Declination to Throne (2)

1 Danfu, the king of the State of Bin, loved people and worked hard for his nation. However, the richness and stability of a country may become a disadvantage because the countries around it may covet after him. The State of Di was the one that deliberated on occupying Bin.

2 The year, army of Di loomed to Bin. A war was inevitable. Danfu looked people as his children so he wouldn’t like to let his people be the victim of war. So he presented the best hide, cloth, and the livestock and treasure in his palace to the State of Di. He wished that the presented things could stop the king of Di to launch the war.

3 But all efforts were in vain. Army of Di was determinate to invade, no leeway to go.

4 He thought that it was wrong to make people die in war just for keeping his own throne. Then, Danfu made an announcement to his people. He declared, “I would not witness that your brother die for me in battle; I could not stand that your son die for me. I could not imagine that I stay with people as if nothing happened when they are grieving over the dead.”

5 He added, “You calm down to stay! What the king of Di wants is my throne. There will be no big difference for him or me to be your king. – You just hand in rice and pay tax. I am to remise my throne to him! If my remising can avoid a bloody war, it fairly is a good thing.”

6 The next day, Danfu with his family left the country. Then, many people followed him to arrive the foot of Qi Mountain. They exploited there and built a new country.

7 It is admirable for a king like Danfu, respecting life so much.