15 Twelve State Governors

A1.23-1

When entering the mountains and forests, Shun went through strong winds and severe thunderstorms without getting lost, Yao then knew that Shun’s talent was more than enough to be given the world to. When Yao got old, he asked Shun to take over to be in charge of the emperor's duties and to carry out the inspections on the hunting tour. After twenty years of Shun’s performing the duties, Emperor Yao made him to act as the emperor. After eight years of Shun’s acting on behalf of the emperor. Yao passed away. After three years of mourning, Shun gave way to Danzhu, but everyone in the world came to submit to Shun. And Yu, Gaoyao, Qi, Houji, Boyi, Kui, Long, Chui, Yi, and Pengzu have all been promoted since Yao's time, but they have never held any positions. So Shun went to the Wenzu Temple, consulted with Siyue, opened up the four gates, and send off messengers all four directions, and Shun ordered the twelve state governors to discuss the virtues of Emperor Yao, and he also urged his people that the great virtues should be practiced and the sycophants should be alienated far away, and If these were done, even the babarians would be convinced and ready to obey. Shun said to Siyue: "Who can work hard promoting the cause of Emperor Yao? So he can be appointed an official position assisting my work?" Siyue all replied: “Yu is Sikong, the prime minister, who can carry forward the cause of Emperor Yao.“ Shun said: "Well, good! Yu, you are responsible for the control of water and soil, and you must work hard to do it well!" Yu knelt down and kowtowed showing his gratitude, and humbly gave way to Ji, Qi and Gaoyao. Shun said: "That's okay, you'll be allrigh!" Shun said: "Ji, people are starving. You will be in charge of agriculture. Go and teach the people how to sow grains." That official position Ji held later became known as Sinong, and Ji was regarded as a godlike figure. Shun said: "Qi, it is agreed that if the people do not love each other, then the morals are not in harmony, you serve as Situ and please carefully carry out the Five Canons education. To do a good job the key is to be lenient." 

舜入于大麓，烈风雷雨不迷，尧乃知舜之足授天下。尧老，使舜摄行天子政，巡狩。舜得举用事二十年，而尧使摄政。摄政八年而尧崩。三年丧毕，让丹朱，天下归舜。而禹、皋陶、契、后稷、伯夷、夔、龙、倕、益、彭祖自尧时而皆举用，未有分职。于是舜乃至于文祖，谋于四岳，辟四门，明通四方耳目，命十二牧论帝德，行厚德，远佞人，则蛮夷率服。舜谓四岳曰：“有能奋庸美尧之事者，使居官相事？”皆曰：“伯禹为司空，可美帝功。”舜曰：“嗟，然！禹，汝平水土，维是勉哉。”禹拜稽首，让于稷、契与皋陶。舜曰：“然，往矣。”舜曰：“弃，黎民始饥，汝后稷播时百谷。”舜曰： “契，百姓不亲，五品不驯，汝为司徒，而敬敷五教，在宽。”