Lord Pingyuan
When Handan was besieged, took Mao Sui to the State of Chu to seek help, bringing about a vertical alliance to rescue Zhao.
Life
Prince of Zhao
Lord Pingyuan, personal name Zhao Sheng, was a son of King Wuling of Zhao and a younger brother of King Huiwen of Zhao. He served as chancellor of Zhao three times and kept several thousand retainers.
Mao Sui volunteers himself
After the Battle of Changping in 260 BCE, the Qin army besieged the Zhao capital, Handan. In 257 BCE he was sent to the State of Chu to seek help, and his retainer Mao Sui volunteered to go with him. When the King of Chu hesitated, Mao Sui stepped forward with his hand on his sword and laid out the stakes, and the King of Chu finally agreed to send troops. Lord Pingyuan sighed: "Once Master Mao arrived in Chu, he made Zhao weightier than the Nine Tripods and the great bells."
Lifting the siege of Handan
He also gave away his entire family fortune to reward the soldiers and organized a band of men ready to die, holding out until Lord Xinling of Wei and the Chu army arrived to help, and the Siege of Handan was lifted. He died in 251 BCE.
Legacy
Lord Pingyuan saved the State of Zhao during the Siege of Handan, but Sima Qian also criticized him for coveting the gains of Shangdang and so bringing on the disaster of Changping.
Major works & achievements
- Secured Chu and Wei aid for Zhao
Did you know? The idioms "Mao Sui volunteers himself" and "the awl tip pokes through the bag" both come from his retainer Mao Sui.
Key dates
- 260 BCEBattle of Changping
- 257 BCEWent to Chu to seek help; Mao Sui volunteers himself
- 257 BCELifting the siege of Handan
- 251 BCEDied