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Introduction: This article recounts the story of Zou Ji, a master of persuasive statecraft during the Warring States period. It details how he used the metaphor of a silent lute to rouse the indolent King Wei of Qi from nine years of neglect. As Chancellor, Zou Ji instituted radical reforms and transparency, famously using…
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5.25 The Master said, “Clever talk, a pretentious manner and a reverence that is only of the feet — Zuo Qiuming was incapable of stooping to them, and I too could never stoop to them. Having to conceal one’s indignation and keep on friendly terms with the people against whom one feels it —…
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It is better to incur hatred by one’s upright conduct than to please others by perverting your morals.
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The local gentry are holding a grand banquet for a newly appointed prefect, and many musicians are here to entertain the party.