Declination to Throne (15)

1 In the early stage of Zhou dynasty, the country was prosperous under the helm of King Wu. Boyi and Shuqi lived in Guzhu. They were happy to hear the news and curious about how King Wu governed his country. For this reason, they decided to have a fact-finding trip to Zhou.

2 When they arrived at Qiyang—a border city of Zhou, the local officials reported to King Wu that there are two sages coming from Guzhu. The new country hungered for talents at this primary stage of governing. Therefore, King Wu sent Shudan to arrange an interview with those two gentlemen in Qiyang.

3 Shudan expressed welcome to them on behalf of the king and wished that they could join in their team to construct the State of Zhou. Shudan gave them good treatment that they were entitled as first-class officer and gave them a salary second only to the King himself. To be earnest for the promise, he intentionally took out the official seal and applied chicken blood on it for credit.

4 When Shudan bustled in preparing the official seal, Boyi and Shuqi discussed the situation in private. Boyi laughed, “Queer! How is it so? A government of Tao should not take this way to appoint its officials.

5 When Shengnong Shi was in power, in the sacrifice ceremony, they just prayed for the operation of Nature: they accepted wind when it had to wind; accepted rain when it must rain; four seasons altered in order based on the natural way. They never prayed for good harvest every year and bliss great fortune as big as the East Sea.

6 He, who worked for government focuses only on doing things well, never mentioning salary. Work for people just is because he wishes to work for them. That’s all. He doesn’t drive others off because they can’t do well, and he himself takes over. He doesn’t exaggerate other’s shortcoming and publicize it so as to show his loftiness and greatness. He doesn’t replace other’s position for personal interest when other is in danger.

7 Today, Zhou overthrew Yin Dynasty by force when Yin was week, disordered and depressive. They used tactic to acquire the resource of country; they suppressed local people by strong force; they killed chicken and applied its blood on something to propagate their credit; they ballyhoo their merit that attained support of people; they stroke rival by force to make interest. All what they do is to substitute a new disorder for the old one. In the eye of us, they are similar, actually no big difference.

8 In the past, man of practice told us that we may come out to be office in government when the country is peaceful and government is uncorrupt; if society is in turbulence and government is disordered, we should lead a reclusive life, not dragging out an ignoble existence in the society.

9 Nowadays, the governance of Zhou is far from Shennong Shi’s, and also out of accordance with Tao. Why do we stay in this place so as to distain our virtue? Let’s leave here as soon as possible.”

10 The two hence, gave up the positions offered by King Wu and went to hide in Shouyang Mountain. Owing to lack of food in the mountain, they finally starved to death.

11 When we summarize the virtue of these two gentlemen, we would say: they are lofty and aloof but are queer on behavior. They enjoy their lives and ideas; they don’t do cause and don’t seek for worldly honor.