Mencius opposes Shenzi’s military expansion plan. Deploying untrained folk for war harms people. Ancient fiefdoms followed hundred-li rituals; seizing land through bloodshed violates benevolence. Ministers ought to guide rulers toward virtue, not conquest.
The Master said, “If a good person instructs the people for seven years, they will be ready to take up arms.”
Wan Zhang asked Mencius: “Song is a small state. If it now implements kingly governance (benevolent governance), and Qi and Chu resent it and attack – what should it do?”
After Qi conquered Yan, the feudal lords began plotting to rescue Yan. Alarmed, King Xuan of Qi asked Mencius, “Many states are now scheming to attack me – what should I do?”