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.
In ancient times, the human population was small while birds and beasts were numerous. People could not withstand the harm inflicted by wild animals, insects, and snakes.