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The Master said:“I can speak of the rites of the Xia dynasty, but the state of Qi provides insufficient evidence.I studied the rites of the Yin dynasty; remnants still exist in the state of Song.I studied the rites of the Zhou dynasty – they are in use today – so I follow the Zhou.”
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Mencius said: “When the world is governed by the Dao, those of lesser virtue serve those of greater virtue, and the less worthy among the virtuous serve the more worthy.But when the world is without the Dao, the small are enslaved by the great, and the weak are dominated by the strong.”
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Mencius said: “The Xia, Shang, and Zhou dynasties gained the empire through benevolence, and they lost it when benevolence was abandoned.The rise, fall, survival, or collapse of any state follows the same principle.”
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In the twilight years of the Spring and Autumn period leading into the Warring States era, a pivotal event unfolded within the state of Qi. The aristocratic Tian clan gradually supplanted the ruling Jiang lineage, culminating in their establishment as the new sovereign house. This transition marked not only the end of one era…
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During the Warring States Period (5th–3rd century BCE), a time of relentless warfare and shifting alliances among China’s rival states, physical prowess was often celebrated – yet it could also invite disaster when entangled with royal politics.
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Duke Wen of Teng asked Mencius: “The people of Qi are building a fortress at Xue, and I am deeply afraid. What should I do?”
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After the prolonged hegemonic wars of the Spring and Autumn period, the number of vassal states within the Zhou dynasty had significantly decreased. The Zhou royal court, though nominally the supreme ruler of the realm, had become a mere shell of its former self. The vassal states were constantly at war with one another.
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When King Wei of Qi declared himself “King” – a bold step beyond the traditional titles of “Duke” or “Marquis” – many hoped he would lead Qi to greatness. But instead, he plunged into revelry, neglecting state affairs for nine long years.