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A Culture of Conspicuous Consumption In the early Western Jin dynasty (265–316 CE), extravagance became a badge of honor among the aristocracy. Whether veteran ministers or newly risen nobles, all measured status not by virtue or service – but by how lavishly they could spend. Take He Zeng, one of the founding elders of…
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During the Eastern Jin Dynasty, there lived a distinguished minister named Xi Jian, who held the esteemed position of Grand Commandant. He had a beloved daughter, Xi Xuan, who had just reached a marriageable age. She was not only beautiful but also exceptionally talented. Xi Jian, doting on his daughter, was determined to find…
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Mencius said: “He who uses force under the guise of benevolence achieves hegemony. Hegemony requires a great state. But he who practices benevolence through virtue achieves true kingship – and kingship does not depend on size. King Tang ruled with only seventy li of territory; King Wen with only a hundred li.”
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Gongsun Chou asked Mencius, “If you should hold the power of government in Qi, could you achieve great deeds like Guan Zhong and Yanzi?”
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Mencius went to see King Hui of Liang, who said, “Venerable sir, you have traveled a thousand miles to see me – surely you must have some way to benefit my state?”