The Most Venerable Book (Shang Shu)

by Confucius

  After the conquest of Shang, it was once again possible to travel along the main roads. This meant it was also feasible for the nine barbarian peoples and the eight wild peoples from the Western tribe of Lü to send a huge hound as tribute. To mark this, the Grand Guardian composed a poem called ‘The Hound of Lü’. It says:

  A wise king pays attention to his virtue:

  and then the rough barbarians on every side

  come to acknowledge his rule.

  They come from near and far

  proffering their wares –

  clothes, food, vessels.

  The king displays them as signs of his virtue,

  and as long as they’re true to their duties

  he awards them to the local governors.

  The treasures with their gems are shared

  with relatives who administer the territories –

  which further coheres them.

  Such people accept these

  because they see them

  as the fruits of virtue!

  Real virtue doesn’t despise anyone.

  But if a ruler insults his leaders,

  they won’t trust him

  and if he abuses the trust

  of the ordinary people

  they won’t support him, either.

  So long as you are not just

  preoccupied with sensual things,

  then all will go well.

  Toying with people ruins virtue,

  playing around compromises your focus

  – you must always follow the Way.

  What you say should tally with it too

  because who you really are

  will be visible if you don’t waste your time

  on trivial pursuits.

  Never ignore those who are worthy

  nor value the strange above the useful.

  Hold to this, and the people will be fine.

  Strange dogs and horses shouldn’t be prioritized

  likewise strange birds and creatures

  shouldn’t be encouraged here.

  Disdain alien things …

  if you give them no value

  then strangers will be impressed!

  Only praise what is real,

  then the people will be at peace.

  And never fail to be conscious,

  day in and day out.

  Always pay attention to the small things

  otherwise virtue’s potential will founder.

  In building a mound nine fathoms high,

  all it takes to fail

  is to let one bucket of earth slip!

  Try genuinely to live like this,

  and your people will feel safe

  your dynasty will outlast time.

  34

  The Golden Chest

  The first appearance of the Duke of Zhou, also called Dan, who now dominates the remainder of the book. He was the fourth of King Wen’s ten sons (of which the current king is one, the ‘Two Dukes’ are two others and Guanshu is another). The Duke of Zhou is considered in Chinese thought to be the model of a Confucian noble. This begins the sequence in which the Zhou dynasty takes over from the Shang.

  Two years after the final fall of the Shang, the king fell seriously ill. The Two Dukes decided to urgently seek the advice of the oracle. The Duke of Zhou urged them not to disturb the Ancestors of the King and said that he would deal with this himself. So he built three altars on an earth terrace with a further one to the south, facing north, and it was here that he stood. On the altars lay the jade discs. In his hands he held the badges of office and then he invoked the Three Ancestor Kings – Tai, Ji and Wen.

  The Recorder wrote down everything and the Duke said:

  ‘Please be informed that your Royal Heir, the King, is seriously ill. He places his trust on you Three Ancestor Kings. This son, me, standing here, trusts that the case will be presented to Heaven. And I trust that should anyone have to die, it will be me, Dan, instead. My wish is to take up this burden myself. The kindness I show is because my ancestors were virtuous. I have so many talents and skills, which means I could really be a good servant to the spirits and deities. Your heir does not have these talents and skills. So, to speak frankly, in comparison with me he would be of little use to the spirits and deities.

  ‘It is the will of the Heavenly Emperor that the king rule over all the land. And that from him will come future generations who will rule likewise. This is why he is venerated by all the people in the country. It isn’t possible that this Heavenly Mandate will fall nor that the Great Ancestor should fail to have a dynasty that lasts for ever.

  ‘This is why I have come before the Great Oracle. If you will tell me my fate, I will take up my symbols of power and return home to await whatever happens. If, however, you do not reveal my fate to me, I will lay aside all these symbols of authority.’

  Saying this, he cast the oracle three times. And all three castings said the same thing. Then he used a key to open the Chest of the Oracles and this too said the same thing.

  ‘The king’s life is not in danger,’ the duke then reported back. ‘I, just a simple ordinary man, having sought the advice of the Three Ancestor Kings, can assure you this is so. As for me, I will await whatever blessing comes.’

  The duke placed the records of the oracles in the Golden Chest and the very next day the king recovered.

  When much later the king died, Guanshu and his younger brothers spread malicious rumours throughout the land that the Duke of Zhou would prove to be a serious problem for the young king.

  The Duke of Zhou turned to the Two Dukes, and told them he did not wish to act as the regent for the young king as he feared that he would not be able to undertake this properly, and thus could never stand proudly before the Ancestor King. He then left for the east of the country, where he stayed for two years until those responsible for this subversion were revealed. In thanksgiving the duke composed an ode called ‘The Owl’,* which he presented to the king. The king did not try to incriminate the duke.

  Then, just before the harvest, at the time of the Great Autumn Festival, Heaven sent a mighty storm. With thunder and lightning and wind, it beat down the harvest and uprooted great trees. This terrified everyone, and the king and his mighty officers went, in full regalia, to examine the Records in the Golden Chest.

  When they opened them, they discovered the account of the Duke of Zhou’s offer to take the place of King Wu; to suffer his potentially fatal illness himself, and thus save the life of the old king.

  The Two Dukes and the king, surrounded by their many officials, asked the Recorder about this. He replied saying, ‘This is true but the Duke ordered us not to say anything about this to anyone.’

  Holding the Record, the king wept and said, ‘We need no further divination for us to understand how dedicated the Duke of Zhou is to the well-being of our Royal House. But because of our foolishness and youth, we did not understand this until today. This explains why Heaven has manifested its anger, so we will discover the true virtue of the Duke of Zhou. Now it is time for me, a mere stripling, to go and meet him, for this is how things should be done in both my Household and my kingdom.’

  So the king went to the borderlands. Heaven sent rain and wind which enabled the harvest to recover. The Two Dukes ordered the people to replace or replant the great trees and in the end the harvest that year was exceptional.

  35

  The Great Announcement

  The new king here is King Cheng, the son of King Wu, who speaks out against rebels especially from the remainder of the Shang dynasty ministers who have joined with some of the disgruntled other sons of King Wen.

  The new king declared:

  ‘Listen. I am going to make a major announcement to you, you leaders of the many states, and you, my officials. Things right now are pretty dire. Heaven has, almost without cessation, placed a curse upon my House and I have to face up to this now. Although I have immense power and am responsible for making major decisions whic
h directly affect the well-being of the people, fundamentally I lack experience. To be honest, I can say that frankly I have really very little understanding of what the Mandate of Heaven actually means.

  ‘I am like an innocent child who is trying to wade across a deep river and who knows it’s stupid but has no option but to carry on. I have tried to continue the work of my beloved forebears in the way they lived, and true to the Mandate they had received. While I really have tried, I have to acknowledge that Heaven has punished me, despite my best efforts.

  ‘The previous king, may he rest in peace, left me the Great Treasure Tortoise Shell. Through it, Heaven can speak to me words of wisdom and understanding – which will reveal its Will. The oracle has spoken, saying that there will be serious troubles in the Western Lands and that the tribes there will be rebellious. The State of Yin has already been shattered into pieces and yet these people now plan to seize control. This is despite the fact that Heaven has already punished the country and all the people are disturbed and perplexed. The rebel leader says, “I will take it back” and now plans to marginalize our people once again.

  ‘This pointless, stupid plan emerged one day and then the very next day ten leaders came forth from my people to assist me in rousing them to action. I have consulted the oracle and it has said that this undertaking will be successful.

  ‘So, my princes, officials, officers and administrators, because of this auspicious oracle, we are now going to attack the Yin and punish them for their crimes. I know this will not be popular. All of you, of whatever rank, will say this is too great an undertaking and that it will disturb the people. You will also complain that this idea comes from the King’s Palace egged on by the princes and that no one else wants this. It is a view held by the old as well as the young. It is being said that this is not actually in accord with the oracle.

  ‘Being so young, I have of course pondered upon this and want to say this to you. There is no doubt that this action will harm the weak and vulnerable, but I have inherited the designs of Heaven and I have therefore taken on this demanding task. I cannot just worry about myself and my own well-being. Instead, you, my princes, and all the rest of you must advise me. Reflect on the fact that you should really say to me, “Do not leave unfinished the labours of your father, may he rest in peace.”

  ‘How can I, simple, little me, ignore the Mandate that comes from the Ruler on High? Heaven blessed my father the king, may he rest in peace, and raised up our humble State of Zhou. The oracle spoke to the king and from this flows all that has been commanded since. Through this we know Heaven is with the people, so I have no option but to follow the dictate of the oracle. Indeed, Heaven’s insight means that you too must work with me to fulfil this awesome task.’

  The king continued, saying, ‘You, you were all my father’s allies and advisors, so you know from the past that this was the great undertaking of the king, may he rest in peace. Heaven has shut itself off from us and this is deeply troubling. I must therefore start from that fact and realize that I have no other option but to take up the task of my worthy forebear. I want to convince you, my princes, to join me in this great venture.

  ‘I know Heaven supports this because I see it in the attitudes of the people.

  So who am I to hesitate?

  Who am I not to finish this task

  which was started by that Man of Peace?

  The people are disturbed by Heaven

  as if they were suffering from some illness.

  So who am I not to finish this task

  which was started by that Man of Peace?’

  The king then said: ‘When I first spoke about this, I told you, having reflected deeply about it all, that this would be difficult.

  ‘It is like trying to build a house based upon a father’s blueprint.

  But if the son cannot even get round to building the main hall,

  how likely is he to try and put a roof over it all?

  Or it can be compared to when a father ploughs the field

  but his son can’t even be bothered to sow the seeds.

  And if he can’t be bothered to sow the seeds,

  then he is even less likely to bother to harvest the crops.

  I think it is highly unlikely that such a hardworking father

  will say of such a son

  that he will protect the family’s inheritance.

  This is why I must undertake this great task

  which was the intention of the Man of Peace, the King.

  I must fulfil the Mandate.

  Imagine.

  If a father or elder brother saw the younger son being attacked,

  would he stop the people from coming to help?

  ‘Indeed,’ the King said, ‘rise up to this challenge, you princes and leaders.

  ‘Because there are ten leaders

  Who, understanding the Will of the Ruler on High,

  obey it, this state will achieve levels of magnificence.

  When all this began,

  you did not reject the decrees,

  so why now,

  when Heaven has punished the Zhou

  would you choose to do so?

  The rebels are gathering to attack our House

  and yet you don’t seem to have grasped

  what the Will of Heaven is.

  Look. Heaven is pruning the Yin bit by bit

  like a gardener.

  In which case,

  how could I not undertake a similar task

  in my own garden?

  Heaven has shown without doubt

  that it supports the labours of the Man of Peace,

  the King.

  Am I likely to either ignore the oracle

  or the example of the Man of Peace?

  The King who protected our entire land?

  The auspicious auguries of the oracle

  support this venture to the East.

  There can be no question about this being the Mandate of Heaven.

  The oracle has spoken.’

  36

  The Commission to the Viscount of Wei

  Wei is the same person as in chapter twenty-six. He is the senior surviving member of the royal household of Shang and as such must take up responsibility for maintaining the worship of his ancestors so that the new dynasty of Zhou does not offend the ancestors.

  The king spoke to the eldest son of the King of Yin and appointed him to oversee the rites and rituals due to his ancestors. He said:

  ‘Follow the example of your ancient ones,

  the virtuous ones,

  for I can see you are a worthy man

  like your revered ancestors.

  Therefore

  I appoint you to conduct the correct rituals and protect the relics.

  You will be a guest in my Household,

  a friend to the State

  and this will last for generation after generation.

  Indeed,

  your ancestor Tang the Conqueror

  had the Mandate of Heaven bestowed upon him;

  he was so sagacious, respectful and profound

  Heaven’s Emperor chose him.

  He reassured the people and defeated the rebels.

  Everything he undertook was a success;

  his virtue was renowned throughout the land.

  Your role is to continue this

  by highlighting his example.

  You have long had a reputation of being loved by the deities

  and by the people

  because you are faithful in fulfilling your duties.

  ‘The Ruler on High delights in the united efforts and reverence of the people. It is because of all of this that I now appoint you to be the High Noble of the East.

  ‘Go forth with reverence and share your instructions.

  Respect the role you have and the symbols of your Mandate

  and in this way you will support the Royal House.

  Add to the renown of your honourable ancestors;

  be an
inspiration to the people.

  In this way

  you will support me,

  simple man that I am,

  in maintaining virtue from generation to generation.

  ‘By being an example to all the other states you will help ensure that my State of Zhou is never troubled. Indeed. Go, be well and never ignore what I have willed.’

  37

  Announcement to Kang

  Prince Kang is the ninth son of King Wen and is also called Feng. This is a confused chapter and it is not entirely clear for whom the Duke of Zhou is speaking.

  It was in the third month, when the moon was waning, that the foundation stones of the great new city were laid by the Duke of Zhou. The new city was in the eastern part of the country known as Luo. The people came rejoicing from near and far, with leaders and ministers from so many states joining together to honour the Zhou. The Duke of Zhou, urging true care and consideration, speaking for the king, announced the following major laws.

  ‘Leaders of the princes,’ he said. ‘My younger brother Feng. Our honourable forebear, King Wen, was a wise and virtuous leader who was careful in the administration of punishments. He was always respectful to the poor and defenceless; he chose only people who were able; he respected the respectable and frightened those who needed to be scared. Because of this, the people trusted him. It was from humble beginnings that he, helped by just a few others, founded our state.

  ‘Over time, all of the Western Lands came under his benevolent sway. The Ruler on High heard about him and was pleased. And so it came to pass that Heaven bestowed the Mandate upon King Wen, granting permission to attack Yin. Blessed by this Mandate, he was able to win, and all the leaders and their people came under his sway. Then the elder brother tried to take over and this is why you, Feng the younger, are here in the Western Lands.

  ‘The king has commented that you, Feng, you should indeed think about all of this. Because how you rule the people now will be contrasted with how closely this follows the model established by King Wen. Listen to what people say about his virtue, and about that of the First King of Yin and follow their examples in understanding how to rule the people. In similar fashion, follow the example of the ancient wise ones of Shang so that your heart will be attuned to their model. Learn from the wise kings of old and through this protect the well-being of the people. By upholding the Heavenly virtues you can fulfil the Royal Mandate you have been given.