The Grand Historian said: Laws and regulations are meant to guide the common people, while punishments are meant to deter wrongdoing. If only military force is emphasized without good governance, the common people may restrain themselves out of fear, but only because the government has not caused chaos. As long as officials are responsible and follow the rules, they can govern the country well, so why insist on acting all high and mighty?
Sun Shu'ao was a hermit from the state of Chu. Duke Yuqiu recommended him to King Zhuang of Chu and voluntarily resigned from his own position. Sun Shu'ao served as the Prime Minister of Chu for three months, taught and guided the people, bringing about unity, harmony, and a better social atmosphere. His policies were lenient, not harshly restrictive; there was no corruption among officials, and thieves vanished. In autumn and winter, he encouraged the people to gather in the mountains, and in spring and summer, he utilized water resources effectively, ensuring that everyone was satisfied with their lives.
King Zhuang of Chu felt that the currency was devalued and wanted to exchange small coins for larger ones, causing inconvenience to the people who then abandoned their work. The market administrator reported to the Prime Minister, "The market's a mess! People can't even find a place to stand, and everything's all out of whack." The Prime Minister asked, "How long has this been going on?" The market administrator replied, "For three months." The Prime Minister said, "Okay, I'll order things back to normal." Five days later, during court, the Prime Minister reported to King Zhuang, "Sir, changing the currency caused chaos in the market. People are complaining, so I'm requesting we switch back." King Zhuang agreed, and three days later, the market returned to its original state.
The people of Chu were accustomed to using low carts, but King Zhuang believed that low carts were inconvenient for horses and wanted to order the carts to be raised. The Prime Minister said, "There have been too many orders issued, and the people do not know whose orders to follow. If the king insists on raising the carts, I suggest teaching each village to raise the cart beds. Most folks riding in these carts are gentlemen, and they won't be getting on and off all the time." King Zhuang agreed. After six months, the people voluntarily made their carts taller.
This is not something that needs to be taught to them; it is something that those nearby see and imitate, while those from afar watch and learn from all directions. Therefore, Sun Shuao was not happy to be appointed chief minister three times, as he knew this was a reflection of his own abilities; he also did not regret resigning as chief minister three times, as he knew it was not his fault.
Zichan was a high-ranking official in the state of Zheng. During the reign of Duke Zhao of Zheng, the country was in chaos due to favoritism towards Xu Zhi, leading to strained relationships between upper and lower classes, as well as within families. A respected advisor suggested that Zichan be appointed as chief minister. During Zichan's one-year term, children were safe, elders were relieved of burdens, and servants were freed from extra labor. Two years later, there were no unsold goods in the market. Three years later, households no longer needed to lock their doors at night, and there were no thefts on the streets. Four years later, farming tools did not need to be returned. Five years later, scholars no longer had their lands confiscated, and funerals were conducted in an orderly manner without the need for official decrees. After serving as chief minister of Zheng for twenty-six years, Zichan passed away, causing young and old alike to weep, lamenting the loss of a beloved leader.
In the state of Lu, there was a scholar named Gong Yixiu, who recommended a talented individual to become the chief minister of Lu. This chief minister was honest, fair, and just, leading all officials to behave properly. He prohibited officials from competing with commoners for business and from bullying the weak.
Once, someone brought fish to the chief minister as a gift, but he refused to accept it. The person asked, "I heard you're a fish fiend! Why turn down a nice gift like this?" The chief minister replied, "It is precisely because I love fish that I won't accept it. As the chief minister, I can easily obtain fish for myself; if I accept your gift, who else will dare to send me fish in the future? That's why I won't accept it."
His home-grown vegetables were delicious, so he uprooted the vegetable garden and threw it away. When he saw the quality of the fabric woven in his home, he drove away the weaver and burned the loom, saying, "This way, farmers and weavers can actually sell their stuff!"
In the state of Chu, there was a prime minister named Shi She, who was upright and honest, never showing favoritism towards anyone. Once, while on a tour of inspection, he came across a murder on the road. When he caught up to the killer, he discovered that it was his own father! He let his father escape, but tied himself up and sent someone to inform King Zhao of Chu: "The murderer is my father. My father broke the law, and I did not stop him, which is unfilial. Ignoring the law and letting criminals go free is disloyal. I deserve to die a thousand times!" King Zhao of Chu said, "You didn't even catch the man, so it's not your fault. Go back and continue your work." Shi She said, "Not taking responsibility for my father is not being a filial son; not upholding the country's laws is not being a loyal subject. Your Majesty's pardon is your grace; I must accept my punishment." Thus, Shi She did not accept the pardon and killed himself.
Duke Wen of Jin had a judicial officer named Li Li, who, because of carelessness, mistakenly killed a person. He locked himself up and prepared to accept the death penalty. Duke Wen said, "There are differences in official positions and punishments, with varying severity. It is not your fault if a subordinate makes a mistake." Li Li said, "As the top official, I don't compete with my underlings for power or with the common people for wealth. Now, because of my negligence in handling affairs, I mistakenly killed someone, but blaming my subordinate is unheard of." He firmly refused to accept a pardon. Duke Wen said, "If you're guilty, does that make me guilty too?" Li Li said, "There are laws, and breaking them means punishment. I deserve to die for my mistake!" Therefore, Li Li firmly refused to accept the pardon and killed himself.
Sima Qian cites these examples to illustrate the profound impact of individual actions: Sun Shuao calmed the Yingdu market with a single sentence; the people of Zheng mourned his passing deeply after Zichan's death; Gong Yizi sent his weavers away when he saw fine cloth; Shi She died for freeing his father, enhancing Chu Zhao Wang's reputation; and Li Li's suicide for his accidental killing solidified Jin Wengong's reputation for justice.
