The Heaven and the Earth (6)

1 When Emperor Yao was in power, Bo Chengzi was appointed as marquis. As Emperor Yao abdicated and gave the crown to Shun and then Shun to Yu, Bo Chengzi always was widely respected as the key minister of the state.

2 However, some time ago Bo Chengzi sudden resigned and went home for farming. All people felt bewildered, as did Emperor Yu. He reflected that: Why did Bo Chengzi resign? Was he dissatisfied with me? I must make it clear.

3 Arriving at Bo Chengzi’s house, Emperor Yu saw the old man weeding in the field. Emperor Yu stood at the foot of the hill slope with great reverence.

4 Yu came straight to the point. “At the ages of Yao and Shun, you were marquis; people regarded you as a key minister of the state. Why did you resign short after I came to throne? Am I impolite or inconsiderate to you? If so, please don’t hesitate and let me know the truth.”

5 As a plebeian, Bo Chengzi felt free to speak. He vented his feeling without misgiving. “In the past, Yao advocated no award to people, and people did work well in their own duty and field. He never frightened people by punishments. All people conformed to the conventions and rules, no stealing and robbing.

6 Now you are carrying out the policy of inducement and prompting which compels people forth and back to make them obedient. The policy makes people losing their original virtue.

7 When self-discipline in a society weakens and people’s quality lowers, severe punishment should be employed to maintain the order of society. The society goes into chaos.

8 I am completely disappointed at politics. Now that I can’t do well to the country, please let me keep myself pure and lofty.” Lowering his head, he neglected Yu and went on plowing.