说苑/鄭桓公將欲襲鄶，先問鄶之辨智果敢之士，書其名姓，擇鄶之良臣而與之，為官爵之名而書之，因為設壇於門外而

鄭桓公將欲襲鄶，先問鄶之辨智果敢之士，書其名姓，擇鄶之良臣而與之，為官爵之名而書之，因為設壇於門外而埋之，釁之以猳，若盟狀。

Eric Henry

When Lord Huan of Zheng158 was about to attack Kuai159 by surprise, he first made inquiries so as to learn the identities of all the wise, eloquent, and courageous officers of that state.

鄶君以為內難也，盡殺其良臣。

Eric Henry

He subsequently wrote their names on a list, selected the finest lands in Zheng to give them [as fiefs], then made a written list of noble positions [to be bestowed on them].

Eric Henry

Then he erected an altar outside the gate [of the Kuai capital], buried the lists, and soaked the earth with the blood of pigs, as if carrying out a sworn ceremony.

桓公因襲之，遂取鄶。

Eric Henry

The ruler of Kuai thought this was an indication of internal trouble, so he killed all of his finest officers.

Eric Henry

Lord Huan then attacked the state by surprise and took it.