说苑/趙簡子使人以明白之乘六，先以一璧，為遺於衛。

趙簡子使人以明白之乘六，先以一璧，為遺於衛。

Eric Henry

Zhao Jianzi154 once had a man present Wei with a gift of six four-horse teams of “bright moon” steeds, preceded by a ring of precious jade.

衛叔文子曰：「見不意可以生故，此小之所以事大也。

Eric Henry

Shu Wenzi of Wei156 said, “When the unexpected appears, it often leads to an upheaval.

今我未以往，而簡子先以來，必有故。

Eric Henry

This is what the small must bear in mind when serving the great.

」於是斬林除圍，聚斂蓄積，而後遣使者。

Eric Henry

In this case, Zhao has come to us without our having done a thing.

簡子曰：「吾舉也，為不可知也。

Eric Henry

There must be a reason for this.” He thereupon cut down the woods [outside the capital], removed all enclosures and barriers, collected supplies and stored up grain, and then sent away the emissary.

今既已知之矣。

Eric Henry

Zhao Jianzi said, “This action of mine was based on the idea that Wei was unaware of my intentions.

乃輟圍衛也。」

Eric Henry

But now they have learned of them, so I must desist from laying siege to Wei.” Zhao Jianzi: 1.35, n. 110.

Eric Henry

“Bright moon” steeds: this appears as “bright white” 明白 steeds, but “white” 白 is an error for “moon” 月.