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To occupy an unrighteous position, suffer slander from multitudes, be drowned in popular gossip, yet seek safety before a stern ruler – is this not extremely difficult? This is why wise statesmen remain obscure until death.
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Moreover, the foolish scholars of the age do not understand the realities of order and chaos. They chatter endlessly, reciting ancient books at length to disrupt present‑day governance. Their wisdom cannot even avoid pitfalls and dry wells, yet they recklessly criticize statecraft‑wise men. Listening to their words endangers the state; adopting their plans brings…