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When the crown prince of Teng (later Duke Wen of Teng) was traveling to Chu, he passed through Song and went to see Mencius.
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After leaving Qi state, Mencius stayed in a place called Xiu.
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After Mencius left Qi state, his disciple Chong Yu asked him on the road: “Master, you seem troubled. Yet not long ago I heard you say yourself: ‘The noble person does not blame Heaven or resent others.’ Why do you now appear so disheartened?”
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Mencius said: “Everyone possesses a heart that cannot bear to see others suffer. The ancient sage-kings had this very ‘heart of not bearing the suffering of others,’ and thus they implemented policies that reflected that compassion.
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Mencius said: “If a state respects the virtuous and employs the capable, placing outstanding individuals in office, then scholars throughout the land will rejoice and wish to serve in its court.”
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Mencius said, “Benevolence brings glory, whereas its absence leads to disgrace. Now people hate disgrace and benevolence, just like those who hate dampness but live in a low-lying area.
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Mencius said: “He who uses force under the guise of benevolence achieves hegemony. Hegemony requires a great state. But he who practices benevolence through virtue achieves true kingship – and kingship does not depend on size. King Tang ruled with only seventy li of territory; King Wen with only a hundred li.”