The Origins of Assassins 刺客 and Their Connection to Retainers in Ancient China

Introduction

The role of cìkè 刺客, or ‘assassins’, is deeply intertwined with the historical practices of stealth, warfare, and political maneuvering in Ancient China. While assassins are often thought of as independent mercenaries, many of them were actually retainers – individuals, employed by noble families. These retainers, known as shíkè 食客 or ménkè 門客 and other names, were employed for various duties, including espionage and assassination, during pivotal periods such as the Spring and Autumn period 春秋時代 (771 – 476 BCE) and the Warring States period 戰國時代 (475 – 221 BCE).

The arts of assassination and stealth flourished during these tumultuous times, marking an important evolution in the history of warfare and politics in China.

Retainers and Their Elevated Role

The shíkè 食客 and ménkè 門客 were retainers who served the political elite, offering various specialized skills in exchange for patronage and protection. While many of these retainers had scholarly or military skills, some were employed specifically for their expertise in covert operations. The role of the cìkè 刺客 grew out of this context, as these trusted retainers were called upon for dangerous, clandestine missions.

One of the most famous retainers-turned-assassins was Jīng Kē 荊轲, whose attempted assassination of the King of Qin 秦 is one of the most well-documented instances of assassins 刺客 in Chinese history. His mission, along with others, is recorded in Sima Qian’s 司馬遷 Records of the Grand Historian 史記, an essential source for understanding the political machinations of the time​.

The Evolution of Cìkè 刺客

During the Spring and Autumn period  (771–476 BCE) and the Warring States period (475–221 BCE), China was rife with political instability, which gave rise to a variety of strategies for gaining power and eliminating rivals. Stealth and assassination became key tools in this complex environment. Lords employed assassins to eliminate rivals, sabotage plans, or gain a strategic advantage over other states. These assassins, who came from the ranks of retainers, were not just hired mercenaries but trusted individuals who had honed their skills in stealth, deception, and lethal precision.

One significant factor in the rise of assassins during this era was the increased need for covert actions as open warfare became more destructive and costly. The ability to eliminate a political rival without engaging in full-scale battles was seen as a strategic advantage.

The use of assassins 刺客 by the nobility as political operatives was a calculated risk that often yielded significant rewards. Assassins 刺客 were trained not only in martial arts but also in the art of concealment, allowing them to penetrate enemy territories, gather intelligence, and carry out highly targeted missions. Their role as retainers demonstrates that cìkè 刺客 were more than mere criminals or mercenaries – they were integral to the political ambitions of the elite​.

Famous Historical Accounts of Cìkè 刺客

1. Jīng Kē 荊轲: One of the most well-known assassins, Jing Ke’s 荊轲 mission to assassinate King Ying Zheng of Qin 秦王嬴政, who later became the first Emperor of China, Qín Shǐhuáng 秦始皇, is immortalized in Chinese history. Jing Ke’s 荊轲 attempted assassination is detailed in the Records of the Grand Historian 史記, where he is described as a retainer of the Yan 燕 prince, Tàizǐ Dān 太子丹. His mission, though ultimately unsuccessful, showcased the high stakes and trust placed in assassins during this era.

2.  Zhuān Zhū 專諸: Another famous assassin from the Spring and Autumn period, Zhuān Zhū 專諸 was employed by Wú Wáng Zǐguāng 吳王子光, who later became  King Helü of Wu 吳王闔閭. Zhuān Zhū 專諸 was tasked with assassinating King Liao of Wu 吳王僚 in a bold and successful operation. His skill in stealth and his unwavering loyalty to his lord marked a turning point in the power struggles within the state of Wu 吳.

3. Yù Ràng 豫讓: Known for his loyalty and dedication, Yù Ràng 豫讓 was a retainer who attempted to assassinate  Zhào Xiāngzǐ 趙襄子 to avenge the death of his former lord, Zhì Bó 智伯 . His story illustrates the personal code of honor that guided many assassins during this period. Though he failed in his mission, his attempts are still celebrated as examples of loyalty and righteousness in Chinese history​

Training and Skills of Cike 刺客

The training of assassins 刺客 was rigorous and focused on both physical and mental discipline. These operatives were proficient in various combat skills, swordsmanship, and acrobatics. They also practiced techniques of stealth, disguise, and deception, all of which were essential for carrying out their covert missions.

Some assassins 刺客 were also trained in Chinese medicine 中醫, which helped them understand the human body’s vulnerabilities – knowledge that could be used to kill silently and efficiently. Their skills went beyond combat, incorporating elements of psychological warfare, such as creating fear and uncertainty in their targets before the final strike.

Additionally, assassins 刺客 were often adept at blending in with their surroundings and penetrating enemy strongholds using disguise, much like the retainers employed in espionage and infiltration missions. Their ability to remain undetected was a crucial aspect of their success, aligning them closely with the broader concept of Yǐn Fǎ 隱法, or ‘art of stealth’.

The Role of Cìkè 刺客 in Chinese Political History

The rise of the cìkè 刺客 is closely tied to the development of espionage and covert operations in ancient China. During the Warring States period 戰國時代 (475 – 221 BCE), these assassins played a crucial role in shaping political outcomes. The reliance on stealthy methods of political influence, such as assassination and sabotage, reflects the importance of subtlety and deception in Chinese political philosophy during this time.

As warfare grew more sophisticated, the political elite increasingly saw cìkè 刺客 as indispensable tools in their quest for dominance. Their ability to carry out high-risk missions allowed for more strategic control over political rivals, without the need for large-scale battles or public confrontations.

Conclusion

The origins of cìkè 刺客 in ancient China are deeply rooted in the tradition of retainers serving the noble elite. These trusted operatives, drawn from the ranks of shíkè (食客) and ménkè (門客), evolved into highly specialized assassins who played critical roles in the political landscape of the Spring and Autumn period 春秋時代 (771 – 476 BCE) and the Warring States period 戰國時代 (475 – 221 BCE). Their training in stealth, deception, and assassination made them key players in the covert operations that shaped the course of Chinese history. Through their actions, we see the growing importance of stealth and psychological warfare in the strategies employed by China’s ruling class.