Wen Tao: Zhou Wenwang's teacher

King Wen prepared to go hunting. Grand Historian Bian, after performing divination, said:
"Your hunt north of the Wei River will yield a great prize. What you gain will be neither dragon, nor chi-beast, nor tiger, nor bear, but a lordly talent—a teacher bestowed by Heaven to assist Your Majesty’s flourishing reign and bless your descendants with enduring grace."

King Wen asked:
"Can the divination truly be so auspicious?"

Historian Bian replied:
"My distant ancestor, Historian Chou, once divined for Yu the Great and foretold the rise of Gao Yao. The omens then mirror those of today."

King Wen then fasted for three days, mounted his hunting chariot, and rode to the northern bank of the Wei River. There, he encountered Tai Gong sitting by the reedy shore, fishing.

King Wen approached and inquired:
"Do you enjoy fishing, sir?"

Tai Gong replied:
"I have heard that noble men delight in fulfilling their aspirations, while common folk delight in their tasks. My fishing aligns with this principle—it is not mere pleasure in the act."

King Wen asked:
"How are these things similar?"

Tai Gong answered:
"Fishing mirrors governance through three strategies: luring talent with generous emoluments, as bait lures fish; securing loyalty with riches, as bait secures catches; recruiting officials through rank, as bait draws prey. All fishing aims to catch fish, yet its principles run deep, revealing greater truths."

King Wen said:
"I wish to hear of these profound truths."

Tai Gong replied:
"A deep water source flows ceaselessly, sustaining fish—this is nature’s way. Deep roots yield lush branches and abundant fruit—this too is nature’s way. When rulers and subjects unite in purpose, their endeavors succeed—this is also nature’s way. Words often conceal truth, yet honesty is paramount. My words today are candid, fearing they may offend."

King Wen said:
"Only the virtuous welcome frank counsel without resentment. How could I take offense?"

Tai Gong continued:
"With fine thread and visible bait, small fish bite; with moderate thread and fragrant bait, mid-sized fish strike; with thick line and rich bait, great fish are caught. As fish covet bait, they are reeled in; as men crave rank and wealth, they serve their lord. Thus, bait catches fish for the pot; titles enlist talent for the state. A family that governs a nation may claim it; a nation that governs the world may conquer it. Alas! Vast lands and long reigns crumble to dust, while silent preparation shines bright. Subtle indeed is the sage’s virtue—winning hearts through unseen influence. Joyful is the sage’s aim: securing all under Heaven by aligning each to their place, establishing methods to unite minds."

King Wen asked:
"What method unites the world’s hearts?"

Tai Gong answered:
"The world belongs not to one man but to all. He who shares its benefits gains it; he who monopolizes them loses it. Heaven has four seasons, Earth has bounty—sharing these is benevolence, which draws the world’s allegiance. Sparing lives, relieving suffering, averting calamity, and rescuing the imperiled is virtue, which wins allegiance. Sharing joys and sorrows, loves and hates, is righteousness, which compels allegiance. All men shun death, crave life, seek favor, and chase gain. To secure benefits for all is the Kingly Way, which commands allegiance."

King Wen bowed deeply and said:
"Your words are profound. How could I dare ignore Heaven’s will?"

He then invited Tai Gong into his chariot, returned to the capital, and honored him as his teacher.