The Essence of Virtue and Governance in Ancient China

Madam X, with the appearance of heaven and earth, harbored the essence of the Five Constants within her nature. Intelligent and refined, she possessed the utmost vitality among the living. Claws and fangs alone cannot satisfy desires of longevity, nor can swift movements evade the snares of profit and danger. Lacking fur and feathers to withstand the elements, she would surely employ creatures for sustenance. Employing benevolence and wisdom rather than relying on strength, this is why she is esteemed. Hence, without loving kindness, one cannot manage the collective; without managing the collective, one cannot prevail over things; without prevailing over things, sustenance is insufficient. Managing the collective but still lacking, ambitions will stir, and those who uphold the virtues of respect, deference, and universal love will captivate the hearts of the masses. By following them, they form a collective; this is called leadership. Returning to them and following them, this is called kingship. The “Hongfan” states: “The Son of Heaven acts as the father and mother of the people, becoming the king of all under heaven.” The sages categorize and correct naming, calling the collective as the father and mother, clarifying the principles of humanity, love, virtue, and deference, the basis of royal government. Love and respect do not fail; virtue must be upheld with strength, hence rituals to exalt respect, and punishments to clarify authority. The sages, with their righteous natures, must understand the hearts of heaven and earth, establishing rituals and teaching, establishing laws and punishments, responding to the sentiments of the people, and imitating heaven and earth. Therefore, the sages established rituals: “illuminating the heavens, based on the nature of the earth” as well. Punishments and penalties serve as laws, equivalent to the thunderous roars and executions of the heavens. Warmth, gentleness, and harmony are the means to nurture life and ensure growth. “The Book of Songs” states: “Heaven’s decree brings propriety,” and “Heaven’s vengeance visits sin.” Therefore, the sages adapted to heaven’s decree to establish the Five Rites and responded to heaven’s vengeance to create the Five Punishments. Major punishments employ armor and weapons, the next level uses axes and axes, the medium level uses knives and saws, the next uses drills and chisels, and minor punishments use whips and beatings. The significant places shall be laid out in the fields, and the lesser ones, as they are now, will be at the market meeting. The common report was that Huang Di’s battle in Zhuolu defeated the fire and, in turn, was followed by Zhuanxu’s suppression of the deluge by Gonggong. The Tang and Yu periods were so perfectly managed that it still flowed with Gonggong, and Yundou, Sun Miao, Jun, Jin, and Kun were exiled, and then the world surrendered. In summer, Yan Hugu made a money Its Influenced