Mencius said: “If a ruler executes scholar-officials without just cause, then high ministers may leave the state.If a ruler massacres common people without guilt, then scholar-officials (educated individuals) may relocate to another country.”
Mencius said to King Xuan of Qi: “If a ruler treats his ministers as his own hands and feet, they will treat him as their heart and mind.If he treats them like dogs or horses, they will regard him as a mere stranger.If he treats them like dust or weeds – worthless and disposable…