問

Whenever establishing the court, inquiries have their fundamental order. Bestow rank upon the virtuous and great ministers will rise to duty. Grant emoluments for merit and officers will make light of death. This is the art of the hegemon king. Then inquire into specific affairs, beginning with great achievements and starting governance from small matters. Inquire about orphans of those who died in service: do any lack fields or homesteads? How many youths have not yet reached military age? What is the condition of widows' rations? Which officials among the state's meritorious? What quality of scholar in which village? How are criminal proceedings delayed? Are there lonely widowers, widows, orphans, or chronically ill — and how many? How many poor households are in debt for their food? How many families cultivate garden plots? How many gentlemen farm their own land?

How many war chariots are available? How many private horses and carts can be requisitioned? How many scholars of capacity can lead the people and oversee the hundred families? How many officers are ready for urgent deployment? How many skilled craftsmen can serve the army in the field and repair walls and defenses at home? How many years of military grain can the city granaries supply? Officials must survey their fortifications, the thickness of walls, depth of moats, height and humbleness of gates — all that should be repaired but has not been. Guard units and their equipment must be kept ready; when there are excessive rains, each item must have its storage place.