How Ancient Chinese Policies Were Crafted: A Glimpse into Confucian Methods
The Master said, ‘The edict (1) was first drafted by Bi Chen (2), discussed by Shishu (3), revised by Xingren (4) and Ziyu (5), and polished by Dongli (6) Zisheng.’
【Notes】 (1) The edict: refers to the state’s decree. (2) Bìchén: a person’s name, a minister of Zheng. (3) Shishu: a minister of Zheng, whose name was You Ji. After Zisheng’s death, he became the prime minister of Zheng. (4) Xingren: a government official in charge of diplomatic affairs. (5) Ziyu: the name of a minister of Zheng, Gongsun Hui. (6) Dongli: a place name, where the Zheng state official Zisheng lived.
[Translation] Confucius said, “The official documents of Zheng were drafted by Bi Chen, commented on by Shishu, polished by the diplomat Ziyu, and finally revised by Zishan.”
In ancient China, the formulation and finalization of state policies were meticulous processes that involved several key figures. This tradition reflects the profound respect for hierarchy, expertise, and the collaborative nature of governance. A famous saying attributed to Confucius provides insight into this intricate process, highlighting the roles of different individuals in shaping public documents in the state of Zheng.
Confucius once remarked, “The decrees of the state of Zheng were drafted by Pi Chen, reviewed by Shi Shu, refined by the diplomat Zi Yu, and finalized by Zi Chan.” This statement sheds light on the multi-step process of policy creation in ancient China.
1. Drafting by Pi Chen
Pi Chen, a respected official in Zheng, was responsible for the initial drafting of the state’s decrees. His role was crucial as the drafts he created formed the foundation of official documents. His meticulous work ensured that the policies were well-conceived and aligned with the state’s objectives.
2. Review by Shi Shu
Shi Shu, also known as Zitai Shu, played a significant role in reviewing these drafts. As an influential statesman who succeeded Zi Chan as the prime minister of Zheng, Shi Shu’s insights were valuable for assessing the drafts’ suitability and making necessary recommendations for improvement.
3. Refinement by Zi Yu
Zi Yu, the diplomat, was responsible for refining the documents. His expertise in diplomacy ensured that the language and presentation of the policies were polished and effective for external communication. This step was vital for maintaining the state’s image and facilitating smooth diplomatic interactions.
4. Finalization by Zi Chan
The final step in the process was the polishing of the documents by Zi Chan. Zi Chan, a prominent statesman who resided in Dongli, was known for his exceptional skills in finalizing and enhancing the documents. His role was to ensure that the final version of the decrees was clear, precise, and ready for implementation.
This collaborative approach underscores the importance of expertise, review, and refinement in ancient Chinese governance. Each step in the process involved a specialized individual, reflecting a commitment to thoroughness and excellence in policy-making.
Understanding these historical practices provides valuable insights into the sophistication of ancient Chinese administrative systems and the role of Confucian principles in shaping effective governance. The intricate process described by Confucius not only highlights the importance of each individual’s contribution but also demonstrates the meticulous nature of policy-making in ancient China.