仲尼

At Confucius's school, even a young boy of five feet would be ashamed to praise the Five Hegemons. Why is this? Because they truly deserve to be considered shameful. Duke Huan of Qi was the greatest of the Five Hegemons, yet his earlier deeds included killing his brother to seize the state. In his private conduct, seven of his sisters and aunts remained unmarried; within his inner chambers he indulged in music and extravagance, so that the revenues of Qi were insufficient to support him. In external affairs, he deceived Zhu, attacked Ju, and annexed thirty-five states.

The true king is not like this. He attracts the worthy and uses them to redeem the unworthy. He achieves strength and uses it to show leniency to the weak. In battle he could certainly endanger the enemy, yet he would be ashamed to fight at all. He naturally accomplishes civilized governance and displays it to the world, and violent states are pacified and transform of their own accord.

The art of maintaining favor and holding office throughout one's life without ever being dismissed: when the ruler honors you, be respectful and humble. When the ruler trusts and loves you, be cautious and modest. When the ruler entrusts you exclusively, be disciplined and thorough. When the ruler draws you close, be careful in association and never devious. When the ruler distances you, maintain your integrity and never betray. When the ruler demotes you, be fearful but never resentful.