When Wei strictly enforced criminal laws and decrees, merit‑earners were rewarded and criminals punished. It grew powerful enough to regulate the realm and intimidate neighboring states. When laws slackened and rewards were granted arbitrarily, its territory shrank day by day.
Therefore I state: he who understands statecraft can enrich a small state. With careful and trustworthy rewards‑and‑punishments, he can strengthen a sparse population. When rewards and punishments lack standards, even a large state with numerous troops loses its land and people. Without land and people, even Yao and Shun could not become kings, nor…
In ancient times, former kings devoted themselves to caring for the people and clarifying laws. When laws are clear, loyal ministers are encouraged; when punishments are enforced without exception, treacherous ministers are restrained. With loyal ministers encouraged and wicked ones restrained, territory expands and rulers gain honor – such was Qin. When ministers form…
Zhao cracked tortoise‑shells and counted milfoil stalks for divination; the oracle showed great good fortune, so it attacked Yan. Yan also performed tortoise‑shell and milfoil divination with the same great‑fortune omen and attacked Zhao.
A ruler may be tempted by state affairs or blocked by ministers’ words; both must be examined carefully.
Moreover, among rulers of ten‑thousand‑chariot and one‑thousand‑chariot states, some imperial concubines, legal wives, and crown princes wish their lords to die early. Why? Husband and wife share no blood bond; they are close when loving, distant when not. A proverb says: “The child of a beautiful mother is cherished.” Conversely, the child of an…
The ruler’s misfortune lies in trusting others; to trust others is to be controlled by them. Ministers share no blood bond with their ruler. Bound by power, they have no choice but to serve him.