廣弘明集 19.36

19.36

I have examined the petition from you and the others, and again fully understand your sentiments. You have not understood the hardships of sowing and reaping; how can you comprehend the heavy burden of all under heaven? The reason mediocre rulers and young monarchs were overthrown in succession is entirely that in times of peace they did not think of danger—how much more so when things are not yet at peace? The mirror of the Yin is not far off; it lies in the preceding dynasty. What I practice today, though different from past days, would, if I only know how to deliver lectures and care nothing for affairs of state, lead to the same ruin through a different path. The *Book of Changes* states: 'Its ruin is bound to a cluster of mulberry shoots.' Only through diligent and fearful effort by day and night can one narrowly escape. Reflect upon this. Every detail is as in the previous edict. Imperial Edict.