In the time of Duke P`ing of Chin the tower in which his
valuables were stored caught fire. When the officials and Great
Officers heard of it they all[2]
hastened in chariots and on horseback
to put the fire out. After three days and nights they got it under
control. The Kung-tzŭ Yen-tzŭ alone congratulated him with rolls
of silk, saying, "Very good."
Duke P`ing suddenly changed color and said, "It was where
pearls and jade were stored. They were the most important
treasures of the state, but Heaven burned it. Officials and Great
Officers all hastened in chariots and on horseback to put out the
fire; why do you alone congratulate me with rolls of silk? If you
have an explanation you may live; if not, you die."
The Kung-tzŭ Yen-tzŭ said, "How would I dare not have an
explanation? I have heard that the king has his treasure in the
empire, the feudal lords have theirs in the people, [the farmers
in their granaries],[3]
and the merchants in their coffers. Now the
people are exhausted outside. Their worn-out[4]
clothes do not
cover their bodies, and their coarse food does not satisfy their
hunger. They are empty . . .[5]
but there is no end to taxes and
imposts. Your Highness[6]
takes the half and stores it in your
tower. This is why Heaven has burned it. Further I have heard
that of old because Chieh treated the country outrageously, taxing
immoderately so that the people were in great distress, T`ang
punished him, putting him to death[7]
and making him the laughing
stock of the empire. Now that August Heaven has sent down
disaster on your treasure tower is Your Highness' good luck. If
you do not realize it and wake up, I fear that you too will be the
laughing stock of neighboring states."
The Duke approved, saying, "From now on I hope to lay up
my treasures among the people."
The Ode says,[8]
Their sowing and reaping are precious to them;
They love this substitute for pay.
