Cancer in the Warring States: The Story of Chuli Ji
In the celestial tapestry of the zodiac, Cancer holds a uniquely mystical position. Ruled by the moon goddess Diana, this constellation—shaped like a great crab—was born from Hera’s remembrance and famed under Diana’s guardianship. Those born between June 22 and July 22 often carry an air of noble grace, principled integrity, and a contented disposition free from overwhelming ambition. They are, in many ways, the natural aristocrats of the zodiac.
During the mid-Warring States period in ancient China, there lived a nobleman whose character mirrored these very traits. Known for his military brilliance, diplomatic skill, and profound wisdom—earning him the nickname “The Strategist”—this man led a life of loyal service and intriguing narrative depth. His name was Chuli Ji.
The Quiet Strength of a Mother’s Influence
Amid the relentless conflicts and fragile alliances of the era, women often had the least control over their destinies. Chuli Ji’s mother, a princess of the Han state, was no exception. Her life was not her own; from birth, she was a pawn in political marriage agreements. Forced to leave behind a life of freedom in Han, she was sent to marry Duke Xiao of Qin as a concubine, her personal happiness sacrificed for a treaty.
In the Qin court, she remained largely invisible—overshadowed by the duke’s primary wife and favored consorts. Even after giving birth to a son, she received little attention. Like many unobtrusive figures history overlooks, she cultivated dignity in silence, teaching her son acceptance and humility, embracing the role of a secondary wife and mother to a non-heir. This quiet grace granted her a life of peace and stability, seldom recorded but deeply felt.
The Rise of Ying Ji
Though his mother advocated humility, she ensured her son, Ying Ji (later known as Chuli Ji), was well-educated and devoted to his state. Unlike many nobles embroiled in succession struggles, he harbored no ambition for the throne—only a profound loyalty to Qin. He spent his early years studying military strategy, legalist texts, and even the art of geomancy (feng shui). Had history taken a slightly different turn, he might have been remembered as a royal diviner rather than a statesman.
When King Huiwen of Qin ascended the throne, he faced a shortage of capable officials and military leaders. This was Ying Ji’s moment. Sent to attack the state of Wei, he achieved a stunning victory at the Battle of Quwo, revealing his tactical genius. Over the next seventeen years, he led successful campaigns against Zhao and Chu, capturing enemy generals and seizing cities. In recognition, King Huiwen granted him the territory of Yan Dao in Shu, bestowing upon him the honorific title “Lord Yan.” He rose to the high rank of Shuzhang, equivalent to a minister of war and state affairs.
Steadfast Through Crisis
Power did not change Ying Ji’s fundamental nature. After King Huiwen’s death, he supported the succession of the crown prince, Dang, and continued serving Qin with unwavering dedication. When the young and impulsive King Dang sought to challenge the Zhou dynasty’s authority by conquering its territories, Ying Ji and general Gan Mao were tasked with leading the campaign. They succeeded in capturing Yiyang from Han, but tragedy followed: during a display of strength in the Zhou royal domain, King Dang died attempting to lift a massive bronze cauldron.
In the ensuing power vacuum, Qin was thrown into the turmoil of the “Ji Jun Rebellion.” Once again, Ying Ji stepped in to stabilize the kingdom. He helped bring back Lady Mi (later known as Queen Dowager Xuan) and her son, Ying Ji (King Zhaoxiang of Qin), from their hostage status in Yan, ensuring a smooth transition of power.
The Faithful Servant Until the End
Under Queen Dowager Xuan’s regency, many officials who had served previous rulers—like Gan Mao—were sidelined or exiled. But as a member of the royal clan, Ying Ji remained, embodying the ideal of a pure and selfless minister. In his final years, as Qin’s chancellor, he worked tirelessly on diplomatic missions, securing his state’s interests until his death in 300 BCE.
His legacy, however, extended beyond politics. A renowned geomancer, he was said to have authored the Classic of the Blue Bird, a foundational text of feng shui. He accurately predicted that imperial palaces would flank his tomb a century later—a prophecy that came true. To this day, he is venerated as a master of divination and terrain analysis.
After Chuli Ji’s passing, Qin’s dominance only grew. King Zhaoxiang, aided by the foundations laid by strategists like Ying Ji and Zhang Yi, weakened the six rival states irreversibly. The stage was set for the eventual unification of China under Ying Zheng—Emperor Qin Shi Huang. The age of the warring states was nearing its end, and much of that momentum began with the loyalty, wisdom, and quiet strength of a Cancerian nobleman.
