Wubizhi (Treatise on Armament Technology), Volume 7

original: "武備志" (Wubizhi); a comprehensive Ming Dynasty military encyclopedia compiled by Mao Yuanyi.

Page 7

When prohibitions and restrictions are pushed to extremes, even a nation of virtuous men original: "君子國" (Junzi Guo); a state populated by noble, superior individuals will suffer the consequences.

The Military Prophecies original: "軍讖" (Jun Chen); an ancient text on military strategy and divination state: When the good are advanced only with great difficulty, yet the wicked refuse to withdraw; when the worthy remain in hiding while the unworthy occupy high office—the nation suffers harm.

The Military Prophecies state: When the "branches and leaves" a metaphor for subordinate officials, local factions, or regional governors grow too powerful and form cliques to seize influence; when those of low character insult the noble; and when this situation persists and grows until the ruler cannot bear to dismantle it—the nation suffers defeat.

The Military Prophecies state: When sycophants ningchen (佞臣): flattering, deceptive officials who gain favor through smooth talk rather than merit occupy high positions, the entire army will be embroiled in disputes. These men seize authority for their own ends and act in opposition to the needs of the masses. They have no sense of when to advance or retreat according to duty, but merely seek to maintain their favor through compliance. They act solely for their own interests, boast of their own "achievements" jucuo (舉措): the specific actions or measures taken by an official, slander those of great virtue, and fabricate evidence against the ordinary. They recognize no distinction between good and evil, caring only that others agree with them. They delay the execution of state affairs so that orders fail to circulate. They devise harsh policies and abandon ancient traditions. If a ruler employs such sycophants, he will certainly suffer calamity and misfortune.

The Military Prophecies state: When treacherous men jianxiong (姦雄): individuals who possess great talent but use it for deceitful or ambitious ends praise one another, they obscure the ruler's clarity. Slander and false praise arise simultaneously, blocking yongse (壅塞): to block, stifle, or jam a channel of communication the ruler’s ability to hear the truth. Each official follows his own private interests, causing the ruler to lose the loyalty of his subjects. Therefore, if the ruler tries to investigate dissenting voices, he will meet with harm?.