Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
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Ministers encroach upon their ruler gradually, just as terrain erodes little by little. They make the ruler lose his bearings, confuse east and west, without his awareness. Hence ancient sage‑kings created the south‑pointing compass to determine directions.
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If a ruler personally inspects every official one by one, he will lack time and energy. Moreover, if the ruler relies on his eyes, subordinates will disguise their appearance; if he relies on his ears, they will polish their words; if he relies on his judgment, they will confuse him with verbose rhetoric.
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When a worthy man serves as minister, he submits to the ruler facing north with complete loyalty and no divided heart. At court he never shirks humble posts; in military service he never evades dangers. He follows the ruler’s conduct and obeys his laws, waiting for orders with an empty mind without judging right…
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Therefore, in the present age, those who abandon self‑serving crooked ways and uphold public law will bring peace to the people and order to the state. Those who discard private interests and enforce public law will strengthen their army and weaken enemies.