Mencius states scholars may take low-paid minor posts to escape poverty, as Confucius did managing stores and pastures. Two moral rules apply: low-ranking officials must not meddle in state affairs, while high officials shame themselves if they fail to uphold their ideals.
Mencius explains Shun enfeoffed his murderous brother Xiang out of fraternal love yet stripped him of real power via appointed officials, balancing kin affection and public justice. Shun met Xiang often under political pretexts to sustain their bond.
Confucius playfully teases Ziyou for using refined ritual music to govern tiny Wucheng. Ziyou quotes Confucius’ own teaching that all people benefit from education. Confucius admits his joke, showing his humility and belief that universal musical education suits every place and rank.
This article introduces two legendary clean officials of the Kangxi era. Shi Shilun, son of Admiral Shi Lang, was honest and strict in governing finance, protecting common people. Yu Chenglong lived an extremely simple life, ate only vegetables, and turned troubled areas into stable regions. Kangxi praised him as “the most upright official in…
by Han Fei The people of Qi loved extravagant burials. Silk and fabrics were all used for grave clothes and shrouds, while timber was exhausted for inner and outer coffins.
This article reviews the start of Emperor Taizong’s Zhenguan Reign. After the Xuanwu Gate Incident, he pardoned rivals and appointed upright officials like Wei Zheng. He prioritized agriculture, eased taxes, and defeated the Eastern Turks. His philosophy of “vigilance in peace” laid the foundation for Tang’s golden age.