。天子之宰，通於四海。

公子遂如京師。遂如晉。以尊遂乎卑，此言不敢叛京師也。

僖公三十一年

三十有一年春，取濟西田。

公子遂如晉。

夏，四月，四卜郊。不從，乃免牲，猶三望。「夏，四月」，不時也。四卜，非禮也。免牲者，為之緇衣熏裳。有司玄端奉送，至于南郊。免牛亦然。乃者，亡乎人之辭也。猶者，可以已之辭也。

秋，七月。

冬，杞伯姬來求婦。婦人既嫁，不逾竟。杞伯姬來求婦，非正也。

狄，圍衛。

十有二月，衛遷於帝丘。

僖公三十二年

三十有二年春，王正月。

夏，四月己丑，鄭伯捷卒。

衛人侵狄。

秋，衛人及狄盟。

冬，十有二月己卯，晉侯重耳卒。

僖公三十三年

三十有三年春，王二月，秦人入滑。滑，國也。

齊侯使國歸父來聘。

夏，四月辛巳，晉人及姜戎敗秦師于殽。不言戰而言敗，何也？狄秦也。其狄之，何也？秦越千里之險，入虛國，進不能守，退敗其師徒，亂人子女之教，無男女之別。秦之為狄，自殽之戰始也。秦伯將襲鄭，百里子與蹇叔子諫曰：「千里而襲人，未有不亡者也。」秦伯曰：「子之冢木已拱矣，何知！」師行。百里子與蹇叔子送其子而戒之曰：「女死，必於殽之巖唫之下。我將尸女於是。」師行，百里子與蹇叔子隨其子而哭之。秦伯怒曰：「何為哭吾師也？」二子曰：「非敢哭師也，哭吾子也。我老矣！彼不死，則我死矣！」晉人與姜戎要而擊之殽，匹馬倚輪無反者。晉人者，晉子也，其曰人，何也？微之也。何為微之？不正其釋殯，而主乎戰也。

癸巳，葬晉文公。日葬，危不得葬也。

狄侵齊。

公伐邾，取訾樓。

秋，公子遂帥師伐邾。

晉人敗狄于箕。

冬，十月，公如齊。十有二月，公至自齊。

乙巳，公薨于小寢。小寢，非正也。

隕霜不殺草。未可殺而殺，舉重也。可殺而不殺，舉輕也。

李、梅實。實之為言，猶實也。

晉人、陳人、鄭人伐許。

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文公元年

元年春，王正月，公即位。繼正即位，正也。

二月癸亥，日有食之。

天王使叔服來會葬。葬曰會，其志重天子之禮也。

夏，四月丁巳，葬我君僖公。薨稱公，舉上也。葬我君，接上下也。僖公葬而後舉謚，謚所以成德也。於卒事乎加之矣！

天王使毛伯來錫公命。禮，有受命，無來錫命。錫命，非正也。

晉侯伐衛。

叔孫得臣如京師。

衛人伐晉。

秋，公孫敖會晉侯于戚。

冬，十月丁未，楚世子商臣弒其君髡。日髡之卒，所以謹商臣之弒也。夷狄不言正不正。

公孫敖如齊。

文公二年

二年春，王二月甲子，晉侯及秦師戰于彭衙。秦師敗績。

丁丑，作僖公主。作，為也，為僖公主也。立主，喪主於虞。吉主於練，作僖公主，譏其後也。作主壞廟，有時日於練焉！壞廟，壞廟之道，易檐可也，改涂可也。

三月乙巳，及晉處父盟。不言公，處父伉也，為公諱也。何以知其與公盟？以其日也。何以不言公之如晉？所恥也。出不書，反不致也。

夏，六月，公孫敖會宋公、陳侯、鄭伯、晉士穀，盟于垂斂。內大夫可以會外諸侯。

自十有二月不雨，至于秋七月。歷時而言不雨，文不憂雨也。不憂雨者，無志乎民也。

八月丁卯，大事于太廟，躋僖公。大事者何？大是事也，著祫嘗。祫祭者，毀廟之主。陳于太祖，未毀廟之主，皆升合祭于太祖。躋，升也，先親而後祖也，逆祀也。逆祀，則是無昭穆也。無昭穆，則是無祖也。無祖，則無天也。故曰：文無天。無天者，是無天而行也。君子不以親親害尊尊，此《春秋》之義也。

冬，晉人、宋人、陳人、鄭人伐秦。

公子遂如齊納幣。

文公三年

三年春，王正月，叔孫得臣會晉人、宋人、陳人、衛人、鄭人伐沈。沈潰。

夏，五月，王子虎卒。叔服也，此不卒者也，何以卒之？以其來會葬，我卒之也。或曰以其嘗執重以守也。

秦人伐晉。

秋，楚人圍江。

雨螽于宋。外災不志，此何以志也？曰：災甚也。其甚奈何？茅茨盡矣！著於上，見於下，謂之雨。

冬，公如晉。

十有二月己巳，公及晉侯盟。

晉陽處父帥師伐楚，救江。此伐楚，其言救江，何也？江遠楚近，伐楚所以救江也。

文公四年

四年春，公至自晉。

夏，逆婦姜于齊。其曰婦姜，為其禮成乎齊也。其逆者誰也？親逆而稱婦。或者公與，何其速婦之也？曰：公也。其不言公，何也？非成禮於齊也。曰婦，有姑之辭也；其不言氏，何也？貶之也。何為貶之也？夫人與有貶也。

狄侵齊。

秋，楚人滅江。

晉侯伐秦。

衛侯使甯俞來聘。

冬，十有一月壬寅，夫人風氏薨。

文公五年

五年春，王正月，王使榮叔歸含且赗。含，一事也；赗，一事也；兼歸之，非正也。其曰且，志兼也。其不言來，不周事之用也。赗以早，而含己晚。

三月辛亥，葬我小君成風。

王使毛伯來會葬。會葬之禮，於鄙上。

夏，公孫敖如晉。

秦人入鄀。

秋，楚人滅六。

冬，十月甲申，許男業卒。

文公六年

六年春，葬許僖公。

夏，季孫行父如陳。

秋，季孫行父如晉。

八月乙亥，晉侯驩卒。

冬，十月，公子遂如晉。

葬晉襄公。

晉殺其大夫陽處父。稱國以殺，罪累上也。襄公已葬，其以累上之辭言之，何也？君漏言也。上泄則下暗，下暗則上聾。且暗且聾，無以相通，夜姑殺者也。夜姑之殺奈何？曰：晉將與狄戰，使狐夜姑為將軍，趙盾佐之，陽處父曰：「不可！古者君之使臣也，使仁者佐賢者，不使賢者佐仁者。今趙盾賢，夜姑仁，其不可乎？」襄公曰：「諾。」謂夜姑曰：「吾始使盾佐女。今女佐盾矣！」夜姑曰：「敬諾。」襄公死，處父主竟上事，夜姑使人殺之。君漏言也，故士造辟而言，詭辭而出，曰：「用我則可，不用我則無亂其德。」

晉狐夜姑出奔狄。

閏月不告月，猶朝于廟。不告月者，何也？不告朔也。不告朔，則何為不言朔也？閏月者，附月之餘日也，積分而成於月者也。天子不以告朔，而喪事不數也。猶之為言，可以已也。

文公七年

七年春，公伐邾。三月甲戌，取須句。取邑不日，此其日，何也？不正其再取，故謹而日之也。

遂城郚。遂，繼事也。

夏，四月，宋公壬臣卒。

宋人殺其大夫。稱人以殺，誅有罪也。

戊子，晉人及秦人戰于令狐。

晉先蔑奔秦。不言出，在外也。輟戰而奔秦，以是為逃軍也。

狄侵我西鄙。

秋，八月，公會諸侯、晉大夫，盟于扈。其曰諸侯，略之也。

冬，徐伐莒。

公孫敖如莒蒞盟。蒞，位也。其曰位，何也？前定也。其不日，前定之盟不日也。

文公八年

八年春，王正月。

夏，四月。

秋，八月戊申，天王崩。

冬，十月壬午，公子遂會晉趙盾，盟于衡雍。乙酉，公子遂會雒戎，盟于暴。

公孫敖如京師。不至而復，丙戌，奔莒。不言所至，未如也。未如則未復也。未如而曰如，不廢君命也。未復而曰復，不專君命也。其如非如也，其復非復也。唯奔莒之為信，故謹而日之也。

螽。

宋人殺其大夫司馬。司馬，官也。其以官稱，無君之辭也。

宋司城來奔。司城，官也。其以官稱，無君之辭也。來奔者不言出，舉其接我也。

文公九年

九年春，毛伯來求金。求車猶可，求金甚矣。

夫人姜氏如齊。

二月，叔孫得臣如京師。京，大也；師，眾也。言周，必以眾與大言之也。

辛丑，葬襄王。天子志崩不志葬，舉天下而葬一人，其道不疑也。志葬，危不得葬也。日之，甚矣！其不葬之辭也。

晉人殺其大夫先都。

三月，夫人姜氏至自齊。卑以尊致，病文公也。

晉人殺其大夫士縠，及箕鄭父。稱人以殺，誅有罪也，鄭父累也。

楚人伐鄭。

公子遂會晉人、宋人、衛人、許人，救鄭。

夏，狄侵齊。

秋，八月，曹伯襄卒。

九月癸酉，地震。震，動也。地，不震者也；震，故謹而日之也。

冬，楚子使萩來聘。楚無大夫，其曰萩，何也？以其來我，褒之也。

秦人來歸僖公、成風之襚。秦人弗夫人也，即外之弗夫人而見正焉。

葬曹共公。

文公十年

十年春，王三月辛卯，臧孫辰卒。

夏，秦伐晉。

楚殺其大夫宜申。

自正月不雨，至于秋七月。歷時而言不雨，文不閔雨也。不閔雨者，無志乎民也。

及蘇子盟于女栗。

冬，狄侵宋。

楚子、蔡侯次于厥貉。

文公十一年

十有一年春，楚子伐麇。

夏，叔彭生會晉郤缺于承匡。

秋，曹伯來朝。

公子遂如宋。

狄侵齊。

冬，十月甲午，叔孫得臣敗狄于鹹。不言帥師而言敗，何也？直敗，一人之辭也。一人而曰敗，何也？以眾焉言之也。傳曰：長狄也。兄弟三人，佚宕中國，瓦石不能害。叔孫得臣，最善射者也。射其目，身橫九畝，斷其首而載之，眉見于軾。然則何為不言獲也？曰：古者不重創，不禽二毛，故不言獲，為內諱也。其之齊者，王子成父殺之，則未知其之晉者也。

文公十二年

十有二年春，王正月，郕伯來奔。

杞伯來朝。

二月庚子，子叔姬卒。其曰子叔姬，貴也，公之母姊妹也。其一傳曰：許嫁，以卒之也。男子二十而冠，冠而列丈夫；三十而娶。女子十五而許嫁，二十而嫁。

夏，楚人圍巢。

秋，滕子來朝。

秦伯使術來聘。

冬，十有二月戊午，晉人秦人戰于河曲。不言及，秦晉之戰已亟，故略之也。

季孫行父帥師，城諸及鄆。稱帥師，言有難也。

文公十三年

十有三年春，王正月。

夏，五月壬午，陳侯朔卒。

邾子籧篨卒。

自正月不雨，至于秋七月。

大室屋壞。大室屋壞者，有壞道也，譏不修也。大室猶世室也。周公曰「大廟」，伯禽曰「大室」，群公曰「宮」。禮，宗廟之事。君親割，夫人親舂，敬之至也。為社稷之主，而先君之廟壞，極稱之，志不敬也。

冬，公如晉。

衛侯會公于沓。

狄侵衛。

十有二月己丑，公及晉侯盟，還自晉。還者，事未畢也。自晉，事畢也。

鄭伯會公于棐。

文公十四年

十有四年春，王正月，公至自晉。

邾人伐我南鄙。

叔彭生帥師伐邾。

夏，五月乙亥，齊侯潘卒。

六月，公會宋公、陳侯、衛侯、鄭伯、許伯、曹伯、晉趙盾。癸酉，同盟于新城。同者，有同也，同外楚也。

秋，七月，有星孛入于北斗。孛之為言猶茀也。其曰入北斗，斗有環域也。

公至自會。

晉人納捷菑于邾，弗克納。是郤克也，其曰人，何也？微之也。何為微之也？長轂五百乘，綿地千里，過宋、鄭、滕、薛，夐入千乘之國，欲變人之主。至城下，然後知。何知之晚也！弗克納。未伐而曰弗克，何也？弗克其義也。捷菑，晉出也；貜且，齊出也。貜且，正也；捷菑，不正也。

九月甲申，公孫敖，卒于齊。奔大夫不言卒，而言卒，何也？為受其喪，不可不卒也。其地於外也。

齊公子商人弒其君舍。舍未逾年，其曰君，何也？成舍之為君，所以重商人之弒也。商人其不以國氏，何也？不以嫌代嫌也。舍之不日，何也？未成為君也。

宋子哀來奔。其曰子哀，失之也。

冬，單伯如齊。

齊人執單伯。私罪也。單伯淫于齊，齊人執之。

齊人執子叔姬。叔姬同罪也。

文公十五年

十有五年春，季孫行父如晉。

三月，宋司馬華孫來盟。司馬，官也。其以官稱，無君之辭也。來盟者何？前定也。不言及者，以國與之也。

夏，曹伯來朝。

齊人歸公孫敖之喪。

六月辛丑朔，日有食之，鼓用牲于社。

單伯至自齊。大夫執則致，致則名；此其不名，何也？天子之命大夫也。

晉郤缺帥師伐蔡。

戊申，入蔡。

秋，齊人侵我西鄙。其曰鄙，遠之也。其遠之，何也？不以難介我國也。

季孫行父如晉。

冬，十有一月，諸侯盟于扈。

十有二月，齊人來歸子叔姬。其曰子叔姬，貴之也。其言來歸，何也？父母之於子，雖有罪，猶欲其免也。

齊侯侵我西鄙。

遂伐曹，入其郛。

文公十六年

十有六年春，季孫行父會齊侯于陽穀。齊侯弗及盟。弗及者，內辭也。行父失命矣，齊得內辭也。

夏，五月，公四不視朔。天子告朔于諸侯，諸侯受乎禰廟，禮也。公四不視朔，公不臣也。以公為厭政以甚矣。

六月戊辰，公子遂及齊侯盟于師丘。復行父之盟也。

秋，八月辛未，夫人姜氏薨。

毀泉臺。喪不貳事；貳事，緩喪也。以文為多失道矣！自古為之，今毀之，不如勿處而已矣。

楚人、秦人、巴人滅庸。

冬，十有一月，宋人弒其君杵臼。

文公十七年

十有七年春，晉人、衛人、陳人、鄭人伐宋。

夏，四月癸亥，葬我小君聲姜。

齊侯伐我西鄙。

六月癸未，公及齊侯盟于穀。

諸侯會于扈。

秋，公至自穀。

冬，公子遂如齊。

文公十八年

十有八年春，王二月丁丑，公薨于臺下。臺下，非正也。

秦伯罃卒。

夏，五月戊戌，齊人弒其君商人。

六月癸酉，葬我君文公。

秋，公子遂、叔孫得臣如齊。使舉上客，而不稱介。不正其同倫而相介，故列而數之也。

冬，十月，子卒。子卒，不日，故也。

夫人姜氏歸于齊。惡宣公也。有不待貶絕，而罪惡見者；有待貶絕，而惡從之者。侄娣者，不孤子之意也。一人有子，三人緩帶。一曰：就賢也。

季孫行父如齊。

莒弒其君庶其。

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宣公

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宣公元年

元年春，王正月，公即位。繼故而言即位，與聞乎故也。

公子遂如齊逆女。三月，遂以夫人婦姜至自齊。其不言氏，喪未畢，故略之也。其曰婦，緣姑言之之辭也。遂之挈，由上致之也。

夏，季孫行父如齊。

晉放其大夫胥甲父于衛。放，猶屏也。稱國以放，放無罪也。

公會齊侯于平州。公子遂如齊。六月，齊人取濟西田。內不言取，言取，授之也。以是為賂齊也。

秋，邾子來朝。

楚子、鄭人侵陳，遂侵宋。遂，繼事也。

晉趙盾帥師救陳。善救陳也。

宋公、陳侯、衛侯、曹伯會晉師于棐林，伐鄭。列數諸侯而會晉趙盾，大趙盾之事也。其曰師，何也？以其大之也。于棐林地，而後伐鄭，疑辭也。此其地何？則著其美也。

冬，晉趙穿帥師侵崇。

晉人、宋人伐鄭。伐鄭，所以救宋也。

宣公二年

二年春，王二月，壬子，宋華元帥師，及鄭公子歸生帥師，戰于大棘。宋師敗績，獲宋華元。獲者，不與之辭也。言盡其眾，以救其將也。以三軍敵華元，華元雖獲，不病矣。

秦師伐晉。

夏，晉人、宋人、衛人、陳人侵鄭。

秋，九月乙丑，晉趙盾弒其君夷皋。穿弒也，盾不弒，而曰盾弒，何也？以罪盾也。其以罪盾，何也？曰：靈公朝諸大夫而暴彈之，觀其辟丸也。趙盾入諫，不聽。出亡，至於郊，趙穿弒公，而後反趙盾。史狐書賊曰：「趙盾弒公。」盾曰：「天乎！天乎！予無罪。孰為盾而忍弒其君者乎？」史狐曰：「子為正卿，入諫不聽。出亡不遠，君弒，反不討賊，則志同。志同則書重，非子而誰？故書之曰『晉趙盾弒其君夷皋』者，過在下也。」曰：於盾也，見忠臣之至；於許世子止，見孝子之至。

冬，十月乙亥，天王崩。

宣公三年

三年春，王正月，郊牛之口傷。之口，緩辭也，傷自牛作也。

改卜牛，牛死，乃不郊。事之變也。乃者，亡乎人之辭也。

猶三望。

葬匡王。

楚子伐陸渾戎。

夏，楚人侵鄭。

秋，赤狄侵齊。

宋師圍曹。

冬，十月丙戌，鄭伯蘭卒。

葬鄭穆公。

宣公四年

四年春，王正月，公及齊侯平莒及郯，莒人不肯。及者，內為志焉爾。平者，成也。不肯者，可以肯也。

公伐莒取向。伐猶可，取向甚矣，莒人辭不受治也。伐莒，義兵也；取向，非也，乘義而為利也。

秦伯稻卒。

夏，六月乙酉，鄭公子歸生弒其君夷。

赤狄侵齊。

秋，公如齊，公至自齊。

冬，楚子伐鄭。

宣公五年

五年春，公如齊。

夏，公至自齊。

秋，九月，齊高固來逆子叔姬。諸侯之嫁子於大夫，主大夫以與之。來者，接內也；不正其接內，故不與夫婦之稱也。

叔孫得臣卒。

冬，齊高固及子叔姬來。及者，及吾子叔姬也。為使來者，不使得歸之意也。

楚人伐鄭。

宣公六年

六年春，晉趙盾、衛孫免侵陳。此帥師也，其不言帥師，何也？不正其敗前事，故不與帥師也。

夏，四月。

秋，八月，螽。

冬，十月。

宣公七年

七年春，衛侯使孫良夫來盟。來盟，前定也。不言及者，以國與之。不言其人，亦以國與之。不日，前定之盟不日。

夏，公會齊侯伐萊。

秋，公至自伐萊。

大旱。

冬，公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯于黑壤。

宣公八年

八年春，公至自會。

夏，六月，公子遂如齊，至黃乃復。乃者，亡乎人之辭也。復者，事畢也，不專公命也。

辛巳，有事于太廟。

仲遂卒于垂。為若反命而後卒也。此公子也，其曰仲，何也？疏之也。何為疏之也？是不卒者也。不疏，則無用見其不卒也，則其卒之，何也？以譏乎宣也。其譏乎宣，何也？聞大夫之喪，則去樂卒事。

壬午，猶繹。猶者，可以已之辭也。繹者，祭之旦日之享賓也。

萬入去龠。以其為之變，譏之也。

戊子，夫人熊氏薨。

晉師、白狄伐秦。

楚人滅舒鄝。

秋，七月甲子，日有食之，既。

冬，十月己丑，葬我小君頃熊。雨不克葬。葬既有日，不為雨止，禮也。雨不克葬，喪不以制也。

庚寅，日中而克葬。而，緩辭也，足乎日之辭也。

城平陽。

楚師伐陳。

宣公九年

九年春，王正月，公如齊。公至自齊。

夏，仲孫蔑如京師。

齊侯伐萊。

秋，取根牟。

八月，滕子卒。

九月，晉侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯會于扈。

晉荀林父帥師伐陳。

辛酉，晉侯黑臀卒于扈。其地於外也，其日未逾竟也。

冬，十月癸酉，衛侯鄭卒。宋人圍滕。楚子伐鄭。晉郤缺帥師救鄭。

陳殺其大夫泄冶。稱國以殺其大夫，殺無罪也。泄冶之無罪如何？陳靈公通于夏徵舒之家，公孫寧、儀行父，亦通其家。或衣其衣，或衷其襦，以相戲於朝。泄冶聞之，入諫曰：「使國人聞之則猶可，使仁人聞之則不可。」君愧於泄冶，不能用其言而殺之。

宣公十年

十年春，公如齊。公至自齊。齊人歸我濟西田。公娶齊，齊由以為兄弟，反之，不言來。公如齊，受之也。

夏，四月丙辰，日有食之。

己巳，齊侯元卒。

齊崔氏出奔衛。氏者，舉族而出之之辭也。

公如齊。五月，公至自齊。

癸巳，陳夏徵舒弒其君平國。

六月，宋師伐滕。

公孫歸父如齊，葬齊惠公。

晉人、宋人、衛人、曹人伐鄭。

秋，天王使王季子來聘。其曰王季，王子也。其曰子，尊之也。聘，問也。

公孫歸父帥師伐邾，取繹。

大水。

季孫行父如齊。

冬，公孫歸父如齊。

齊侯使國佐來聘。

饑。

楚子伐鄭。

宣公十一年

十有一年春，王正月。

夏，楚子、陳侯、鄭伯盟于夷陵。

公孫歸父會齊人伐莒。

秋，晉侯會狄于櫕函。不言及，外狄。

冬，十月，楚人殺陳夏徵舒。此入而殺也，其不言入，何也？外徵舒於陳也。其外徵舒於陳，何也？明楚之討有罪也。

丁亥，楚子入陳。入者，內弗受也。日入，惡入者也。何用弗受也？不使夷狄為中國也。

納公孫寧、儀行父于陳。納者，內弗受也。輔人之不能民而討，猶可；入人之國，制人之上下，使不得其君臣之道，不可。

宣公十二年

十有二年春，葬陳靈公。

楚子圍鄭。

夏，六月乙卯，晉荀林父帥師，及楚子戰于邲。晉師敗績。
績，功也；功，事也。日，其事敗也。

秋，七月。

冬，十有二月，戊寅，楚子滅蕭。

晉人、宋人、衛人、曹人同盟于清丘。

宋師伐陳。

（經十二·八）衛人救陳。

宣公十三年

十有三年春，齊師伐莒。

夏，楚子伐宋。

秋，螽。

冬，晉殺其大夫先穀。

宣公十四年

十有四年春，衛殺其大夫孔達。

夏，五月壬申，曹伯壽卒。

晉侯伐鄭。

秋，九月，楚子圍宋。

葬曹文公。

冬，公孫歸父會齊侯于穀。

宣公十五年

十有五年春，公孫歸父會楚子于宋。

夏，五月，宋人及楚人平。平者，成也，善其量力而反義也。人者，眾辭也。平稱眾，上下欲之也。外平不道，以吾人之存焉道之也。

六月，癸卯，晉師滅赤狄潞氏，以潞子嬰兒歸。滅國有三術：中國謹日，卑國月，夷狄不日。其日潞子嬰兒，賢也。

秦人伐晉。

王札子殺召伯、毛伯。王札子者，當上之辭也。殺召伯、毛伯，不言其，何也？兩下相殺也。兩下相殺，不志乎《春秋》，此其志，何也？矯王命以殺之，非忿怒相殺也，故曰：以王命殺也。以王命殺，則何志焉？為天下主者，天也；繼天者，君也；君之所存者，命也。為人臣而侵其君之命而用之，是不臣也；為人君而失其命，是不君也。君不君，臣不臣，此天下所以傾也。

秋，螽。

仲孫蔑會齊高固于無婁。

初稅畝。初者，始也。古者什一，藉而不稅。初稅畝，非正也。古者三百步為里，名曰井田。井田者，九百畝，公田居一。私田稼不善，則非吏；公田稼不善，則非民。初稅畝者，非公之去公田，而履畝十取一也，以公之與民為已悉矣！古者公田為居，井灶蔥韭盡取焉。

冬，蝝生。蝝，非災也。其曰蝝，非稅畝之災也。

饑。

宣公十六年

十有六年春，王正月，晉人滅赤狄甲氏，及留吁。

夏，成周宣榭災。周災，不志也；其曰宣榭，何也？以樂器之所藏目之也。

秋，郯伯姬來歸。

冬，大有年。五穀大熟，為大有年。

宣公十七年

十有七年春，王正月庚子，許男錫我卒。

丁未，蔡侯申卒。

夏，葬許昭公。

葬蔡文公。

六月癸卯，日有食之。

己未，公會晉侯、衛侯、曹伯、邾子，同盟于斷道。同者，有同也，同外楚也。

秋，公至自會。

冬，十有一月壬午，公弟叔肹卒。其曰公弟叔肹，賢之也。其賢之，何也？宣弒而非之也。非之，則胡為不去也？曰：兄弟也，何去而之？與之財，則曰：「我足矣！」織屨而食，終身不食宣公之食。君子以是為通恩也，以取貴乎《春秋》。

宣公十八年

十有八年春，晉侯、衛世子臧伐齊。

公伐杞。

夏，四月。

秋，七月，邾人戕繒子于繒。戕，猶殘也，棁殺也。

甲戌，楚子呂卒。夷狄不卒；卒，少進也。卒而不日；日，少進也。日而不言正；不正，簡之也。

公孫歸父如晉。

冬，十月壬戌，公薨于路寢。正寢也。

歸父還自晉。還者，事未畢也。自晉，事畢也。與人之子，守其父之殯。捐殯而奔其父之使者，是以奔父也。

至檉，遂奔齊。遂，繼事也。

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成公

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成公元年

元年春，王正月，公即位。

二月辛酉，葬我君宣公。

無冰。終時無冰則志，此未終時而言無冰，何也？終無冰矣。加之寒之辭也。

三月，作丘甲。作，為也。丘，為甲也。丘甲，國之事也。丘作甲，非正也。丘作甲之為非正，何也？古者立國家，百官具，農工皆有職以事上。古者有四民：有士民，有商民、有農民、有工民。夫甲，非人人之所能為也。丘作甲，非正也。

夏，臧孫許及晉侯盟于赤棘。

秋，王師敗績于貿戎。不言戰，莫之敢敵也。為尊者諱，敵不諱敗；為親者諱，敗不諱敵。尊尊親親之義也。然則孰敗之？晉也。

冬，十月。季孫行父禿，晉郤克眇，衛孫良夫跛，曹公子手僂，同時而聘於齊。齊使禿者御禿者，使眇者御眇者，使跛者御跛者，使僂者御僂者。蕭同侄子處臺上而笑之；聞於客，客不說而去。相與立胥閭而語，移日不解。齊人有知之者，曰：「齊之患，必自此始矣！」

成公二年

二年春，齊侯伐我北鄙。

夏，四月丙戌，衛孫良夫帥師，及齊師戰于新筑。衛師敗績。

六月癸酉，季孫行父、臧孫許、叔孫僑如、公孫嬰齊帥師，會晉郤克、衛孫良夫、曹公子手，及齊侯戰于鞍。齊師敗績。其日，或曰日，其戰也；或曰日，其悉也。曹無大夫，其曰公子，何也？以吾之四大夫在焉，舉其貴者也。

秋，七月，齊侯使國佐如師。己酉，及國佐盟于爰婁。鞍，去國五百里。爰婁，去國五十里。一戰綿地五百里，焚雍門之茨，侵車東至海。君子聞之曰：「夫甚甚之辭焉。齊有以取之也。」齊之有以取之，何也？敗衛師于新筑，侵我北鄙，敖郤獻子，齊有以取之也。爰婁在師之外，郤克曰：「反魯、衛之侵地，以紀侯之甗來，以蕭同侄子之母為質，使耕者皆東其畝，然後與子盟。」國佐曰：「反魯、衛之侵地，以紀侯之甗來，則諾。以蕭同侄子之母為質，則是齊侯之母也。齊侯之母猶晉君之母也，晉君之母猶齊侯之母也。使耕者盡東其畝，則是終土齊也。不可，請一戰。一戰不克，請再。再不克，請三。三不克，請四。四不克，請五。五不克，舉國而授。」於是而與之盟。

八月壬午，宋公鮑卒。

庚寅，衛侯速卒。

取汶陽田。

冬，楚師、鄭師侵衛。

十有一月，公會楚公子嬰齊于蜀。楚無大夫，其曰公子，何也？嬰齊，亢也。

丙申，公及楚人、秦人、宋人、陳人、衛人、鄭人、齊人、曹人、邾人、薛人、繒人盟于蜀。楚其稱人，何也？於是而後，公得其所也。會與盟同月，則地會，不地盟。不同月，則地會，地盟。此其地會，地盟，何也？以公得其所，申其事也。今之屈，向之驕也。

成公三年

三年春，王正月，公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯伐鄭。

辛亥，葬衛穆公。

二月，公至自伐鄭。

甲子，新宮災，三日哭。新宮者，禰宮也。三日哭，哀也。其哀，禮也。迫近不敢稱禰，恭也。其辭恭且哀，以成公為無譏矣。

乙亥，葬宋文公。

夏，公如晉。

鄭公子去疾帥師伐許。

公至自晉。

秋，叔孫僑如帥師圍棘。

大雩。

晉郤克、衛孫良夫伐墻咎如。

冬，十有一月，晉侯使荀庚來聘。

衛侯使孫良夫來聘。丙午，及荀庚盟。丁未，及孫良夫盟。其日，公也，來聘而求盟。不言及者，以國與之也。不言其人，亦以國與之也。不言求，兩欲之也。

鄭伐許。

成公四年

四年春，宋公使華元來聘。

三月壬申，鄭伯堅卒。

杞伯來朝。

夏，四月甲寅，臧孫許卒。

公如晉。

葬鄭襄公。

秋，公至自晉。

冬，城鄆。

鄭伯伐許。

成公五年

五年春，王正月，杞叔姬來歸。婦人之義，嫁曰歸，反曰來歸。

仲孫蔑如宋。

夏，叔孫僑如會晉荀首于穀。

梁山崩。不日，何也？高者有崩道也。有崩道，則何以書也？曰：梁山崩，壅遏河三日不流，晉君召伯尊而問焉。伯尊來遇輦者，輦者不辟，使車右下而鞭之。輦者曰：「所以鞭我者，其取道遠矣。」伯尊下車而問焉，曰：「子有聞乎？」對曰：「梁山崩，壅遏河三日不流。」伯尊曰：「君為此召我也，為之奈何？」輦者曰：「天有山，天崩之；天有河，天壅之。雖召伯尊如之何？」伯尊由忠問焉。輦者曰：「君親素縞、帥群臣而哭之，既而祠焉，斯流矣。」伯尊至，君問之曰：「梁山崩，壅遏河三日不流，為之奈何？」伯尊曰：「君親素縞、帥群臣而哭之，既而祠焉，斯流矣。」孔子聞之曰：「伯尊其無績乎！攘善也。」

秋，大水。

冬，十一月己酉，天王崩。

十有二月己丑，公會晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、邾子、杞伯，同盟于蟲牢。

成公六年

六年春，王正月，公至自會。

二月辛巳，立武宮。立者，不宜立也。

取鄟。鄟，國也。

衛孫良夫帥師侵宋。

夏，六月，邾子來朝。

公孫嬰齊如晉。

壬申，鄭伯費卒。

秋，仲孫蔑、叔孫僑如帥師侵宋。

楚公子嬰齊帥師伐鄭。

冬，季孫行父如晉。

晉欒書帥師救鄭。

成公七年

七年春，王正月，鼷鼠食郊牛角。不言日，急辭也，過有司也。郊牛日，展觓角而知傷，展道盡矣！其所以備災之道不盡也。

改卜牛，鼷鼠又食其角。又，有繼之辭也。其緩辭也，曰：亡乎人矣！非人之所能也。所以免有司之過也。

乃免牛。乃者，亡乎人之辭也。免牲者，為之緇衣纁裳，有司玄端，奉送至于南郊。免牛亦然。免牲不曰不郊，免牛亦然。

吳伐郯。

夏，五月，曹伯來朝。

不郊，猶三望。

秋，楚公子嬰齊帥師伐鄭。

公會晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、杞伯，救鄭。

八月戊辰，同盟于馬陵。公至自會。

吳入州來。

冬，大雩。雩不月而時，非之也。冬無為雩也。

衛孫林父出奔晉。

成公八年

八年春，晉侯使韓穿來言汶陽之田，歸之于齊。于齊，緩辭也。不使盡我也。

晉欒書帥師侵蔡。

公孫嬰齊如莒。

宋公使華元來聘。

夏，宋公使公孫壽來納幣。

晉殺其大夫趙同趙括。

秋，七月，天子使召伯來錫公命。禮有受命，無來錫命，錫命非正也。曰「天子」，何也？曰：見一稱也。

冬，十月癸卯，杞叔姬卒。

晉侯使士燮來聘。

叔孫僑如會晉士燮、齊人、邾人伐郯。

衛人來媵。媵，淺事也，不志；此其志，何也？以伯姬之不得其所，故盡其事也。

成公九年

九年春，王正月，杞伯來逆叔姬之喪以歸。傳曰：夫無逆出妻之喪而為之也。

公會晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、杞伯，同盟于蒲。公至自會。

二月，伯姬歸于宋。

夏，季孫行父如宋致女。致者，不致者也。婦人在家制於父，既嫁制於夫。如宋致女，是以我盡之也。不正，故不與內稱也。逆者微，故致女。詳其事，賢伯姬也。

晉人來媵。媵，淺事也，不志；此其志，何也？以伯姬之不得其所，故盡其事也。

秋，七月丙子，齊侯無野卒。

晉人執鄭伯。

晉欒書帥師伐鄭。不言戰，以鄭伯也。為尊者諱恥，為賢者諱過，為親者諱疾。

冬，十有一月，葬齊頃公。

楚公子嬰齊帥師伐莒。

庚申，莒潰。其日，莒雖夷狄，猶中國也。大夫潰莒而之楚，是以知其上為事也。惡之，故謹而日之也。

楚人入鄆。

秦人、白狄伐晉鄭人圍許。

城中城。城中城者，非外民也。

成公十年

十年春，衛侯之弟黑背帥師侵鄭。

夏，四月，五卜郊不從，乃不郊。「夏，四月」，不時也。五卜，強也。乃者，亡乎人之辭也。

五月，公會晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯伐鄭。

齊人來媵。

丙午，晉侯獳卒。

秋，七月，公如晉。

冬，十月。

成公十一年

十有一年春，王三月，公至自晉。

晉侯使郤犨來聘。己丑，及郤犨盟。

夏，季孫行父如晉。

秋，叔孫僑如如齊。

冬，十月。

成公十二年

十有二年春，周公出奔晉。周有入無出，其曰出，上下一見之也。言其上下之道，無以存也。上雖失之，下孰敢有之？今上下皆失之矣！

夏，公會晉侯、衛侯于瑣澤。

秋，晉人敗狄于交剛。中國與夷狄不言戰，皆曰敗之，夷狄不日。

冬，十月。

成公十三年

十有三年春，晉侯使郤锜來乞師。乞，重辭也。古之人重師，故以乞言之也。

三月，公如京師。公如京師不月，月非如也。非如而曰如，不叛京師也。

夏，五月，公至自京師，遂會晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、邾人、滕人，伐秦。言受命，不敢叛周也。

曹伯廬卒于師。傳曰：閔之也。公大夫在師曰師，在會曰會。

秋，七月，公至自伐秦。

冬，葬曹宣公。葬時，正也。

成公十四年

十有四年春，王正月，莒子朱卒。

夏，衛孫林父自晉歸于衛。

秋，叔孫僑如如齊逆女。

鄭公子喜帥師伐許。

九月，僑如以夫人婦姜氏至自齊。大夫不以夫人；以夫人，非正也。刺不親迎也。僑如之挈，由上致之也。

冬，十月庚寅，衛侯臧卒。

秦伯卒。

成公十五年

十有五年春，王二月，葬衛定公。三月乙巳，仲嬰齊卒。此公孫也，其曰仲，何也？子由父疏之也。

癸丑，公會晉侯、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、宋世子成、齊國佐、邾人，同盟于戚。晉侯執曹伯，歸于京師。以晉侯而斥執曹伯，惡晉侯也，不言之急辭也，斷在晉侯也。

公至自會。

夏，六月，宋公固卒。

楚子伐鄭。

秋，八月庚辰，葬宋共公。月卒日葬，非葬者也，此其言葬，何也？以其葬共姬，不可不葬共公也。葬共姬則其不可不葬共公，何也？夫人之義，不逾君也，為賢者崇也。

宋華元出奔晉。宋華元自晉歸于宋。

宋殺其大夫山。

宋魚石出奔楚。

冬，十有一月，叔孫僑如會晉士燮、齊高無咎、宋華元、衛孫林父、鄭公子鰍、邾人，會吳于鍾離。會又會，外之也。

許遷于葉。遷者，猶得其國家以往者也。其地，許復見也。

成公十六年

十有六年春，王正月，雨木冰。雨而木冰也，志異也。傳曰：根枝折。

夏，四月辛未，滕子卒。

鄭公孫喜帥師侵宋。

六月丙寅朔，日有食之。

晉侯使欒黡來乞師。

甲午，晦，晉侯及楚子、鄭伯戰于鄢陵。楚子、鄭師敗績。日事遇晦曰晦，四體偏斷曰敗。此其敗則目也。楚不言師，君重於師也。

楚殺其大夫公子側。秋，公會晉侯、齊侯、衛侯、宋華元、邾人于沙隨。不見公。不見公者，可以見公也。可以見公而不見公，譏在諸侯也。

公至自會。

公會尹子、晉侯、齊國佐、邾人，伐鄭。

曹伯歸自京師。不言所歸，歸之善者也。出入不名，以為不失其國也。歸為善，自某歸次之。

九月，晉人執季孫行父，舍之于苕丘。執者不舍；而舍，公所也。執者致；而不致，公在也。何其執而辭也？猶在公也。存意公亦存也。公存也。

冬，十月乙亥，叔孫僑如出奔齊。

十有二月乙丑，季孫行父及晉郤犨盟于扈。

公至自會。

乙酉，刺公子偃。大夫日卒，正也。先刺後名，殺無罪也。

成公十七年

十有七年春，衛北宮括帥師侵鄭。

夏，公會尹子、單子、晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯、邾人，伐鄭。六月乙酉，同盟于柯陵。柯陵之盟，謀復伐鄭也。

秋，公至自會。不曰至自伐鄭也，公不周乎伐鄭也。何以知公之不周乎伐鄭？以其以會致也。何以知其盟復伐鄭也？以其後會之人盡盟者也。不周乎伐鄭，則何為日也？言公之不背柯陵之盟也。

齊高無咎出奔莒。

九月辛丑，用郊。夏之始可以承春，以秋之末承春之始，蓋不可矣！九月用郊，用者不宜用也。宮室不設，不可以祭；衣服不修，不可以祭；車馬器械不備，不可以祭；有司一人不備其職，不可以祭。祭者，薦其時也，薦其敬也，薦其美也，非享味也。

晉侯使荀罃來乞師。

冬，公會單子、晉侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯、齊人、邾人，伐鄭。言公不背柯陵之盟也。

十有一月，公至自伐鄭。

壬申，公孫嬰齊，卒于貍蜃。十一月無壬申，壬申乃十月也。致公而後錄，臣子之義也。其地，未逾竟也。

十有二月丁巳朔，日有食之。

邾子貜且卒。

晉殺其大夫郤锜、郤犨、郤至。自禍於是起矣！

楚人滅舒庸。

成公十八年

十有八年春，王正月，晉殺其大夫胥童。庚申，晉弒其君州蒲。稱國以弒其君，君惡甚矣！

齊殺其大夫國佐。

公如晉。

夏，楚子、鄭伯伐宋。宋魚石復入于彭城。

公至自晉。

晉侯使士丐來聘。

秋，杞伯來朝。八月，邾子來朝。

筑鹿囿。筑，不志；此其志，何也？山林藪澤之利，所以與民共也；虞之，非正也。

己丑，公薨于路寢。路寢，正也。男子不絕婦人之手，以齊終也。

冬，楚人、鄭人侵宋。

晉侯使士魴來乞師。

十有二月，仲孫蔑會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、邾子、齊崔杼，同盟于虛朾。

丁未，葬我君成公。

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襄公

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襄公元年

元年春，王正月，公即位。繼正即位，正也。

仲孫蔑會晉欒黡、宋華元、衛甯殖、曹人、莒人、邾人、滕人、薛人，圍宋彭城。系彭城於宋者，不與魚石，正也。

夏，晉韓厥帥師伐鄭。

仲孫蔑會齊崔杼、曹人、邾人、杞人，次于鄫。

秋，楚公子壬夫帥師侵宋。

九月辛酉，天王崩。

邾子來朝。

冬，衛侯使公孫剽來聘。晉侯使荀罃來聘。

襄公二年

二年春，王正月，葬簡王。

鄭師伐宋。

夏，五月庚寅，夫人姜氏薨。

六月庚辰，鄭伯睔卒。

晉師、宋師、衛甯殖侵鄭。其曰衛甯殖，如是而稱于前事也。

秋，七月，仲孫蔑會晉荀罃、宋華元、衛孫林父、曹人、邾人于戚。

己丑，葬我小君齊姜。

叔孫豹如宋。

冬，仲孫蔑會晉荀罃、齊崔杼、宋華元、衛孫林父、曹人、邾人、滕人、薛人、小邾人于戚，遂城虎牢。若言中國焉，內鄭也。

楚殺其大夫公子申。

襄公三年

三年春，楚公子嬰齊帥師伐吳。

公如晉。

夏，四月壬戌，公及晉侯盟于長樗。

公至自晉。

六月，公會單子、晉侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、莒子、邾子、齊世子光。己未，同盟于雞澤。同者，有同也，同外楚也。

陳侯使袁僑如會。如會，外乎會也，於會受命也。

戊寅，叔孫豹及諸侯之大夫，及陳袁僑盟。及以及，與之也。諸侯以為可與則與之，不可與則釋之。諸侯盟，又大夫相與私盟，是大夫張也。故雞澤之會，諸侯始失正矣！大夫執國權，曰袁僑，異之也。

秋，公至自會。

冬，晉荀罃帥師伐許。

襄公四年

四年春，王三月己酉，陳侯午卒。

夏，叔孫豹如晉。

秋，七月戊子，夫人姒氏薨。

葬陳成公。

八月辛亥，葬我小君定姒。

冬，公如晉。

陳人圍頓。

襄公五年

五年春，公至自晉。

夏，鄭伯使公子發來聘。

叔孫豹、繒世子巫如晉。外不言如，而言如，為我事往也。

仲孫蔑、衛孫林父會吳于善稻。吳謂善伊，謂稻緩，號從中國，名從主人。

秋，大雩。

楚殺其大夫公子壬夫。

公會晉侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、齊世子光、吳人、繒人于戚。公至自會。

冬，戍陳。內辭也。

楚公子貞帥師伐陳。

公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、齊世子光，救陳。十有二月，公至自救陳。善救陳也。

辛未，季孫行父卒。

襄公六年

六年春，王三月壬午，杞伯姑容卒。

夏，宋華弱來奔。

秋，葬杞桓公。

滕子來朝。

莒人滅繒。非滅也。中國日，卑國月，夷狄時。繒，中國也，而時，非滅也。家有既亡，國有既滅，滅而不自知，由別之而不別也。莒人滅繒，非滅也。非立異姓以蒞祭祀，滅亡之道也。

冬，叔孫豹如邾。

季孫宿如晉。

十有二月，齊侯滅萊。

襄公七年

七年春，郯子來朝。

夏，四月，三卜郊；不從，乃免牲。夏四月，不時也。三卜，禮也。乃者，亡乎人之辭也。

小邾子來朝。

城費。

秋，季孫宿如衛。

八月，螽。

冬，十月，衛侯使孫林父來聘。壬戌，及孫林父盟。

楚公子貞帥師圍陳。

十有二月，公會晉侯、宋公、陳侯、衛侯、曹伯、莒子、邾子于鄬。鄭伯髡原如會。未見諸侯。丙戌，卒于操。未見諸侯，其曰如會，何也？致其志也。禮，諸侯不生名，此其生名，何也？卒之名也。卒之名，則何為加之如會之上？見以如會卒也。其見以如會卒，何也？鄭伯將會中國，其臣欲從楚；不勝其臣，弒而死。其不言弒，何也？不使夷狄之民加乎中國之君也。其地，於外也；其日，未逾竟也。日卒時葬，正也。

（經七·九）陳侯逃歸。以其去諸侯，故逃之也。

襄公八年

八年春，王正月，公如晉。

夏，葬鄭僖公。

鄭人侵蔡，獲蔡公子濕。人，微者也。侵，淺事也。而獲公子，公子病矣！

季孫宿會晉侯、鄭伯、齊人、宋人、衛人、邾人于邢丘。見魯之失正也。公在而大夫會也。

公至自晉。

莒人伐我東鄙。

秋，九月，大雩。

冬，楚公子貞帥師伐鄭。

晉侯使士丐來聘。

襄公九年

九年春，宋災。外災不志，此其志，何也？故宋也。

夏，季孫宿如晉。

五月辛酉，夫人姜氏薨。

秋，八月癸未，葬我小君穆姜。

冬，公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子、齊世子光，伐鄭。十有二月，己亥，同盟于戲。不異鄭，善得鄭也。不致，恥不能據鄭也。

楚子伐鄭。

襄公十年

十年春，公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子、齊世子光，會吳于柤。會又會，外之也。

夏，五月甲午，遂滅傅陽。遂，直遂也；其曰遂何？不以中國從夷狄也。

公至自會。會夷狄不致，惡事不致，此其致，何也？存中國也。中國有善事，則并焉；無善事，則異之存之也。汲鄭伯，逃歸陳侯。致柤之會，存中國也。

楚子貞、鄭公孫輒帥師伐宋。

晉師伐秦。

秋，莒人伐我東鄙。

公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、齊世子光、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子，伐鄭。

冬，盜殺鄭公子斐、公子發、公孫輒。稱盜以殺大夫，弗以上下道，惡上也。

戍鄭虎牢。其曰鄭虎牢，決鄭乎虎牢也。

楚公子貞帥師救鄭。

公至自伐鄭。

襄公十一年

十有一年春，王正月，作三軍。作，為也。古者天子六師，諸侯一軍。作三軍，非正也。

夏，四月，四卜郊。不從，乃不郊。夏四月，不時也。四卜，非禮也。

鄭公孫舍之帥師侵宋。

公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯、齊世子光、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子，伐鄭。

秋，七月己未，同盟于京城北。

公至自伐鄭。不以後致，盟後復伐鄭也。

楚子、鄭伯伐宋。

公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、曹伯、齊世子光、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子伐鄭，會于蕭魚。公至自會。伐而後會，不以伐鄭致，得鄭伯之辭也。

楚人執鄭行人良霄。行人者，挈國之辭也。

冬，秦人伐晉。

襄公十二年

十有二年春，王三月，莒人伐我東鄙，圍邰。伐國不言圍邑，舉重也；取邑不書圍，安足書也。

季孫宿帥師救邰，遂入鄆。遂，繼事也。受命而救邰，不受命而入鄆，惡季孫宿也。

夏，晉侯使士魴來聘。

秋，九月，吳子乘卒。

冬，楚公子貞帥師侵宋。

公如晉。

襄公十三年

十有三年春，公至自晉。

夏，取邿。

秋，九月庚辰，楚子審卒。

冬，城防。

襄公十四年

十有四年春，王正月，季孫宿、叔老會晉士丐、齊人、宋人、衛人、鄭公孫蠆、曹人、莒人、邾人、滕人、薛人、杞人、小邾人，會吳于向。

二月乙未朔，日有食之。

夏，四月，叔孫豹會晉荀偃、齊人、宋人、衛北宮括、鄭公孫蠆、曹人、莒人、邾人、滕人、薛人、杞人、小邾人，伐秦。

己未，衛侯出奔齊。

莒人侵我東鄙。

秋，楚公子貞帥師伐吳。

冬，季孫宿會晉士丐、宋華閱、衛孫林父、鄭公孫蠆、莒人、邾人于戚。

襄公十五年

十有五年春，宋公使向戌來聘。二月己亥，及向戌盟于劉。

劉夏逆王后于齊。過我，故志之也。

夏，齊侯伐我北鄙，圍成；公救成，至遇。

季孫宿、叔孫豹帥師城成郛。

秋，八月丁巳，日有食之。

邾人伐我南鄙。

冬，十有一月癸亥，晉侯周卒。

襄公十六年

十有六年春，王正月，葬晉悼公。

三月，公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子于湨梁。戊寅，大夫盟。湨梁之會，諸侯失正矣！諸侯會而曰大夫盟，正在大夫也。諸侯在而不曰諸侯之大夫，大夫不臣也。

晉人執莒子、邾子以歸。

齊侯伐我北鄙。

夏，公至自會。

五月甲子，地震。

叔老會鄭伯、晉荀偃、衛甯殖、宋人，伐許。

秋，齊侯伐我北鄙，圍成。

大雩。

冬，叔孫豹如晉。

襄公十七年

十有七年春，王二月庚午，邾子瞷卒。

宋人伐陳。

夏，衛石買帥師伐曹。

秋，齊侯伐我北鄙，圍桃。齊高厚帥師伐我北鄙，圍防。

九月，大雩。

宋華臣出奔陳。

冬，邾人伐我南鄙。

襄公十八年

十有八年春，白狄來。

夏，晉人執衛行人石買。稱行人，怨接於上也。

秋，齊侯伐我北鄙。

冬，十月，公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子，同圍齊。非圍而曰圍，齊有大焉，亦有病焉。非大而足同與，諸侯同罪之也，亦病矣。

曹伯負芻卒于師。閔之也。

楚公子午帥師伐鄭。

襄公十九年

十有九年春，王正月，諸侯盟于祝柯。

晉人執邾子。

公至自伐齊。《春秋》之義，已伐而盟，復伐者，則以伐致；盟不復伐者，則以會致。祝柯之盟，盟復伐齊與？曰：非也。然則何為以伐致也？曰：與人同事，或執其君，或取其地。

取邾田自漷水。軋辭也。其不日，惡盟也。

季孫宿如晉。

葬曹成公。

夏，衛孫林父帥師伐齊。

秋，七月，辛卯，齊侯環卒。

晉士丐帥師侵齊。至穀，聞齊侯卒，乃還。還者，事未畢之辭也。受命而誅，生死無所加其怒，不伐喪，善之也。善之，則何為未畢也？君不尸小事，臣不專大名。善則稱君，過則稱己，則民作讓矣！士丐外專君命，故非之也。然則為士丐者宜奈何？宜墠帷而歸命乎介。

八月丙辰，仲孫蔑卒。

齊殺其大夫高厚。

鄭殺其大夫公子嘉。

冬，葬齊靈公。

城西郛。

叔孫豹會晉士丐于柯。

城武城。

襄公二十年

二十年春，王正月辛亥，仲孫速會莒人，盟于向。

夏，六月庚申，公會晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子，盟于澶淵。秋，公至自會。

仲孫速帥師伐邾。

蔡殺其大夫公子濕，蔡公子履出奔楚。

陳侯之弟光出奔楚。諸侯之尊，弟兄不得以屬通。其弟云者，親之也。親而奔之，惡也。

叔老如齊。

冬，十月丙辰朔，日有食之。

季孫宿如宋。

襄公二十一年

二十有一年春，王正月，公如晉。

邾庶其以漆閭丘來奔。以者，不以者也。來奔者，不言出，舉其接我者也。漆閭丘不言及，小大敵也。

夏，公至自晉。

秋，晉欒盈出奔楚。

九月庚戌朔，日有食之。

冬，十月庚辰朔，日有食之。

曹伯來朝。

公會晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子于商任。庚子，孔子生。

襄公二十二年

二十有二年春，王正月，公至自會。

夏，四月。

秋，七月辛酉，叔老卒。

冬，公會晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子于沙隨。公至自會。

楚殺其大夫公子追舒。

襄公二十三年

二十有三年春，王二月癸酉朔，日有食之。

三月己巳，杞伯丐卒。

夏，邾畀我來奔。

葬杞孝公。

陳殺其大夫慶虎，及慶寅。稱國以殺，罪累上也。及慶寅，慶寅累也。

陳侯之弟光自楚歸于陳。

晉欒盈復入于晉，入于曲沃。

秋，齊侯伐衛，遂伐晉。

八月，叔孫豹帥師救晉，次于雍渝。言救後次，非救也。

己卯，仲孫速卒。

冬，十月乙亥，臧孫紇出奔邾。其日，正臧孫紇之出也。蘧伯玉曰：「不以道事其君者，其出乎！」

晉人殺欒盈。惡之，弗有也。

齊侯襲莒。

襄公二十四年

二十有四年春，叔孫豹如晉。

仲孫羯帥師侵齊。

夏，楚子伐吳。

秋，七月甲子朔，日有食之，既。

齊崔杼帥師伐莒。

大水。

八月癸巳朔，日有食之。

公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子于夷儀。

冬，楚子、蔡侯、陳侯、許男伐鄭。

公至自會。

陳鍼宜咎出奔楚。

叔孫豹如京師。

大饑。五穀不升為大饑。一穀不升謂之嗛，二穀不升謂之饑，三穀不升謂之饉，四穀不升謂之康，五穀不升謂之大侵。大侵之禮，君食不兼味，臺榭不涂，弛侯，廷道不除，百官布而不制，鬼神禱而不祀。此大侵之禮也。

襄公二十五年

二十有五年春，齊崔杼帥師伐我北鄙。

夏，五月乙亥，齊崔杼弒其君光。莊公失言，淫于崔氏。

公會晉侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子于夷儀。

六月壬子，鄭公孫舍之帥師入陳。

秋，八月己巳，諸侯同盟于重丘。

公至自會。

衛侯入于夷儀。

楚屈建帥師滅舒鳩。

冬，鄭公孫夏帥師伐陳。

十有二月，吳子謁伐楚門于巢，卒。以伐楚之事門于巢，卒也。于巢者，外乎楚也。門于巢，乃伐楚也。諸侯不生名，取卒之名，加之「伐楚」之上者，見以伐楚卒也。其見以伐楚卒，何也？古者大國過小邑，小邑必飾城而請罪，禮也。吳子謁伐楚至巢，入其門，門人射吳子，有矢創，反舍而卒。古者雖有文事，必有武備。非巢之不飾城而請罪，非吳子之自輕也。

襄公二十六年

二十有六年春，王二月辛卯，衛甯喜弒其君剽。此不正，其日何也？殖也立之，喜也君之，正也。

衛孫林父入于戚以叛。甲午，衛侯衎復歸于衛。日歸，見知弒也。

夏，晉侯使荀吳來聘。

公會晉人、鄭良霄、宋人、曹人于澶淵。

秋，宋公殺其世子痤。

晉人執衛甯喜。

八月壬午，許男甯卒于楚。

冬，楚子、蔡侯、陳侯伐鄭。

葬許靈公。

襄公二十七年

二十有七年春，齊侯使慶封來聘。

夏，叔孫豹會晉趙武、楚屈建、蔡公孫歸生、衛石惡、陳孔奐、鄭良霄、許人、曹人于宋。

衛殺其大夫甯喜。稱國以殺，罪累上也。甯喜弒君，其以累上之辭言之，何也？嘗為大夫，與之涉公事矣！甯喜由君弒君，而不以弒君之罪罪之者，惡獻公也。

衛侯之弟專出奔晉。專，喜之徒也。專之為喜之徒，何也？己雖急納其兄，與人之臣謀弒其君，是亦弒君者也。專其曰弟，何也？專有是信者，君賂不入乎喜而殺喜，是君不直乎喜也，故出奔晉。織絇邯鄲，終身不言衛。專之去，合乎《春秋》。

秋，七月辛巳，豹及諸侯之大夫盟于宋。湨梁之會，諸侯在而不曰諸侯之大夫，大夫不臣也。晉趙武恥之。豹云者，恭也。諸侯不在而曰諸侯之大夫，大夫臣也。其臣恭也，晉趙武為之會也。

冬，十有二月乙亥朔，日有食之。

襄公二十八年

二十有八年春，無冰。

夏，衛石惡出奔晉。

邾子來朝。

秋，八月，大雩。

仲孫羯如晉。

冬，齊慶封來奔。

十有一月，公如楚。

十有二月甲寅，天王崩。

乙未，楚子昭卒。

襄公二十九年

二十有九年春，王正月，公在楚。閔公也。

夏，五月，公至自楚。喜之也。致君者，殆其往；而喜其反，此致君之意義也。

庚午，衛侯衎卒。

閽弒吳子餘祭。閽，門者也，寺人也。不稱名姓，閽不得齊於人；不稱其君，閽不得君其君也。禮：君不使無恥，不近刑人，不狎敵，不邇怨。賤人非所貴也，貴人非所刑也，刑人非所近也。舉至賤而加之吳子，吳子近刑人也。閽弒吳子餘祭，仇之也。

仲孫羯會晉荀盈、齊高止、宋華定、衛世叔儀、鄭公孫段、曹人、莒人、邾人、滕人、薛人、小邾人，城杞。古者天子封諸侯，其地足以容其民，其民足以滿城以自守也。杞危而不能自守，故諸侯之大夫，相帥以城之。此變之正也。

晉侯使士鞅來聘。

杞子來盟。

吳子使札來聘。吳其稱子，何也？善使延陵季子，故進之也。身賢，賢也；使賢，亦賢也。延陵季子之賢，尊君也。其名，成尊於上也。

秋，七月，葬衛獻公。

齊高止出奔北燕。其曰北燕，從史文也。

冬，仲孫羯如晉。

襄公三十年

三十年春，王正月，楚子使薳罷來聘。

夏，四月，蔡世子般弒其君固。其不日，子奪父政，是謂夷之。

五月甲午，宋災，伯姬卒。取卒之日，加之災上者，見以災卒也。其見以災卒奈何？伯姬之舍失火，左右曰：「夫人少辟火乎？」伯姬曰：「婦人之義，傅母不在，宵不下堂。」左右又曰：「夫人少辟火乎？」伯姬曰：「婦人之義，保母不在，宵不下堂。」遂逮乎火而死。婦人以貞為行者也，伯姬之婦道盡矣！詳其事，賢伯姬也。

天王殺其弟佞夫。傳曰：諸侯且不首惡，況於天子乎！君無忍親之義，天子、諸侯所親者，唯長子母弟耳。天王殺其弟佞夫，甚之也！

王子瑕奔晉。

秋，七月，叔弓如宋，葬共姬。外夫人不書葬，此其言葬，何也？吾女也。卒災，故隱而葬之也。

鄭良霄出奔許，自許入于鄭。鄭人殺良霄。不言大夫，惡之也。

冬，十月，葬蔡景公。不日卒而月葬，不葬者也。卒而葬之，不忍使父失民於子也。

晉人、齊人、宋人、衛人、鄭人、曹人、莒人、邾人、滕人、薛人、杞人、小邾人，會于澶淵，宋災故。會不言其所為，其曰「宋災故」，何也？不言災故，則無以見其善也。其曰人，何也？救災以眾。何救焉？更宋之所喪財也。澶淵之會，中國不侵伐夷狄，夷狄不入中國，無侵伐八年，善之也。晉趙武、楚屈建之力也。

襄公三十一年

三十有一年春，王正月。

夏，六月辛巳，公薨于楚宮。楚宮，非正也。

秋，九月癸巳，子野卒。子卒日，正也。

己亥，仲孫羯卒。

冬，十月，滕子來會葬。癸酉，葬我君襄公。

十有一月，莒人弒其君密州。

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昭公

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昭公元年

元年春，王正月，公即位。繼正即位，正也。

叔孫豹會晉趙武、楚公子圍、齊國弱、宋向戌、衛齊惡、陳公子招、蔡公孫歸生、鄭罕虎、許人、曹人于郭。三月，取鄆。

夏，秦伯之弟鍼出奔晉。諸侯之尊，弟兄不得以屬通。其弟云者，親之也。親而奔之，惡也。

六月丁巳，邾子華卒。

晉荀吳帥師，敗狄于太原。傳曰：中國曰太原，夷狄曰太鹵。號從中國，名從主人。

秋，莒去疾自齊入于莒。

莒展出奔吳。

叔弓帥師疆鄆田。疆之為言猶竟也。

葬邾悼公。

冬，十有一月己酉，楚子卷卒。

楚公子比出奔晉。

昭公二年

二年春，晉侯使韓起來聘。

夏，叔弓如晉。

秋，鄭殺其大夫公孫黑。

冬，公如晉，至河乃復。恥如晉，故著有疾也。

季孫宿如晉。公如晉而不得入，季孫宿如晉而得入，惡季孫宿也。

昭公三年

三年春，王正月丁未，滕子原卒。

夏，叔弓如滕。五月，葬滕成公。

秋，小邾子來朝。

八月，大雩。

冬，大雨雹。

北燕伯款出奔齊。其曰北燕，從史文也。

昭公四年

四年春，王正月，大雨雪。

夏，楚子、蔡侯、陳侯、鄭伯、許男、徐子、滕子、頓子、胡子、沈子、小邾子、宋世子佐、淮夷會于申。楚人執徐子。

秋，七月，楚子、蔡侯、陳侯、許男、頓子、胡子、沈子、淮夷伐吳。執齊慶封殺之。此入而殺，其不言入，何也？慶封封乎吳鍾離。其不言伐鍾離，何也？不與吳封也。慶封其以齊氏，何也？為齊討也。靈王使人以慶封令於軍中曰：「有若齊慶封弒其君者乎？」慶封曰：「子一息，我亦且一言，曰：『有若楚公子圍弒其兄之子，而代之為君者乎？』」軍人粲然皆笑。慶封弒其君，而不以弒君之罪罪之者，慶封不為靈王服也，不與楚討也。《春秋》之義，用貴治賤，用賢治不肖，不以亂治亂也。孔子曰：「懷惡而討，雖死不服，其斯之謂與？」（經四·三）遂滅厲。（傳）遂，繼事也。

九月，居繒。

冬，十有二月乙卯，叔孫豹卒。

昭公五年

五年春，王正月，舍中軍。貴復正也。

楚殺其大夫屈申。

公如晉。

夏，莒牟夷以牟婁及防茲來奔。以者，不以者也。來奔者，不言出。及防茲，以大及小也。莒無大夫，其曰牟夷，何也？以其地來也。以地來，則何以書也？重地也。

秋，七月，公至自晉。

戊辰，叔弓帥師，敗莒師于賁泉。狄人謂賁泉失臺，號從中國，名從主人。

秦伯卒。

冬，楚子、蔡侯、陳侯、許男、頓子、沈子、徐人、越人伐吳。

昭公六年

六年春，王正月，杞伯益姑卒。

葬秦景公。

夏，季孫宿如晉。

葬杞文公。

宋華合比出奔衛。

秋，九月，大雩。

楚薳罷帥師伐吳。

冬，叔弓如楚。

齊侯伐北燕。

昭公七年

七年春，王正月，暨齊平。平者，成也。暨，猶暨暨也。暨者，不得已也。以外及內曰暨。

三月，公如楚。

叔孫婼如齊蒞盟。蒞，位也。內之前定之辭謂之蒞，外之前定之辭謂之來。

夏，四月甲辰朔，日有食之。

秋，八月戊辰，衛侯惡卒。鄉曰衛齊惡，今曰衛侯惡，此何為君臣同名也？君子不奪人名，不奪人親之所名，重其所以來也。王父名子也。

九月，公至自楚。

冬，十有一月癸未，季孫宿卒。十有二月癸亥，葬衛襄公。

昭公八年

八年春，陳侯之弟招殺陳世子偃師。鄉曰陳公子招，今曰陳侯之弟招，何也？曰：盡其親，所以惡招也。兩下相殺，不志乎《春秋》，此其志，何也？世子云者，唯君之貳也。云可以重之存焉志之也。諸侯之尊兄弟不得以屬通，其弟云者，親之也。親而殺之，惡也。

夏，四月辛丑，陳侯溺卒。

叔弓如晉。

楚人執陳行人干徵師，殺之。稱人以執大夫，執有罪也。稱行人，怨接於上也。

陳公子留出奔鄭。

秋，搜于紅。正也。因搜狩以習用武事，禮之大者也。艾蘭以為防，置旃以為轅門，以葛覆質以為槷。流旁握，御轚者不得入。車軌塵，馬候蹄，揜禽旅，御者不失其馳，然後射者能中。過防弗逐，不從奔之道也。面傷不獻，不成禽不獻。禽雖多，天子取三十焉，其餘與士眾。以習射於射宮，射而中，田不得禽，則得禽；田得禽而射不中，則不得禽。是以知古之貴仁義，而賤勇力也。

陳人殺其大夫公子過。

大雩。

冬，十月壬午，楚師滅陳，執陳公子招，放之于越。殺陳孔奐。惡楚子也。

葬陳哀公。不與楚滅，閔公也。

昭公九年

九年春，叔弓會楚子于陳。

許遷于夷。

夏，四月，陳火。國曰災，邑曰火。火不志，此何以志？閔陳而存之也。

秋，仲孫貜如齊。

冬，筑郎囿。

昭公十年

十年春，王正月。

夏，齊欒施來奔。

秋，七月，季孫意如、叔弓、仲孫貜帥師伐莒。

戊子，晉侯彪卒。

九月，叔孫貜如晉。

葬晉平公。

十有二月甲子，宋公成卒。

昭公十一年

十有一年春，王二月，叔弓如宋，葬宋平公。

夏，四月丁巳，楚子虔誘蔡侯般，殺之于申。何為名之也？夷狄之君，誘中國之君而殺之，故謹而名之也。稱時、稱月、稱日、稱地，謹之也。

楚公子棄疾帥師圍蔡。

五月甲申，夫人歸氏薨。

大搜于比蒲。

仲孫貜會邾子，盟于祲祥。

秋，季孫意如會晉韓起、齊國弱、宋華亥、衛北宮佗、鄭罕虎、曹人、杞人于厥憖。

九月己亥，葬我小君齊歸。

冬，十有一月丁酉，楚師滅蔡，執蔡世子友以歸，用之。此子也，其曰世子，何也？不與楚殺也。一事注乎志，所以惡楚子也。

昭公十二年

十有二年春，齊高偃帥師，納北燕伯于陽。納者，內不受也。燕伯之不名，何也？不以高偃挈燕伯也。

三月壬申，鄭伯嘉卒。

夏，宋公使華定來聘。

公如晉。至河，乃復。季孫氏不使遂乎晉也。

五月，葬鄭簡公。

楚殺其大夫成虎。

秋，七月。

冬，十月，公子憖出奔齊。

楚子伐徐。

晉伐鮮虞。其曰晉，狄之也。其狄之，何也？不正其與夷狄交伐中國，故狄稱之也。

昭公十三年

十有三年春，叔弓帥師圍費。

夏，四月，楚公子比自晉歸于楚，弒其君虔于乾溪。自晉，晉有奉焉爾。歸而弒，不言歸，言歸非弒也。歸一事也，弒一事也，而遂言之，以比之歸弒，比不弒也。弒君者日；不日，比不弒也。

楚公子棄疾殺公子比。當上之辭也。當上之辭者，謂不稱人以殺，乃以君殺之也。討賊以當上之辭，殺非弒也。比之不弒有四。取國者稱國以弒，楚公子棄疾殺公子比，比不嫌也。《春秋》不以嫌代嫌，棄疾主其事，故嫌也。

秋，公會劉子、晉侯、齊侯、宋公、衛侯、鄭伯、曹伯、莒子、邾子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子于平丘。

八月申戌，同盟于平丘。公不與盟。同者，有同也，同外楚也。公不與盟者，可以與而不與，譏在公也。其日，善是盟也。

晉人執季孫意如以歸。公至自會。

蔡侯廬歸于蔡。陳侯吳歸于陳。善其成之會而歸之，故謹而日之。此未嘗有國也，使如失國辭然者，不與楚滅也。

冬，十月，葬蔡靈公。變之不葬有三：失德不葬，弒君不葬，滅國不葬。然且葬之，不與楚滅，且成諸侯之事也。

公如晉，至河乃復。

吳滅州來。

昭公十四年

十有四年春，意如至自晉。大夫執則致，致則名，意如惡，然而致，見君臣之禮也。

三月，曹伯滕卒。

夏，四月。

秋，葬曹武公。

八月，莒子去疾卒。

冬，莒殺其公子意恢。言公子而不言大夫，莒無大夫也。莒無大夫而曰公子意恢，意恢賢也。曹、莒皆無大夫，其所以無大夫者，其義異也。

昭公十五年

十有五年春，王正月，吳子夷末卒。

二月癸酉，有事于武宮，龠入叔弓卒，去樂卒事。君在祭樂之中，聞大夫之喪，則去樂卒事，禮也。君在祭樂之中，大夫有變以聞可乎。大夫，國體也。古之人重死，君命無所不通。

夏，蔡朝吳出奔鄭。

六月丁巳朔，日有食之。

秋，晉荀吳帥師伐鮮虞。

冬，公如晉。

昭公十六年

十有六年春，齊侯伐徐。楚子誘戎蠻子殺之。夏，公至自晉。

秋，八月己亥，晉侯夷卒。

九月，大雩。

季孫意如如晉。

冬，十月，葬晉昭公。

昭公十七年

十有七年春，小邾子來朝。

夏，六月甲戌朔，日有食之。

秋，郯子來朝。

八月，晉荀吳帥師滅陸渾戎。

冬，有星孛于大辰。一有一亡曰有。于大辰者，濫于大辰也。

楚人及吳戰于長岸。兩夷狄曰敗，中國與夷狄亦曰敗。楚人及吳戰于長岸，進楚子，故曰戰。

昭公十八年

十有八年春，王三月，曹伯須卒。

夏，五月壬午，宋、衛、陳、鄭災。其志，以同日也；其日，亦以同日也。或曰，人有謂鄭子產曰：「某日有災。」子產曰：「天者神，子惡知之？是人也。」同日為四國災也。

六月，邾人入鄅。

秋，葬曹平公。

冬，許遷于白羽。

昭公十九年

十有九年春，宋公伐邾。

夏，五月戊辰，許世子止弒其君買。日弒，正卒也。正卒，則止不弒也。不弒而曰弒，責止也。止曰：「我與夫弒者，不立乎其位。」以與其弟虺。哭泣歠飦粥，嗌不容粒。未逾年而死，故君子即止自責而責之也。

己卯，地震。

秋，齊高發帥師伐莒。

冬，葬許悼公。日卒時葬，不使止為弒父也。曰：子既生，不免乎水火，母之罪也。羈貫成童，不就師傅，父之罪也。就師學問無方，心志不通，身之罪也。心志既通，而名譽不聞，友之罪也。名譽既聞，有司不舉，有司之罪也。有司舉之，王者不用，王者之過也。許世子不知嘗藥，累及許君也。

昭公二十年

二十年春，王正月。

夏，曹公孫會自夢出奔宋。自夢者，專乎夢也。曹無大夫，其曰公孫，何也？言其以貴取之，而不以叛也。

秋，盜殺衛侯之兄輒。盜賤也。其曰兄，母兄也。目衛侯，衛侯累也。然則何為不為君也？曰：有天疾者，不得入乎宗廟。輒者，何也？曰：兩足不能相過，齊謂之綦，楚謂之踂，衛謂之輒。

冬，十月，宋華亥、向寧、華定出奔陳。

十有一月辛卯，蔡侯廬卒。

昭公二十一年

二十有一年春，王三月，葬蔡平公。

夏，晉侯使士鞅來聘。

宋華亥、向寧、華定自陳入于宋南里以叛。自陳，陳有奉焉爾。入者，內弗受也。其曰宋南里，宋之南鄙也。以者，不以者也。叛，直叛也。

秋，七月壬午朔，日有食之。

八月乙亥，叔輒卒。

冬，蔡侯東出奔楚。東者，東國也。何為謂之東也？王父誘而殺焉，父執而用焉。奔而又奔之。曰東，惡之而貶之也。

公如晉，至河乃復。

昭公二十二年

二十有二年春，齊侯伐莒。

宋華亥、向寧、華定自宋南里出奔楚。自宋南里者，專也。

大搜于昌間。秋而曰搜，此春也，其曰搜，何也？以搜事也。

夏，四月乙丑，天王崩。

六月，叔鞅如京師，葬景王。

王室亂。亂之為言，事未有所成也。

劉子、單子以王猛居于皇。以者，不以者也。王猛，嫌也。

秋，劉子、單子以王猛入于王城。以者，不以者也。入者，內弗受也。

冬，十月，王子猛卒。此不卒者也。其曰卒，失嫌也。

十有二月癸酉朔，日有食之。

昭公二十三年

二十有三年春，王正月，叔孫婼如晉。

癸丑，叔鞅卒。

晉人執我行人叔孫婼。

晉人圍郊。

夏，六月，蔡侯東國卒于楚。

秋，七月，莒子庚輿來奔。

戊辰，吳敗頓、胡、沈、蔡、陳、許之師于雞甫。胡子髡、沈子盈滅。中國不言敗，此其言敗，何也？中國不敗，胡子髡、沈子盈，其滅乎？其言敗，釋其滅也。

獲陳夏嚙。獲者，非與之辭也，上下之稱也。

天王居于狄泉。始王也。其曰天王，因其居而王之也。

尹氏立王子朝。立者，不宜立者也。朝之不名，何也？別嫌乎尹氏之朝也。

八月乙未，地震。

冬，公如晉。至河，公有疾，乃復。疾不志，此其志，何也？釋不得入乎晉也。

昭公二十四年

二十有四年春，王二月丙戌，仲孫貜卒。

婼至自晉。大夫執則致，致則挈。由上致之也。

夏，五月乙未朔，日有食之。

秋，八月，大雩。

丁酉，杞伯郁厘卒。

冬，吳滅巢。葬杞平公。

昭公二十五年

二十有五年春，叔孫嫟如宋。

夏，叔倪會晉趙鞅、宋樂大心、衛北宮喜、鄭游吉、曹人、邾人、滕人、薛人、小邾人于黃父。

有鴝鵒來巢。一有一亡曰有。來者，來中國也。鴝鵒穴者而曰巢，或曰增之也。

秋，七月上辛，大雩。季辛，又雩。季者，有中之辭也。又，有繼之辭也。

九月乙亥，公孫于齊。孫之為言猶孫也。諱奔也。

次于陽州。次，止也。

齊侯唁公于野井。吊失國曰唁。唁公不得入於魯也。

冬，十月戊辰，叔孫婼卒。

十有一月己亥，宋公佐卒于曲棘。邡公也。

十有二月，齊侯取鄆。取，易辭也。內不言取，以其為公取之，故易言之也。

昭公二十六年

二十有六年春，王正月，葬宋元公。

三月，公至自齊，居于鄆。公次于陽州，其曰至自齊，何也？以齊侯之見公，可以言至自齊也。居于鄆者，公在外也。至自齊，道義不外公也。

夏，公圍成。非國不言圍，所以言圍者，以大公也。

秋，公會齊侯、莒子、邾子、杞伯，盟于鄟陵。公至自會，居于鄆。公在外也。至自會，道義不外公也。

九月庚申，楚子居卒。

冬，十月，天王入于成周。周有入無出也。

尹氏、召伯、毛伯，以王子朝奔楚。遠矣非也。奔，直奔也。

昭公二十七年

二十有七年春，公如齊。公至自齊，居于鄆。公在外也。

夏，四月，吳弒其君僚。

楚殺其大夫郄宛。

秋，晉士鞅、宋樂祁犁、衛北宮喜、曹人、邾人、滕人會于扈。

冬，十月，曹伯午卒。

邾快來奔。

公如齊。公至自齊，居于鄆。

昭公二十八年

二十有八年春，王三月，葬曹悼公。

公如晉，次于乾侯。公在外也。

夏，四月丙戌，鄭伯寧卒。

六月，葬鄭定公。

秋，七月癸巳，滕子寧卒。

冬，葬滕悼公。

昭公二十九年

二十有九年春，公至自乾侯，居于鄆。

齊侯使高張來唁公。唁公不得入於魯也。

公如晉，次于乾侯。

夏，四月庚子，叔倪卒。季孫意如曰：「叔倪無病而死，此皆無公也。是天命也，非我罪也。」

秋，七月。

冬，十月，鄆潰。潰之為言，上下不相得也。上下不相得則惡矣，亦譏公也。昭公出奔，民如釋重負。

昭公三十年

三十年春，王正月，公在乾侯。中國不存公，存公故也。

夏，六月庚辰，晉侯去疾卒。

秋，八月，葬晉頃公。

冬，十有二月，吳滅徐。

徐子章羽奔楚。

昭公三十一年

三十有一年春，王正月，公在乾侯。

季孫意如會晉荀櫟于適歷。

夏，四月丁巳，薛伯穀卒。

晉侯使荀櫟唁公于乾侯。唁公不得入於魯也。曰：「既為君言之矣，不可者意如也」。

秋，葬薛獻公。

冬，黑肱以濫來奔。其不言邾黑肱何也？別乎邾也。其不言濫子，何也？非天子所封也。來奔內，不言叛也。

十有二月辛亥朔，日有食之。

昭公三十二年

三十有二年春，王正月，公在乾侯，取闞。

夏，吳伐越。

秋，七月。

冬，仲孫何忌會晉韓不信、齊高張、宋仲幾、衛太叔申、鄭國參、曹人、莒人、邾人、薛人、杞人、小邾人，城成周。天子微，諸侯不享覲。天子之在者，惟祭與號。故諸侯之大夫，相帥以城之。此變之正也。

十有二月，己未，公薨于乾侯。

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定公

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定公元年

元年春王。不言正月，定無正也。定之無正，何也？昭公之終，非正終也。定之始，非正始也。昭無正終，故定無正始。不言即位，喪在外也。

三月，晉人執宋仲幾于京師。此其大夫。其曰人，何也？微之也。何為微之？不正其執人於尊者之所也，不與大夫之伯討也。

夏，六月癸亥，公之喪至自乾侯。戊辰，公即位。殯，然後即位也。定無正，見無以正也。逾年不言即位，是有故公也。言即位，是無故公也。即位，授受之道也。先君無正終，則後君無正始也。先君有正終，則後君有正始也。「戊辰，公即位」，謹之也。定之即位，不可不察也。公即位，何以日也？戊辰之日，然後即位也。癸亥，公之喪至自乾侯，何為戊辰之日，然後即位也？正君乎國，然後即位也。沈子曰：「正棺乎兩楹之間，然後即位也。」內之大事日，即位，君之大事也，其不日，何也？以年決者，不以日決也。此則其日，何也？著之也。何著焉？逾年即位，厲也。於厲之中，又有義焉！未殯，雖有天子之命猶不敢，況臨諸臣乎！周人有喪，魯人有喪，周人吊，魯人不吊。周人曰：「固吾臣也，使人可也。」魯人曰：「吾君也，親之者也，使大夫則不可也。」故周人吊，魯人不吊，以其下成康為未久也。君至尊也，去父之殯而往吊，猶不敢，況未殯而臨諸臣乎！

秋，七月癸巳，葬我君昭公。

九月，大雩。雩月，雩之正也。秋大雩，非正也。冬大雩，非正也。秋大雩，雩之為非正，何也？毛澤未盡，人力未竭，未可以雩也。雩月，雩之正也。月之為雩之正，何也？其時窮，人力盡，然後雩，雩之正也。何謂其時窮、人力盡？是月不雨，則無及矣；是年不艾，則無食矣，是謂其時窮、人力盡也。雩之必待其時窮、人力盡，何也？雩者，為旱求者也。求者，請也，古之人重請。何重乎請？人之所以為人者，讓也。請道去讓也，則是舍其所以為人也，是以重之，焉請哉？請乎應上公。古之神人有應上公者，通乎陰陽，君親帥諸大夫道之而以請焉。夫請者，非可詒托而往也，必親之者也，是以重之。

立煬宮。立者，不宜立者也。

冬，十月，隕霜殺菽。未可以殺而殺，舉重；可殺而不殺，舉輕。其曰菽，舉重也。

定公二年

二年春，王正月。

夏，五月壬辰，雉門及兩觀災。其不曰「雉門災及兩觀」，何也？災自兩觀始也，不以尊者親災也；先言雉門，尊尊也。

秋，楚人伐吳。

冬，十月，新作雉門及兩觀。言新，有舊也。作，為也，有加其度也。此不正其以尊者親之，何也？雖不正也，於美猶可也。

定公三年

三年春，王正月，公如晉，至河乃復。

三月辛卯，邾子穿卒。

夏，四月。

秋，葬邾莊公。

冬，仲孫何忌及邾子盟于拔。

定公四年

四年春，王二月癸巳，陳侯吳卒。

三月，公會劉子、晉侯、宋公、蔡侯、衛侯、陳子、鄭伯、許男、曹伯、莒子、邾子、頓子、胡子、滕子、薛伯、杞伯、小邾子、齊國夏于召陵，侵楚。

夏，四月庚辰，蔡公孫姓帥師滅沈，以沈子嘉歸，殺之。

五月，公及諸侯盟于皋鼬。後而再會，公志於後會也。後，志疑也。

杞伯成卒于會。

六月，葬陳惠公。

許遷于容城。

秋，七月，公至自會。

劉卷卒。此不卒而卒者，賢之也。寰內諸侯也，非列土諸侯，此何以卒也？天王崩，為諸侯主也。

葬杞悼公。

楚人圍蔡。

晉士鞅、衛孔圉帥師伐鮮虞。

葬劉文公。

冬，十有一月庚午，蔡侯以吳子及楚人戰于伯舉。楚師敗績。吳其稱子，何也？以蔡侯之以之，舉其貴者也。蔡侯之以之，則其舉貴者，何也？吳信中國而攘夷狄，吳進矣。其信中國而攘夷狄奈何？子胥父誅于楚也，挾弓持矢而干闔廬，闔廬曰：「大之甚！勇之甚！為是欲興師而伐楚。」子胥諫曰：「臣聞之：君不為匹夫興師。且事君猶事父也，虧君之義，復父之讎，臣弗為也。」於是止。蔡昭公朝於楚，有美裘，正是日，囊瓦求之，昭公不與。為是拘昭公於南郢。數年，然後得歸。歸乃用事乎漢，曰：「茍諸侯有欲伐楚者，寡人請為前列焉！」楚人聞之而怒，為是興師而伐蔡。蔡請救于吳，子胥曰：「蔡非有罪，楚無道也。君若有憂中國之心，則若此時可矣！」為是興師而伐楚。何以不言救也？救大也。

楚囊瓦出奔鄭。

庚辰，吳入楚。日入，易無楚也。易無楚者，壞宗廟，徙陳器，撻平王之墓。何以不言滅也？欲存楚也。其欲存楚奈何？昭王之軍敗而逃，父老送之，曰：「寡人不肖，亡先君之邑。父老反矣，何憂無君？寡人且用此入海矣！」父老曰：「有君如此其賢也！」以眾不如吳，以必死不如楚，相與擊之，一夜而三敗吳人，復立。何以謂之吳也？狄之也。何謂狄之也？君居其君之寢，而妻其君之妻；大夫居其大夫之寢，而妻其大夫之妻。蓋有欲妻楚王之母者，不正乘敗人之績而深為利。居人之國，故反其狄道也。

定公五年

五年春，王三月辛亥朔，日有食之。

夏，歸粟于蔡。諸侯無粟，諸侯相歸粟，正也。孰歸之？諸侯也。不言歸之者，專辭也，義邇也。

於越入吳。

六月丙申，季孫意如卒。

秋，七月壬子，叔孫不敢卒。

冬，晉士鞅帥師圍鮮虞。

定公六年

六年春，王正月癸亥，鄭游速帥師滅許，以許男斯歸。

二月，公侵鄭。公至自侵鄭。

夏，季孫斯、仲孫何忌如晉。

秋，晉人執宋行人樂祁犁。

冬，城中城。城中城者，三家張也。或曰非外民也。

季孫斯、仲孫忌帥師圍鄆。

定公七年

七年春，王正月。

夏，四月。

秋，齊侯、鄭伯盟于鹹。齊人執衛行人北宮結以侵衛。以，重辭也。衛人重北宮結。

齊侯、衛侯盟于沙。

大雩。

齊國夏帥師，伐我西鄙。

九月，大雩。

冬，十月。

定公八年

八年春，王正月，公侵齊。公至自侵齊。二月，公侵齊。三月，公至自侵齊。公如，往時致月，危致也；往月致時，危往也；往月致月，惡之也。

曹伯露卒。

夏，齊國夏帥師，伐我西鄙。

公會晉師于瓦。公至自瓦。

秋，七月戊辰，陳侯柳卒。

晉士鞅帥師侵鄭，遂侵衛。

葬曹靖公。

九月，葬陳懷公。

季孫斯、仲孫何忌帥師侵衛。

冬，衛侯、鄭伯盟于曲濮。

從祀先公。貴復正也。

盜竊寶玉、大弓。寶玉者，封圭也。大弓者，武王之戎弓也。周公受賜，藏之魯。非其所以與人而與人，謂之亡；非其所取而取之，謂之盜。

定公九年

九年春，王正月。

夏，四月戊申，鄭伯蠆卒。

得寶玉、大弓。其不地，何也？寶玉、大弓，在家則羞不目羞也。惡得之，得之堤下。或曰陽虎以解眾也。

六月，葬鄭獻公。

秋，齊侯、衛侯次之于五氏。

秦伯卒。冬，葬秦哀公。

定公十年

十年春，王三月，及齊平。

夏，公會齊侯于頰穀。公至自頰穀。離會不致，何為致也？危之也。危之則以地致，何也？為危之也。其危奈何？曰：頰穀之會，孔子相焉。兩君就壇，兩相相揖，齊人鼓噪而起，欲以執魯君。孔子歷階而上，不盡一等，而視歸乎齊侯，曰：「兩君合好，夷狄之民，何為來為？」命司馬止之。齊侯逡巡而謝曰：「寡人之過也。」退而屬其二三大夫曰：「夫人率其君與之行古人之道，二三子獨率我而入夷狄之俗，何為？」罷會。齊人使優施舞於魯君之幕下。孔子曰：「笑君者罪當死。」使司馬行法焉，首足異門而出。齊人來歸鄆、讙、龜、陰之田者，蓋為此也。因是以見：雖有文事，必有武備。孔子於頰穀之會見之矣。

晉趙鞅帥師圍衛。

齊人來歸鄆、讙、龜、陰之田。

叔孫州仇、仲孫何忌帥師圍郈。秋，叔孫州仇、仲孫何忌帥師圍郈。

宋樂大心出奔曹。宋公子地出奔陳。

冬，齊侯、衛侯、鄭游速會于安甫。

叔孫州仇如齊。

宋公之弟辰，暨宋仲佗、石彄，出奔陳。

定公十一年

十有一年春，宋公之弟辰，未失其弟也，

及仲佗、石彄、公子地。以尊及卑也，

自陳。陳有奉焉爾，

入于蕭以叛，入者，內弗受也；以者，不以也；叛，直叛也。

夏，四月。

秋，宋樂大心自曹入于蕭。

冬，及鄭平。

叔還如鄭蒞盟。

定公十二年

十有二年春，薛伯定卒。

夏，葬薛襄公。

叔孫州仇帥師墮郈。墮猶取也。

衛公孟彄帥師伐曹。

季孫斯、仲孫何忌帥師墮費。

秋，大雩。

冬，十月癸亥，公會齊侯盟于黃。

十有一月丙寅朔，日有食之。

公至自黃。

十有二月，公圍成。非國言圍。圍成，大公也。

公至自圍成。何以致？危之也。何危爾？邊乎齊也。

定公十三年

十有三年春，齊侯次于垂葭。

夏，筑蛇淵囿。

大搜于比蒲。

衛公孟彄帥師伐曹。

秋，晉趙鞅入于晉陽以叛。以者，不以者也。叛，直叛也。

冬，晉荀寅、士吉射入于朝歌，以叛。

晉趙鞅歸于晉。此叛也，其以歸言之，何也？貴其以地反也。貴其以地反，則是大利也？非大利也，許悔過也。許悔過，則何以言叛也？以地正國也。以地正國，則何以言叛？其入無君命也。

薛弒其君比。

定公十四年

十有四年春，衛公叔戍來奔。

晉趙陽出奔宋。

二月辛巳，楚公子結、陳公孫佗人帥師滅頓，以頓子牂歸。

夏，衛北宮結來奔。

五月，於越敗吳于槜李。

吳子光卒。

公會齊侯、衛侯于牽。公至自會。

秋，齊侯、宋公會于洮。

天王使石尚來歸脤。脤者，何也？俎實也，祭肉也。生曰脤，熟曰膰。其辭石尚，士也。何以知其士也？天子之大夫不名。石尚欲書《春秋》，諫曰：「久矣周之不行禮於魯也！請行脤，貴復正也。」

衛世子蒯聵出奔宋，衛公孟彄出奔鄭。

宋公之弟辰，自蕭來奔。

大搜于比蒲。

邾子來會公。

城莒父及霄。

定公十五年

十有五年春，王正月，邾子來朝。

鼷鼠食郊牛，牛死，改卜牛。不敬莫大焉。

二月辛丑，楚子滅胡，以胡子豹歸。

夏，五月辛亥，郊。

壬申，公薨于高寢。高寢，非正也。

鄭罕達帥師伐宋。

齊侯、衛侯次于渠蒢。

邾子來奔喪。喪急，故以奔言之。

秋，七月壬申，弋氏卒。妾辭也，哀公之母也。

八月庚辰朔，日有食之。

九月，滕子來會葬。丁巳，葬我君定公。雨不克葬。葬既有日，不為雨止，禮也。雨不克葬，喪不以制也。

戊午，日下稷，乃克葬。乃，急辭也，不足乎日之辭也。

辛巳，葬定弋。

冬，城漆。

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哀公

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哀公元年

元年春，王正月，公即位。

楚子、陳侯、隨侯、許男圍蔡。

鼷鼠食郊牛角，改卜牛。夏，四月辛巳，郊。此該之變而道之也。於變之中，又有言焉。「鼷鼠食郊牛角，改卜牛」，志不敬也。郊牛日展觓角而知傷，展道盡矣！郊自正月至于三月，郊之時也。夏四月郊，不時也；五月郊，不時也。夏之始可以承春，以秋之末，承春之始，蓋不可矣！九月用郊，用者，不宜用者也。郊三卜，禮也；四卜，非禮也；五卜，強也。卜免牲者，吉則免之，不吉則否。牛傷，不言傷之者，傷自牛作也，故其辭緩。全曰牲，傷曰牛，未牲曰牛，其牛一也；其所以為牛者異。有變而不郊，故卜免牛也。已牛矣，其尚卜免之，何也？禮，與其亡也寧有。嘗置之上帝矣，故卜而後免之，不敢專也。卜之不吉，則如之何？不免，安置之，系而待六月上甲，始庀牲，然後左右之。子之所言者，牲之變也。而曰：我一該郊之變而道之，何也？我以六月上甲，始庀牲；十月上甲，始系牲。十一月、十二月，牲雖有變，不道也。待正月，然後言牲之變，此乃所以該郊。郊，享道也。貴其時，大其禮，其養牲雖小，不備可也。子不忘三月卜郊，何也？郊自正月至于三月，郊之時也。我以十二月下辛卜正月上辛；如不從，則以正月下辛卜二月上辛；如不從，則以二月下辛卜三月上辛；如不從，則不郊矣！

秋，齊侯、衛侯伐晉。

冬，仲孫何忌帥師伐邾。

哀公二年

二年春，王二月，季孫斯、叔孫州仇、仲孫何忌帥師伐邾，取漷東田。漷東未盡也。

及沂西田。沂西未盡也。

癸巳，叔孫州仇、仲孫何忌及邾子盟于句繹。三人伐而二人盟，何也？各盟其得也。

夏，四月丙子，衛侯元卒。

滕子來朝。

晉趙鞅帥師，納衛世子蒯瞆于戚。納者，內弗受也。帥師而後納者，有伐也。何用弗受也？以輒不受也。以輒不受父之命，受之王父也。信父而辭王父，則是不尊王父也。其弗受，以尊王父也。

秋，八月甲戌，晉趙鞅帥師，及鄭罕達帥師，戰于鐵。鄭師敗績。

冬，十月，葬衛靈公。

十有一月，蔡遷于州來。

蔡殺其大夫公子駟。

哀公三年

三年春，齊國夏、衛石曼姑帥師圍戚。此衛事也，其先國夏，何也？子不圍父也。不系戚於衛者，子不有父也。

夏，四月甲午，地震。

五月辛卯，桓宮、僖宮災。言及，則祖有尊卑；由我言之，則一也。

季孫斯、叔孫州仇帥師城啟陽。

宋樂髡帥師伐曹。

秋，七月丙子，季孫斯卒。

蔡人放其大夫公孫獵于吳。

冬，十月癸卯，秦伯卒。

叔孫州仇、仲孫何忌帥師圍邾。

哀公四年

四年春，王二月庚戌，盜弒蔡侯申。稱盜以弒君，不以上下道道也。內其君而外弒者，不以弒道道也。《春秋》有三盜：微殺大夫，謂之盜；非所取而取之，謂之盜；辟中國之正道以襲利，謂之盜。

蔡公孫辰出奔吳。

葬秦惠公。

宋人執小邾子。

夏，蔡殺其大夫公孫姓、公孫霍。

晉人執戎蠻子赤歸于楚。

城西郛。

六月，辛丑，亳社災。亳社者，亳之社也。亳，亡國也。亡國之社以為廟，屏戒也。其屋亡國之社，不得達上也。

秋，八月甲寅，滕子結卒。

冬，十有二月，葬蔡昭公。

葬滕頃公。

哀公五年

五年春，城毗。

夏，齊侯伐宋。

晉趙鞅帥師伐衛。

秋，九月癸酉，齊侯杵臼卒。

冬，叔還如齊。

閏月，葬齊景公。不正其閏也。

哀公六年

六年春，城邾瑕。

晉趙鞅帥師伐鮮虞。

吳伐陳。

夏，齊國夏及高張來奔。

叔還會吳于柤。

秋，七月庚寅，楚子軫卒。

齊陽生入于齊。齊陳乞弒其君荼。陽生入而弒其君，以陳乞主之，何也？不以陽生君荼也。其不以陽生君荼，何也？陽生正，荼不正。不正則其曰君，何也？荼雖不正，已受命矣！入者，內弗受也。荼不正，何用弗受？以其受命，可以言弗受也。陽生其以國氏，何也？取國于荼也。

冬，仲孫何忌帥師伐邾。

宋向巢帥師伐曹。

哀公七年

七年春，宋皇瑗帥師侵鄭。

晉魏曼多帥師侵衛。

夏，公會吳于繒。

秋，公伐邾。

八月己酉，入邾，以邾子益來。以者，不以者也。益之名，惡也。《春秋》有臨天下之言焉，有臨一國之言焉，有臨一家之言焉。其言來者，有外魯之辭焉。

宋人圍曹。

冬，鄭駟弘帥師救曹。

哀公八年

八年春，王正月，宋公入曹，以曹伯陽歸。

吳伐我。

夏，齊人取讙及闡。惡內也。

歸邾子益于邾。益之名，失國也。

秋，七月。

冬，十有二月癸亥，杞伯過卒。

齊人歸讙及闡。

哀公九年

九年春，王二月，葬杞僖公。

宋皇瑗帥師取鄭師于雍丘。取，易辭也。以師而易取，鄭病矣！

夏，楚人伐陳。

秋，宋公伐鄭。

冬，十月。

哀公十年

十年春，王二月，邾子益來奔。

公會吳伐齊。

三月戊戌，齊侯陽生卒。

夏，宋人伐鄭。

晉趙鞅帥師侵齊。

五月，公至自伐齊。

葬齊悼公。

衛公孟彄自齊歸于衛。

薛伯夷卒。

秋，葬薛惠公。

冬，楚公子結帥師伐陳。吳救陳。

哀公十一年

十有一年春，齊國書帥師伐我。

夏，陳轅頗出奔鄭。

五月，公會吳伐齊。

甲戌，齊國書帥師，及吳戰于艾陵。齊師敗績。獲齊國書。

秋，七月辛酉，滕子虞母卒。

冬，十有一月，葬滕隱公。

衛世叔齊出奔宋。

哀公十二年

十有二年春，用田賦。古者公田什一。用田賦，非正也。

夏，五月甲辰，孟子卒。孟子者，何也？昭公夫人也。其不言夫人，何也？諱取同姓也。

公會吳于橐皋。

秋，公會衛侯、宋皇瑗于鄖。

宋向巢帥師伐鄭。

冬，十有二月，螽。

哀公十三年

十有三年春，鄭罕達帥師取宋師于嵒。取，易辭也。以師而易取，宋病矣。

夏，許男成卒。

公會晉侯及吳子于黃池。黃池之會，吳子進乎哉！遂子矣。吳，夷狄之國也，祝發文身，欲因魯之禮，因晉之權，而請冠端而襲。其藉于成周，以尊天王，吳進矣。吳，東方之大國也，累累致小國以會諸侯，以合乎中國。吳能為之，則不臣乎！吳進矣。王，尊稱也；子，卑稱也。辭尊稱而居卑稱，以會乎諸侯，以尊天王。吳王夫差曰：「好冠來。」孔子曰：「大矣哉！夫差未能言冠而欲冠也。」

楚公子申帥師伐陳。

於越入吳。

秋，公至自會。

晉魏曼多帥師侵衛。

葬許元公。

九月，螽。

冬，十有一月，有星孛于東方。

盜殺陳夏區夫。

十有二月，螽。

哀公十四年

十有四年春，西狩獲麟。引取之也。狩地，不地不狩也。非狩而曰狩，大獲麟，故大其適也。其不言來，不外麟於中國也。其不言有，不使麟不恒於中國也。

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The Chinese text follows the Chinese Wikisource transcription of the Guliang Commentary (articles 春秋穀梁傳/隱公, 春秋穀梁傳/桓公, 春秋穀梁傳/莊公, 春秋穀梁傳/閔公, 春秋穀梁傳/僖公, 春秋穀梁傳/文公, 春秋穀梁傳/宣公, 春秋穀梁傳/成公, 春秋穀梁傳/襄公, 春秋穀梁傳/昭公, 春秋穀梁傳/定公, 春秋穀梁傳/哀公, revisions of 4 November 2006 to 27 October 2025), inspected from a witness copy captured on 22 August 2026. Chinese Wikisource transcriptions are published under CC BY-SA 4.0 and the GFDL; the text itself is ancient and in the public domain. The wiki header, navigation links, license templates, and modern contributors' footnotes have been removed; the text is otherwise complete and unaltered.

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