Mencius refutes the claim that Yu’s hereditary succession marked moral decline. Both abdication and inheritance follow Heaven’s will, determined by successors’ virtue and popular support. Virtuous sages cannot seize power unless Heaven deposes tyrannical rulers.
Mencius states the empire belongs to Heaven, not any ruler to give. Heaven reveals its will via public acceptance: officials, litigants and commoners turned to Shun instead of Yao’s son. Heaven’s will equals the people’s will, forming core people-centered legitimacy.
Mencius refutes fallacies about Shun’s reign, laying out a classic text-reading rule: grasp authors’ intent beyond literal words. He argues filial piety outweighs royal rank; as Son of Heaven, Shun still showed full reverence to his father Gusou.
Mencius explains Shun enfeoffed his murderous brother Xiang out of fraternal love yet stripped him of real power via appointed officials, balancing kin affection and public justice. Shun met Xiang often under political pretexts to sustain their bond.
Mencius explains Shun wed secretly to preserve the essential marital bond, for his hostile parents would forbid it. Though aware of his brother’s murder plots, Shun sincerely trusted his feigned care; gentlemen fall for plausible pretense but not absurd falsehoods.
Mencius explains Shun wept from sorrowful longing for his unloving parents. Though blessed with wealth, status and the whole realm, no worldly glory eased his pain. Great filial piety lies in lifelong heartfelt yearning for one’s parents.
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?”