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Mencius – Chapter 9.9
Mencius refutes the rumor that Baili Xi sold himself for sheepskins to herd cattle and seek office. He praises Baili Xi’s wisdom in abandoning a doomed lord and serving Duke Mu honorably, arguing virtuous men would never degrade themselves for power.
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Mencius – Chapter 9.8 Advancing by Rites and Lodging with the Upright: Confucius’ Political Integrity
Mencius dismisses slander that Confucius lodged with influential eunuchs for office. He argues Confucius followed rites to serve and upheld righteousness to resign, choosing virtuous hosts even in peril to preserve uncompromised moral integrity.
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Mencius – Chapter 9.6 The Unity of Abdication and Hereditary Succession
Mencius refutes the claim that Yu’s hereditary succession marked moral decline. Both abdication and inheritance follow Heaven’s will, determined by successors’ virtue and popular support. Virtuous sages cannot seize power unless Heaven deposes tyrannical rulers.