Wen Tao: Safeguarding the Territory

King Wen asked Tai Gong:

"How can one safeguard the land?"

Tai Gong replied:
"Do not alienate your clan members, nor neglect your people. Pacify neighboring states and control the four corners of the realm. Never delegate the authority to govern the nation to others, for doing so will strip the sovereign of his power. Do not dig ditches to pile up mounds; do not abandon the root to chase the branches. When the sun reaches its zenith, seize the moment to dry your grain; when holding a blade, seize the time to slaughter; when grasping the battle-axe, seize the opportunity to conquer. Failing to act under the midday sun means losing the hour; holding a blade without slaughtering means wasting the chance; wielding the axe without striking invites enemies to exploit weakness. A trickling stream unblocked swells into a raging river; a tiny spark unquenched erupts into an unconquerable inferno; tender sprouts unplucked will demand the axe’s blade in time. Thus, the ruler must strive to enrich the state. Without wealth, benevolence cannot be practiced; without benevolence, kinship cannot be united. Alienating your clan invites calamity; losing your people ensures ruin. Never surrender the reins of governance to others, for doing so leads to destruction and an untimely end."

King Wen asked:

"What constitutes benevolence and righteousness (renyi)?"

Tai Gong answered:
"Respect your people and unite your clan. Respecting the people fosters harmony; uniting the clan brings joy. This is the essence of benevolence and righteousness. Let none usurp your authority. Govern with clarity and align with natural order. Bestow favor upon those who submit and employ them; crush those who resist with force. Adhere to these principles without hesitation, and all under heaven will yield in obedience."