The Most Venerable Book (Shang Shu)

by Confucius

  ‘Doing what is right brings its own blessings,’ Yu added. ‘If you follow what is evil, disaster comes. It is the difference between the shadow and the echo.’*

  The Emperor responded:

  ‘But be on your guard! Especially

  when there doesn’t seem any reason to be so.

  Never be deaf to the teachings of the law

  or waste your time on fruitless high living.

  Don’t indulge yourself stupidly, or be loose

  and if you have good people in place

  don’t let others come between you.

  Renouncing evil, don’t be distracted

  by insubstantial and ego-driven plans.

  Do what is right by your own light

  never do what isn’t just to win praise.

  Don’t oppose the people’s will, either

  just because you can. The result?

  Even those rough barbarians who surround us

  will agree to be ruled by you!’

  ‘This is so, oh Emperor,’ said Yu.

  ‘And bear in mind that true virtue is the basis of good governance, and governance is deemed to be good if it contributes to the well-being of the people. See how the cosmos regulates the Five Elements of water, fire, metal, wood and earth in order that it functions properly. Therefore, uphold virtue and this will increase well-being; support creativity and this will help balance all life. And if everything goes well, celebrate! Have a festival! Guide the people wisely by using fear of the law; create odes and sagas and sing of these achievements so that they are never forgotten.’

  The Emperor responded:

  ‘When Heaven is in control and Earth obedient, then all creation will be in balance; all things will be in harmony. This will be the monument to your achievements.’

  ‘Now pay attention dear Yu,’ said the Emperor. ‘I have been emperor for thirty-three years and age and time have affected me. In guiding the people, watch out for laziness in particular.’

  Yu replied:

  ‘I am not worthy of the people’s trust. However, Gaoyao is a very virtuous man. Everything he does is worthy, which is why the people trust and respect him. My Emperor, why don’t you consider him? For myself, I always think of him. Even if I try to think of someone else, I always come back to him. If I hear his name mentioned, then I think, “Oh yes, he’s the one.” He is constantly in my thoughts. I urge you, my Emperor, to consider him and his merit.’

  Then, turning to Gaoyao, the Emperor said:

  ‘Because you are the High Judge, I know that no one, neither my ministers nor my people, will break the law. Using the power of punishment, you have taught the people of all ages to honour and respect the True Law and so everyone is governed well. Because you used restraints, the people no longer need to be made to follow the Middle Path: they just will do so naturally. Just keep on like this.’

  Gaoyao replied:

  ‘Most revered emperor, you’re truly admirable.

  You consult but never condescend

  you guide everyone generously. With you

  wrongdoing doesn’t descend to succeeding generations –

  only the best that’s been accomplished.

  If failure was because of a genuine error

  you pardon it however great

  but however small a deliberate transgression

  you penalize it.

  Where there’s doubt about a case, you’re forgiving

  where there’s uncertainty about the clarity

  you always err on the side of benevolence.

  Instead of just killing someone who may be innocent

  you will choose discretion, not the letter of the law

  and because you love virtue that is life-affirming

  this has touched the hearts of everyone

  so that they no longer need to be controlled.’

  The Emperor responded:

  ‘You are like the wind that breathes across the land

  touching everyone, so that what I want my government to

  do you’ve already done by your example.’

  Then, turning to Yu, the Emperor said:

  ‘When the Great Flood threatened to overwhelm us

  you did as you promised and showed us

  just how dependable and capable you are!

  It is clear you are uniquely suited to govern.

  You were unending in your labours

  for the country’s benefit, barely giving a thought

  to your own family, your own home.

  And you managed this without puffing out your chest

  and so it was you proved yourself

  uniquely qualified to govern, free of all pride.

  There’s no one else under Heaven to compare with you

  – no one can even try.

  I can say in all honesty that no one under Heaven

  can claim to be more honourable than you!

  It’s clear that Heaven means you to govern

  and that you’ll rise to the prime role of responsibility.

  The heart and mind of the people is fickle.

  So be careful: be constant, stay on the Middle Path.

  Don’t be seduced by false promises

  or follow badly thought-out plans.

  A leader should be loved. Who should be feared? The people.

  If a country has no leader

  then who can inspire respect?

  And what about a leader who has no people?

  Who will defend the country then?

  Regard your position of authority

  with respect and exquisite care.

  Progress what is needed. And remember:

  Heaven’s blessing will cease for ever

  if there’s despair and poverty in your lands.

  Remember: from the mouth comes both what is good

  and what leads to wars. I won’t say it again.’

  Yu said, ‘Let me seek advice through divination regarding which are the worthy ministers, and follow its advice.’

  The Emperor replied, ‘Yu. The Diviner makes his decision first, then he consults the Great Tortoise Shell in order to determine if this is the Will of Heaven. Likewise I make up my mind and only then do I consult with everyone. They then agree that this is what fate decrees and even the deities concur – indeed all the forms of divination agree. When divination gives such a full answer, you don’t do it again.’

  Yu bowed low, but he resolutely refused to accept.

  ‘Do not refuse,’ commanded the Emperor. ‘It has to be you.’

  So it was that on New Year’s Day Yu embraced his fate (the Mandate of Heaven) in the Temple of the Ancestors and became chief amongst the ministers, as the Emperor himself had insisted.

  The Emperor said to Yu, ‘Sadly, the leader of the Miao people refuses to acknowledge me and submit. It is time for this to end.’

  Yu ordered the princes to assemble with their troops and he addressed the army.

  ‘Listen to me, my legions. The Miao Leader is stupid. He is foolish, arrogant and rude! He is vicious and violent, but even as he turns away from the proper path he pretends he is a man of honour. He brings destruction through the rebellion he leads. Virtuous men are driven away and petty men are promoted in their place. The people have turned against him and will not come to his defence. Heaven rains down disasters upon him. I have summoned this mighty host in order to punish him. Let us march forth, united in our strength, of one mind to triumph!’

  The fight against the Miao went on for a very long time, until Lord Yi came to Yu’s assistance.

  He said: ‘Only virtue can inspire Heaven to come and nothing can prevent it. Pride goes before a fall while humility brings greatness. This is the Way (Dao) of Heaven.’*

  The Emperor had been at Mount Lei and he went out into the fields every day and wept. He called upon Compassionate Heaven and upon his parents and took full responsibility and blamed himself. He attended to his duties and showed such respect to the captive leader of the Mia
o, and looked after him so well, that the leader was reformed. This sort of sincerity is capable of moving the deities themselves – so it is not surprising that it touched the leader of the Miao.

  Yu honoured these wise decisions and said:

  ‘Indeed this is so.’

  And so saying, he led his army away. The Emperor set the example of virtue and wisdom to the whole country. In celebration they performed the dance of the shields and feathers between the two staircases in the Great Court of the Emperor and within seventy days the Miao had surrendered.

  4

  The Counsels of Gaoyao

  Gaoyao is considered a model of the just Confucian-style official.

  It is said that back in the mists of time, Gaoyao, the Minister of Justice, said: ‘Harmony will be honoured if people can clearly see that virtue is maintained.’

  To this Prime Minister Yu replied, ‘True. But why?’

  ‘Well now,’ said Gaoyao:

  ‘Someone who’s aware of their own development

  will be gracious and mindful of whoever he deals with

  regardless of rank or title. This will touch others, too

  who are intelligent enough to grasp it, and be of service.

  By facing up to what’s in front of him, he also secures the future.’

  Yu was moved by these luminous words, and said, ‘This is so true.’

  Gaoyao responded:

  ‘It is, really, and it comes about

  through understanding the way people react

  and by making them feel safe and secure.’

  ‘Sadly, even for the great Emperor Yao this was hard to achieve,’ Yu said. ‘If you can understand the needs and desires of the people, then you can give them appropriate roles and duties. When the people feel secure, this moves the ruler, and his people are inclined to view him with affection. A leader who is this wise need not fear troubles with foreigners on his borders. Why be worried about lies, duplicity and conspiracies?’

  Pondering upon this, Gaoyao said: ‘In reality there are the nine virtues and if someone has these, then such a person, in our experience, will always act appropriately.’

  ‘And what are these?’ asked Yu.

  Gaoyao replied, ‘They are, in sequence:

  generosity balanced by discipline

  evenness balanced by resolve

  willingness balanced by respect

  confidence balanced by reverence

  assurance balanced by boldness

  directness balanced by gentleness

  simplicity balanced by discernment

  verve balanced by integrity

  courage balanced by justice.

  ‘Anyone with this kind of integrity will always be successful. If three of these virtues shape how you behave day by day, then this will bring enlightenment to everyone in the family. If you conduct yourself day by day with six of these virtues, then the beloved homeland will be well governed. If all nine virtues are the basis of your life, then all will be well for everyone. This is how those few people in charge of the many will ensure that everything is done in balance with the foundational elements of the universe itself.

  ‘To restrain extravagance and indolence in the country, make sure the leaders don’t indulge in such behaviour themselves. Quite seriously, be very careful of this. A myriad of problems can arise within the space of even one or two days, so don’t appoint worthless officials. Heaven mandates what will happen and we are just its agents.

  ‘Heaven has decreed the five duties of obligation and hierarchy for us, with their concomitant responsibilities. Heaven has mandated the five levels of the universe and these give rise to our five rites, which we have to conduct accordingly. If these are properly observed, then all life is united and in harmony.

  ‘Likewise, Heaven has decreed the appropriate rewards to specific virtues and these we signify through the five different sets of official robes. Heaven has also decreed how punishments will be measured, and we must follow this pattern, for this is how government should be enacted. So let’s get going!

  ‘Heaven, like us, sees clearly and hears clearly. Heaven inspires awe and rewards accordingly and this the people can see clearly. Heaven and Earth, above and below, everything is linked. And as a result, wise men will take their responsibilities within this order very seriously.’

  Finally Gaoyao said, ‘What I say is true and this is how things are.’

  Yu replied, ‘Indeed, and when what you say is translated into action, all goes well.’

  Gaoyao said modestly, ‘I am not that wise, but by grace, every day I hope to be of assistance, and as a result the government will perform well.’

  5

  Yi and Qi

  ‘Now Yu,’ said the Emperor Shun. ‘You have a lot to tell me, I think.’

  Prime Minister Yu bowed to the Emperor and said, ‘My dear Emperor, what can I say? As you know, I have always tried to work hard every day.’

  To this Gaoyao responded, ‘This has been a sad burden for you. How have you managed it?’

  Yu replied:

  ‘The Great Flood came from Heaven itself and threatened the very mountains and hills. The people were overwhelmed and very frightened. Travelling by whatever means I could, I traversed the hills, cutting down trees for defence with Yi, and teaching the people to make themselves stronger by eating meat. I drained the waters into nine channels and sent the waters towards the sea. I had drainage ditches and canals cleared so they could flow into the rivers.

  ‘Together with Lord Qi I taught the people how to grow crops to supplement their diet of meat. I encouraged trade and ensured the proper management of surplus so that everyone would have enough to eat. In these ways I ensured the country was once again well governed and was able to recover.’

  ‘Excellent – this is indeed so,’ Gaoyao exclaimed.

  ‘Dear Emperor,’ said Yu. ‘I tell you truthfully, you must always ensure that you are careful in how you rule.’

  ‘This is indeed true,’ said the Emperor.

  Reflecting, Yu advised him:

  ‘Be at peace with yourself. Just be yourself and this will ensure unity. Surround yourself with good and wise people and then all will be well. This will show everyone that your actions are in accordance with Heaven and that you are blessed because of the Mandate of Heaven bestowed upon you.’

  ‘Ah, statesmen – they must be ministers and followers; ministers and followers,’ said the Emperor.

  ‘Indeed,’ Yu replied.

  As he reflected, the Emperor said:

  ‘Statesmen: you are my legs, my arms, my ears and eyes.

  You can help me to help my people!

  I want to be effective in every corner of my land, and I need your help.

  I need to be aligned to the emblems of the past

  which our ancient ones studied and described …

  the sun, moon, the stars, the mountains

  dragons, flowers, and insects

  embroidered on the robes. All these symbols:

  monkeys, fire, fine rice, the axe

  all designed in the finest silk of the five colours.

  I want to hear the six notes, and the five tones

  played on the eight ritual instruments

  and see how these regulate the world. I want to hear

  odes and sagas uttered by the universal five

  so that you can hear them too. And if

  I do wrong, show me what is right

  but don’t malign me: we must honour everyone in office.

  As for those who don’t honour the pattern of the seasons

  and are out of harmony with the cosmos through wrongdoing

  once we see their true nature, their punishment

  will be to be recorded in the Book of Deeds.

  Do our people want people like this?

  And what of the masters of Divine Rhythm?

  Do they really know how to compose and what to chant?

  If they do know, fine. If not, fear will eclips
e them.’

  Yu said:

  ‘Well, Your Majesty. Your fame has spread everywhere under Heaven, from shore to shore, bringing life to every place and to all people. They are all united in wishing to be Your Majesty’s ministers. As a result, you, Your Majesty, will soon be able to promote them. Read their reports and those that shine forth, reward them with chariots and official robes as they deserve. Then everyone will offer loyal service and respect. But, oh my Emperor, if you do not do this in time, then day by day you will hear reports of moral decline.

  ‘Beware of being like Zhidan and his arrogance and extravagant behaviour. He was like that day in, day out. He forced boats to go where there was not enough water. He kept bad company. As a result he lost the throne for not just himself but for his descendants. This I offer as a warning. Remember, even though I had only been married for three days, I left to battle with the flood. Even when my son was born and in distress, I did not return home, so intent was I on solving the problem of controlling the waters. I designed and organized the five key areas – stretching over five thousand li.* I appointed twelve officials and within the boundaries of the Four Seas, I appointed five leaders. They all did as I commanded. Only the troublesome Miao refused to do as he was told. Consider this, my Emperor!’

  The Emperor said:

  ‘That any virtue exists is due to your example and influence upon others. Gaoyao, for example, follows you and whenever necessary and with a clear conscience punishes anyone who fails to follow.’

  Kui said:

  ‘Let us strike the chimes; play the stringed instruments; sing and chant in order to bring the ancestors to visit us. Let us call up the spirit of Yu and all the great leaders of the past.’

  With flutes and drums, with rattles and all sorts of other musical instruments, the birds and animals started to dance. At the nine notes, even phoenixes, both male and female, came to dance their stately dances.

  Kui noted, ‘See how, when the ritual music is played, all of life joins in joyfully and all the leaders of the people are happy.’

  In celebration, the Emperor composed a song.

  ‘Humanity,

  beware of failing to fulfil