Ethical Struggles in Ancient China: The Legacy of Yu, Xia, and Beyond

The term “biography” refers to a record of a person’s deeds, meant to be passed down to future generations, hence termed “biography.” Scholars hold extensive records, examining the authenticity of six categories. Despite missing volumes, the cultural significance of the Yu and Xia periods remains discernible.

When Yao prepared to abdicate, he conferred his realm upon Yu Shun. Shun’s leadership received acclaim, and after testing his capability, he served in administrative positions for decades. Only when his achievements were established did he take up the mantle of supreme ruler, demonstrating the weightiness of leadership over the realm, as famously stated in the “Great Works” of the time.

Commentators recall that Yao relinquished his dominion to Xu You, who refused to comply, preferring to retreat to the sheltered hills and valleys. During the Xia era, figures such as Bian Sui and Wu Guang further exemplified this trend. The historian Sima Qian noted, “On ascending Ji Mountain, Xu You’s tomb stands,” thereby immortalizing his legacy.

Xu You’s refusal and departure serve as an emblem of virtue during challenging times. Such examples are prominent in Zhuangzi’s work, “Relinquishing Kingship,” where they underscore the ethical dilemmas faced by figures like Xu You, Bian Sui, and Wu Guang, whose stories extend beyond the annals of Biographies of Eminent Men.

Confucius also reflected on the lives of figures like Bo Yi and Shu Qi, who did not harbor old grudges but sought virtue. This pursuit is evident in poetic works outside the three hundred odes, such as those found in the poem “Cai Wei,” known for its sorrowful lamentations.

The chronicles tell of Bo Yi and Shu Qi, who were the two sons of the Duke of Guzhu. Their father wanted to crown Shu Qi, but upon his death, Shu Qi declined in favor of Bo Yi, saying, “It was father’s decree.” They went into exile rather than accept governance, and the people then crowned their middle brother. Bo Yi and Shu Qi later sought refuge with the elderly West Duke Chang, an exemplar of filial piety.

Upon the West Duke’s passing and the ascendancy of King Wu as the ruler, they remonstrated against neglecting their father’s burial rites. Left without any other option, they resorted to ingesting wild vegetables on Mount Shouyang. Faced with death due to starvation, they composed the “Western Mountain” poem as a reflection on their fate and the state’s moral decay.

The story of Bo Yi and Shu Qi epitomizes the conflict between adherence to principles and succumbing to the demands of power. Their tale of hardship and defiance speaks to the timeless struggle between righteousness and the exigencies of governance.

In conclusion, these narratives raise questions about the nature of virtue and its rewards. They challenge the prevailing notion that good deeds go unrewarded, and they highlight the ethical challenges faced by those who choose integrity over expediency. Through their stories, we are reminded of the enduring relevance of moral courage and the complexities of leadership in ancient China.

This article explores the themes of ethical dilemmas and the legacy of virtue in ancient Chinese culture, drawing from historical records and philosophical reflections to illuminate enduring principles of leadership and integrity.