十過

The ten faults: First, performing petty loyalty is the enemy of great loyalty. Second, fixating on petty gains is the ruin of great advantage. Third, acting willfully, insisting on one's own way, and showing no courtesy to the feudal lords leads inevitably to personal destruction. Fourth, neglecting governance and indulging in music leads to personal ruin. Fifth, greed, obstinacy, and appetite for profit are the root of national destruction and personal death. Sixth, addiction to female entertainers and disregard for state affairs brings the calamity of national ruin. Seventh, leaving the capital for distant travels while ignoring remonstrating advisers is the path to personal danger. Eighth, committing errors yet refusing to heed loyal ministers, insisting on one's own course, is the beginning of destroying one's reputation and becoming a laughingstock. Ninth, overestimating one's internal strength and depending on external allies brings the affliction of territorial diminishment. Tenth, being a small state without propriety and refusing to employ remonstrating ministers creates the conditions for dynastic extinction.

What is meant by petty loyalty? In the past, King Gong of Chu fought Duke Li of Jin at Yanling. The Chu army was defeated and King Gong suffered a wound to his eye. At the height of the battle, the Marshal Zifan was thirsty and asked for drink. The servant Guyang brought a cup of wine and offered it to him. Zifan said: 'Away with it -- that is wine!' Guyang said: 'It is not wine.' Zifan accepted and drank it. Now Zifan was by nature fond of wine, and finding it sweet he could not stop drinking until he was drunk.

After the battle paused, King Gong wished to resume fighting and sent for Marshal Zifan. Zifan excused himself with a claim of chest pains. King Gong drove his chariot to Zifan's tent himself, and upon entering smelled the stench of wine. He turned back and said: 'In today's battle, I myself was wounded. My sole reliance was the Marshal, and the Marshal is drunk like this -- he would ruin the altars of soil and grain of Chu and shows no concern for my people. I shall fight no more.' He thereupon withdrew his army and departed, and had Marshal Zifan executed as a public punishment.

Now when the servant Guyang offered wine, it was not out of enmity toward Zifan. His heart was loyal and loving -- yet it was precisely enough to kill him. Therefore it is said: performing petty loyalty is the enemy of great loyalty.

What is meant by fixating on petty gain? In the past, Duke Xian of Jin wished to borrow passage through Yu in order to attack Guo. Xun Xi said: 'My lord, offer the jade disc of Chuiji and the team of horses from Quchan as bribes to the Lord of Yu, and request passage through his territory. He will certainly grant it.' The duke said: 'The jade disc of Chuiji is a treasure from my ancestors; the team from Quchan is my finest horses. What if he accepts my gifts but refuses passage?' Xun Xi said: 'If he does not grant us passage, he will certainly not dare accept them. If he accepts and grants passage, then it is merely as if the treasure were moved from an inner treasury to an outer one, and the horses from an inner stable to an outer one. My lord need not worry.' The duke said: 'Very well.'

He thereupon sent Xun Xi with the Chuiji jade and the Quchan team to bribe the Lord of Yu and request passage. The Lord of Yu, coveting the jade and horses, wished to grant it. Gong Zhiqi remonstrated: 'This must not be permitted. Yu's relationship to Guo is like a cart's relationship to its cheekboards. The cheekboard depends on the cart, and the cart depends on the cheekboard -- the strategic position of Yu and Guo is exactly this. If you grant passage, Guo will perish in the morning and Yu will follow by evening. It must not be done; I beg you to refuse.'

The Lord of Yu did not listen and granted passage. Xun Xi attacked Guo and conquered it. He returned, and after three years, raised troops and attacked Yu -- conquering it as well. Xun Xi led back the horses and brought the jade disc to report to Duke Xian. The duke was delighted and said: 'The jade is just as it was. However, the horses' teeth have grown somewhat longer.'

Why was it that the Lord of Yu's army was destroyed and his territory lost? Because he loved petty gain and did not consider the harm. Therefore it is said: fixating on petty gain is the ruin of great advantage.

What is meant by willful arrogance? In the past, King Ling of Chu convened the assembly at Shen. When the crown prince of Song arrived late, he had him seized and imprisoned. He treated the Lord of Xu with contempt. He detained Qing Feng of Qi. The palace archer remonstrated: 'When assembling the feudal lords, one must not be discourteous -- this is the hinge of survival and destruction. In the past, Jie convened the assembly at Yourong, and the Youhun people revolted. Zhou of Shang held the hunt at Liqiu, and the Rong and Di peoples revolted -- all because of discourtesy. My lord should consider this carefully.'

The king did not listen and insisted on his own course. Less than a year later, King Ling went on a southern tour, and his own ministers followed and seized power against him. King Ling starved to death at Ganxi.

Therefore it is said: acting willfully, insisting on one's own way, and showing no courtesy to the feudal lords leads inevitably to personal destruction.

What is meant by indulgence in music? In the past, Duke Ling of Wei was traveling to Jin. Upon reaching the Pu River, he unyoked his chariots, released his horses, and set up camp for the night. At midnight he heard someone playing a new melody and was delighted by it. He asked his attendants, but all reported hearing nothing. He summoned Music Master Juan and told him: 'Someone is playing a new melody. I asked my attendants and none of them heard it. It seems like the work of ghosts and spirits. Listen and transcribe it for me.' Music Master Juan said: 'Very well.' He sat quietly, took up his zither, and transcribed it. The next day he reported: 'I have captured it, but have not yet practiced it. Allow me one more night to rehearse.' Duke Ling agreed, and they stayed another night. The following day, having mastered it, they proceeded to Jin.

Duke Ping of Jin hosted a banquet for him at the Shiyi Terrace. When the wine was flowing freely, Duke Ling rose and said: 'I have a new melody and wish to present it.' Duke Ping said: 'Excellent.' He summoned Music Master Juan and had him sit beside Music Master Kuang. Juan took up the zither and began to play. Before the piece was finished, Music Master Kuang pressed his hand upon the strings to stop him, saying: 'This is the music of a ruined state. It must not be played to completion.' Duke Ping asked: 'Where does this melody originate?' Music Master Kuang said: 'This was composed by Music Master Yan for Zhou of Shang -- it was his decadent music. When King Wu attacked Zhou, Music Master Yan fled east and drowned himself in the Pu River. Therefore whoever hears this music must be near water. The first state to hear this music will certainly be diminished. It must not be played.' Duke Ping said: 'What I love is music. Let it be played to the end.'

Music Master Juan played it through to completion. Duke Ping asked Music Master Kuang: 'What is this melody called?' Kuang replied: 'This is called the Clear Shang mode.' The duke asked: 'Is the Clear Shang the most sorrowful of all?' Kuang said: 'It is not as sorrowful as the Clear Zhi mode.' The duke asked: 'Can I hear the Clear Zhi?' Kuang said: 'You cannot. Those who heard the Clear Zhi in antiquity were all rulers of virtue and righteousness. My lord's virtue is too thin; you are not worthy to hear it.' Duke Ping said: 'What I love is music. Let me try hearing it.'

Music Master Kuang had no choice but to take up his zither and play. At the first strain, sixteen black cranes came from the south and gathered upon the railing of the corridor gate. At the second strain, they formed into lines. At the third strain, they stretched their necks and cried, spread their wings and danced, their calls harmonizing with the gong and shang tones, their sound reaching to heaven. Duke Ping was overjoyed; all present were delighted. He raised his goblet, rose to toast Music Master Kuang, then sat back down and asked: 'Is there nothing more sorrowful than the Clear Zhi?' Kuang said: 'It is not as sorrowful as the Clear Jue mode.' The duke asked: 'Can I hear the Clear Jue?' Kuang said: 'You cannot. In the past, the Yellow Emperor assembled the gods and spirits atop Mount Tai, riding an elephant chariot drawn by six water dragons, with Bifang at the axle, Chiyou in the vanguard, the Lord of Wind sweeping the path, the Master of Rain sprinkling the road, tigers and wolves before, ghosts and spirits behind, flying serpents on the ground, and phoenixes overhead. In this great assembly of spirits, he composed the Clear Jue. My lord's virtue is too thin; you are not worthy to hear it. If you hear it, I fear there will be catastrophe.'

Duke Ping said: 'I am old. What I love is music. Let me hear it through.' Music Master Kuang had no choice but to play. At the first strain, dark clouds rose from the northwest. At the second strain, a great wind arrived, followed by torrential rain, tearing the curtains, shattering the sacrificial vessels, and smashing the corridor tiles. All present fled in panic. Duke Ping cowered in terror between the corridors. The state of Jin suffered a great drought, with scorched earth for three years. Duke Ping himself fell gravely ill.

Therefore it is said: neglecting governance and indulging endlessly in music leads to personal ruin.

What is meant by greed and obstinacy? In the past, Zhibo Yao led the forces of Zhao, Han, and Wei to attack the Fan and Zhonghang clans, and destroyed them. He returned home and rested his troops for several years. He then sent envoys to demand territory from Han.

Kangzi of Han wished to refuse. Duan Gui remonstrated: 'You cannot refuse. Zhibo is by nature greedy and arrogantly obstinate. If he demands territory and you refuse, he will certainly turn his army on Han. My lord should grant it. Once he obtains it easily, he will grow accustomed to success and demand territory from other states. Some state will refuse, and when it refuses, Zhibo will certainly attack it with his army. In this way, Han can avoid the immediate danger and wait for events to change.' Kangzi said: 'Very well.' He sent envoys to present a district of ten thousand households to Zhibo.

Zhibo was pleased, and then sent envoys to demand territory from Wei. Xuanzi of Wei wished to refuse. Zhao Jia remonstrated: 'He demanded territory from Han, and Han gave it. Now he demands from Wei, and if Wei refuses, Wei would be strengthening itself internally while angering Zhibo externally. If you do not give it, he will certainly turn his army on Wei. Better to give it.' Xuanzi said: 'Very well.' He sent envoys to present a district of ten thousand households to Zhibo.

Zhibo then sent envoys to Zhao demanding the lands of Cai and Gaolang. Lord Xiang of Zhao refused. Zhibo thereupon secretly agreed with Han and Wei to attack Zhao.

Lord Xiang summoned Zhang Mengtian and told him: 'Zhibo is a man who is outwardly friendly but inwardly estranged. He has sent demands to Han and Wei but I alone refused -- he will certainly turn his army on me. Where can I safely settle?' Zhang Mengtian said: 'Dong Eyu was a talented minister of Lord Jian who governed Jinyang, and Yin Duo continued his administration. The legacy of their governance remains. My lord should settle at Jinyang.' The lord agreed and dispatched advance forces to Jinyang, then followed.

Upon arriving, he inspected the city walls and the stores of the five offices. The walls were in disrepair; the granaries had no stored grain; the treasury had no reserves; the armory had no weapons; the city had no defensive equipment. Lord Xiang was alarmed and summoned Zhang Mengtian: 'I have inspected the walls and all five storehouses -- none are prepared. How shall I resist the enemy?'

Zhang Mengtian said: 'I have heard that the sage's governance stores wealth among the people, not in treasuries. He cultivates moral instruction rather than city walls. Issue an order: let the people keep three years' worth of food for themselves and send any surplus grain to the granaries; keep three years' worth of money and send any surplus to the treasury; those with extra manpower should be assigned to repair the walls.' The lord issued the order that evening. By the next day, the granaries could not hold all the grain, and the treasury overflowed. Within five days, the walls were repaired and defenses fully prepared.

The lord asked: 'The walls are repaired, defenses prepared, money and grain sufficient, weapons more than enough. But what about arrows?' Zhang Mengtian said: 'When Dong Eyu governed Jinyang, the walls of the ducal palace were all built with reeds, mugwort, and thorn-bush cores, rising to a full zhang in height. Extract and use them.' They tested them, and found them as strong as the finest bamboo arrows.

The lord asked: 'Arrows are sufficient. But what about metal?' Zhang Mengtian said: 'When Dong Eyu governed Jinyang, the pillars in the halls of the ducal palace and guest quarters were all cast from refined copper. Extract and use them.' They did, and had metal to spare.

With orders established and defenses prepared, the armies of the three states duly arrived. They assaulted Jinyang's walls and fought for three months without taking the city. They then spread out their forces to encircle it and diverted the river to flood it. After three years of siege, the people of the city were living in treetop nests, hanging their cooking pots from the rafters. Food and wealth were nearly exhausted, and the officers were gaunt and ill.

Lord Xiang said to Zhang Mengtian: 'Food is scarce, resources exhausted, the officers sick. I fear I cannot hold out. I wish to surrender the city -- to which state should I surrender?' Zhang Mengtian replied: 'I have heard it said: if you cannot preserve what is about to perish, or stabilize what is in danger, then wisdom has no value. My lord, abandon this plan. Let me try to slip out and meet with the lords of Han and Wei.'

Zhang Mengtian met the lords of Han and Wei and said: 'I have heard the saying: when the lips perish, the teeth grow cold. Zhibo now leads you two lords to attack Zhao. When Zhao perishes, you two will be next.' The two lords said: 'We know this. However, Zhibo is by nature crude and suspicious. If he discovers our plot, the disaster will certainly fall upon us. What can be done?' Zhang Mengtian said: 'This plan leaves your mouths and enters only my ears -- no one else will know.' The two lords agreed with Zhang Mengtian on a plan for their armies to turn, and set a date.

That night, Zhang Mengtian was sent back into Jinyang to report the reversal. Lord Xiang received him with two bows, both fearful and overjoyed. After the agreement was dispatched, the two lords went to pay court on Zhibo and upon leaving, encountered Zhi Guo outside the camp gate. Zhi Guo was disturbed by their expressions and went to see Zhibo: 'The two lords' faces show signs of change.' Zhibo asked what he meant. 'Their bearing is proud and their spirits are high -- this is not their usual manner. My lord should strike first.' Zhibo said: 'My agreement with the two lords is firm. When Zhao is broken, we divide its territory in three. This is why they cooperate with me -- they will not betray me. The army has been at Jinyang for three years; any day now we will take it and enjoy the spoils. Why would they have other designs? Impossible. Drop this and speak no more of it.'

The next morning, the two lords again came to pay court, and upon leaving again encountered Zhi Guo at the camp gate. Zhi Guo went in and said: 'Did my lord reveal my words to the two lords?' Zhibo asked how he knew. 'Today when the two lords came out and saw me, their expressions shifted and their eyes fixed on me. They are certainly plotting. My lord should kill them.' Zhibo said: 'Enough. Do not speak of this again.' Zhi Guo said: 'This will not do -- you must kill them. If you cannot kill them, then bind them with greater rewards.' Zhibo asked how. Zhi Guo said: 'Wei Xuanzi's chief counselor is Zhao Jia; Han Kangzi's chief counselor is Duan Gui. Both can alter their lords' plans. Agree with the two lords that when Zhao is destroyed, each of these two counselors will be enfeoffed with a district of ten thousand households. Then the two lords' hearts can be kept from changing.' Zhibo said: 'Destroy Zhao and divide it three ways, and then also enfeof their two counselors with districts of ten thousand households each? My share would be too small. I refuse.'

Zhi Guo, seeing that his advice was not heeded, departed and changed his clan name to Fu.

On the appointed night, the Zhao forces killed Zhibo's dike guards and diverted the floodwaters onto Zhibo's army. Zhibo's troops scrambled to deal with the flooding and fell into disorder. Han and Wei attacked from the flanks, while Lord Xiang led his soldiers in a frontal assault. They utterly routed Zhibo's army and captured Zhibo himself. Zhibo was killed, his army destroyed, and his domain divided into three -- becoming a laughingstock for All-Under-Heaven.

Therefore it is said: greed, obstinacy, and appetite for profit are the root of national destruction and personal death.

What is meant by addiction to female entertainers? In the past, the King of the Rong sent You Yu as an envoy to Qin. Duke Mu asked him: 'I have long heard of the Way but never seen it with my own eyes. I wish to hear by what means the enlightened rulers of antiquity gained and lost their states.' You Yu replied: 'I have heard that they invariably gained them through frugality and lost them through extravagance.'

Duke Mu said: 'I do you the honor of asking about the Way, and you answer me with frugality?' You Yu replied: 'I have heard that in ancient times Yao possessed All-Under-Heaven, yet ate from earthen bowls and drank from earthen vessels. His territory extended south to Jiaozhi, north to Youdu, and east and west to wherever the sun rises and sets -- all truly submitted. Yao abdicated All-Under-Heaven, and Shun received it. Shun made eating vessels by cutting mountain timber, shaping and sanding them, lacquering them black, and sending them to the palace. The feudal lords considered this increasingly extravagant, and thirteen states no longer submitted. Shun abdicated All-Under-Heaven and passed it to Yu. Yu made ritual vessels -- dyed black on the outside, painted red within -- with plain silk for mats, bordered and trimmed, colorful drinking vessels, and decorated wine stands and platters. This was even more extravagant, and thirty-three states no longer submitted. When the Xia house fell and the Yin people received All-Under-Heaven, they built grand carriages with nine-streamer banners, carved their eating vessels, engraved their drinking cups, whitewashed their walls, and embroidered their mats. This was more extravagant still, and fifty-three states no longer submitted. All rulers understood refinement, yet those willing to submit grew ever fewer. Therefore I say: frugality is the Way.'

After You Yu departed, Duke Mu summoned the Internal Historian Liao and told him: 'I have heard that when a neighboring state has a sage, it is a rival state's worry. Now You Yu is a sage, and I am troubled by this. What shall I do?' The Internal Historian said: 'I have heard that the Rong king's domain is remote and backward, and he has never heard the entertainments of the Central States. Send him female musicians to disorder his governance, then request an extension of You Yu's stay to create distance between You Yu and his king. Once a rift opens between that ruler and his minister, you can make your move.'

Duke Mu agreed and sent sixteen female musicians to the Rong king through the Internal Historian, while requesting to extend You Yu's stay. The Rong king consented. When he saw the female musicians he was delighted, setting out wine for daily feasting and listening to music without end, neglecting to migrate his herds until half the cattle and horses had died. You Yu returned and remonstrated with the king, but the king would not listen. You Yu thereupon left for Qin. Duke Mu received him, appointed him Senior Minister, and asked him about military positions and terrain. Having obtained this intelligence, he raised an army and attacked, annexing twelve states and opening a thousand li of territory.

Therefore it is said: addiction to female entertainers and disregard for state affairs brings the calamity of national ruin.

What is meant by leaving the capital for distant travels? In the past, Duke Jing of Qi went on an ocean excursion and was delighted by it. He issued an order to all his ministers: 'Anyone who speaks of returning shall die.' Yan Zhuoju said: 'My lord is delighted by his ocean excursion -- but what of those plotting to seize the state back home? However much you enjoy this, where will your enjoyment lead?'

Duke Jing said: 'I have issued the order that anyone who speaks of returning shall die. Now you defy my order.' He seized a lance to strike him. Yan Zhuoju said: 'In the past, Jie killed Guan Longfeng and Zhou killed Prince Bi Gan. If my lord kills me to join their number, so be it. I speak for the state, not for myself.' He stretched his neck forward and said: 'Strike!'

The duke thereupon put down his lance, hurried to his chariot, and returned. Within three days, he heard that there were people in the capital plotting to bar Duke Jing from re-entering Qi. That Duke Jing ultimately retained his state was due to the strength of Yan Zhuoju.

Therefore it is said: leaving the capital for distant travels is the path to personal danger.

What is meant by committing errors and not heeding loyal ministers? In the past, Duke Huan of Qi united the feudal lords nine times, rectified All-Under-Heaven, and became the chief of the Five Hegemons, with Guan Zhong assisting him. When Guan Zhong grew old and could no longer serve, he retired to his home. Duke Huan visited and asked: 'My father-minister is home and ill. If by misfortune you do not recover from this illness, to whom should governance be transferred?'

Guan Zhong said: 'I am old and should not be consulted. However, I have heard it said: no one knows a minister like his ruler, and no one knows a son like his father. Let my lord decide from his own judgment.' The duke asked: 'What about Bao Shuya?' Guan Zhong said: 'He will not do. Bao Shuya is by nature rigid, obstinate, and fierce. Rigidity makes him harsh toward the people; obstinacy loses him their hearts; fierceness means his subordinates will not serve him. He lacks the capacity for fear -- he is not a hegemon's minister.'

The duke asked: 'Then what about the eunuch Shu Diao?' Guan Zhong said: 'He will not do. It is human nature to love one's own body. You are jealous and fond of the inner chambers. Shu Diao castrated himself to manage the inner chambers. A man who does not love his own body -- how can he love his ruler?'

The duke asked: 'Then what about Prince Kai Fang of Wei?' Guan Zhong said: 'He will not do. The distance between Qi and Wei is no more than ten days' journey, yet Kai Fang, in order to serve you and please you, has not returned to visit his parents for fifteen years. This is not human nature. A man who is not close to his own parents -- how can he be close to his ruler?'

The duke asked: 'Then what about Yi Ya?' Guan Zhong said: 'He will not do. Yi Ya is your master chef. The only thing you had never tasted was human flesh, and Yi Ya steamed his own son's head and presented it to you -- as you yourself know. It is human nature to love one's children above all else. A man who would steam his own child to prepare a meal for his ruler -- if he does not love his child, how can he love his ruler?'

The duke asked: 'Then who will do?' Guan Zhong said: 'Xi Peng will do. He is a man of inner firmness and outer integrity, with few desires and great trustworthiness. Inner firmness makes him a model for others; outer integrity makes him fit for great responsibility; few desires enable him to lead the multitude; great trustworthiness enables him to win over neighboring states. This is a hegemon's minister. My lord should employ him.' The duke said: 'Very well.'

Over a year later Guan Zhong died, and the duke did not employ Xi Peng but instead entrusted affairs to Shu Diao. After Shu Diao had administered affairs for three years, Duke Huan traveled south to Tangfu. Shu Diao, together with Yi Ya, Prince Kai Fang of Wei, and other ministers, staged a revolt. Duke Huan died of thirst and hunger in the bedchamber of the southern gate, in the keeper's quarters. His body lay unattended for three months until maggots crawled out through the door.

Duke Huan's armies had marched across All-Under-Heaven; he was the chief of the Five Hegemons. Yet in the end he was murdered by his own ministers, his great name destroyed, and he became a laughingstock for All-Under-Heaven. Why? Because he did not heed the counsel of Guan Zhong.

Therefore it is said: committing errors yet refusing to heed loyal ministers, insisting on one's own course, is the beginning of destroying one's reputation and becoming a laughingstock.

What is meant by overestimating internal strength? In the past, when Qin attacked Yiyang, Han was in dire straits. Gongzhong Peng said to the lord of Han: 'Allied states cannot be relied upon. Would it not be better to make peace with Qin through Zhang Yi? Offer a famous city as tribute and join Qin in attacking Chu to the south. This would relieve the threat from Qin and shift the harm onto Chu.'

The lord said: 'Good.' He prepared Gongzhong's mission, about to go west to make peace with Qin. The King of Chu heard of this and was alarmed. He summoned Chen Zhen and asked: 'The Han envoy is going west to make peace with Qin. What shall we do?' Chen Zhen said: 'If Qin obtains one of Han's cities and commands Han's trained soldiers, Qin and Han united and turning south against Chu -- this is what the King of Qin prays for in his ancestral temple. The harm to Chu is certain. Your Majesty should quickly dispatch a trusted envoy with many chariots and lavish gifts, saying to Han: "Though our state is small, we have already mobilized all our troops. We beg the great state to stand firm against Qin. We invite the great state to send an envoy to observe the mobilization of Chu's forces."'

Han sent someone to Chu. The King of Chu deployed cavalry and chariots, arraying them on the main road, and told the Han envoy: 'Report to the lord of Han that our troops are about to enter his borders.' The envoy returned and reported. The lord of Han was overjoyed and stopped Gongzhong's mission.

Gongzhong said: 'This will not do. It is Qin that harms us in reality; it is Chu that rescues us in name only. Heeding Chu's empty words while making light of Qin's real threat is the root of endangering the state.' The lord of Han did not listen. Gongzhong went home in anger and did not attend court for ten days.

The situation at Yiyang grew more desperate. The lord of Han sent envoys to urge Chu for troops -- their carriages and outriders stretched as far as the eye could see, but no soldiers ever arrived. Yiyang was duly taken, and Han became a laughingstock among the feudal lords.

Therefore it is said: overestimating one's internal strength and depending on external allies brings the affliction of territorial diminishment.

What is meant by a small state without propriety? In the past, Prince Chong'er of Jin was in exile and passed through Cao. The Lord of Cao bared his upper body to gawk at him. Xi Fuji and Shu Zhan were in attendance. Shu Zhan said to the Lord of Cao: 'I observe that this prince of Jin is no ordinary man. My lord treats him without propriety. If he should someday return to his state and raise an army, I fear it will mean harm for Cao. My lord should kill him.' The Lord of Cao did not listen.

Xi Fuji returned home in low spirits. His wife asked: 'You come from court with a troubled expression. Why?' Fuji said: 'I have heard it said that when good fortune does not reach you, misfortune comes to claim you. Today our lord summoned the prince of Jin and treated him without propriety. I was present, and this is why I am troubled.' His wife said: 'I observe that this prince of Jin is the ruler of a ten-thousand-chariot state in waiting; his attendants are chancellors of a ten-thousand-chariot state. Now he passes through Cao in poverty and exile, and Cao treats him without propriety. When he returns to his state, he will certainly punish those who showed no propriety -- and Cao will be first. Why not make a separate arrangement for yourself now?'

Fuji agreed. He filled a pot with gold, packed food around it, placed a jade disc on top, and sent it to the prince by night. The prince received the messenger, bowed twice, accepted the food but declined the jade.

The prince went from Cao to Chu, from Chu to Qin. After three years in Qin, Duke Mu summoned his ministers to deliberate: 'In the past, Duke Xian of Jin was my ally -- all the feudal lords knew of it. Duke Xian unfortunately left his ministers, and it has been ten years since. His successors have been unworthy. I fear that Jin's ancestral temples will go unsweept and its altars of soil and grain will receive no blood sacrifices. If we do not settle this, it is not the way to honor an alliance. I wish to support Chong'er and restore him to Jin. What say you?' All the ministers said: 'Excellent.'

The duke thereupon mobilized his forces -- five hundred war chariots, two thousand cavalry, and fifty thousand infantry -- to escort Chong'er into Jin, where he was established as lord. Three years after taking the throne, Chong'er raised an army and attacked Cao. He sent word to the Lord of Cao: 'Hang Shu Zhan outside the walls and hand him over -- I intend to kill him and make a public example.' He also sent word to Xi Fuji: 'The army approaches the city walls. I know you will not resist. Mark your neighborhood gate, and I will issue orders that the army must not violate it.'

When the people of Cao heard this, over seven hundred households brought their families to shelter in Xi Fuji's neighborhood. This is what propriety achieves.

Now Cao was a small state, pressed between Jin and Chu, its ruler's position as precarious as stacked eggs -- yet he governed with impropriety. This is why his line was extinguished.

Therefore it is said: a small state without propriety that refuses to employ remonstrating ministers creates the conditions for dynastic extinction.