| | Whenever one is about to undertake an endeavor, he must correct the heavenly principles; winds and rains will then follow without deviation. Distant or near, high or low, each shall obtain its proper successor. Once the Three Classics are properly established, a ruler will then possess a nation. Do not reward merely out of joy, nor kill solely from anger; Rewarding because of joy and killing due to anger will give rise to resentment, cause commands to be disregarded, lead to sudden orders not being carried out, and result in the people's hearts turning away. Once there are followers among those who have turned outward, calamity will begin to take root. What the masses resent cannot be left unaddressed or plotted against. When promoting what is considered admirable, one must necessarily observe its ultimate outcome. When abolishing what is disliked, one must certainly consider the consequences to their end. Celebrate and encourage diligence and reverence to highlight them; provide wealth and rank for those with merit as an incentive; bestow noble titles and honor by name to grant them rest. To love all equally without omission is called the mind of a ruler. One must first follow proper instruction, and thus the myriad people will turn toward virtuous customs. Benefit them morning and night, and the masses will then be capable of fulfilling their duties. Select people based on oneself, and accomplish matters through integrity. Carefully manage resources, cautiously bestow rewards or punishments, and scrutinize assessments and measurements; Therefore, the use of wealth must not be stingy, nor should labor be made excessively burdensome. If wealth is used sparingly, it will ultimately cost more; if labor is made overly arduous, it will result in exhaustion. When the people are insufficiently provided for, commands will be dishonored. When the people suffer misfortune, orders will not be carried out. If rewards and punishments are improperly administered, calamity will then begin to flourish. When misfortune flourishes without realization, the people will then take matters into their own hands. Uphold just laws and upright standards; crimes warranting death shall not be pardoned. Executions and punishments must always be credible, so that the people will fear and be cautious. Once martial authority is clearly established, commands need not be repeated; suddenly halting and showing weariness will bring disgrace to them. Punish crimes and pardon past offenses as a means of correction; execute those who violate prohibitions to instill order. When the foundation is firmly established and unshakable, those leaning toward evil will then feel fear. Replace reliance on corruption with virtue, and commands will proceed while the people shift accordingly. Conform to heavenly principles and unite with virtue; emulate laws without partiality. Refer to the sun and moon, and assist in accordance with the four seasons. Joy lies in bestowing benefits; the multitude's well-being depends on abolishing private interests. To bring distant people near lies in cultivating those nearby; to prevent calamity lies in eliminating grievances. Achieving lasting stability depends on appointing the virtuous; attaining lofty peace depends on sharing benefits equally.
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