Wen Tao: Safeguarding the Nation

King Wen asked Tai Gong:

"How can one safeguard the nation?"

Tai Gong replied:
"First, fast and purify yourself. Only then shall I explain to you the laws governing heaven and earth, the reasons behind the growth of all things through the four seasons, the principles of sagely governance, and the roots of shifts in the people’s hearts."

King Wen then fasted for seven days and, adopting the posture of a disciple, bowed and questioned Grand Duke again.

Tai Gong said:
"Heaven governs the four seasons; earth gives birth to all things. Under heaven are the people, and the people are governed by sages and worthies.

• The Way of spring is generation: All things flourish with vitality.

• The Way of summer is growth: All things thrive in abundance.

• The Way of autumn is harvest: All things reach fullness and maturity.

• The Way of winter is storage: All things withdraw into dormancy.
  When all things ripen, they must be stored; after storage, they regenerate anew. Thus, the cycle repeats endlessly—without conclusion, without beginning.

The sage emulates this natural law as the universal principle for governing the realm. Therefore:

• When the world is at peace, the benevolent sovereign remains hidden and unassuming.

• When the world falls into chaos, the benevolent sovereign rises to rectify disorder and establish merit.
  This is the inevitable law.

The sage, standing between heaven and earth, holds a role of profound significance. He governs by adhering to eternal principles, bringing stability to the people. Unrest among the people is the seed of turmoil. When such seeds emerge, contests for power under heaven inevitably follow. At this critical juncture, the sage quietly strengthens his influence. When the moment ripens, he openly launches campaigns of justice. By first championing the eradication of tyranny and the protection of the people, all under heaven will rally to his cause.

Once chaos is quelled and normalcy restored:

• Do not press forward to claim credit,

• Nor retreat to relinquish authority.

In this way, safeguarding the nation shall endure as heaven and earth persist, shine as the sun and moon radiate."