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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.
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Mencius – Chapter 9.5 The Legitimacy of Political Power
Mencius states the empire belongs to Heaven, not any ruler to give. Heaven reveals its will via public acceptance: officials, litigants and commoners turned to Shun instead of Yao’s son. Heaven’s will equals the people’s will, forming core people-centered legitimacy.
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Mencius – Chapter 9.4 The Boundary Between Ethics and Politics
Mencius refutes fallacies about Shun’s reign, laying out a classic text-reading rule: grasp authors’ intent beyond literal words. He argues filial piety outweighs royal rank; as Son of Heaven, Shun still showed full reverence to his father Gusou.
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Mencius – Chapter 9.3 Balancing Public Justice and Private Affection: Shun’s Enfeoffment of Xiang
Mencius explains Shun enfeoffed his murderous brother Xiang out of fraternal love yet stripped him of real power via appointed officials, balancing kin affection and public justice. Shun met Xiang often under political pretexts to sustain their bond.
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Ai Wo Wo (Steamed Rice Cakes with Sweet Stuffing): Beijing’s Snow-White Bite of History
This article introduces Aiwowo, a snow-white chewy glutinous rice snack originating from Ming imperial courts. It covers touching folk legends, its mixed nut sweet filling, mild nourishing effects and Huguosi Snacks serving authentic versions.
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Mencius – Chapter 9.2 Shun’s Unannounced Marriage and the Plausibility of Deception
Mencius explains Shun wed secretly to preserve the essential marital bond, for his hostile parents would forbid it. Though aware of his brother’s murder plots, Shun sincerely trusted his feigned care; gentlemen fall for plausible pretense but not absurd falsehoods.