| | Only you, my lord, possess a sacred virtue that oversees all nations. The sage ruler is above, casting his watchful gaze upon those below. All nations are below, observing the conduct of those above. From the lowest to the highest, each has its own respect. Therefore, a sovereign serves Heaven above, Earth below, and ancestral temples in the middle, thereby governing the people. The sovereign is of utmost importance yet still has someone to respect; how much more so for those beneath him? Thus, the people are transformed by this example, and all under heaven remain loyal in serving their superiors. When those above act properly, those below are transformed—it is the natural order of things. This was exemplified by King Wen's reverence and humility, as well as the states of Yu and Rui yielding their disputed land. Therefore, with constant vigilance and caution, one's wisdom grows day by day. Each day brings further growth; virtue becomes increasingly clear. Granting rank and office to the virtuous and capable is the way to spread great transformation. 藟 Bestowing enduring grace, all common people come to cherish it. Without being cherished by the people, one cannot hold rank; without transformation, one cannot win the hearts of others. Appointing the virtuous and spreading moral influence is the sovereign's essential duty. Therefore, the great plans of the emperor are widely carried out in all directions and celebrated by later generations, to preserve the state and glorify ancestors. When a ruler is sage and his ministers virtuous, moral influence spreads and their fame is widely known. This glorifies ancestors and establishes the state's foundation without limit. This is the loyalty of a sage ruler. Loyalty, as a principle, connects all things without obstruction. The "Shi Jing" says: "Clearly serve the Supreme Deity, and thus receive manifold blessings." A ruler serves Heaven with bright virtue, and Heaven bestows abundant blessings upon the human sovereign.
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