This final chapter compiles ancient sage kings’ core governance creeds: uphold the Mean, shoulder all people’s faults, prioritize populace, food, rituals and sacrifices, and practice four ruling virtues – magnanimity, sincerity, diligence and impartiality.
Mencius said: “Jie of Xia and Zhou of Shang lost the empire because they lost the people;and they lost the people because they lost their hearts.”
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?”
King Xuan of Qi asked, “Is there a proper way of developing good relations with the neighboring states?”