Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
Duke Ai asked You Ruo, “In this year of famine, state revenues are insufficient—what should I do?”You Ruo replied, “Why not implement the che system?”The Duke said, “Even with a 20% tax, I still don’t have enough—how can I possibly reduce it to 10%?”You Ruo answered, “If the people are prosperous, how could the…
Gongsun Chou asked Mencius: “If you should be the prime minister in Qi and be able to put your principles into practice, it would be no wonder that Qi achieve the hegemony or even true kingship. In such a momentous situation, would your mind be stirred?”