Rebirth of the Ming Dynasty: Sixth Generation of Glory, I don't want it

Excerpts from three articles written by Zhu Di.

It is estimated that the two articles written in the early years of Yongle were not written by Zhu Di.

But when it comes to the article written in the 13th year of Yongle, the tone is very much like Zhu Di.

If you are interested, you can take a look at it. If you are not interested, just pass it by.

In addition, by the late Yongle period, many written materials were no longer so profound.

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On Entrepreneurship and Success

September 1403st, the first year of Yongle ()

It is difficult to be a king, it is not easy to be a minister, it is difficult to start a business, it is not easy to maintain it.

The way to govern is to be moderate in leniency and severity, and to implement rites, music, punishments and politics in an orderly manner.

From the Tang, Yu, and Song dynasties, the rule of the Tang and Song dynasties was followed. Shun killed the four evils and clarified the five punishments. Xia Yu followed suit, and his reputation spread to the four seas. Zhou Gong served as the minister to King Wu and destroyed fifty states. After Cheng Kang, no punishment was used. When Emperor Gaozu of Han first established the country, he ordered Xiao He to establish laws and Han Xin to enforce military law. By the time of Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing, the law of carrying books and the cruel corporal punishment were all abolished. Emperor Gaozu of Tang abolished the bad government of Sui, established the official system, and issued laws and regulations. After Emperor Taizong's Zhenguan period, he punished cutting off toes, banned whipping the back, amended laws and regulations, changed heavy punishments to light punishments, and tried to practice benevolence and righteousness, and almost abolished the punishment. In the early Song Dynasty, Emperor Taizu punished the chaos of the Five Dynasties and used heavy laws to punish treacherous and cunning people. He personally tried cases, was thorough and prudent, and made laws and regulations strict. After Xianping, he reduced the complexity and complexity and practiced leniency and benevolence. His descendants inherited this and were broad-minded, respectful, frugal, and sincere. They never killed an innocent person.

This is the matter of maintaining the status quo and starting a business throughout the ages, with hardness and softness, leniency and severity, rites, music, punishments and politics, and the order within it, all used in succession.

My royal father, the Emperor Taizu Gao, rose from the common people. After a hundred years of submersion in barbarian customs, when treacherous heroes were looking down on us and causing rebellion, he restored order and worked diligently, worriedly, and pondered day and night. The power of the country was constantly changing, so he had to use punishments and exercised power for a temporary period of time.

When it was established as a rule, there were already laws and regulations to be promulgated throughout the country, and also as ancestral teachings to be passed down to future generations, but tattooing, cutting off the nose, and tapping the palace were all prohibited.

I have been able to abide by the established constitution, look up to the holy instructions, and obey them day and night. I only want to promote rites and music, promote talented people, implement benevolent policies, and govern with loyalty and honesty.

You, the civil and military officials, should think about sharing your duties, doing your work respectfully, not forming cliques, not being greedy, and not indulging in lust and doing things that are not in line with the law.

As for the use of punishment, we must be respectful and cautious, aiming to use it in a way that is healthy and just, and not let down the hardships that our emperor father went through in starting his business.

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On Appointing Officials and Seeking Talents

September 1403th, the first year of Yongle ().

Appointing officials is the foundation of good governance; seeking talented people is the basis of appointing officials.

I have inherited the throne and am busy with numerous affairs every day. I dare not take any time to relax. I want to recruit outstanding talents to assist the country.

You, the internal and external departments, should each recommend your knowledge among the ministers and the people. Some are capable of important tasks; some are in a low-level position, some can be given more important positions; some are leisurely and remote; some are talented and pursue the truth and live in seclusion in the countryside, and they will all become famous.

Do not be jealous and cover up the talented, and do not promote people based on personal connections.

The Book of Documents says: "If you appoint someone who is capable, it is because of his ability; if you appoint someone who is not the right person, it is because you are not qualified to take the position."

The ancient teachings are preserved for our common encouragement.

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Imperial Instructions to All Officials on Honesty, Prudence and Love for the People

(This warning to all officials was posted outside the Meridian Gate.)

The second day of the first lunar month in the thirteenth year of Yongle (1415).

The way to govern the world is that the emperor is in charge at the top, and the ministers serve below, with the upper and lower levels passing on knowledge and the order being in good order.

I have been working day and night to govern the country and promoting talented and virtuous people. If they can do their best, there will be no unrest in the world.

For an official, loyalty, diligence, integrity and prudence are the foundation, and justice, benevolence and forgiveness are the top priorities.

If one is loyal, he will not deceive the king; if one is diligent, he will not be lazy; if one is honest, he will not be greedy for bribes; if one is cautious, he will not act recklessly.

If one is fair, he will not encroach on others' interests; if one is just, he will not be biased; if one is benevolent, he will not be violent or cruel; if one is forgiving, he will not harm the people.

Do not think that the people are stupid, for their hearts are actually clear;

Don't think that the court can be deceived, God is the witness above.

If you do not obey my words, your crime will not be pardoned.

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