Mencius advocates benevolent governance. Labor serving public wellbeing draws no resentment; executions carried out to safeguard innocent lives win no hatred. Legitimacy hinges on rulers’ benevolent motives rather than harsh measures themselves.
This article tells the story of Emperor Wu of Liang, a devout Buddhist ruler who repeatedly became a monk and required huge ransoms to return to the throne. He built hundreds of temples but neglected national defense. His extreme piety drained the treasury and left the realm vulnerable, leading to his tragic death in…