Xu Wugui (7)

1 Guanzhong is dying for illness. Duke Huang of Qi went to see him. The anxiety-ridden duke asked in front of his bed, “In case you left, whom would I appoint as the ministry?”

2 Forcing to opening his eyes, Guanzhong looked at the duke and asked, “Who do you think is the most proper one?”

3 Duke Huang answered, “What about Baoshu Ya?”

4 Shaking his head, Guanzhong whispered, “Baoshu Ya is discriminated in evilness and goodness. He estranges the ones whom he distain. He keeps others’ err in his mind, always mentioning, and never pardons them.

5 If you appoint him as the ministry, his would carp at you all day and his verbosity would make you uneasy and annoyed.

6 He would regard his ideas as the only standard and impose them on people, totally neglecting the people’s actual requirement. Under this kind of government, the people would live in a bad life. So, even if you appointed him as the ministry, you would fall out with him sooner or later.”

7 Hearing Guanzhong’s analysis, Duke Huang felt it was very reasonable. Hence he asked again, “Who do you think is better?”

8 Guanzhong said, “Xipeng is eligible. In my opinion, Xipeng is amiable and clean-handed. Once he has power, I believe, he will self-restraint and uses it carefully. He will not swollen-headed for his high position, not to mentioning exploits his underling and people in his prefecture as he likes.

9 He is modest to learn from the one who is more learned than him. He cares and sympathizes with one who is worse than him in aptitude and virtue, and always be ready to help them.

10 We call the one who treats others by his perfect and lofty virtue a sage, and the one who helps others at any time with his wealth, aptitude and knowledge a wise man.

11 Nobody likes the one who thinks that he is wiser, richer and more incorruptible than others and looks down on others. This kind of man, he has no support from the masses.

12 To the contrary, the one, who is called wise man, always helps others at any time with his wealth, aptitude and knowledge; he will soon drum up support for his management.

13 Therefore, if Xipeng is appointed as the ministry, the country would be prosperous, peaceful and people would live in safety.”