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齊僖公生公子諸兒，公子糾，公子小白。使鮑叔傅小白，鮑叔辭，稱疾不出。管仲與召忽往見之曰：「何故不出？」鮑叔曰：「先人有言曰：『知子莫若父，知臣莫若君』，今君知臣不肖也，是以使賤臣傅小白也賤臣知棄矣。」召忽曰：「子固辭無出，吾權任子以死亡，必免子。」鮑叔曰：「子如是，何不免之有乎？」管仲曰：「不可，持社稷宗廟者，不讓事，不廣閒。將有國者，未可知也。子其出乎。」召忽曰：「不可，吾三人者之於齊國也，譬之猶鼎之有足也，去一焉，則必不立矣，吾觀小白，必不為後矣。」管仲曰：「不然也，夫國人憎惡糾之母，以及糾之身，而憐小白之無母也；諸兒長而賤，事未可知也；夫所以定齊國者，非此二公子者，將無已也。小白之為人，無小智惕，而有大慮。非夷吾莫容小白，天不幸降禍加殃於齊，糾雖得立，事將不濟，非子定社稷，其將誰也？」召忽曰：「百歲之後，吾君卜世，犯吾君命，而廢吾所立，奪吾糾也，雖得天下吾不生也。兄與我齊國之政也。受君令而不改，奉所立而不濟，是吾義也。」管仲曰：「夷吾之為君臣也，將承君命，奉社稷，以持宗廟，豈死一糾哉？夷吾之所死者，社稷破，宗廟滅，祭祀絕，則夷吾死之，非此三者，則夷吾生。夷吾生，則齊國利，夷吾死，則齊國不利。」鮑叔曰：「然則奈何？」管子曰：「子出奉令則可。」鮑叔許諾，乃出奉令，遂傅小白。鮑叔謂管仲曰：「何行？」管仲曰：「為人臣者，不盡力於君，則不親信，不親信，則言不聽，言不聽，則社稷不定，夫事君者無二心。」鮑叔許諾。 |
| | Dai Xi Gong gave birth to Gongzi Zhuer, Gongzi Jiu, and Gongzi Xiaobai. He sent Bao Shu to serve Xiao Bai, but Bao Shu declined the appointment, claiming illness and refusing to leave his home. Guan Zhong and Zhao Hu went to see him and asked, "Why won't you go out?" Bao Shu said, "My ancestors once said: 'No one knows a son better than his father, and no one knows a minister better than the ruler.' Now that His Lordship considers me unworthy, he has therefore assigned this lowly servant to serve Xiao Bai. This lowly servant now understands that he is being discarded." Zhao Hu said, "If you insist on declining and not going out, I will take full responsibility for the matter with my life; I will certainly ensure your safety." Bao Shu said, "If you act in this way, how could there be any danger for me?" Guan Zhong said, "No, those who hold the state and ancestral temples must not avoid responsibilities or allow delays. One who is about to become a ruler cannot be predicted." "You should go out, then." Zhao Hu said, "No, the three of us in relation to Qi Guo are like the legs of a tripod; if one is removed, it will certainly not stand. I observe that Xiao Bai will surely not become the heir." Guan Zhong said, "That is not correct. The people of the state hate Jiu's mother and thus also despise Jiu himself, while they feel pity for Xiao Bai who has no mother; Zhuer is both older and of low status, so the outcome remains uncertain. Therefore, whoever will stabilize Qi Guo must be one of these two princes; there is no other possibility. Xiao Bai's character lacks small wisdom and vigilance, but he possesses great foresight. No one but Yiwu can accommodate Xiao Bai. Heaven has unfortunately brought calamity upon Qi; even if Jiu were to be installed as ruler, the affairs will not succeed. If you do not stabilize the state, who else could possibly do so?" Zhao Hu said, "After a hundred years, our lord will determine the succession. To defy our lord's command and abandon what we have established, to seize Jiu from us—though I may gain the world, I would rather not live." "You and I hold the administration of Qi Guo. "We accept our lord's command without alteration, uphold what we have established even if it does not succeed—this is my sense of righteousness." Guan Zhong said, "As a minister to my lord, Yiwu will carry out the ruler's command and serve the state in order to preserve the ancestral temples. How could I die for just one Jiu? Yiwu is willing to die only if the state falls, the ancestral temples are destroyed, and sacrifices cease. Otherwise, Yiwu will live." "If Yiwu lives, Qi Guo benefits; if Yiwu dies, Qi Guo suffers." Bao Shu said, "Then what should we do?" Guan Zi said, "If you go out and carry out the command, that will be acceptable." Bao Shu agreed. He then went out to carry out the order and thus became Xiao Bai's tutor. Bao Shu asked Guan Zhong, "What should we do?" Guan Zhong said, "A minister who does not give his all to the ruler will not be trusted. Without trust, his words will not be heeded; if his words are not heeded, then the state cannot be stabilized. One who serves a ruler must have no divided loyalties." Bao Shu agreed.
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僖公之母弟夷仲年，生公孫無知，有寵於僖公，衣服禮秩如適，僖公卒，以諸兒長得為君，是為襄公。襄公立後，絀無知。無知怒，公令連稱管至父戍葵丘，曰：「瓜時而往，及瓜時而來」，期戍，公問不至，請代不許。故二人因公孫無知以作亂。 |
| | Dai Xi Gong's maternal uncle Yizhong Nian gave birth to Gongsun Wuzhi, who was favored by Dai Xi Gong. He received clothing and ceremonial status equal to that of a legitimate son. After Duke Xi died, Zhuer became ruler because he was the eldest, and this was Duke Xianggong. After Duke Xianggong ascended to the throne, Wuzhi's privileges were reduced. Wuzhi became angry. The ruler ordered Lian Chencheng and Guan Zhipu to garrison Kuichou, saying, "Go at the melon season, return at the melon season." When their term of service was due, the ruler asked but they did not arrive; when Wuzhi requested a replacement, it was denied. Therefore, these two men conspired with Gongsun Wuzhi to rebel.
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魯桓公夫人文姜，齊女也，公將如齊，與夫人偕行，申俞諫曰：「不可，女有家，男有室，無相瀆也，謂之有禮。」公不聽，遂以文姜會齊侯於濼，文姜通於齊侯，桓公聞，責文姜，文姜告齊侯，齊侯怒，饗公，使公子彭生乘魯侯，脅之，公薨於車。豎曼曰：「賢者死忠以振疑，百姓寓焉。智者究理而長慮。身得免焉。今彭生二於君，無盡言，而諛行以戲我君，使我君失親戚之禮命。又力成吾君之禍，以搆二國之怨，彭生其得免乎？禍理屬焉。夫君以怒遂禍，不畏惡親聞容昏生無醜也，豈及彭生而能止之哉？魯若有誅，必以彭生為說，二月，魯人告齊曰：「寡君畏君之威，不敢寧居，來修舊好，禮成而不反，無所歸死，請以彭生除之」，齊人為殺彭生，以謝於魯，五月，襄公田於貝丘，見豕彘，從者曰：「公子彭生也」。公怒曰：「公子彭生安敢見，射之」。豕人立而啼，公懼，墜於車下，傷足亡屨。反，誅屨於徒人費，不得也，鞭之見血，費走而出，遇賊於門，脅而束之，費袒而示之背，賊信之，使費先入，伏公而出鬥，死于門中。石之紛如死于階下。孟陽代君寢於床。賊殺之，曰：「非君也，不類。」見公之足於戶下，遂殺公，而立公孫無知也。 |
| | Lady Wenjiang, the wife of Duke Huan of Lu, was a daughter of Qi. When the duke planned to go to Qi and intended to travel with his wife, Shen Yu advised, "You must not do this. A woman has her family, and a man has his household; they should not be disrespectful toward each other. This is called propriety." The duke did not listen. He thus met with Duke of Qi at Shui together with Wenjiang. Wenjiang had an affair with the Duke of Qi. When Duke Huan learned about this, he reprimanded Wenjiang. Wenjiang informed the Duke of Qi, who became furious. At a banquet for the Lu ruler, he ordered Gongzi Pengsheng to accompany Duke Lu in his carriage and forced him. The duke died while in the carriage. Shu Man said, "A virtuous person dies for loyalty to dispel doubts; the people place their trust in this." "A wise person thoroughly understands principles and plans with long-term foresight. Thus, he can personally avoid danger." Now Pengsheng is disloyal to his lord, does not speak openly, and behaves flatteringly in order to mock our ruler, causing our ruler to lose the proper rites of kinship. Moreover, he has actively contributed to a disaster for our ruler and provoked resentment between the two states. Can Pengsheng possibly escape punishment? The responsibility for this calamity belongs to him. When a ruler, driven by anger, pursues disaster without fearing the disgrace of close relatives and allows darkness to give birth to shamelessness, how could he possibly reach Pengsheng in time to stop it? If Lu were to seek retribution, it would surely blame Pengsheng. In the second month, the people of Lu informed Qi: "Our ruler feared your lordship's might and dared not remain at ease; he came to renew old ties of friendship. The rites were completed but he did not return, having nowhere to go but death. We request that Pengsheng be executed for this." The people of Qi therefore killed Pengsheng as an apology to Lu. In the fifth month, Duke Xianggong went hunting in Bei Qiu and saw a wild boar. One of his attendants said, "This is Gongzi Pengsheng." The duke became angry and said, "How dare Gongzi Pengsheng appear before me? Shoot it!" The boar stood on its hind legs and cried out. The duke was frightened, fell from his chariot, injured his foot, and lost a shoe. On returning, the duke ordered his servant Fei to search for the lost shoe but could not find it. He whipped him until blood appeared. Fei ran out and encountered bandits at the gate. They threatened and bound him. Fei bared his back to show them the wounds from the whipping; the bandits believed him, allowed Fei to enter first, where he hid behind the duke and then emerged to fight, dying in the middle of the gate. Shi Zhifan died at the foot of the steps. Meng Yang took the ruler's place and lay on his bed. The bandits killed him, saying, "This is not our lord; he does not look like him." They saw the duke's foot beneath the door and then killed him, establishing Gongsun Wuzhi as ruler.
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鮑叔牙奉公子小白奔莒，管夷吾召忽奉公子糾奔魯。九年，公孫無知虐於壅廩，壅廩殺無知也。桓公自莒先入，魯人伐齊。納公子糾，戰於乾時，管仲射桓公，中鉤，魯師敗績。桓公踐位。於是劫魯，使魯殺公子糾。桓公問於鮑叔曰：「將何以定社稷。」鮑叔曰：「得管仲與召忽，則社稷定矣。」公曰：「夷吾與召忽，吾賊也」，鮑叔乃告公其故圖。公曰：「然則可得乎？」鮑叔曰：「若前召，則可得也；不亟，不可得也，夫魯施伯知夷吾為人之有慧也，其謀必將令魯致政於夷吾，夷吾受之，則彼知能弱齊矣，夷吾不受，彼知其將反於齊也，必將殺之。」公曰：「然則夷吾將受魯之政乎？」其否也？」鮑叔對曰：「不受，夫夷吾之不死糾也，為欲定齊國之社稷也，今受魯之政，是弱齊也。夷吾之事君無二心，雖知死，必不受也」，公曰：「其於我也，曾若是乎？」鮑叔對曰：「非為君也，為先君也，其於君不如親糾也，糾之不死。而況君乎？君若欲定齊之社稷，則前迎之。」公曰：「恐不及，奈何？」鮑叔曰：「夫施伯之為人也，敏而多畏，公若先反，恐注怨焉。必不殺也。」公曰：「諾」。施伯進對魯君曰：「管仲有急，其事不濟，今在魯。君其致魯之政焉，若受之，則齊可弱也。若不受，則殺之。殺之，以說於齊也，與同怒，尚賢於已。」君曰諾，魯未及致政，而齊之使至，曰：「夷吾與召忽也，寡人之賊也，今在魯，寡人願生得之，若不得也，是君與寡人賊比也。魯君問施伯，施伯曰：「君與之，臣聞齊君惕而前驕，雖得賢，庸必能用之乎？及齊君之能用之也，管子之事濟也。夫管仲天下之大聖也，今彼反齊，天下皆鄉之，豈獨魯乎？今若殺之，此鮑叔之友也，鮑叔因此以作難，君必不能待也，不如與之。」魯君乃遂束縛管仲與召忽，管仲謂召忽曰：「子懼乎？」召忽曰：「何懼乎？吾不蚤死，將胥有所定也。今既定矣，令子相齊之左，必令忽相齊之右，雖然，殺君而用吾身，是再辱我也。子為生臣，忽為死臣，忽也知得萬乘之政而死，公子糾可謂有死臣矣。子生而霸諸侯，公子糾可謂有生臣矣。死者成行。生者成名；名不兩立，行不虛至，子其勉之，死生有分矣」。乃行入齊境，自刎而死。管仲遂入，君子聞之曰：「召忽之死也，賢其生也，管仲之生也，賢其死也。」 |
| | Bao Shuya escorted Gongzi Xiao Bai to Ju, while Guan Yiwu and Zhao Hu escorted Gongzi Jiu to Lu. In the ninth year, Gongsun Wuzhi was tyrannical toward Yonglin, and Yonglin killed Wuzhi. Duke Huan entered Qi from Ju first, so the people of Lu attacked Qi. They intended to install Gongzi Jiu as ruler. A battle took place at Qianshi, where Guan Zhong shot at Duke Huan and hit his armrest. The Lu forces suffered a crushing defeat. Duke Huan ascended the throne. He then threatened Lu, compelling them to execute Gongzi Jiu. Duke Huan asked Bao Shu, "What should I do in order to stabilize the state?" Bao Shu replied, "If you obtain Guan Zhong and Zhao Hu, then the state will be stabilized." The duke said, "Yiwu and Zhao Hu are my enemies," so Bao Shu explained the entire situation to him. The duke asked, "Then can they be obtained?" Bao Shu said, "If you summon them first, then it is possible to obtain their loyalty; if you do not act quickly, they cannot be obtained. Lu Shibai knows that Yiwu is a man of wisdom; his plan will surely involve the state of Lu entrusting governance to Yiwu. If Yiwu accepts it, then they know he can weaken Qi. If Yiwu refuses, they understand that he intends to return to Qi and will certainly kill him." The duke asked, "Then will Yiwu accept the governance of Lu?" "Or will he not?" Bao Shu replied, "He will not accept it. Yiwu did not die for Jiu because he wished to stabilize Qi's state; if he now accepts governance in Lu, this would weaken Qi." "Yiwu's loyalty to his ruler is unwavering; even if he knows it will lead to death, he certainly will not accept." The duke asked, "Does he regard me so highly?" Bao Shu replied, "It is not for you, but for the former ruler. His loyalty to you does not compare with his closeness to Jiu; yet Jiu did not die." How much less so would it be for you? "If your lordship wishes to stabilize Qi's state, then you should go ahead and welcome him." The duke asked, "I am afraid it will be too late. What can I do?" Bao Shu said, "Shibai's character is quick-witted and full of caution. If your lordship returns first, he may suspect resentment." "He will certainly not kill him." The duke said, "Agreed." Shibai advised the ruler of Lu and said, "Guan Zhong is in a dire situation; his affairs will not succeed. He is now in Lu." "Your lordship should entrust the governance of Lu to him. If he accepts it, Qi can be weakened." "If he does not accept it, then kill him." Kill him to appease Qi. Share in its anger and still appear more virtuous than oneself. The ruler of Lu said, "Agreed." Before Lu could hand over governance, however, an envoy from Qi arrived and said, "Yiwu and Zhao Hu were my enemies. They are now in your state. I wish to capture them alive. If they cannot be captured, then you will be seen as harboring my enemies." The ruler of Lu asked Shibai, who replied, "Your lordship should hand them over. I have heard that the ruler of Qi is cautious yet arrogant; even if he obtains a virtuous man, how can we be sure he will surely use him? But once the ruler of Qi proves capable of using such men, Guan Zi's affairs will succeed. Guan Zhong is a great sage in the world. Now that he has turned against Qi, all under heaven will look to him; it will not be only Lu." "If you now kill him, he is Bao Shu's friend. Because of this, Bao Shu may rise in rebellion; your lordship will certainly be unable to withstand it. It would be better to hand them over." The ruler of Lu then bound Guan Zhong and Zhao Hu. Guan Zhong asked Zhao Hu, "Are you afraid?" Zhao Hu replied, "Why should I be afraid? I did not die early enough; we will jointly determine our fate. "Now that it is decided, let you serve as the left minister of Qi and me as the right. Nevertheless, to kill our lord yet use my body for service would be a double humiliation for me." "You will live as a minister, and I shall die as one. I know that to obtain the governance of a ten-thousand-chariot state and then die is my fate. Gongzi Jiu can truly be called a lord who had a loyal minister willing to die for him." "You will live and dominate the feudal lords; Gongzi Jiu can also be called a lord who had living loyal ministers." The dead have fulfilled their path. The living achieve fame; "Reputation cannot be shared by two, and actions do not come without purpose. Strive forward, for life and death are determined by fate." Zhao Hu then entered Qi's territory and committed suicide by cutting his own throat. Guan Zhong thus entered Qi. The virtuous men who heard of this said, "Zhao Hu's death was noble in the way he chose to live; Guan Zhong's life was noble in the way it followed his death."
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或曰：明年，襄公逐小白，小白走莒。三年，襄公薨，公子糾踐位。國人召小白，鮑叔曰：「胡不行矣」。小白曰：「不可，夫管仲知，召忽強武，雖國人召我，我猶不得入也。」鮑叔曰：「管仲得行其知於國，國可謂亂乎？召忽強武，豈能獨圖我哉？」小白曰：「夫雖不得行其知，豈且不有焉乎？召忽雖不得眾，其及豈不足以圖我哉？」鮑叔對曰：「夫國之亂也，智人不得作內事，朋友不能相合摎，而國乃可圖也。」乃命車駕，鮑叔御小白乘而出於莒。小白曰：「夫二人者，奉君令，吾不可以試也。」乃將下。鮑叔履其足曰：「事之濟也，在此時，事若不濟，老臣死之，公子猶之免也。」乃行。至於邑郊，鮑叔令車二十乘先，十乘後。鮑叔乃告小白曰：「夫國之疑，二三子莫忍老臣，事之未濟也，老臣是以塞道」鮑叔乃誓曰：「事之濟也，聽我令；事之不濟也，免公子者為上，死者為下，吾以五乘之實距路。鮑叔乃為前驅，遂入國，逐公子糾。管仲射小白，中鉤，管仲與公子糾召忽遂走魯。桓公踐位，魯伐齊，納公子糾而不能。 |
| | Some say: The following year, Duke Xianggong drove out Xiao Bai, who fled to Ju. In the third year, Duke Xianggong died and Gongzi Jiu ascended the throne. The people of Qi summoned Xiao Bai. Bao Shu said, "Why not go now?" Xiao Bai replied, "No. Guan Zhong is wise and Zhao Hu is strong and brave. Even if the people of Qi summon me, I still cannot enter." Bao Shu said, "If Guan Zhong can put his wisdom into practice in the state, could the state still be considered in chaos? With Zhao Hu being strong and brave, would he really be able to plot against me alone?" Xiao Bai said, "Even if Guan Zhong cannot put his wisdom into practice, would he not still have some influence? "Although Zhao Hu may lack the support of the people, is their combined strength truly insufficient to plot against me?" Bao Shu replied, "When a state is in chaos, wise men cannot manage internal affairs and friends cannot unite. Only then can the state be taken." He then ordered the carriage to be prepared; Bao Shu drove Xiao Bai out from Ju. Xiao Bai said, "Those two men are carrying out their lord's command. I cannot test them." He was about to descend from the carriage. Bao Shu stepped on his foot and said, "The success of this matter depends on this moment. If the matter fails, I, an old minister, will die for it, but you, my lord, can still escape." Then they proceeded. When they arrived at the outskirts of Yi, Bao Shu ordered twenty chariots to go ahead and ten chariots to follow behind. Bao Shu then told Xiao Bai, "The uncertainty of the state has made these men unwilling to tolerate an old minister. Since the matter is not yet successful, I have therefore blocked the road." Bao Shu then swore, "If this matter succeeds, you must obey my commands; if the matter fails, sparing your life will be the best outcome and death will be the worst. I shall use five chariots to block the road." Bao Shu thus took the lead, entered the state, and drove out Gongzi Jiu. Guan Zhong shot at Xiao Bai, hitting his armor hook; Guan Zhong and Gongzi Jiu Zhao Hu then fled to Lu. Duke Huan took the throne. The State of Lu attacked Qi in an attempt to install Gongzi Jiu but failed.
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桓公二年踐位，召管仲，管仲至，公問曰：「社稷可定乎？」管仲對曰：「君霸王，社稷定，君不霸王，社稷不定。」公曰：「吾不敢至於此其大也，定社稷而已。」管仲又請。君曰：「不能。」管仲辭於君曰：「君免臣於死，臣之幸也；然臣之不死糾也，為欲定社稷也，社稷不定，臣祿齊國之政而不死糾也，臣不敢。乃走出，至門，公召管仲。管仲反。公汗出曰：「勿已，其勉霸乎？」管仲再拜稽首而起曰：「今日君成霸，臣貪承命，趨立於相位，乃令五官行事。異日，公告管仲曰：「欲以諸侯之間無事也，小修兵革。」管仲曰：「不可，百姓病，公先與百姓，而藏其兵，與其厚於兵，不如厚於人，齊國之社稷未定，公未始於人，而始於兵，外不親於諸侯，內不親於民。」公曰：「諾，政未能有行也。」 |
| | In the second year after Duke Huan took the throne, he summoned Guan Zhong. When Guan Zhong arrived, the duke asked, "Can the state be stabilized?" Guan Zhong replied, "If you become a hegemon, the state will be stable. If you do not become a hegemon, the state cannot be stabilized." The duke said, "I dare not aim as high as becoming a hegemon; I only wish to stabilize the state." Guan Zhong made another request. The duke said, "I cannot." Guan Zhong addressed the duke and said, "You have spared my life; this is already a great fortune for me; yet I did not die for Jiu because I wished to stabilize the state. If the state remains unstable, and yet I accept office in Qi without dying for Jiu, I dare not do so." He then left and reached the gate when the duke summoned Guan Zhong again. Guan Zhong returned. The duke, perspiring, said, "Do not stop. Then please strive to become a hegemon?" Guan Zhong bowed twice and kowtowed, then said, "Today the lord will become a hegemon. I humbly accept your command and shall promptly assume the position of prime minister to oversee the Five Officials in their duties." On another day, the duke told Guan Zhong, "I wish for there to be no conflicts among the feudal lords and will only slightly maintain our military equipment." Guan Zhong said, "No. The people are suffering. Your Majesty should first care for the people and conceal your military strength. It is better to be generous toward the people than toward arms. Since the state of Qi has not yet been stabilized, you have not begun with the people but with arms. This will make you distant from both the feudal lords outside and the people within." The duke said, "You are right. The administration has not yet begun to function properly."
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二年，桓公彌亂，又告管仲曰：「欲繕兵。」管仲又曰：「不可。」公不聽，果為兵。桓公與宋夫人飲船中，夫人蕩船而懼公，公怒，出之，宋受而嫁之蔡侯。明年，公怒，告管仲曰：「欲伐宋。」管仲曰：「不可，臣聞內政不修，外舉事不濟。」公不聽，果伐宋，諸侯興兵而救宋，大敗齊師；公怒，歸告管仲曰：「請修兵革，吾士不練，吾兵不實，諸侯故敢救吾讎，內修兵革。」管仲曰：「不可，齊國危矣，內奪民用，士勸於勇，外亂之本也。外犯諸侯，民多怨也，為義之士，不入齊國，安得無危。」鮑叔曰：「公必用夷吾之言。」公不聽，乃令四封之內修兵，關市之政侈之，公乃遂以勇授祿。鮑叔謂管仲曰：「異日者，公許子霸，今國彌亂，子將何如？」管仲曰：「吾君惕，其智多誨，姑少胥其自及也。」鮑叔曰：「比其自及也，國無闕亡乎？」管仲曰：「未也，國中之政，夷吾尚微為焉，亂乎尚可以待。外諸侯之佐既無，有吾二人者，未有敢犯我者。」明年，朝之爭祿相刺裚領而刎頸者不絕。鮑叔謂管仲曰：「國死者眾矣，毋乃害乎？」管仲曰：「安得已然，此皆其貪民也，夷吾之所患者，諸侯之為義者莫肯入齊，齊之為義者莫肯仕，此夷吾之所患也。若夫死者。吾安用而愛之。」 |
| | In the second year, Duke Huan's disorder worsened further, and he again told Guan Zhong, "I wish to prepare for war." Guan Zhong once more said, "No." The duke did not listen and indeed prepared for war. Duke Huan was drinking with his wife from the State of Song on a boat when she rocked the boat and frightened him. The duke became angry, sent her away, and the State of Song accepted her and married her to Duke Cai of Cai. The following year, the duke was furious and told Guan Zhong, "I wish to attack Song." Guan Zhong said, "No. I have heard that if internal governance is not properly managed, external military actions will fail." The duke did not listen and attacked Song. The feudal lords raised their armies to rescue Song and heavily defeated the Qi forces; The duke was angry and returned to inform Guan Zhong, saying, "Please prepare our military equipment. Our soldiers are not well trained, and our arms are insufficient. That is why the feudal lords dared to come to the aid of my enemy. We must strengthen our internal military preparations." Guan Zhong said, "No. Qi is in danger now. Internally diverting the people's resources and encouraging bravery among soldiers will be the root of external chaos. Externally provoking the feudal lords, we have many resentful people. Righteous men will not enter Qi. How can there be no danger?" Bao Shu said, "The duke must follow Yi Wu's words." The duke did not listen. He then ordered military preparations within the four borders, increased levies on customs and markets, and proceeded to grant ranks based solely on bravery. Bao Shu asked Guan Zhong, "Previously the duke promised you hegemony. Now the state is even more in chaos; what will you do?" Guan Zhong said, "My lord is cautious and has much wisdom to be taught. Let us wait a little while for him to come around on his own." Bao Shu said, "Before he comes around by himself, will the state not suffer losses?" Guan Zhong said, "Not yet. The governance within the state is still slightly influenced by me; it can still be managed for a while." "As long as there are still no foreign feudal lords to assist, and with the two of us present, none dare to attack us." The following year, in court, disputes over ranks led to continuous incidents where officials stabbed each other through the collar and slit their throats. Bao Shu told Guan Zhong, "Many people in the state have died; this must be harmful, right?" Guan Zhong said, "How could it be otherwise? These are all greedy people. What I truly fear is that righteous men from the feudal lords will not dare to enter Qi and righteous men within Qi will not dare to take office. This is what I truly worry about." As for those who die, how can I possibly spare them?"
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公又內修兵。三年，桓公將伐魯，曰：「魯與寡人近，於是其救宋也疾，寡人且誅焉。」管仲曰：「不可，臣聞有土之君，不勤於兵，不忌於辱，不輔其過，則社稷安，勤於兵，忌於辱，輔其過，則社稷危。」公不聽，興師伐魯，造於長勺，魯莊公興師逆之，大敗之。桓公曰：「吾兵猶尚少，吾參圍之，安能圉我。」 |
| | The duke once again strengthened internal military preparations. In the third year, Duke Huan planned to attack Lu and said, "Lu is close to me. Yet they rushed quickly to rescue Song. I will punish them." Guan Zhong said, "No. I have heard that a ruler who possesses land will ensure the state's stability if he does not overemphasize military might, is not overly sensitive to humiliation, and does not support his mistakes. But if he overemphasizes military might, takes offense easily, and supports his errors, then the state will be in danger." The duke did not listen but raised an army to attack Lu. The Qi forces reached Changshao, where Duke Zhuang of Lu led his troops to resist them and heavily defeated the Qi army. Duke Huan said, "My forces are still insufficient. They surrounded us in three directions; how could they possibly resist me?"
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四年，修兵，同甲十萬，車五千乘。謂管仲曰：「吾士既練，吾兵既多，寡人欲服魯。」管仲喟然嘆曰：「齊國危矣，君不競於德而競於兵，天下之國，帶甲十萬者不鮮矣，吾欲發小兵以服大兵，內失吾眾，諸侯設備，吾人設軸，國欲無危，得已乎？」公不聽，果伐魯，魯不敢戰，去國五十里而為之關。魯請比於關內，以從於齊，齊亦毋復侵魯，桓公許諾。魯人請盟曰：「魯，小國也，固不帶劍，今而帶劍，是交兵聞於諸侯，君不如已，請去兵。桓公曰：「諾。」乃令從者毋以兵。管仲曰：「不可，諸侯加忌於君，君如是以退可，君果弱魯君，諸侯又加貪於君，後有事，小國彌堅，大國設備，非齊國之利也。」桓公不聽，管仲又諫曰：「君必不去魯，胡不用兵，曹劌之為人也，堅強以忌，不可以約取也。桓公不聽，果與之遇，莊公自懷劍，曹劌亦懷劍踐壇，莊公抽劍其懷曰：「魯之境去國五十里，亦無不死而已。」左揕桓公，右自承，曰：「均之死也，戮死於君前。」管仲走君，曹劌抽劍當兩階之間曰：「二君將改圖，無有進者。」管仲曰：「君與地，以汶為竟。」桓公許諾，以汶為竟而歸。桓公歸而修於政，不修於兵革，自圉辟人，以過弭師。 |
| | In the fourth year, military preparations were made: ten thousand sets of armor and weapons were produced, along with five thousand chariots. He told Guan Zhong, "My soldiers are now well trained and my forces numerous; I wish to subdue Lu." Guan Zhong sighed and said, "Qi is in danger. The lord competes not with virtue but with military might. Many states under heaven have no fewer than one hundred thousand armed men. I wish to use a small force to subdue a large army; internally we will lose our people's support, the feudal lords will prepare for defense, and our own people will be burdened. How can the state avoid danger?" The duke did not listen, and indeed attacked Lu. The State of Lu dared not fight back but established a customs checkpoint fifty li away from the capital. Lu requested to be treated as an internal territory of Qi by submitting to its customs authority and pledged obedience to Qi, while Qi would no longer invade Lu. Duke Huan agreed. The people of Lu requested an alliance and said, "Lu is a small state that has never carried swords. Now we do so; this will be heard by the feudal lords as a declaration of war. Your Majesty would be better off stopping now. Please withdraw your troops." Duke Huan said, "Agreed." He then ordered his attendants not to carry weapons. Guan Zhong said, "No. The feudal lords are already suspicious of you. If you retreat like this now, it is acceptable. But if you truly weaken Duke Lu, the feudal lords will become even more greedy toward you. In future affairs, small states will grow stronger and large states will prepare for defense; this would not be in Qi's interest." Duke Huan did not listen. Guan Zhong advised again, saying, "Your Majesty must not abandon Lu. Why then use no military force? Cao Gui is a man of firmness and caution; he cannot be subdued through mere agreements. Duke Huan did not heed the advice and indeed met with him. Duke Zhuang personally carried a sword, and Cao Gui also carried one onto the sacrificial platform. Duke Zhuang drew his sword from his bosom and said, "Even though Lu's border is fifty li away from our capital, we will rather die than yield." He held a sword in his left hand and placed it against Duke Huan while holding the other to himself with his right, saying, "If death is inevitable, let me die before you by my own hand." Guan Zhong rushed to the duke's side, while Cao Gui drew his sword between the two steps of the platform and said, "The two lords will reconsider their plans. No one shall advance." Guan Zhong said, "Your Majesty should cede territory to them, using the Wen River as the border." Duke Huan agreed and returned with the Wen River established as the boundary. After returning, Duke Huan focused on governance rather than military preparations, avoided conflicts with others, and resolved disputes without resorting to war.
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五年，宋伐杞，桓公謂管仲與鮑叔曰：「夫宋，寡人固欲伐之，無若諸侯何？夫杞，明王之後也，今宋伐之，予欲救之，其可乎？」管仲對曰：「不可，臣聞內政之不修，外舉義則不信，君將外舉義，以行先之，則諸侯可令附。」桓公曰：「於此不救，後無以伐宋。」管仲曰：「諸侯之君，不貪於土，貪於土，必勤於兵，勤於兵，必病於民，民病則多軸，夫軸密而後動者勝，軸則不信於民，夫不信於民則亂，內動則危於身，是以古之人聞先王之道者，不競於兵。」桓公曰：「然則奚若？」管仲對曰：「以臣則不，而令人以重幣使之，使之而不可，君受而封之，桓公問鮑叔曰：「奚若？」鮑叔曰：「公行夷吾之言。」公乃命曹孫宿使於宋。宋不聽，果伐杞，桓公築緣陵以封之，予車百乘，甲一千。明年，狄人伐邢，邢君出，致於齊，桓公築夷儀以封之。予車百乘，卒千人。明年，狄人伐衛，衛君出，致於虛。桓公且封之，隰朋賓胥無諫曰：「不可，三國所以亡絕者以小。今君衛封亡國，國盡若何？」桓公問管仲曰：「奚若？」管仲曰：「君有行之名，安得有其實。君其行也。」公又問鮑叔，鮑叔曰：「君行夷吾之言。」桓公築楚丘以封之，予車三百乘，甲五千。既以封衛，明年桓公問管仲將何行，管仲對曰：「公內修政而勸民，可以信於諸侯矣。」君許諾，乃輕稅，弛關市之征，為賦祿之制，既已。管仲又請曰：「問病臣，願賞而無罰。五年，諸侯可令傅。」公曰：「諾。」既行之。管仲又請曰：「諸侯之禮，令齊以豹皮往，小侯以鹿皮報，齊以馬往，小侯以犬報。桓公許諾行之，管仲又請賞於國以及諸侯。君曰：「諾。行之。」管仲賞於國中，君賞於諸侯，諸侯之君有行事善者，以重幣賀之；從列士以下有善者，衣裳賀之；凡諸侯之臣有諫其君而善者，以璽問之，以信其言。公既行之，又問管仲曰：「何行。」管仲曰：「隰朋聰明捷給，可令為東國，賓胥無堅強以良，可以為西土。衛國之教，危傅以利。公子開方之為人也，慧以給，不能久而樂始，可游於衛。魯邑之教，好邇而訓於禮。季友之為人也，恭以精，博於糧，多小信，可游於魯。楚國之教，巧文以利，不好立大義，而好立小信。蒙孫博於教而文巧於辭，不好立大義而好結小信，可游於楚。小侯既服，大侯既附，夫如是，則始可以施政矣。君曰：「諾。」乃游公子開方於衛，游季友於魯，游蒙孫於楚。 |
| | In the fifth year, Song attacked Qi. Duke Huan told Guan Zhong and Bao Shu, "Song is a state I have long wanted to attack, but what about the feudal lords? Qi is descended from a sage ruler. Now Song attacks it. I wish to rescue Qi—would that be acceptable?" Guan Zhong replied, "No. I have heard that when internal governance is not well managed, advocating righteousness externally will not be believed. If your Majesty wishes to advocate external righteousness, you must lead by example first; then the feudal lords may be persuaded to submit." Duke Huan said, "If we do not rescue them now, there will be no opportunity later to attack Song." Guan Zhong said, "The rulers of the feudal lords do not seek land for greed. If they do, they will overemphasize military strength; if they overemphasize military power, their people will suffer; when the people suffer, burdens increase. Victory comes only after careful preparation and decisive action. Heavy burdens breed distrust among the people. Distrust leads to chaos, and internal unrest endangers one's own life. Therefore, in ancient times, those who understood the ways of sage kings did not compete through military might." Duke Huan asked, "Then what should we do?" Guan Zhong replied, "In my opinion, we should not act directly. Instead, send envoys with generous gifts to persuade them. If persuasion fails, Your Majesty may accept their submission and bestow a fief upon them." Duke Huan asked Bao Shu, "What do you think?" Bao Shu said, "The duke should follow Yi Wu's advice." The duke then ordered Cao Sun Su to be sent as an envoy to Song. Song did not listen and indeed attacked Qi. In response, Duke Huan built Yuanling to grant it as a fief to Qi, giving them one hundred chariots and one thousand sets of armor. The following year, the Di people attacked Xing. The ruler of Xing fled and took refuge in Qi. Duke Huan built Yiyi to grant it as a fief for him. He was given one hundred chariots and a thousand soldiers. The following year, the Di attacked Wei. The ruler of Wei fled and took refuge at Xu. Duke Huan intended to grant him a fief, but Xi Peng Bin Xu Wu advised, "No. The reason these three small states have perished is because they are too weak. Now if you grant a fief to the exiled ruler of Wei, how will your own state fare when it is exhausted?" Duke Huan asked Guan Zhong, "What should we do?" Guan Zhong said, "Your Majesty has the reputation of action; how can you lack its reality. You must proceed with it." The duke then asked Bao Shu, who said, "Your Majesty should follow Yi Wu's words." Duke Huan built Chuqiu to grant it as a fief and gave them three hundred chariots and five thousand sets of armor. After granting the fief to Wei, the following year Duke Huan asked Guan Zhong what action should be taken next. Guan Zhong replied, "If your Majesty improves internal governance and encourages the people, you will gain trust among the feudal lords." The ruler agreed. He then reduced taxes, relaxed tolls at customs and markets, and established a system of land grants and salaries; this was completed. Guan Zhong further requested, "I wish to inquire about the sick officials, and I hope for rewards without punishments. "In five years, the feudal lords can be ordered to provide tribute." The duke said, "Agreed." It was then implemented. Guan Zhong again requested, "Regarding the rituals of the feudal lords, let Qi send sable pelts and receive in return leopard pelts from minor states; let Qi send horses and receive dogs in return. Duke Huan agreed and implemented it. Guan Zhong then requested rewards for the state as well as for the feudal lords. The ruler said, "Agreed." It was carried out." Guan Zhong rewarded people within the state, and the ruler rewarded the feudal lords. For rulers of the feudal states who performed good deeds, he sent generous gifts as congratulations; for those below the rank of noble scholars who did good deeds, he gave robes and garments as a sign of celebration; For any ministers of the feudal lords who advised their rulers well, he sent an imperial seal to inquire and thus confirm the validity of their words. After implementing these measures, Duke Huan again asked Guan Zhong, "What should we do next?" Guan Zhong said, "Xi Peng is intelligent and quick-witted; he can be appointed to govern the eastern territories. Bin Xu Wu is strong and capable; he can serve as governor of the western regions. The teachings of Wei Guo should be implemented with a focus on benefits to ensure stability." Gongzi Kaifang, as a person, is clever and resourceful but cannot endure hardship for long; he prefers to begin with ease. He can be sent on a tour in Wei. The teachings of Lu Yi emphasize closeness and instruction through propriety. Ji You, as a person, is respectful and meticulous, well-provisioned with supplies, and known for many small acts of trustworthiness; he can be sent on a tour to Lu. The teachings of the State of Chu emphasize clever rhetoric for personal gain, do not favor upholding great principles, but rather prefer to establish small acts of trust. Meng Sun is well-versed in teachings and skilled in eloquent speech, does not favor upholding great principles but prefers to form small acts of trust; he can be sent on a mission to Chu. Once the minor feudal lords are subdued and the major ones have submitted, if this is achieved, then it will be possible to begin implementing governance. The ruler said, "Agreed." He then sent Gongzi Kaifang to Wei, Ji You to Lu, and Meng Sun to Chu.
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五年諸侯附，狄人伐，桓公告諸侯曰：「請救伐，諸侯許諾，大侯車二百乘，卒二千人，小侯車百乘，卒千人」，諸侯皆許諾，齊車千乘，卒先致緣陵，戰於後，故敗狄。其車甲與貨，小侯受之。大侯近者，以其縣分之，不踐其國。北州侯莫來，桓公遇南州侯於召陵，曰：「狄為無道，犯天子令，以伐小國，以天子之故，敬天之命令，以救伐。北州侯莫至，上不聽天子令，下無禮諸侯。寡人請，誅於北州之侯。」諸侯許諾，桓公乃北伐令支，下鳧之山，斬孤竹，遇山戎，顧問管仲曰：「將何行？」管仲對曰：「君教諸侯為民聚食，諸侯之兵不足者，君助之發，如此，則始可以加政矣。」桓公乃告諸侯，必足三年之食，安以其餘修兵革，兵革不足，以引其事告齊，齊助之發。既行之，公又問管仲曰：「何行？」管仲對曰：「君會其君臣父子，則可以加政矣」，公曰：「會之道奈何？」曰：「諸侯毋專立妾以為妻，毋專殺大臣，無國勞，毋專予祿，士庶人毋專棄妻，毋曲隄，毋貯粟，毋禁材，行此卒歲，則始可以罰矣。」君乃布之於諸侯，諸侯許諾，受而行之，卒歲，吳人伐穀，桓公告諸侯未遍，諸侯之師竭至，以待桓公，桓公以車千乘會諸侯於竟都，師未至，吳人逃。諸侯皆罷。桓公歸，問管仲曰：「將何行？」管仲曰：「可以加政矣。」曰：「從今以往二年，適子不聞孝，不聞愛其弟，不聞敬老國良，三者無一焉，可誅也。諸侯之臣及國事，三年不聞善，可罰也；君有過，大夫不諫；士庶人有善，而大夫不進，可罰也。士庶人聞之吏賢孝悌，可賞也。」桓公受而行之，近侯莫不請事。兵車之會六，乘車之會三，饗國四十有二年。 |
| | After five years, the feudal lords submitted. When the Di launched an attack, Duke Huan summoned the feudal lords and said, "Please come to our aid against this invasion." The feudal lords agreed. The major states contributed two hundred chariots and two thousand soldiers, while the minor ones provided one hundred chariots and one thousand soldiers. All of them gave their consent. Qi itself contributed a thousand chariots, with its troops arriving first at Yuanling. They engaged in battle afterward and thus defeated the Di. The chariots, armor, and supplies were distributed to the minor feudal states. For the major feudal lords nearby, they received portions of counties without their territory being occupied. The feudal lords from the northern regions did not come. Duke Huan met with the feudal lords from the southern regions at Zhao Ling and said, "The Di have acted without morality, violating the emperor's commands by attacking small states. For the sake of the Son of Heaven, we must respect the heavenly mandate and command to rescue those under attack." The feudal lords from the northern region did not arrive; they neither heeded the Son of Heaven's commands above nor observed proper etiquette toward their peers among the feudal lords below. "I hereby request to punish the feudal lords from the northern states." The feudal lords agreed. Duke Huan then launched a northern campaign against Lingzhi, descended Mount Fu, defeated Guzhu, and encountered the Shan Rong. He turned to consult Guan Zhong and asked, "What should we do now?" Guan Zhong replied, "Your Majesty should instruct the feudal lords to gather food for their people. For those whose armies are insufficient, Your Majesty should assist them in raising troops. Only then can governance be effectively extended." Duke Huan then informed the feudal lords that they must ensure a three-year supply of food, and use any surplus to maintain their military equipment. If their arms were insufficient, they should report it to Qi, which would assist in raising additional forces. After implementing this policy, Duke Huan once again asked Guan Zhong, "What should we do next?" Guan Zhong replied, "If your Majesty can assemble the rulers and their ministers, as well as fathers and sons of the feudal states, then governance may be extended." The duke asked, "How should this assembly be conducted?" He said, "The feudal lords must not unilaterally elevate concubines to the status of wives, nor may they arbitrarily execute high-ranking ministers. They must not neglect state affairs or unilaterally grant salaries. Commoners and officials alike must not abandon their wives without cause, must not build crooked dikes, must not hoard grain, and must not prohibit the use of materials. If these rules are followed throughout the year, then punishments may be applied." The ruler then announced these regulations to the feudal lords, who agreed and accepted them for implementation. By year's end, when Wu attacked Gu, Duke Huan had not yet fully summoned all the feudal lords; nevertheless, their armies arrived in full force to await him. Duke Huan gathered a thousand chariots and convened with the feudal lords at Jing Du before the army had completely assembled. Upon hearing this, the people of Wu fled. All the feudal lords then withdrew their forces. Duke Huan returned and asked Guan Zhong, "What should we do next?" Guan Zhong said, "Now it is possible to extend governance." He said, "From now on, within two years, if the legitimate heir does not show filial piety, does not demonstrate love for his younger brothers, and does not respect the elderly or virtuous people of the state—if he lacks all three qualities—then he may be punished." Ministers of the feudal lords and those in charge of national affairs, if within three years no good deeds are heard of them, may be punished; if a ruler commits an error and his ministers do not remonstrate; if commoners or officials demonstrate virtue but the ministers fail to recommend them, they may be punished. Commoners and officials who report to their superiors about virtuous, filial, or respectful individuals are eligible for rewards." Duke Huan accepted these regulations and implemented them. As a result, nearby feudal lords did not fail to request his assistance in their affairs. There were six assemblies involving war chariots and three with ceremonial carriages, and he hosted banquets for forty-two years.
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桓公踐位十九年，弛關市之征，五十而取一，賦祿以粟，案田而稅，二歲而稅一，上年什取三，中年什取二，下年什取一，歲飢不稅。桓公使鮑叔識君臣之有善者，晏子識不仕與耕者之有善者，高子識工賈之有善者，國子為李，隰朋為東國，賓胥無為西土，弗鄭為宅，凡仕者近宮，不仕與耕者近門，工賈近市，三十里置遽委焉，有司職之。從諸侯欲通，吏從行者，令一人為負以車，若宿者，令人養其馬，食其委。客與有司別契，至國入契。費義數而不當有罪。凡庶人欲通。鄉吏不通七日，囚。出欲通，吏不通五日，囚。貴人子欲通，吏不通二日，囚。凡縣吏進諸侯士而有善。觀其能之大小以為之賞，有過無罪。令鮑叔進大夫勸國家，得之成而不悔，為上舉。從政治為次，野為原，又多不發起，訟不驕，次之。勸國家，得之成而悔，從政雖治而不能野原，又多發起，訟驕，行此三者為下。令晏子進貴人之子。出不仕，處不華，而友有少長，為上舉。得二為次，得一為下。士處靜，敬老與貴，交不失禮，行此三者，為上舉，得二為次，得一為下。耕者農，農用力，應於父兄，事賢多。行此三者，為上舉，得二為次，得一為下。令高子進工賈，應於父兄，事長養老，承事敬。行此三者，為上舉，得二為次，得一為下。令國子以情斷獄，三大夫既已選舉，使縣行之，管仲進而舉言上而見之於君，以卒年君舉。管仲告鮑叔曰：「勸國家不得成而悔，從政不治，不能野原，又多而發，訟驕，凡三者，有罪無赦。」告晏子曰：「貴人子，處華，下交，好飲食，行此三者，有罪無赦。士出入無常，不敬老而營富，行此三者，有罪無赦。耕者出入不應於父兄，用力不農，不事賢，行此三者，有罪無赦。」告高子曰：「工賈出入不應父兄，承事不敬，而違老治危，行此三者，有罪無赦。凡於父兄無過，州里稱之，吏進之，君用之。有善無賞，有過無罰，吏不進廉意，於父兄無過，於州里莫稱，吏進之，君用之，善，為上賞。不善，吏有罰。」君謂國子：「凡貴賤之義，入與父俱，出與師俱，上與君俱。凡三者遇賊，不死，不知賊，則無赦。」斷獄，情與義易，義與祿易。易祿可無斂，有可無赦。 |
| | Duke Huan reigned for nineteen years. He relaxed tolls at customs and marketplaces, collecting one percent tax from fifty percent of the goods. Taxes were levied in grain according to land grants. Land taxes were collected once every two years: three-tenths during abundant harvests, two-tenths during moderate ones, and one-tenth during poor harvests; no taxes were imposed during famine years. Duke Huan appointed Bao Shu to identify among the officials and ministers those who performed good deeds. Yan Zi was tasked with identifying among the non-officials and farmers those of virtue, Gao Zi identified skilled artisans and merchants, Guo Zi served as a supervisor, Xi Peng governed the eastern territories, Bin Xu Wu oversaw the western regions, Fu Zheng managed residential affairs. All officials lived near the palace; non-officials and cultivators resided near the gates; artisans and merchants were located close to the marketplaces. Every thirty li, relay stations were established, each assigned an official in charge. For envoys from the feudal lords wishing to travel, officials accompanying them were ordered that one person should carry their belongings by cart. For those staying overnight, personnel were assigned to feed their horses and provide provisions for their journey. Travelers and officials exchanged tokens before departure; upon arriving at the state, they presented these tokens for verification. Those who incurred excessive expenses or misused resources were to be punished accordingly. All commoners wishing to travel. If local officials failed to process their requests within seven days, they would be imprisoned. For those wishing to leave the state, if officials did not approve passage within five days, they too would be imprisoned. If the children of noble families wished to travel and officials failed to grant permission within two days, those officials would be imprisoned. All county officials who recommended virtuous individuals from among the feudal lords' people. Their rewards were determined according to the magnitude of their abilities, and those with merits but no crimes received recognition. An order was given for Bao Shu to recommend ministers who encouraged national prosperity; if they achieved success without regret, such individuals were considered the highest examples of merit. Those who followed political affairs in order, cultivated fields and plains, did not initiate many disputes, and did not behave arrogantly were ranked next. Those who encouraged national prosperity but achieved success with regret, governed affairs competently yet failed to cultivate fields and plains, initiated many disputes, and acted arrogantly—those who exhibited these three behaviors were considered the lowest. An order was given for Yan Zi to recommend the children of nobles. Those who, when away from office, did not seek positions; and when at home, did not pursue luxury; yet maintained friendships with both the young and old—such individuals were considered top examples of merit. Those who fulfilled two criteria were ranked next, while those fulfilling only one were considered low. Commoners who lived in tranquility, respected the elderly and nobles, and maintained proper etiquette in their interactions—those fulfilling these three criteria were considered top examples of merit; those fulfilling two were ranked next, and those fulfilling only one were deemed low. Farmers who worked the land diligently, applied effort in farming, obeyed their fathers and elder brothers, and served many virtuous people. Those fulfilling these three criteria were considered the top examples of merit; those with two were ranked next, while those with only one were deemed low. An order was given to Gao Zi to recommend skilled artisans and merchants who obeyed their fathers and older brothers, respected elders, and performed duties with reverence. Those fulfilling these three criteria were regarded as the top examples of merit; two fulfilled ranked next, one fulfilled deemed low. An order was given to Guo Zi to judge cases based on the facts. After three senior ministers had already been selected and recommended, county officials were instructed to carry out these judgments. Guan Zhong further submitted recommendations, presenting them before the ruler so that by year's end, the ruler could personally approve those chosen. Guan Zhong told Bao Shu, "Those who encourage national prosperity but fail to achieve success and regret it, those who govern poorly, cannot manage rural affairs, initiate many disputes, or act arrogantly—anyone exhibiting these three behaviors shall be punished without pardon." He told Yan Zi, "The children of nobles who indulge in luxury, associate with the lowly, and enjoy food and drink—those exhibiting these three behaviors shall face punishment without pardon." Commoners who had no regular schedule for going out or returning, did not respect the elderly but pursued wealth—those exhibiting these three behaviors would be punished without pardon. Farmers who went out and returned without obeying their fathers or elder brothers, did not apply themselves to farming, and failed to serve the virtuous—those exhibiting these three behaviors were to be punished without pardon." He told Gao Zi, "Artisans and merchants who went in and out without obeying their fathers and elder brothers, performed duties without reverence, and disregarded the elderly while creating disorder—those exhibiting these three behaviors faced punishment without pardon. Anyone who had no faults toward their fathers and elder brothers and was praised by the people of their district, would be recommended by officials and employed by the ruler. If someone performed good deeds without receiving a reward, or committed no faults yet faced punishment; if officials failed to recommend those of integrity—who had no transgressions toward their fathers and elder brothers but were not praised in the district—yet these individuals were still recommended by officials and used by the ruler, then such people would receive the highest rewards. If they did not perform good deeds, the officials who recommended them would be punished." The ruler said to Guo Zi, "Regarding the principles of rank and status: when entering a place, one should be with their father; when leaving, with their teacher; in official matters, with the ruler. If any of these three individuals encountered a bandit and did not die or failed to recognize the bandit, they would face no pardon." Judging cases: facts are easier than justice; justice is easier than rewards. Rewarding without collecting taxes is possible, and punishment without pardon may also be applied.
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