Tree on Hill (3)

1 To be convenient to alarm people, the Duke Ling of Wei planed to build a bell pavilion. However, there is no budget for it. The duke ordered Beigong She to raise money by himself and build it as early as possible.

2 How to do it without money?

3 It was a drudgery to ask people to pay extra money out of the normal taxes for building the bell pavilion. All officials were waiting to see Beigong She’s gaffe.

4 Three months passed in an instant. The officials heard no complaint from people who were asked to pay money by government, but the money for the bell pavilion had been raised.

5 The officials all expect to know how he raising the money; however, they hesitated to ask him.

6 Someday Qingji, the prince, he couldn’t suppress his curiosity. He went to ask Beigong She. “Buddy, all people are curious to know how you accomplishing the task but they feel small to ask you. Well! How do you raise it on earth?”

7 Beigong She answered, “In my concept, tactics, strategies, or scheme should not be used to induce, force or cheat others so as to reach my goal. Therefore, in raising money for the bell pavilion, I didn’t use any tactics, nor any policy and propaganda.

8 My principle of handling social affairs is: things are imperfect after cutting and polishing; return to nature is the best way. Therefore, near the gate of city I set up a simple pavilion where I hung a bullet board on which I announced that the Duke Ling wanted to build a bell pavilion, so that in any urgent situation it is convenient to alarm people.

9 Sitting there like an ignorant baby, I was shyly, uneasily and in silence. Many people come and go through the gate everyday, I didn’t force anyone to approach the pavilion who is not interested; however, most of them would stop before the pavilion to discuss about the case; some people disagreed it while others agreed;. I was open to anyone who is curious or interested in it. Among the audiences some of them donated nothing while others gave some donations. The amount of donation is absolutely up to personal will and individual wealth condition; some one gave less, some one donated more.

10 Day after day like this, I obtained enough money after three months.

11 The advantage of my way is that people are voluntary to donate money. The donation depends on people’s personal wealth and will; it is not like other exorbitant taxes, it will not become a burden to people. Of course, the more important impact of this case is that it has established a model that the government respects and conforms to people’s decision. People bear more credit to the government is a fact worthy of congratulating to all officials like us.