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Mencius – Chapter 2.11 Moral legitimacy over military might
After Qi conquered Yan, the feudal lords began plotting to rescue Yan. Alarmed, King Xuan of Qi asked Mencius, “Many states are now scheming to attack me – what should I do?”
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Mencius – Chapter 2.10 From Occupation to Revenge
When the state of Qi invaded and defeated Yan, King Xuan asked Mencius: “Some advise me not to annex Yan; others urge me to take it. We, a great state of ten thousand chariots, conquered another great state in just fifty days – surely this is Heaven’s will! If I refuse to take it,…
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Mencius – Chapter 2.7 The People’s Verdict
Mencius once said to King Xuan of Qi: “When we speak of an ‘ancient state’ – a nation with deep roots – it is not because it has towering old trees, but because it possesses generations of virtuous and capable ministers. Yet Your Majesty has no truly trusted advisors left. Those you promoted in…