Hanzi

In the spring of 597 BCE, during the Spring and Autumn period, the State of Chu invaded the State of Zheng. Duke Xiang of Zheng, naked and leading a sheep, greeted King Zhuang of Chu, begging for mercy, which earned him the King's sympathy.

That summer, the State of Jin dispatched troops to rescue Zheng. As the Jin army approached the Yellow River, they learned that Zheng had already made peace with Chu. Xun Linfu, the Jin army's commander-in-chief, considered retreating, proposing to attack Zheng later after the Chu army had returned.

However, his deputy, Xian Hu, strongly disagreed. He argued that Jin's hegemony among the feudal states stemmed from its brave army and diligent civil and military officials. He asserted that losing a vassal state without fighting bravely was not exerting oneself fully, and not attacking an enemy was not brave. He declared that if Jin were to lose its hegemonic status because of them, he would rather die. Xian Hu further stated, "To retreat when facing a strong enemy on an expedition is not the spirit of a true man; for commanders of an army to lack such spirit, only you can do it, I cannot." He then led his own contingent across the Yellow River, continuing forward.

Xun Linfu's other generals, analyzing the advantages and disadvantages of advancing versus retreating in light of this development, unanimously persuaded Xun Linfu to lead the army across the river.

Meanwhile, the Chu army intended to go north to water their horses by the Yellow River before returning. Upon hearing that the Jin army had crossed the river, the King of Chu considered retreating. His favorite minister, Wu Can, wanted to fight, but Ling Yin (Prime Minister) Sun Shu'ao did not. Sun Shu'ao remarked, "We fought Chen last year and Zheng this year; we have not been without war. If we fight and do not win, will your flesh, Wu Can, be enough to eat?" Wu Can retorted, "If we win this battle, it will prove that you, Sun Shu'ao, lacked foresight; if we don't win, my flesh will be in the hands of the Jin army anyway, so how could I eat it?" The Ling Yin reluctantly turned his chariot and flag around.

Wu Can then told the King of Chu, "The current officials in Jin are mostly new, unable to effectively execute orders. Their deputy, Xian Hu, is obstinate and unbenevolent, refusing to follow commands. Their three commanders (referring to the leaders of the central, upper, and lower armies) find it difficult to act in unison, and even if they wanted to obey orders, there's no unified superior to listen to. This battle, the Jin army is sure to lose."

With no other choice, King Zhuang ordered the Ling Yin to turn the chariots north and encamp at Guan to await the Jin army.