Guwen Guanzhi Translation and Notes {Complete Three Volumes}

Author: Wu Chucai (Qing Dynasty)
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-09-01
Features: How to truly love a child, Shi Que eloquently elaborates on his views here. Addressing how Duke Zhuang of Wei favored Zhou Xu and allowed him to live in extravagance and debauchery, Shi Que pointed out: To love one's son, one must teach and restrain him with proper rites and laws, so that he may not stray from the right path, and the family can be harmonious, and the state can be stable. Although the "Six Inversions" and "Six Harmonies" Shi Que cited are based on feudal ethics and morals, their reasonable parts still hold certain reference value today. Duke Zhuang of Wei did not heed Shi Que's advice, indulging and allowing Zhou Xu to run wild, who eventually rebelled, killed his older brother, Duke Huan, and usurped the throne. Teaching children the right path and preventing trouble before it arises—Zhou Xu's fate left a profound lesson for later generations.
Duke Zhuang of Wei married the sister of the of Qi, named Zhuang Jiang, who was beautiful but childless, and the people of Wei composed the poem "Shuo Ren" in her praise. He also married a woman from Chen, named Li Gui, who gave birth to Xiao Bo, who died young. Her sister Dai Gui gave birth to Huan Gong, whom Zhuang Jiang adopted as her own son. Prince Zhou Xu was the son of Duke Zhuang's favored concubine, favored and fond of military affairs, but the duke did not restrain him, and Zhuang Jiang detested him.
Duke Zhuang of Wei married the sister of the of Qi, named Zhuang Jiang, who was beautiful but childless, and the people of Wei composed the poem "Shuo Ren" in her praise. The duke also married a woman from Chen, named Li Gui, who gave birth to Xiao Bo, who died young. Her sister Dai Gui gave birth to Huan Gong, whom Zhuang Jiang adopted as her own son. Prince Zhou Xu was the son of Duke Zhuang's favored concubine, favored and fond of military affairs, but the duke did not restrain him, and Zhuang Jiang detested him.
Shi Que advised, "I have heard that to love one's child, one must teach them the right path and prevent them from straying into wickedness. Arrogance, extravagance, lust, and debauchery are the roots of wickedness. These four arise from excessive favor and rewards. If you intend to appoint Zhou Xu as heir, then make the decision. If not, this will gradually lead to disaster. One who is favored but not arrogant, arrogant but able to accept a lower status, resentful but able to restrain themselves—such people are rare. Moreover, the lowly hinder the noble, the young usurp the old, the distant replace the close, the new alienate the old, the lesser surpass the greater, and lust destroys righteousness—these are the 'Six Inversions.' The ruler acts righteously, the minister follows orders, the father is kind, the son is filial, the elder brother loves, and the younger brother respects—these are the 'Six Harmonies.' To abandon the harmonies and imitate the inversions is the root of inviting disaster. As a ruler of the people, one should strive to eliminate disaster. Yet now you are actively inviting it..." Duke Zhuang did not listen. His son Hou and Zhou Xu often played together, but when Duke Zhuang tried to restrain them, they refused. When Huan Gong ascended the throne, Shi Que grew old.