弘明集 12.100

12.100

There are those who propagate both the internal and the external; why must you apply the precedents of previous eras? Your petty clinging to this is by no means praising their Way. Memorial of Minister of the Palace Attendant and Chancellor of the Academy Sizhi: I have again received the edict: 'There are those who propagate both the internal and the external.' The sagely intent is profound and pervasive, its Way surpassing a hundred kings; kneeling to read and look up with admiration, it is beyond my shallow ability to comprehend. Honoring the ruler and revering the laws are the duty of subjects; therefore I repeatedly and earnestly held to my view. The luminous edict is lofty and remote, its far-reaching strategy equal to the constant. Your servant, dark and obtuse, failed to understand, and looking back I feel ashamed and fearful. I will forthwith follow the edict, transmitting it to the exterior to be proclaimed and observed. Respectfully memorialized.