The Ruler’s Guide by Chinghua Tang

Author:Chinghua Tang
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Scribner

PERSONAL FEELINGS

Taizong said to the crown prince, “Don’t punish a person if he goes against your will, yet what he does is good for the country. Don’t reward a person if he pleases you personally, yet what he does is not in the best interest of the country.”

DECENCY

General Xue Wanjun was accused of raping a woman of Gaochang. He denied the charge. Taizong wanted to bring the woman to the court to confront the general.

Wei Zheng opposed him. “The general and his brother are highly respected military commanders of our country. It is utterly inappropriate to allow a woman of a conquered country to confront a senior Chinese general in public over so distasteful a matter as fornication. If the accusation is true, your gain will be small. But if it turns out to be false, your loss will be great.”

He quoted some historical examples of how the clemency and magnanimity of the ruler were rewarded by the loyalty and devotion of his subordinates and persuaded Taizong to set the general free.

The following is one instructive story from the Spring and Autumn period that was used by Wei in his argument.

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