Stories from Ancient China: Wise Words from Fu Shuo's Conversation with Wu Ding

In the Shang Dynasty of ancient China there was a king called Wu Ding. After Wu Ding's father died, he stayed out of government affairs for three whole years to mourn his father. After the three years of mourning were over, Wu Ding still did not attend any government affairs. As the government officials were all wondering what was going on, Wu Ding wrote an announcement to the officials, saying, "I want to be the role model of my people, but I am afraid that I do not have enough virtue, so I do not dare to give orders or make decisions. I've been studying the right ways to govern the land. I dreamt that the late king, my father, will give me an excellent official to help me with the rule, and this official will speak for me." Wu Ding then drew a portrait of the official he had dreamt of, and ordered his men to search for this person.

A man called Fu Shuo was found to resemble the portrait more than anyone else. At that time Fu Shuo was constructing city walls in the suburb of Fuyan. King Wu Ding then appointed Fu Shuo as the Prime Minister, and asked him to give good advice and help him to manage the officials, and govern the land.

Fu Shuo suggested to Wu Ding, "A wise king should follow the way of the universe. The king should establish a country, select a capital city, and give the officials appropriate titles. Doing so is not for the king's convenience and comfort, but for the wellbeing of the people. The gods are the wisest, and they know everything. A wise king should manage the country the same way that gods treat humans. If the governor and officials follow the way of the universe, people can be easily managed."

Fu Shuo also told Wu Ding, "If the ruler talks to his people without respect and care, he will bring shame on himself. If the ruler uses violence at will, he will cause wars and conflicts. The key to a good reign is that the officials abide by the law. So the ruler should appoint officials based on their abilities to handle government issues, not on the ruler's own preference. Titles should not be given to those with low levels of morality, but to those who are modest and virtuous. The ruler should not indulge mean people or tolerate disrespect for the law. Do not insist in carrying out wrongdoings to avoid criticism. Always think twice before making a decision, because only in this way can one arrange things well."

Wu Ding was very happy with this advice. Fu Shuo knelt down to salute the king, and said, "It is not hard to know how to behave, but it's not easy to do the right things. Please learn to control your desires, and be diligent in government affairs. In this way you can improve your ability to rule the country. Only when you keep the benefit of the country at heart, can you improve your own virtue and achievements. Arrogance will cover up the good qualities of a person. If one flaunts his abilities, he will lose his merit and achievements." With this advice, Fu Shuo hoped to help Wu Ding improve his virtue.

Wu Ding said, "Only with the help of a good official, can a king be wise. In the past, Yi Yin aided my father to achieve great success, but he said, 'I am ashamed of myself that I could not help the king to be as great as the legendary emperors Yao and Shun. When I think of this, I feel like I am being whipped on the street.' If a worthy person did not get an appointment from the government, Yi Yin would blame himself for it. Yi Yin helped my father achieve great accomplishments. I hope you will help me follow my father's path, and give the people a peaceful and happy life."

Fu Shuo saluted the king and said, "I will certainly help your highness to gain great achievements." Fu Shuo kept his promise, and helped Wu Ding to bring the Shang Dynasty into prosperity.