National Governance

Wu Qi, attired in the robes of a Confucian scholar, presented himself to Duke Wen of Wei with a discussion on military strategy. Duke Wen said, "I have no interest in military affairs." Wu Qi replied, "I infer your intentions from superficial phenomena and observe your future ambitions from your past words and deeds. Why should you conceal your true intentions? Currently, you slaughter animals throughout the year, tan their hides, paint them red, adorn them with patterns of rhinoceros and elephants, and yet these garments are neither warm in winter nor cool in summer. The long spears you manufacture measure two husband and four feet, while the short ones are one husband and two feet. You cover heavy chariots with leather and encase their wheels and hubs. They are not magnificent to behold nor convenient for hunting. What purpose do you serve with these things? If you intend to use them for war, yet you do not seek those who can wield them. This is like a hen sitting on eggs fighting with a wildcat or a suckling puppy attacking an old lion. Despite their fighting......