Classical Chinese essays on governing the country according to law

1. What ancient texts are there about the legal system?

It is difficult to express the criticism of a minister, so those who are difficult to express: words that are smooth and eloquent will be seen as flashy and unreal; If you are only respectful and respectful, solid and careful, then you will think that you are digging and unethical; if you talk too much and use complex terms, and even make analogies, you will feel that it is empty and useless; if you talk about things in a subtle way, and if they are sparse in details but not embellishment, then you will feel that they are prudent and useless. Debate; if you are eager to get close and find out the human feelings, you will think you are slanderous and unwilling to give in; if you are big, broad and knowledgeable, and wonderful and far-reaching, you will think it is boastful but useless; if you talk about family affairs in small words, you will think it is humble; if you talk about the modern world, you will think it is useless. If your words are not rebellious, you will be seen as greedy for life and flattery; if your words are far away from the vulgar and arrogant to the world, you will be seen as unreal; if you are quick to argue and sophisticated in literary talent, you will be seen as history; when interpreting literature, it is based on the quality of trustworthy words. When you see it, you think it is contemptible; when you call it a poem or a book, the Taoism is ancient, then you see it and you recite it.

The reason why this minister is so difficult to express is that he is in serious trouble. Therefore, although the measure is correct, it may not be heard; although the principle is complete, it may not be used.

If the great king does not believe this, and the lesser one thinks it is a slander, the greater one will suffer disaster and death. Therefore, Zixu was good at strategizing and Wu killed him; Zhongni was good at speaking and encircling him; he was in charge of foreign affairs and I was a virtuous man, but Lu imprisoned him.

Therefore, aren’t these three great men virtuous? But the three kings don't know. In ancient times, there was a soup, the most holy one: Yi Yin, the most wise one.

Hu Zhizhi said that he was the sage, but he did not accept the seventy words. He held the cauldron as his boss, and he was close to him, but Tang only knew his virtuous people and used them. Therefore, it is said: If you use the wisdom to speak of the sage, you may not be able to see it. Yi Yin said that Tang is the way; if you use wisdom to speak of the fool, you will not listen. King Wen said that of Zhou.

Therefore, King Wen said Zhou and Zhou imprisoned him; the wings waited for the sun; the ghosts waited for the wax, Bi Gan cut his heart; Mei Bo was sour; Yi Wu was bound; and Cao Ji rushed to Chen; Li Zi Tao begged; legends turned around; Sun Tzu's feet were crucified in Wei; Wu Qi wept at Anmen; he felt pain for the Xihe River for Qin, and his dead branch was resolved for Chu; Gongshu Cuo said that the state's weapons turned against him; Gongsun Martingale fled to Qin; Guan Long He was killed; Chang Hong divided his body; Yin Zihan was in the thorn; Sima Ziqi died and floated in the river; Tian Ming Gu She; Mi Zijian and Ximen Bao died without fighting; Dong An died and was left in the market; slaughtered I can't help Tian Chang; Fan Ju breaks the alliance with Wei. These dozen or so people were all benevolent, virtuous, loyal and Taoist people in the world. Unfortunately, they died when they met the master of rebellion, chaos and dark confusion.

However, even though a sage is a sage, how can he escape death and humiliation? It is difficult for a fool to speak, so it is difficult for a gentleman to speak. And even if the words are dissatisfied with the ears and poured into the heart, no one but a sage can listen. I hope the king will be familiar with it.

All treacherous ministers are those who want to follow the will of their masters in order to gain family and fortune. Therefore, if the master does something good, the minister will praise it; if the master does something good, the minister will destroy it.

Generally speaking, if people choose and discard those that are the same, they are right; if they choose and discard those that are different, they are not. Today, what is praised by the ministers is what the master is, and this is called sharing. What is destroyed by the ministers is what the master is not, and this is called sharing.

I have never heard of people who choose and give up in harmony with each other and go against each other. The reason why this person and minister is trustworthy and lucky is the way to do it.

If a treacherous minister takes advantage of the trust and luck to slander and repel other ministers, the master does not have the skills to control him, nor does he have to examine and test him. He will definitely accept the past and trust the present. In other words, the reason why this fortunate minister was able to deceive his master for personal gain. Therefore, the master must be shielded from above, and the ministers must be focused on the lower ones. This is called a minister who is good at mastering.

If the state has ministers who are good at ruling, then the people will not be able to use their intelligence to show their loyalty, and the officials will not be able to follow the law to achieve their merits. How to understand it? If your husband is in harm's way, let him go; if he is in harm's way, let him go. This is how he feels.

Today, I am a minister who tries his best to achieve success and uses all his wisdom to serve as a loyal minister. His body and family are poor, and his father and son suffer from it; , the family is respected and rich, and the father and son are benefited by it: How can one go on the path of peace and gain and end up in harm's way? If the country is governed like this, it is a mistake, but if the superiors want to do it and the subordinates are not treacherous, it is obvious that the officials must obey the law and cannot get it. Therefore, those who know that loyalty and trust cannot achieve peace and benefit must say: "I do things with loyalty and trust, and seek peace by accumulating merit. This is like being blind and wanting to know the right and wrong. I will definitely not do that.

If Practicing the right principles through Taoism, not pursuing wealth, but seeking peace in matters, is like being deaf and wanting to judge the clear and turbid voices, and it is even less likely that the two will be peaceful. I am able to be incomparable and obscure the Lord. "Sir, are you doing it for personal gain?" This must ignore the righteousness of human beings.

The officials of the hundreds of officials also know that they cannot be safe if they are square and upright, and they must say: "I seek peace by doing things honestly and honestly. If there are no rules and want to be square and round, it will not be enough; if Seeking peace by abiding by the law and not clinging to factions is like scratching one's head with one's feet, what's more! If the two cannot live in peace, how can one act selfishly in order to respect others without abusing the law? That’s it. Therefore, there are many people who regard others as important to themselves, but there are only a few people who care about the king based on law.

This is because the master is alone at the top and the ministers form a party at the bottom. This is why Tian Cheng killed Duke Jian. Those who are skilled in the art are ministers to others. They are able to obtain effective words and regulations, clearly govern the Dharma from the top, trap treacherous officials from below, and protect the country by honoring the Lord.

If the words of degrees are effective in the past, rewards and punishments must be used in the future. The master is sincere in the art of the sage, and is not strict with the words of the world. He determines right and wrong based on name and reality, and judges his words based on experience.

Therefore, the ministers who have studied closely and know that hypocrisy and deceit cannot be at peace, must say: "I will not engage in selfish behavior, try my best to serve the master with all my wisdom, but compare myself with each other. To seek peace by destroying one's reputation is like carrying a huge burden. It is impossible to survive in the abyss of unforeseen circumstances. "Officials of hundreds of officials also know that they cannot gain peace because they are profiteering, so they must say: "I won't do it. To be upright and upright, but to bend the law for personal gain with a corrupt heart, is like going up to the top of a high mountain and falling down to the bottom of a steep valley in order to survive.

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If the way of safety is clear, then the left and right can deceive the master with false words, but the officials dare to use greed to catch the subordinates? Therefore, the ministers can show their loyalty without cheating, and the subordinates can abide by their duties. Don't complain. The reason why Guan Zhong governed Qi is the reason why Shang Jun strengthened Qin.

From this point of view, the way of governing a country by a sage inherently makes people have to love me and not rely on it. People regard love as one's own. Those who rely on others' love as one's own are in danger, but those who rely on me to do it will be safe.

Husband, ruler and ministers are not relatives of flesh and blood, and the upright way can benefit. Then the minister will do his best to serve the master; if the upright way cannot be achieved, then the minister will do it privately. The master knows it, so it is just a way to show the world.

This is the master. If you don't teach the officials with words, if you don't look for evil, the country has been governed. If you are a master, you are wise if your eyes are not clear, and if you are not clear of ears, you are not responsible. As for the number, if you wait for the eyes to see it, you will see very little, which is not a trick without deception. If you don't rely on the power, but for the ears to think it is wise, you will hear only a few people, and it is not a trick without deception.

The one who understands the Lord makes the world have to look at him, and the world has to listen to him. Therefore, if he is in the deep palace and the light shines on the four seas, and the world can't hide it, it can't deceive him, so why is it dark and chaotic? The rule of law is abolished and the power of wisdom is promoted.

Therefore, those who are good at letting the power go will be safe, but those who do not know how to use their power will be in danger. It was the custom of the ancient Qin Dynasty that the monarch and his ministers abolished the law and served their own interests, so the country was in chaos and the army was weak. The Lord is humble.

Shang Jun said that Qin Xiaogong changed the law and changed the customs to establish justice, and rewarded those who were traitors and those who were poor. 2. Classification of law-abiding classical Chinese

1. Harmony with the people. If you don't know the law, you can't change it; if you don't know it, you can't change it - "Guanzi·Seven Laws" [Note] (1) Harmony with the people:

(2) One people: to govern the people. 3) Changing customs and changing customs:

(4) Hua: moralization, political enlightenment [Translation] To make the people harmonious, it is impossible not to understand the law; to change customs and improve the social atmosphere. , it is impossible not to understand political enlightenment.

[Tips] The book "Guan Zi" is said to be written by Guan Zhong, the prime minister of Qi Huan Gong, one of the "Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period". Guan Zhong advocated ruling the country by law, but he did not give up moralization, but the two used each other, which is quite inspiring for us. 2. Private affairs are good and public laws are destroyed.

- "Guanzi· "Eight Views" [Translation] If favoritism prevails, the country's laws will be destroyed. [Tips] The law does not tolerate personal feelings, and law enforcement must be impartial. 3. When something is going to happen, the order must be followed. The number of rewards and punishments must be clearly stated first - "Guanzi Mingfa Jie" [Notes] (1) To do important things. Things refer to national events.

(2) Number: Reason. 〔Translation〕Every important event must be carried out first.

Be sure to clarify the scale of rewards and punishments first. 〔Tips]You cannot motivate people without rewards. It is not enough to deter people without punishment. Rewards and punishments alone are not enough. Rewards and punishments must be clearly defined.

This is a lesson from political experience. 4. If you ask for something, you will get it; if you are forbidden, you will stop it; if you order it, you will want to do it - "Guanzi·Fafa" [Note] Ban: here refers to legal prohibitions and prohibitions.

[Translation] What the state requires must be fulfilled, what the state prohibits must be eliminated, and the laws promulgated by the state must be implemented. [Tip] The requirements of the rule of law are: laws must be followed, law enforcement must be strict, and violations must be prosecuted.

Fidelity and firmness are the keys to law enforcement. 5. Do not act selfishly and do not go to jail.

——"Yanzi Chunqiu·Neipian·Question" [Notes] (1) Listening to the prison: trial cases. Listen and decide.

(2) A: Partiality. [Translation] There should be no partiality in handling affairs and no partiality in judging cases.

[Tip] Duke Jin of Qi asked Yan Ying how he could achieve hegemony like Duke Huan of Qi did with Guan Zhong. Yan Ying said these two sentences in his answer.

What is emphasized here is that law enforcers must be fair and honest. 6. If the punishment fails, *** will be at a loss - Confucius' "Analects of Confucius·Zilu" [Notes] (1): Reasonable.

Measure: Take action, do it. [Translation] If the criminal law is unreasonable, the people will be at a loss.

[Tips] This is a sentence from a conversation between Confucius and Zilu, which comes from "To govern a country, first rectify the name (correct the confusing name)". Emphasize that a gentleman must not be careless about what he says.

7. If there is a balance, one should not deceive the severity; if there is a measure, one should not deceive the length; if there is a law, one should not cheat. ——Shen Dao's "Shenzi · Lost Articles" [Translation] If you have a scale in your hand, you can't cheat on the weight; if you have a ruler in your hand, you can't deviate from the length; if you have mastered the rules, you can't play tricks. , engage in fraud.

[Tips] Emphasize the importance and necessity of establishing regulations. 8. When desire cannot be achieved, love must not violate the law, honor must not exceed relatives, and salary must not exceed position.

——Shen Dao's "Shenzi·Weide" [Notes] (1) Desire: Desire. (2) Qianshi: Interfering with current affairs.

(3) Love: here refers to the person you love, that is, relatives and friends. (4) Over: beyond.

[Translation] You cannot interfere with the political affairs of the country for personal desires, you cannot allow your relatives and friends to break the law, you cannot show excessive preference for people with high status, and your salary cannot exceed the standard of the position. [Hint] This sentence refers to what a wise king should do in governing the country.

Generally speaking, the requirements are strict, set an example, enforce the law impartially, and do not act emotionally. 9. Don’t distinguish between relatives and strangers, don’t distinguish between high and low, and always stand firm in the Dharma.

——Li Kui's "Dharma Classic" [Translation] (for those who break the law), regardless of their relationship or status, everything is decided by the law. [Tip] Li Kui (kui) was a politician in Wei during the Warring States Period and a representative figure of Legalism.

He once served as the state minister of Wei Wenhou and presided over the reform. The rules do not protect relatives, the law does not respect nobles, and relatives and strangers are treated equally, regardless of whether they are high or low.

Only by enforcing the law like Li Kui can we talk about fairness. 10. If your words are not in line with the law, you will not listen; if your actions are not in line with the law, you will not be noble; if your actions are not in line with the law, you will not act.

——"Shang Jun Shu·Jun Chen" [Notes] (1): Together. (2) High: respected.

[Translation] If the speech is not legal, then it will not be obeyed; if the behavior is not legal, it will not be respected; if the matter is not legal, then it will not be done. [Tip] This is an important principle put forward by Shang Yang for a wise king to govern the country.

He believes that if this can be done, "the country will be governed and the territory will be vast, the army will be strong and the master will be respected." This is indeed a profound insight. 11. When a husband governs a country, he should put the interests of the people first. He should have good experience in politics and order his conduct.

——"Warring States Policy·Zhao Ce" [Note] (1) Zhiguo: Managing the country. (2) Chang: regular.

The following "经" also has this meaning. [Translation] Managing the country has its own rules, that is, benefiting the people is the fundamental; doing politics also has its own rules, that is, enforcing laws and regulations is the highest principle.

[Tips] "Warring States Policy" is a country-specific history book that records the history of the Warring States Period. After King Wuling of Zhao (Zhao Yong) came to power, he worked hard and actively carried out military reforms. At that time, many courtiers opposed it. He included these words in his speech in reply to the ministers.

This insight is of great reference to us today. 12. To rule by following the law is a long and heavy task, but there are no horses and oxen, and there are no boats and boats to help the great rivers.

——Shang Yang's "Shang Jun Shu·Weak People" [Translation] Governing a country in violation of the law is like transporting heavy things to a long distance without carriages and horses, and it is also like trying to cross a river. Crossing big rivers without boats. [Tip] Emphasize the necessity of governing the country according to law.

13. If there is a rule in the world, the order will be followed, and the prohibition will be stopped. ——Xi Jiao's "Xi Zi·Volume 1·Guiyan" [Translation] To rule the world, you must do what you ask the people of the world to do; if you order to prohibit it, you must prohibit it.

[Tips] Xi Jiao was a native of Lu during the Warring States Period. 14. Rewards must be given to those who have merit, and punishment must be given to those who are guilty.

——"Warring States Policy·Qin Policy" [Note] Punishment: punishment, punishment. [Translation]Rewards must be given to those who have meritorious services, and punishments must be imposed on those who are guilty.

[Tip] Fan Ju arrived in Qin and lobbied King Zhao of Qin, pointing out that most of the power in the Qin court was controlled by Marquis Rang (Wei Ran). If he is domineering, the court is bound to have civil strife. King Qin Zhao adopted his opinion and appointed him as the prime minister, eradicating the power of Marquis Rang and consolidating his power.

These two sentences were said in his advice to King Zhao, pointing out that law enforcement must be steady and accurate. 15. If rewards are not enough, then the wise will not be able to advance; punishment. 3. Classical Chinese reading (16 points) Family Biography of Zhou Meipujun [Qing Dynasty] Yao Nai Meipujun, a native of Changsha, Zhou family taboo

Question 1: C Question 1: C Question 1: B Question 1: ⑴ (4 points) (Zhou Meipu) repaired the Fengyu Mountain dam, blocked the water in the mountain, and diverted the water flow into the Fen River. The people were grateful to him.

⑵ (3 points) Some officials use the expropriation of grain to harm the people to please their superior officials. (They are accustomed to such things). Sub-topic 1: Hun: retreat, give in. Sub-topic 1: ② Explain that he is strong and upright, ④ It is a cunning plan devised by Wang Danwang, ⑥ Explain his incorruptibility. Sub-topic 1: "The people call the water control project he presided over Zhougong Gate and Zhougong Bridge." It is to thank him for building water conservancy projects and benefiting the people. There is no causal connection with Zhou Meipu's "integrity and integrity". Question 1: This question tests your translation ability.

The key points are: 1. Smooth meaning, 1 point; Obstacle: blocking, blocking, 1 point; Obstacle: water accumulation, 1 point; Virtue: Gratitude, 1 point. ⑵Smooth meaning, 1 point; Poison: Harm, 1 point; Heng: Ordinary, ordinary, 1 point.

Sentence fragment: The family biography of Zhou Meipu Jun [Qing Dynasty] Yao Nai Meipu Jun, a native of Changsha, Zhou family, taboo Kekai, the word stem three, Meipu's own name. He was promoted to Gansu Province, appointed magistrate of Longxi County, and transferred to Ningshuo.

He is a man who understands things well, dares to take risks, and endures hard work. Ningshuo belongs to Ningxia Prefecture, and there are three canals connected to the river: Hanlai, Tangyan, and Daqing, all of which divert river water into the canals to irrigate people's fields.

In the Tang Dynasty, the land where the canal ran was sandy and easy to overflow. The emperor made the canal narrow and deep, and also changed its waterway. The canal can run smoothly, but there are hidden holes in the canal to release water into the river, so droughts and floods occur. All rely on Yan. The dark hole in Tang Yan Canal was damaged. Ningxia county officials wanted to fill the dark hole and diverted all the water from Tang Canal into Han Canal to benefit the people of Ningxia. However, Ningshuo became ill.

Junli supervises the work to repair the old system, which benefits both counties. The Great Qing Canal was built in the Kangxi year and was more than thirty miles long. Over time, the stone gates at the beginning and end were damaged, and the people lost their advantage. The king repaired it, but the success was long and short.

Your Majesty was very good at governance in Ningxia, and his achievements in flood control were the greatest. The people named the buildings he built Zhougong Gate and Zhougong Bridge. Looking for promotion to the prefect of Duyun, Guizhou.

From the governor Wu Dashan and the minister Qian Weicheng in governing Guizhou Ni Miao Prison, if there is any improper use, we will strive to be no less inferior. When he was transferred to Guiyang, he also disobeyed the governor Gong Zhaolin with his strong will and dismissed him due to fatigue on duty.

Introduction, he was reinstated as the magistrate of Puzhou, Shanxi, and transferred to Taiyuan. Clear out the accumulated prisons, repair the dikes and weirs at Fengyu Mountain, block the mountain canyons, guide them into Fen, and improve the people's morality.

He was promoted to Jinan Road in Jiangxi Province, demoted, and then promoted to Zhejiang Grain Reserve Road. At that time, Wang Danwang was the governor of Zhejiang.

If an official collects grain and poisons the people in order to please the superior, this is a habit that will last forever. When I arrived in Zhejiang, I swore not to take any moisture from my body. I asked the governor to agree with him.

The Fuchengu should be said to be good, but she hates the king so much that she has no skills to get rid of him. In response, I praised you for your talents, and the grain storage was easy to manage. However, the seawall was urgent at that time, so please transfer the envoy to manage the seawall.

So the Hangjiahu Haiphong Road was transferred. The king rebuilt the coastal stone pond, and the pond was greatly cured. He died of illness due to overwork, and Wang Danwang was defeated by corruption in his official career.

If the world only accepts the advice of the emperor, it will not only benefit the country, but also bring peace to the family. After the king's death, his family became extremely poor, and the person who was known as a clean official in the world was called Zhou Meipuyun.

Yao Nai said: The plum garden was the place where officials followed during the Qianlong reign. The husband is a follower of official biography, a historian, and his duties are very strict.

He does not hold a historical position, but is a writer of acquaintances, so there is room for excessive rhetoric. Yu Jiamei Pu's governance was chronicled, and a brief account of the incident was taken, thinking that there would be a good history for the future. I took my article to write a biography, which is worthy of the saying.

(Selected from "The Complete Works of Xibao He was sent to Gansu as a juren and was appointed magistrate of Longxi County. He was (later) transferred to Ningshuo.

He is a sensible person, dares to take on heavy tasks, and works tirelessly. Ningshuo belongs to Ningxia Prefecture. There are three canals next to the Yellow River: Hanlai Canal, Tangyan Canal, and Daqing Canal. They all divert water from the Yellow River into the canals to irrigate people's farmland.

The place where the Tang Yan Canal passes is sandy and prone to flooding. Zhou Meipu renovated the canal to make it long, narrow and deep, and slightly changed the direction of its flow. The water in the Tang Yan Canal can flow safely and smoothly, and there is a hidden cover in the canal. The hole is used to drain excess water into the Yellow River, so we rely on that canal in both drought and flood weather. The hidden hole in Tangyan Canal was broken, and Ningxia County officials wanted to fill it up and divert all the water from Tang Canal to Han Canal to benefit the people of Ningxia, but Ningshuo suffered.

Zhou Meipu fully supervised the restoration of the original style, benefiting both counties. The Daqing Canal was only dug during the reign of Emperor Kangxi, and was more than thirty miles long. Over time, the stone gates at the beginning and end were destroyed, and the people could no longer enjoy its benefits. Zhou Meipu restored it, which took a short time but had long-term effects.

Zhou Meipu had many good political achievements in Ningxia, but his greatest contribution was in water control. The people called the water control projects he presided over and built Zhougong Gate and Zhougong Bridge. Soon, Zhou Meipu was promoted to the prefect of Duyun, Guizhou.

Followed Governor Wu Dashan and Minister Qian Weicheng to handle the rebellion cases of the Miao people in Guizhou. He argued for the cases that were settled according to law but were handled improperly without giving in. He was transferred to Guiyang. Because he was strong and upright, he offended the governor Gong Zhaolin and was dismissed from his post due to official duties.

After being introduced, he was appointed as the prefect of Puzhou, Shanxi Province, and was transferred to Taiyuan. He cleared up the accumulated cases, repaired the Fengyu Mountain dam, blocked the water in the mountain, and diverted the water flow into the Fen River. The people were grateful to him.

Zhou Meipu was promoted many times and was promoted to Jinan Road in Jiangxi Province. He was demoted because he made mistakes and was later promoted to the Grain Reserve Road in Zhejiang Province. At this time, Wang Danwang served as governor of Zhejiang.

Some officials resorted to expropriating grain and inflicting harm on the people to please their superior officials. They were used to this. Zhou Meipu had heard about (this kind of thing) for a long time and hated it deeply.

When Zhou Meipu came to Zhejiang, he vowed not to take any advantage, and asked the governor to eradicate the long-standing evils, and agreed with him to work together with one heart and one mind. The governor said "yes" on the surface, but in fact he hated Zhou Meipu very much, but there was no way to make him leave.

On the contrary, the imperial court praised Zhou Meipu for his outstanding talents. Managing grain reserves was a common political matter and easy to handle. At that time, the seawall was in crisis and requested that Zhou Meipu be transferred to manage the seawall. So (Zhou Meipu) was transferred to Hangjiahu Haiphong Road.

Zhou Meipu rebuilt the coastal stone pond, and the stone pond was greatly renovated. However, Zhou Meipu eventually died of illness in office due to overwork, and Wang Danwang eventually self-destructed due to greed in the officialdom. People say (think) that if Wang Danwang could accept Zhou Meipu's opinion, it would not only be beneficial to the country, but also beneficial to his own personal safety.

After Zhou Meipu's death, his family was very poor. People all over the world mentioned Zhou Meipu when they praised honest officials. I think: Zhou Meipu was a law-abiding official during the Qianlong period.

Be a law-abiding official.

4. Classification of law-abiding classical Chinese writings

1. To harmonize the people, if you don’t know the law; to change customs and teach, but don’t know how to change them - "Guanzi·Seven Laws" [Annotation] (1) Harmony with the people: To make the people harmonious consistent.

(2) One crowd: to govern the people. (3) Changing customs and teaching: changing customs and changing customs.

(4) Hua: moralization, political enlightenment. [Translation] To make the people harmonious, it is impossible not to understand the law; to change customs and improve social atmosphere, it is impossible not to understand political enlightenment.

[Tips] The book "Guanzi" is said to be written by Guan Zhong. Guan Zhong was the prime minister of Duke Huan of Qi, one of the "Five Hegemons of the Spring and Autumn Period".

Guan Zhong advocated ruling the country by law, but he did not give up moralization, but the two made use of each other, which is quite inspiring for us. 2. Private affairs prevail but public law is destroyed.

——"Guanzi·Eight Views" [Translation] If the trend of favoritism and malpractice prevails, the country's laws will be destroyed. [Reminder] The law does not tolerate personal relationships, and law enforcement must be impartial. 3. Whenever something is going to happen, the order must go first.

When things are going to happen, the amount of rewards and punishments must be made clear first - "Guanzi Mingfa Jie" [Notes] (1) To do things: to do important things. Shi refers to national events.

(2) Number: truth. [Translation] Whenever important events are to be held, government orders must come first.

Before doing business. We must first clarify the scale of rewards and punishments.

[Tips] You cannot motivate people without rewards, and you cannot deter people without punishment. Just having rewards and punishments is not enough; rewards and punishments must be clearly defined.

This is a lesson from political experience. 4. If you ask for something, you will get it; if you are forbidden, you will stop it; if you order it, you will want to do it - "Guanzi·Fafa" [Note] Ban: here refers to legal prohibitions and prohibitions.

[Translation] What the state requires must be fulfilled, what the state prohibits must be eliminated, and the laws promulgated by the state must be implemented. [Tip] The requirements of the rule of law are: laws must be followed, law enforcement must be strict, and violations must be prosecuted.

Fidelity and firmness are the keys to law enforcement. 5. Do not act selfishly and do not go to jail.

——"Yanzi Chunqiu·Neipian·Question" [Notes] (1) Listening to the prison: trial cases. Listen and decide.

(2) A: Partiality. [Translation] There should be no partiality in handling affairs, and no partiality in judging cases.

[Tip] Duke Jin of Qi asked Yan Ying how he could achieve hegemony like Duke Huan of Qi did with Guan Zhong. Yan Ying said these two sentences in his answer.

What is emphasized here is that law enforcers must be fair and honest. 6. If the punishment fails, *** will be at a loss - Confucius' "Analects of Confucius·Zilu" [Notes] (1): Reasonable.

Measure: Take action, do it. [Translation] If the criminal law is unreasonable, the people will be at a loss.

[Tips] This is a sentence from a conversation between Confucius and Zilu, which comes from "To govern a country, first rectify the name (correct the confusing name)". Emphasize that a gentleman must not be careless about what he says.

7. If there is a balance, one should not cheat on the importance; if there is a measure, one should not cheat on the length; if there is a standard, one should not cheat on it. ——Shen Dao, "Shenzi · Yi Wen" [Translation] With a scale in hand, people cannot cheat on the weight; with a ruler in the hand, people cannot deviate from the length; if they have mastered the rules, people cannot play tricks. , engage in fraud.

[Tips] Emphasize the importance and necessity of establishing regulations. 8. When desire cannot be achieved, love must not violate the law, honor must not exceed relatives, and salary must not exceed position.

——Shen Dao's "Shenzi·Weide" [Notes] (1) Desire: Desire. (2) Qianshi: Interfering with current affairs.

(3) Love: here refers to the person you love, that is, relatives and friends. (4) Over: beyond.

[Translation] You cannot interfere with the political affairs of the country for personal desires, you cannot allow your relatives and friends to break the law, you cannot show excessive preference for people with high status, and your salary cannot exceed the standard of the position. [Hint] This statement refers to what a wise king should do in governing the country.

Generally speaking, the requirements are strict, set an example, enforce the law impartially, and do not act emotionally. 9. Don’t distinguish between relatives and strangers, don’t distinguish between high and low, and always stand firm in the Dharma.

——Li Kui's "Dharma Classic" [Translation] (for those who break the law), regardless of their relationship or status, everything is decided by the law. [Tip] Li Kui (kui) was a politician in Wei during the Warring States Period and a representative figure of Legalism.

He once served as the state minister of Wei Wenhou and presided over the reform. The rules do not protect relatives, the law does not respect nobles, and relatives and strangers are treated equally, regardless of whether they are high or low.

Only by enforcing the law like Li Kui can we talk about fairness. 10. If your words are not in line with the law, you will not listen; if your actions are not in line with the law, you will not be noble; if your actions are not in line with the law, you will not act.

——"Shang Jun Shu·Jun Chen" [Notes] (1): Together. (2) High: respected.

[Translation] If the speech is not legal, then it will not be obeyed; if the behavior is not legal, it will not be respected; if the matter is not legal, then it will not be done. [Tip] This is an important principle put forward by Shang Yang for a wise king to govern the country.

He believes that if this can be done, "the country will be governed and the territory will be vast, the army will be strong and the master will be respected." This is indeed a profound insight. 11. When a husband governs a country, he should put it first and benefit the people first. He should have good experience in politics and conduct according to his orders.

——"Warring States Policy·Zhao Ce" [Note] (1) Zhiguo: Managing the country. (2) Chang: regular.

The following "经" also has this meaning. [Translation] Managing the country has its own rules, that is, benefiting the people is the fundamental; doing politics also has its own rules, that is, enforcing laws and regulations is the highest principle.

[Tips] "Warring States Policy" is a country-specific history book that records the history of the Warring States Period. After King Wuling of Zhao (Zhao Yong) came to power, he worked hard and actively carried out military reforms. At that time, many courtiers opposed it. He included these words in his speech in reply to the ministers.

This insight is of great reference to us today. 12. To rule by following the law is a long and heavy task, but there are no horses and oxen, and there are no boats and boats to help the great rivers.

——Shang Yang's "Shang Jun Shu·Weak People" [Translation] Governing a country in violation of the law is like transporting heavy things to a long distance without carriages and horses, and it is also like trying to cross a river. Crossing big rivers without boats. [Tip] Emphasize the necessity of governing the country according to law.

13. If there is a rule in the world, the order will be followed, and the prohibition will be stopped. ——Xi Jiao's "Xi Zi·Volume 1·Guiyan" [Translation] To rule the world, you must do what you ask the people of the world to do; if you order to prohibit it, you must prohibit it.

[Tips] Xi Jiao was a native of Lu during the Warring States Period. 14. Rewards must be given to those who have merit, and punishment must be given to those who are guilty.

——"Warring States Policy·Qin Policy" [Note] Punishment: punishment, punishment. [Translation]Rewards must be given to those who have merit, and punishments must be imposed on those who are guilty.

[Tip] Fan Ju arrived in Qin and lobbied King Zhao of Qin, pointing out that most of the power in the Qin court was controlled by Marquis Rang (Wei Ran). If he is domineering, the court is bound to have civil strife. King Qin Zhao adopted his opinion and appointed him as the prime minister, eradicating the power of Marquis Rang and consolidating his power.

These two sentences were said in his advice to King Zhao, pointing out that law enforcement must be steady and accurate. 15. If rewards are not enough, then the virtuous will not be able to get ahead and advance; if punishment is not enough, then the unworthy will not be able to get enough and will retreat.

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