Zhenguan Zhengyao (Essentials of Governance from the Zhenguan Era) is a foundational Chinese political classic compiled during the Tang dynasty by the historian and statesman Wu Jing (670–749 CE). Completed around 708–710 CE, the work records the exemplary governance, dialogues, policies, and administrative philosophy of Emperor Taizong(r. 626–649) and his ministers during the famed…
Mencius said: “Jie of Xia and Zhou of Shang lost the empire because they lost the people;and they lost the people because they lost their hearts.”
Wan Zhang asked Mencius: “Song is a small state. If it now implements kingly governance (benevolent governance), and Qi and Chu resent it and attack – what should it do?”
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.”
Gongsun Chou asked Mencius, “If you should hold the power of government in Qi, could you achieve great deeds like Guan Zhong and Yanzi?”
Mencius went to see King Hui of Liang, who stood by a pond, gazing at the swans, geese, elks and deer, and said, “Do virtuous men also take delight in such scenes?”
Mencius went to see King Hui of Liang, who said, “Venerable sir, you have traveled a thousand miles to see me – surely you must have some way to benefit my state?”