The Warring States — Greg Strandberg

War looms in the land that will one day become China. Seven States battle for power and influence in the waning days of the Zhou Dynasty, and each of them wants to be the best. The State of Wei is one, and in 403 BC Marquis Wen of Wei finally conquers the small state of Zhongshan by flooding it with the diverted Fan River. His power stands unopposed. A ceremony of honor is called in the capital city of Luoyang; Wen's finally being recognized by the King of Zhou. Unfortunately two other states are as well, and these Three Jins must now stand on an equal footing. Must, that is, until the peaceful balance is uprooted and the Seven States start down a path of war.