I have heard that to speak without understanding is unwise, and to remain silent while knowing the truth is disloyal.
As a minister, disloyalty deserves death; speaking improperly also deserves death.
Even so, I am willing to tell all that I have heard, leaving it solely to Your Majesty to judge my guilt.
Note
This paragraph represents the classic remonstrance mindset of ancient Chinese ministers:
Voluntarily acknowledging the potential crime of speaking out, yet still insisting on telling the truth for the good of the state. It embodies the spirit of loyalty, integrity and political responsibility.
King (Your Majesty)
The supreme ruler in the Warring States period, holding the power to judge, punish and pardon court ministers.
Ministerial Moral Code
Ancient Chinese political ethics required ministers to be loyal and truthful. Silence about state affairs was seen as disloyal; reckless or inappropriate speech was regarded as foolish and blameworthy.
Daring to remonstrate with the ruler
It was a noble tradition for upright ministers to offer frank advice even at the risk of death, prioritizing national interests over personal safety.
| 臣聞不知而言不智，知而不言不忠，為人臣不忠當死，言而不當亦當死。雖然，臣願悉言所聞，唯大王裁其罪。 |
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