佛祖統紀 10.68

10.68

The commentary says: Duke Zhao of Qingyou once said: 'The five kings and three generations of the Qian clan spanned roughly a hundred years. When the realm was in great chaos, many were those who usurped titles with only a few prefectures of land; only Wuyue upheld the calendar of successive courts, never ceasing their tribute and never failing in their duty as ministers. When the August Song received the Mandate, they were furthermore able to seal their storehouses, register their commanderies and counties, and request officials from the throne. Benevolence sufficient to preserve the people, and wisdom sufficient to preserve the clan: this belonged to the house of Qian alone.' Duke Ouyang's History of the Five Dynasties, however, says: 'The Qian clan rose suddenly without merit or virtue; in the span of a hundred years, they abused their people.' Ah, how could the arguments of these two dukes be so contradictory? During the Five Dynasties, among those who rose up and usurped titles, what merit or virtue did they ever possess? Heavy taxation to impoverish the people, relentless warfare to kill the people—this was true throughout the realm. How could any of them preserve their people and territory to surrender to the Sage Court as the Qian clan did? How perfect are the words of Qingxian: 'Benevolence to preserve the people, and wisdom to preserve the clan.' Ouyang's evaluation was indeed too extreme.