| | The Shi Jing says: "Numerous were the virtuous men, through Duke Wen's peace they found." It means that by assisting and supporting the virtuous and upright, one ensures their own safety. It also says: "Not knowing, not understanding, yet following the emperor's rules." It means that when scholars and common people admire his virtue and righteousness, they emulate and follow them. Where Duke Wen's will was directed, and what his heart desired, the common people did not cherish their lives or fear toil; they followed him as if gathering in response. The Shi Jing says: "When the construction of Lingtai began, the common people worked on it; without delay it was completed. When the building started without urgency, the common people came as if they were children." Duke Wen had the intention to build a terrace. When people from nearby regions heard of it, they brought provisions and came to participate; they asked about their tasks and began working on it day by day, growing in number. Thus, without haste or urgency, it was completed swiftly, and without set deadlines, it was finished nonetheless. He named the terrace Lingtai, the park Lingyou, and the pond Lingzhao—this was the utmost expression of love and reverence. The Shi Jing says: "The king was in Lingyou, where female deer lay at rest; the female deer were sleek and graceful, and white birds gleamed bright. The king was by Lingzhao, where fish leaped joyfully." Duke Wen's virtue extended downward to birds and beasts, reaching even fish and turtles; thus, the animals and creatures found peace and joy in their habitat. How much more so would scholars and common people feel at ease!
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