The Analects

Author: Confucius of the Spring and Autumn Period
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-07-01
Features: ▼Complete Content ▼Sandalwood Aroma ▼Compact and Lightweight ▼Original Illustrations ▼Portable
"The saying 'Half of the Analects can govern the world' refers to the famous statesman Zhao Pu of Bei Ning. Legend has it that when Emperor Taizu of the Northern Song Dynasty, Zhao Kuangyin, launched the Chenqiao coup, he relied on Zhao Pu for his strategies. Wearing the yellow robe, Zhao Kuangyin then, with Zhao Pu's assistance, conquered east and west, unifying the nation. Impressed by Zhao Pu's abilities, the Emperor appointed him as the Prime Minister. After the Emperor's death, Emperor Taizong ascended the throne, but Zhao Pu remained a pivotal figure in the Zhao family regime.
Someone once told Emperor Taizong that Zhao Pu was unlearned and had only read the Confucian classic Analects, lacking the qualifications to be a Prime Minister. However, the Emperor did not believe it. One day, while chatting casually with Zhao Pu, the Emperor asked, 'Some say you only read the Analects. Is that true?' Zhao Pu honestly replied, 'What I know does not go beyond the Analects. In the past, I used the Analects to assist the Emperor in pacifying the world...'