【经】二十有一年春，狄侵卫。宋人、齐人、楚人盟于鹿上。夏，大旱。秋，宋公、楚子、陈侯、蔡侯、郑伯、许男、曹伯会于盂。执宋公以伐宋。冬，公伐邾。楚人使宜申来献捷。十有二月癸丑，公会诸侯盟于薄。释宋公。
【传】二十一年春，宋人为鹿上之盟，以求诸侯于楚。楚人许之。公子目夷曰：「小国争盟，祸也。宋其亡乎，幸而后败。」
夏，大旱。公欲焚巫兀。臧文仲曰：「非旱备也。修城郭，贬食省用，务穑劝分，此其务也。巫兀何为？天欲杀之，则如勿生；若能为旱，焚之滋甚。」公从之。是岁也，饥而不害。
秋，诸侯会宋公于盂。子鱼曰：「祸其在此乎！君欲已甚，其何以堪之？」于是楚执宋公以伐宋。
冬，会于薄以释之。子鱼曰：「祸犹未也，未足以惩君。」
translated: “Spring of the twenty-first year of Zhou (Chuang)”
[Inscription] The twenty-first year of Chuang’s reign saw a devastating invasion by the Di, which ravaged the city state of Wei. This event marked an unforeseen challenge for the neighboring states as they gathered at Lu Shang to negotiate with one another. Despite the dire situation, the people from Song, Qi, and Chu formed alliances in a show of strength. However, this act of collective solidarity was not without consequences. Summer brought about a severe drought that threatened the very existence of the country—an ominous sign for the future.
[Translation] In the second spring season of the twenty-first year of Zhou (Chuang), the states of Song, Qi, and Chu gathered at Lu Shang for a treaty negotiation with the goal of seeking allies under the leadership of Chu. The leaders agreed, but the strategist of Song, named Gu Meng, voiced his concern over the potential consequences, warning that such a union might lead to the downfall of Song.
[Interpretation Note] Gu Meng’s words served as a cautionary tale, reminding the leaders of the dangers of excessive ambition in foreign alliances.
[Analysis] The events of the twenty-first year were not isolated; they reflected broader societal and political concerns during the Chuang era. The harsh weather conditions and the resulting famine highlighted the vulnerability of the state to external forces, while the strategic alliances among the major powers showcased the growing complexity of interstate relations.
In conclusion, this year’s events were significant not only for their immediate impact on Wei but also for their lasting implications in shaping the course of history. They serve as a reminder to leaders throughout history, to balance their ambitions with practicality and to remain vigilant against the risks that come with unchecked power.