Is “Before leading 600,000 troops on the expedition, Wang Jian repeatedly asked the King of Qin for good fields and houses to reassure the king.” true?
attested in history
According to the Records of the Grand Historian, Biography of Bai Qi and Wang Jian, before leaving the pass, Wang Jian 'sent envoys to request good fields five times', explaining that 'he deliberately asked for many fields and houses to secure the king's trust by showing concern for his descendants'. The political wisdom of a great general tarnishing himself to survive is recorded in official history.
Wang Jian
Wang Jian's 600,000 troops in the campaign against Chu and his request for fields and houses
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