Chapter 2: The Life of Wang Jian, the Unparalleled General of China
Wang Jian
Wang Jian, birth and death years unknown, was a native of Fengyang East Township (now northeast of Fuping County, Shaanxi Province). He was an outstanding military strategist of the Qin Dynasty and another famous general after Bai Qi. Together with his son Wang Ben, he made great contributions in assisting Qin Shi Huang to unify the six states during the wars against the six states (see Qin's conquest of the six states). Except for Han, all the other five states were conquered by Wang Jian and his son.
Wang Jian loved military strategy as a young man and served under Qin Shi Huang in his campaigns. In the 11th year of Shi Huang (236 BC), Wang Jian led troops to attack Zhao, breaking through Yanmen Pass (now in Shanxi Province) and capturing nine cities, taking control of the Zhao River valley. Eighteen years later, he again attacked Zhao, besieging the capital for a year before breaching it (see Qin's conquest of Zhao). He captured King Jia of Zhao, who surrendered, and Zhao became a commandery under Qin. The following year, the king of Yan sent Jing Ke to assassinate the king of Qin. In response, the king of Qin dispatched Wang Jian with troops to attack Yan, defeating its main force at the west of Yi River, causing the king of Yan to flee to Liaodong. Wang Jian pacified Yandu and returned victorious (see Qin's conquest of Yan). The king of Qin then sent Wang Jian's son, Wang Ben, to attack Chu, and also attacked Wei, whose king surrendered (see Qin's conquest of Wei), thus conquering the territory of Wei.
The Qin state swept across the six states, its momentum like a broken bamboo, destroying the three Jin states and repeatedly defeating the Chu army. The King of Yan fled in disarray. Qin Shi Huang wanted to destroy Chu and placed his trust in the young and vigorous General Li Xin, believing him to be capable and bold. Li Xin had once led an army of several thousand men to pursue the Crown Prince Dan of Yan to the banks of the Yan River, ultimately defeating the Yan army and capturing the crown prince.
Qin Shi Huang asked Li Xin how many troops he would need to defeat Chu, and Li Xin replied that 200,000 would be sufficient. Qin Shi Huang then asked General Wang Jian, who said: "Not less than 600,000 can do it." The emperor said: "General Wang is old and timid! General Li is vigorous and bold, his words are correct."
Thus, he dispatched Li Xin and General Meng Tian with an army of 200,000 men to launch a southern campaign against Chu. Wang Jian, because the Qin king did not heed his advice, feigned illness and resigned from office, returning to Fengyang to live out his days.
At this time, the Qin army under Li Xin's command attacked and defeated Pingyu (present-day Pingyu and Beiyu in Henan), while Meng Tian attacked Ningchu (present-day Linquan in Henan) and greatly defeated the Chu army. Li Xin then took advantage of the victory to attack Xiang and Guiyuan, both of which were defeated.
He then led his troops westward to join forces with Meng Tian's army at Chengfu (present-day Pingdingshan City in Henan). Xiang Yan, leading the Chu army, accumulated strength and followed the Qin army for three days and nights, ultimately greatly defeating Li Xin's army, capturing two camps, killing seven generals, and causing the Qin troops to flee in defeat.
The First Emperor of Qin was enraged when he heard that the Qin army had been defeated. He realized that Wang Jian had a long-term vision, so he personally went to Fengyang to apologize to Wang Jian and said: "I didn't listen to your words, General, Li Xin ended up humiliating the Qin army. Now the Chu army is advancing westward every day, you are ill, how can you bear to abandon me?" Wang Jian declined and said: "The old minister is weak and sick, violent and confused, hoping that Your Majesty will choose another good general." The First Emperor insisted on letting Wang Jian lead the troops, and Wang Jian said: "If not for using the old minister, I must have 600,000 soldiers." The First Emperor agreed. Then Wang Jian led 600,000 Qin soldiers to attack Chu, and the First Emperor personally sent General Wang to Ba Shang. Before Wang Jian set out, he repeatedly asked for good fields, houses, gardens, and land. The First Emperor said: "General, since you have already sent troops, why worry about poverty?" Wang Jian said: "As a general under Your Majesty, even if I achieve military merit, I will not be enfeoffed in the end, so I take advantage of Your Majesty's closeness to me and ask for more good fields, houses, gardens, and land to establish a foundation for my children and grandchildren." The First Emperor laughed. After Wang Jian's army reached the pass, he sent an envoy back to the court five times to ask for good fields. Some people thought that the general was asking for too much reward, but Wang Jian said: "The King of Qin is violent and distrustful, now that he has entrusted me with all his national strength, I can only use the method of repeatedly asking for fields and houses to stabilize my family and dispel the king's suspicion of me."
Wang Jian replaced Li Xin to attack Chu, and the Chu army heard that Wang Jian had gathered a large army of 600,000 men, and they also sent all their national troops to resist Qin. When Wang Jian's army arrived, he immediately defended himself and refused to come out and fight. The Chu army repeatedly challenged him to battle, but the Qin army never came out. Every day, Wang Jian asked his soldiers to rest and wash, arranged delicious food to comfort them, and ate with the soldiers, intending to nourish their spirit and wait for the final decisive battle. Soon, Wang Jian inquired about what the soldiers used to entertain themselves, and someone replied, "Throwing stones and long jump competitions." So Wang Jian ordered his army to come out. The Chu army challenged several times, but the Qin army did not come out, so the Chu army led its troops eastward, and Wang Jian took advantage of this to send his troops to attack, greatly defeating the Chu army, pursuing them to Qishan (now southeastern Anhui), beheading General Xiang Yan (one theory is that Xiang Yan committed suicide), and the Chu soldiers fled in defeat. Qin took advantage of its victory and pacified all the cities of Chu within a year, capturing King Fuchu of Chu (see Qin's destruction of Chu). The land of Chu eventually became a county under Qin. Wang Jian then led his army to conquer the Baiyue in the south and won a victory. He was promoted to Marquis Wucheng due to his achievements.
In the 26th year of Qin Shi Huang, Qin unified China. Historical records say that "the merits of Wang and Meng are numerous, their names will be passed down to future generations." (Records of the Grand Historian - Biography of Wang Jian and Bai Qi)
Jazz comment: Wang Jian was the most outstanding general in the Warring States period of our country. Destroying five countries is a heroic feat, and pacifying King You is a wise move. Such a famous general who combines outstanding military power with superior political acumen can be counted on one's fingers in Chinese history. Perhaps only Jiang Ziya can be compared to him. As for others such as Bai Qi, Li Mu, Han Xin, Wei Qing, and Huo Qubing, they were brave, but when it comes to political acumen, they are far inferior to Wang Jian. Don't believe me? Just look at their later lives: Wang Jian retired after achieving success and fame, lived a peaceful life in the mountains, and died of illness. How many famous generals in Chinese history have had such a carefree life? Bai Qi was forced to commit suicide, Li Mu was killed by King Zhao, Han Fei was beheaded by Empress Lü, Wei Qing died in frustration and disappointment, and Huo Qubing died young due to overwork... Alas, many famous generals have met with tragic ends!
Hehe, so it seems that what Jue said about Wang Jian being cunning is true.
