"Reign of Zhenguan: A Complete Translation"

Author: Wu Jing
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-10-01
Features: Every time I read The Essentials of Good Governance under the Zhenguan Reign, I see the discussions between the ruler and his ministers, which are highly instructive. —Jin Xizong
On the subject of the rise and fall of dynasties, the gains and losses of policies, it is clear, concise, and serves as a warning. —Ming Xianzong
I once read this book and, imagining the time, could not help but sigh three times: "The Zhenguan era was truly prosperous." —Qianlong Emperor of the Qing Dynasty
To ensure the peace of the nation, one must accumulate virtue and righteousness.
In the eleventh year of the Zhenguan era (637), Wei Zheng submitted a memorial to Emperor Taizong, saying: "I observe that since ancient times, those who inherit the Mandate of Heaven to establish or inherit an empire, when governing talented individuals and ruling the world, all hope their virtue to be as profound as heaven and earth, and their brilliance as bright as the sun and moon, that their regime be secure, their rule long-lasting, their imperial throne passed down endlessly through generations. Yet few achieve a good beginning and a good ending, while many fall into decline and ruin. Why is this? It is because they fail to follow the principles of good governance. The lessons of the previous dynasty's downfall are not far away and can serve as a warning."
"The former Sui dynasty unified the world, strong in military might and horses, ruling for over thirty years, its fame spreading far and wide, shaking foreign lands. Yet once it was abandoned, it was entirely taken by others. Did Emperor Yang of Sui not wish for peace in the world and a long-lasting state? Why did he deliberately pursue the tyrannical policies of Jie and Zhou, leading to the downfall of his country and the ruin of its people? He relied on the state's wealth and strength, without considering the consequences. He forced the people to indulge his desires, plundering the wealth of the entire realm for his own enjoyment, selecting the most beautiful women in the country, and seeking rare treasures from distant lands. His palaces and gardens were adorned with splendor, his towers and pavilions built in grandeur, his corvée endless, and his wars unending. Outwardly, he appeared majestic and dignified, but inwardly, he was suspicious and treacherous. The treacherous and evil were favored by him, while the loyal and upright struggled to even save their lives. The officials and people deceived each other, becoming disunited, and the people could not bear it. The state fell into disintegration. Thus, the most noble ruler in the world died at the hands of a commoner, and his descendants were exterminated, becoming a laughingstock for all, a truly heart-wrenching tragedy."
"Your Majesty seized the opportunity to rescue the people from suffering and hardship, straightening the eight pillars of the sky that had fallen and tightening the four cords of the earth that had loosened. Within no more than a year, you brought the people near and far to peace and prosperity; a state of stability where punishments were no longer needed could be achieved in less than a century. Now, your palaces, pavilions, towers, and terraces are all yours, your rare treasures and jewels are all collected by you, and the beautiful women of the realm serve at your side. The people of the four seas and nine states have become your subjects. If you can learn from the lessons of the Sui dynasty's downfall and reflect on the success of our dynasty in winning the Mandate of Heaven, becoming more cautious day by day, not taking your achievements for granted, burning the precious robes of the, demolishing the palaces of the, living in grand towers yet remaining vigilant against danger, and feeling at ease in humble dwellings, then you can connect with the divine spirits of heaven and earth in the unseen realm, achieving a state of effortless governance. This is the highest realm of virtue."
"If you cherish what you have and cannot bear to destroy it, then let it remain as it is. Reduce unnecessary offerings and curtail pleasures. It does no harm if thatched huts and mansions coexist, or if stone steps and earthen steps are used together. Make the people willing to serve without exhausting their strength. Always remember the ease of your own enjoyment and the toil of others' labor. In this way, the people will serve willingly, relying on the benevolence of the Son of Heaven to live in peace and prosperity. This is the middle realm of virtue."
"If you act arrogantly, disregarding the consequences, fail to be prudent at the beginning and the end, forget the hardships of winning the Mandate of Heaven, and believe you have divine support, abandoning the simplicity of your days in a humble dwelling to pursue the luxurious decorations of carved beams and painted rafters, expanding your palaces beyond their original foundations and further embellishing them,