The True King must needs set up three[2]
inspectors[3]
whom he
sends to inspect distant places and care for the masses. When the
people of distant places suffer from famine and cold without being
able to obtain clothing and food, when they have criminal cases
and lawsuits and no one settles their complaints,
[4]
when sages are
neglected and not brought forward, [then the inspectors] go back
and report to the Son of Heaven. When the rulers of such [places]
come to court, the Son of Heaven bows and has them advance to
him, saying, "Alas, have my government and teachings failed to
get to you? How else is it that [your people] suffer from famine
and cold without being able to obtain clothing and food, that
they have criminal cases and lawsuits and no one settles their
complaints,
[4]
that sages are neglected and not brought forward?"
Thereafter such rulers return [to their own states] and discuss
the matter with their ministers and Great Officers. When the
people of those distant places hear of it, they all say, "He is
truly Son of Heaven. Although we dwell in an out-of-the-way
place, he sees us as though we were near at hand, and though we
dwell in seclusion he sees us clearly. How is it possible to deceive
him?"
Thus it is that inspectors were the means by which he everywhere
kept his eyes open and made effective his hearing.[5]
The Ode says,[6]
In the States, the princes, be they good or bad,
Are clearly distinguished by Chung Shan-fu.
This is illustrated above.
