Abide by Tao, Promote Kindness, Use Virtue to Administer the Country (Part 2 of 2)
 
Practice moral teachings while administrating the country
 
Emperor Wen modeled himself after ancient sage emperors. He followed the virtues to be modest and strict with oneself, and welcomed different opinions. He was always conscience-stricken and afraid to make any mistakes lest he disappointed the people. Whenever there was a poor harvest or a disaster, he would examine himself first and then ask his officials and citizens to point out the problems that existed in society. For example, in one imperial edict, Yizuobaixing, he stated, "For several years the crop yield has been poor, plus disasters such as floods and droughts brought about epidemic illnesses. I am very concerned. Are there any policy mistakes within my administration? Was there anything there that disrupted the harmony among us, which may have disturbed the balance between heaven and earth? Are we short on sincerity when worshipping the gods? Did my officials do too many unnecessary things? Or was their salary excessive? Why was there a grain shortage? Whoever has good ideas to share, please take the initiative and bring them forward."
 
Another time, there was a disturbance at the nation’s border. Emperor Wen again blamed himself for the disruption. He wrote, “I have lacked clarity and was unable to affect virtue in far away lands, resulting in discord outside our lands. This is due to my meager virtue unable to reach the borderlands. What will it take to maintain peace between nations? I wake up early and sleep late, working for everyone and worrying about the people. There’s not one day where I forget my duties.” Emperor Wen’s spirit of self-restraint is admirable.
 
Emperor Jing also placed an importance on setting a good example with his own conduct. He stated in one of his imperial edicts, "I plow the field myself, the empress plants white mulberry trees and raises silkworms to prepare the offerings of grains and clothes to be worn at ceremonies to worship heaven and earth. This is to set an example for the people. We hope the citizens can also be diligent in farming and raising silkworms, while saving for rainy days. Do not bully or abuse those who are weak and less fortunate. Take care of children, orphans, and elders. This year we have a poor harvest, and we still have floods and droughts. What is the problem? Are there any fraudulent or hypocritical officials in my administration who are using their power to do bad deeds or trading business with property and hurting people? If that is the case, then it is no longer meaningful to be an official in this administration. I want all the primary local officials above a certain pay grade to be strict with themselves. The prime ministers ought to report to me those who are not faithfully performing their duties. I will investigate their crimes. I will make public this special notice so everyone will know what I mean."
 
Both Emperor Wen and Jing abided by the Tao and followed the course of nature. The concept of governing the country was: "Love, enrichment, and teaching your citizens." They sought out able and virtuous men to be the officials in their administrations. When there was a poor crop, they blamed themselves first. Under their influence, the people all around put an emphasis on the importance of virtue. According to Hanshu. Shihuozhi (Book of Han), after Emperor Wen and Jing, the citizens had plenty to live on, and the warehouses and storage areas were full of grain. Every year the administration had a budget surplus. People lived in a peaceful and orderly world.
 
Chinese people have believed in following the law of heaven since ancient times. Over the course of history, these benevolent leaders emphasized honor and justice, while encouraging different opinions, and they have aided and comforted citizens in times of need. People observed discipline, obeyed the law, and lived peaceful lives. This is in stark contrast to today’s society.
 

崇善尊道　修身治平 (下)
 
修身治平。文帝效法上古圣王，谦逊克己，广纳谏言，总是担心自己事情做得不好，愧对天下黎民。每遇到农业歉收、发生灾疫等情况首先责己，并要求臣民据实指出社会上存在的问题。例如他在《议佐百姓诏》中说：近几年来收成不好，又有水、旱，疾病、瘟疫的灾害，我非常忧虑。想来是我的政令有失误处？还是没有顺应天时地利、有失人和、敬奉神明不够诚心呢？或许是百官的俸禄太奢靡、无用的事情办得太多了？为什么百姓的粮食如此缺乏呢？凡是能够帮助百姓的建议，大家一定不要隐瞒，要尽职的提出来。一次，边境之地出现了不安宁，文帝也在诏书中自责说：“朕既不明，不能远德，使方外之国或不宁息。夫四荒之外不安其生，封圻之内勤劳不处，二者之咎，皆自于朕之德薄而不能达远也。……中外之国将何以自宁？今朕夙兴夜寐，勤劳天下，忧苦万民，为之恻怛不安，未尝一日忘于心。”文帝严于律己的精神令人钦佩。
 
景帝也非常重视以身作则，他在《令二千石修职诏》中说：我亲自耕种田地，皇后亲自种桑养蚕，以供奉祭祀天地和宗庙时提供谷物和祭服，为天下人民作个先导。是要天下人民努力种田和养蚕，平时就有积蓄。不以强凌弱，不以多欺少；使老人得以长寿，幼儿孤儿能顺利成长。今年收成不好，还有水旱灾害，原因在哪里呢？是不是有些奸诈虚伪的人担任了官职，用财物作交易侵害人民？他们藉著执法的机会做坏事，这样实在是失去了朝廷设置县丞的用意。我命令二千石的地方官们各自严格履行自己的职责，对于那些不忠于职守、昏暗不明的人，丞相要向我报告，追究他们的罪责。特此布告天下，使大家都明白我的意思。
 
文帝、景帝敬天意，顺自然，以“爱民”、“富民”、“教民”为治国理念，亲贤臣，求贤良，年岁收成不好就下诏责己，使天下人人重仁义而耻私利。据《汉书﹒食货志》记载，经过文景之治，百姓总是人给家足，郡国的仓廪堆满了粮食。太仓里的粮食由于陈陈相因，致腐烂而不可食。政府的库房有余财，京师之钱累巨万，连串钱的绳子都朽断了，无法计算钱的数量。天下人心归向，四海清平。
 
中国人自古以来相信和遵守天人合一，道法自然。历代仁政的实施者都能够讲义求睦、广开言路、济世安民。百姓因此能够循礼守法，安居乐业。这与当今社会差别显著。