University of Virginia Library

14[1]

When the Son of Heaven has seven admonishing ministers,
though he be without principle, he will not lose his empire. Of old

Chou, King of the Yin, was cruel to the people and went against
the Way of Heaven to the extent of cutting off [the legs of an old
man and of a boy] who were crossing the ford in the morning,[2]
of ripping up pregnant women,[3] of making dried meat of the
Marquis of Kuei, and of making mincemeat of the Earl of Mei.
The reason he did not lose his kingdom was that he had Chi-tzŭ
and Pi-kan. Wei-tzŭ left him, Chi-tzŭ was thrown into prison as
a slave, and Pi-kan, remonstrating, died. After that Chou raised
troops and exterminated him.

When a feudal lord has five admonishing ministers, though he
be without principle, he will not lose his state. Fu-ch`ai, King of
Wu, acted without principle to the extent of driving the population
of a whole town to be interred with Ho-lü.[4] The reason he did not
lose his state was that he had Wu Tzŭ-hsü. Once [Tzŭ-]hsü was
dead, King Kou-chien of Yüeh wished to attack [Wu]. Fan Li
objected, "Tzŭ-hsü's plans are not yet forgotten in the mind of the
King of Wu." After Tzŭ-hsü had been dead for three years, Yüeh
was able to attack [Wu].

If a Great Officer has three admonishing ministers, though he
be without principle, he will not lose his house. The head of the
Chi family was without principle, usurping the dances with eight
rows of dancers of the Son of Heaven,[5] sacrificing to Mt. T`ai,[6]
and using the "Yung" ode.[7] Confucius said,[8] "If he can bear to
do this, what may he not bear to do?" That he did not lose his
position was because he had Jan Yu and Chi Lu for ministers.

Truly it is said, "The state of one with outspoken admonishing
ministers will be brilliant, while the state of one with reticent
flattering ministers will be lost."

The Ode says,[9]

It speaks of King Wên's sighing and deploring that the Yin-shang
[dynasty], from a lack of assisting and admonishing ministers,
would lose the empire.