Wubei Zhi (Vol. 5)

A nascent ruler mengwang (萌王): a ruler who is just beginning to establish their power and authority recruits Confucian worthies. When this happens, crafty villains original: "姦雄" (jianxiong); deceptive and ambitious men who seek power for themselves are forced to move away. The ruler relies on experienced elders original: "舊齒" (jiuchi); literally "old teeth," referring to those with long years of service and wisdom, and as a result, the ten thousand affairs of state are brought into order. When the ruler recruits scholars from remote caves yanxueshi (巖穴士): hermit-scholars who live in seclusion to maintain their integrity, he obtains genuine strategies. Even when he reaches out to those who carry firewood original: "負薪" (fuxin); a metaphor for common people of humble origins who possess hidden talent, their contributions become worthy of record. By not losing the hearts of the people, the ruler's virtue overflows across the land.

The Middle Strategy

original: "中畧" (Zhong Lüe); the second volume of the Three Strategies, focusing on the internal mechanics of power and the different types of historical leadership.

Now, the Three Sovereigns original: "三皇" (San Huang); the legendary first rulers of China who governed through pure virtue and non-action transformed the world without the need for words. Their influence flowed to the four seas; consequently, the people under heaven had no specific person to whom they could attribute this success.

Emperors embody Heaven and model themselves after the Earth. They issue words and decrees, and the world enjoys great peace. Ruler and ministers defer credit to one another, and transformation spreads throughout the four seas. The common people are unaware of exactly how this harmony came to be.

Therefore, they cause their ministers to serve without waiting for formal ceremonies or rewards. There is merit and beauty, yet no harm is done. They do not wait to reward those with merit before they are encouraged to act; this is the height of excellence and brings no harm.

Kings govern the people through the Way dao (道): the fundamental principle of cosmic and moral order. They humble their own hearts to win the submission of the people's wills. They establish standards to prepare against times of decline. The four seas are brought together in unity, and the duties of the King are never neglected. Although the armored...