Zhao Wuling, Wang Hufu, Riding and Shooting

In his spare time, King Wuling of Zhao lives alone with Fei Yi sitting beside him, saying, "Your Majesty, are you considering the changes of current events, weighing the rational use of troops, thinking about the brilliant achievements of Tong Zi and Xiang Zi, and figuring out how to benefit from Hu Di?"

King Wuling of Zhao replied: "Inheriting the throne without forgetting the merits and demerits of ancestors is the principle that a king should follow; Committed to the monarch, committed to the strengths and achievements of the Everbright monarch, this is the duty of being a courtier. Therefore, wise kings should educate ordinary people to contribute to their country in peacetime, and strive to establish achievements in the future in wartime. As a courtier, when frustrated, you should keep the character of respecting your elders' modesty and giving in, and when you become prominent, you should do something beneficial to the people and the king. These two aspects are the due duties of being a king and a vassal. Now I want to carry on the business of Xiang Zhu and develop the area where Hu and Zhai live, but I'm worried that no one will understand my intentions all my life. The enemy's strength is weak, and if we don't pay much, we will achieve great results. If we don't make the people tired, we will get the merits like Jianzi and Xiangzi. Those who have made great contributions to the world are bound to be blamed by some secular villains; And people with original ideas are bound to provoke resentment from everyone. Now I am going to teach people to practice riding and archery in Hu clothes, so that there will be people in China who will criticize me. "

Fei Yi said, "I heard that you can't succeed if you are hesitant, and you will never become famous if you are worried about your actions soon. Now that your majesty has made up his mind to turn his back on secular prejudice, he must not worry about criticism from all over the world. Anyone who pursues the highest morality does not go along with the opinions of the laity; People who have achieved great things will not consult with others. Once upon a time, Shun danced with Miao (an ancient southern tribe), and Yu went naked into a tribe that didn't know how to wear clothes. They didn't want to indulge their passions and enjoy their hearts, but wanted to promote morality, establish achievements and seek fame. Stupid people can't understand things after they happen, but smart people can notice things before they happen. Your majesty, you'd better put them into practice immediately according to your idea. "

King Wuling of Zhao said, "I'm not worried about riding and shooting in Hu clothes, but I'm worried that the whole world will laugh at me. What crazy people feel happy about, rational people will feel sad about it; A fool is happy, but a wise man is worried about it. If all the Chinese people support me, then the effect of changing to Hu fu is immeasurable. Even if the people all over the world laugh at me, I will definitely get the place of the northern Hu people and Zhongshan country. "

King Wuling of Zhao changed into the clothes of Hu people. King Wuling sent Wang Sun? Go and tell your son what he means, and say, "I've changed into a Hu suit, and I'm going to wear it to court. I hope Uncle Wang will change into a Hu suit, too." It has been recognized since ancient times that you should obey your parents at home and the king at court. Children can't go against their parents, and courtiers can't resist the king. This is the general rule set by the late king. Now I've ordered to change to Hu fu. If you don't wear it, Uncle Wang, I'm afraid people all over the world will talk about it. Governing the country should have certain principles, but it should be based on benefiting the people; There are certain rules for dealing with political affairs, but the first thing is that government decrees can be implemented smoothly. Therefore, if we want to improve the moral administration of the imperial court, we must consider the interests of ordinary people. If we want to take charge of the state power, we must first make the nobles accept your orders. Now, the purpose of my change to Hu fu is not to indulge myself and enjoy myself. Once things are started, there is a foundation for success, and political achievements can only be revealed after things are successful. Now I'm worried that Uncle Wang violated the principle of politics and even encouraged the nobles to criticize me. Besides, I have heard that as long as what you do is beneficial to the country, you don't have to worry about what others say. If you rely on nobles to do things, you won't be criticized. So I hope to rely on Wang Shu's prestige to promote the success of changing to Hu Fu. I sent Wang Sun? I'm here to tell you that I hope you can wear Hu clothes, too. "

Gongzi Cheng thanked him again and again and said, "I had already heard about the King's change to Hu Fu, but I was ill in bed and couldn't move easily, so I couldn't go to see the King as soon as possible and state my opinion face to face. Now, your majesty, since you have informed me, I should boldly do my little loyalty. I've heard that the Central Plains is a place where smart and far-sighted people live, where all kinds of materials and wealth gather, where sages educate people, where virtue, politics, benevolence and righteousness are widely practiced, where poetry, books, rites and music are read, where all kinds of ingenious skills are displayed, where governors from all over the world come to visit thousands of miles, and where backward ethnic minorities in all directions follow suit. Now the King abandons these excellent cultures and follows the clothes of backward tribes. This is to change the traditional education methods, update the ancient moral standards, and go against the wishes of all, thus making the learners deviate from Wang Zhidao and abandon the advanced culture of the Central Plains. I hope your majesty will consider this matter carefully. "

Wang sun? Report the success of Gongzi to King Wuling of Zhao. King Wuling said, "I knew Uncle Wang was against it." So I immediately went to Gongzi Cheng's home and personally explained my point of view to him: "Generally, clothes are for convenience, and etiquette is for convenience. Therefore, sages observe local customs and then formulate corresponding measures, and formulate etiquette laws according to specific conditions, which is beneficial to both the people and the country. It is the custom of Ou Yue people to cut off their hair, tattoo their bodies, stand with their arms crossed, and cover their skirts to the left. It is the custom of the State of Wu to dye one's teeth black, carve a picture on one's forehead, wear a fishskin hat and wear clothes with rough sewing. Although etiquette and clothing are different, it is the same to seek the benefit of the country and the convenience of the people. Therefore, in different places, the utensils used are different, the situation is different, and the etiquette used has also changed. Therefore, the monarchs of sages only made policies that were beneficial to the people, but they did not unify the use of their utensils; If it is convenient to act, the etiquette system can be completely different.

Although all Confucian scholars learn from the same teacher, the manners handed down are different. The customs in the Central Plains are the same, but the politics and religion in different countries are different, not to mention being located in remote mountainous areas. Shouldn't we consider doing things cheaply? Therefore, the choice of customs and etiquette is changeable, and even smart people can't unify it; Even sages and monarchs can hardly make the dress styles of different regions consistent. People in remote places are rare and strange. People who are ignorant like to argue, don't doubt unfamiliar things easily, and don't criticize opinions different from their own. This is the attitude of selfless pursuit of truth. Now, Uncle Wang, what you are talking about is your opinion on adapting to customs. What I'm talking about is how to change old traditions. At present, there are the Yellow River and Zhangshui in the east of our country, which are borders with Qi and Zhongshan, but there are no warships to defend them. From Changshan to Daijun and Shangdang counties, it borders Yan State and Donghu in the east and Loufan, Qin State and South Korea in the west, but we have no cavalry troops to defend it. So I'm going to build warships, recruit residents who are used to water warfare, and let them defend the Yellow River and Zhangshui. Change into Hu clothes and practice riding and archery to guard against the borders with Yan, Donghu, Loufan, Qin and South Korea. In the past, Jianzi didn't limit himself to Jinyang and Shangdang, but Xiangzi merged the Rong nationality and Daixian county to resist the Hu people. These truths are understood by both stupid people and smart people. In the past, relying on the support of the powerful army of Qi, Sun Yat-sen invaded and plundered our land, plundered and imprisoned our people, and diverted water to irrigate our city. If it were not for the blessing of our ancestors and gods, our city would almost be breached. The late king was very angry about this, and to this day, their enmity has not been reported. Now that we are pursuing the policy of "riding and shooting in a huff", from a short distance, we can guard places like Shangdang where the situation is dangerous; From a distance, you can repay the hatred of the former king of Zhongshan aggression. But Uncle Wang, you must follow the old customs of the Central Plains, violate the wishes of Jane and Xiangzi, hate the practice of changing clothes, but forget the shame that the country has suffered. This is by no means what I expect you to do! "

The son listened to this and apologized to King Wuling for paying homage to him. He said, "I was so stupid that I didn't realize the good intentions of the King, so I took the liberty to make some secular remarks. Now the king wants to inherit the wishes of Jane and Xiangzi and realize the wishes of the former king and legacy. How dare I disobey orders! " Gong Zicheng made two more obeisances. So King Wuling of Zhao gave him Hu clothes.

Zhao Wen exhorted King Wuling to say, "Farmers work hard to support gentlemen, which is the foundation of governing the country; Stupid people express their opinions and wise people make decisions, which is the way to deal with problems; It is the blessing of the country that a courtier does not hide his opinions, and a king does not block his speech. Although I am stupid, I still hope to do my best to be loyal. "

King Wuling said, "People who think of others should not be too demanding. People who do their best to be loyal can't accuse him of his mistakes. Just speak up." Zhao Wen said: "it has been the law since ancient times to adapt to the current situation and obey local folk customs;" Clothes have a certain style, which is the rule of etiquette; It is the duty of ordinary people to abide by the law and discipline and not make mistakes. These three aspects are all taught by ancient sages. Now, your majesty, you have abandoned all these things, changed into the clothes of distant Hu people, changed the ancient education and changed the ancient constitution, so I hope your majesty will seriously consider it. "

King Wu Ling said, "What you said is only a secular opinion. Ordinary people just blindly indulge in the habit of secularism, while bookworms always stick to things in books. These two kinds of people can only abide by their duties and laws, and can't work with them for a long-term career and establish pioneering work. Moreover, although the costumes of Xia, Shang and Wednesday dynasties were different, they could unify the world; In the Spring and Autumn Period, the five tyrants were different in politics and religion, but they could govern the country well. Wise people make laws, stupid people are bound by laws; Wise people reform customs, while stupid people stick to old customs. Therefore, it is not necessary for those who are restricted by secular etiquette to exchange ideas with them; There is no need to explain your intentions to those who stick to the old customs. Therefore, customs change with the times, and the unity of etiquette and this changed custom is the fundamental principle of sage governing the country! It is the bounden duty of ordinary people to act immediately after receiving state decrees, abide by the legal system and abandon personal selfish thoughts. A truly learned person can listen to opinions and change his point of view, and a truly knowledgeable person can change with the times. Therefore, people who think for themselves will not take care of others. If you want to change the current situation, you can't completely imitate the ancient times. You can rest assured! "

Zhao Zao also went to remonstrate with King Wuling of Zhao. He said, "If you don't try your best to be loyal, knowing without saying anything is the same behavior as a traitor; It is harmful to the country to cheat the monarch for personal gain. Those who commit adultery are sentenced to death, and those who endanger the country destroy the clan. These two points are the criminal laws formulated by the ancient holy king, and they are also the most serious crimes committed by people who are courtiers. Although I am stupid, I hope to be faithful and never escape death. " King Wuling said: "Speak your thoughts without reservation without any concealment. This is a loyal minister; Don't block the way of speaking, and accept opinions with an open mind. This is called knowing the Lord. Loyal ministers are not afraid of danger, and the wise Lord does not refuse to express his opinions, so you can speak frankly! "

Zhao Zao said, "I have heard that sages educate people without changing their customs, while wise people govern the country without changing their customs. Educating according to public opinion can achieve results without much effort; Governing the country according to different customs is simple and convenient, and it is easy to see the effect when doing it. Now, your majesty, you have changed your original dress instead of following the custom, and changed to wear Hu clothes regardless of the discussion of the world. This is not the way to educate the people according to the rules of etiquette. Moreover, wearing strange clothes will make people's minds wrong, and eccentric customs will disturb people's hearts. Therefore, the monarch should not accept strange clothes, and the people in the Central Plains should not imitate the barbarian lifestyle. This is not the way to educate the people according to the requirements of etiquette. Besides, following the previous laws and regulations will not make mistakes, and acting according to the old etiquette will not give birth to evil thoughts. I hope your majesty will consider this matter carefully. " King Wuling said, "Since ancient times, customs have been different. When should we follow suit?"? The etiquette of emperors is not inherited from generation to generation. Whose etiquette should we follow? Fuxi and Shennong only educate the people, not kill them; Although Huangdi, Yao and Shun had the death penalty, they did not even punish their wives and children. In the Xia, Shang and Zhou dynasties, when the holy king came, he observed the situation at that time to establish the legal system and formulate customs according to the specific situation. Statutes and decrees are adapted to the times, and clothes are easy to use. Therefore, it is not necessary to take the same road to govern the country. As long as it is beneficial to the country, it is not necessary to follow the example of ancient times. The emergence of saints does not rule the world because of mutual inheritance; The decline and fall of Xia Dynasty and Yin Dynasty will not be destroyed by changing the etiquette. In this way, if you don't follow the ancient law, you don't have to be reprimanded, and it may not be commendable to be conservative and vulgar. Besides, if strange clothes will make people's minds wrong, then Zou Guo and Lu Guo, who abide by the etiquette most, will not have eccentric people; If the eccentric customs will make the people worse, then there will be no outstanding talents in Wu and Vietnam. Therefore, saints call what is convenient for wearing clothes and what is convenient for doing things enlightenment. Some etiquette and dress rules in behavior are only used to make ordinary people agree, not to measure whether they are wise or not. Therefore, wise people can adapt to any custom, and talented people can keep up with the changes of the times. There is a saying:' People who drive according to the book can't give full play to the actual ability of horses; Using ancient etiquette to govern today's country can't conform to the reality of today's society.' Therefore, it is impossible to surpass the achievements established by following the existing system, and it is impossible to manage the present country well by imitating the practices of the ancients. You'd better not object. "

is it appropriate?