8. Upholding the Sovereign's Dignity[66]
If the sovereign manifests chivalrous conduct, his dignity
will be shaken. If he follows theories of compassion and
benevolence, legal institutions will crumble. On account of
such institutions the people revere the superior; by virtue
of his position the superior holds down the inferior. Therefore,
if inferiors act at random, unscrupulously violate the
law, and honour the custom of slighting the ruler, then the
sovereign's dignity will be shaken. The people on account
of the law hesitate to violate the superior; the superior on
account of the law suppresses the sentiments of compassion
and benevolence. Thus, the inferiors appreciate favours and
charities and strive for a government with bribes and pay.[67]
For this reason, laws and orders are failing in their aim.
Private actions are honoured, whereby the sovereign's dignity
is shaken. Bribes and pay are used, whereby the efficacy of
laws and orders[68]
is doubted. If such vices are tolerated, the
government will be disturbed; if not, the sovereign will be
slandered. In the long run, the ruler's status will be despised
and the regulations for the officials will be confused. Such
is called "a state without constant authority"[69]
.
Under the Tao of the intelligent sovereign, no minister is
allowed to practise chivalry and give honours nor is he
allowed to accomplish any merit for his family's sake.
Achievement and reputation are always based on the initiative
of the regulations of the officials. What is against law,
though it may involve difficulties, cannot be celebrated.
In consequence, the people will find no reason to make their
reputation. Now, to establish laws and regulations is to
unify the people; to make reward and punishment faithful
is to exert their abilities; and to make slander and honours
clear is to encourage good and discourage evil. Fame and
titles, rewards and punishments, laws and orders, are three
pairs[70]
of statecraft. . . .[71]
Therefore, any action by the chief
vassals will aim to honour the ruler; any service by the
hundred surnames will aim to benefit the superior. Such is
called "a state on the true path"[72]
.
