Chao Chien-tzŭ had a minister named Chou Shê, who stood
outside his gate for three days and three nights. Chien-tzŭ sent
a messanger to ask, "On what business do you wish an interview?"
Chou Shê replied, "I would like to be your outspoken minister.[2]
With inked brush[3]
and tablet in hand I would follow after [Your
Highness, looking out for] your faults and [writing them down,[4]
so that] each day there will be a record, each month an achievement,
and each year good results."
[5]
Where Chien-tzŭ stayed, [Chou Shê] stayed there with him,
and when [Chien-tzŭ] went out, he went out with him. After a
little while Chou Shê died, and Chien-tzŭ mourned for him as if
he had been his own son. Later he was drinking with the Great
Officers in the Hung-po Terrace. When he was drunk on the wine,
Chien-tzŭ began to weep, and the Great Officers all went out[6]
saying, "We are at fault without knowing ourselves [wherein we
have offended]."
Chien-tzŭ said, "You Great Officers are not at fault.[7]
My
friend[8]
Chou Shê used to say, `A thousand sheepskins are not
worth the fur under one fox's forelegs, and the servile assent of
the multitude is not worth the outspoken works of one gentleman.'[9]
Of old Chou of the Shang was lost through silence, while
King Wu prospered through frankness [on the part of their
ministers]. Now after Chou Shê's death I never hear of my faults,
and it will not be long before I am lost. This is why I wept."
