中匡

Guan Zhong audited the state's expenditures and found that two-thirds went to guests and envoys, with only one-third remaining for the state itself. He was alarmed and reported this. Duke Huan responded: 'What of it? When foreign guests enter pleased and leave praising us, our bright name fills the realm. The land can produce grain; timber can become goods. Grain consumed will regrow; goods dispersed will be gathered again. For a ruler of men, reputation is the truly precious thing — how can wealth compare?' When the Duke asked whether the army was ready, Guan Zhong advised converting criminal penalties into military equipment: death sentences redeemed with rhinoceros-hide armor and a halberd; lesser punishments with shield and halberd; fines paid in metal for the military; frivolous lawsuits settled with a bundle of arrows.

Duke Huan wished to honor Guan Zhong with a banquet after ten days of ritual fasting. At the feast, with the Duke holding the cup and his consort holding the vessel, Guan Zhong abruptly walked out after only three rounds of toasts. The Duke was furious. When Bao Shu and Xi Peng caught up with Guan Zhong and warned him of the Duke's anger, he returned. Guan Zhong explained: 'I have heard that one who drowns in pleasure will be steeped in sorrow; one who indulges in flavors will be thin in conduct; one who neglects the morning court will be lax in governance. What harms the state endangers the altars of state — this is why I dared to leave.' The Duke asked about the meaning of a ruler's trustworthiness. Guan Zhong answered: 'The people love him, neighboring states befriend him, the realm trusts him — this is a ruler's trustworthiness. It begins with cultivating the self, reaches its middle in governing the state, and is completed in governing the realm.'