Avoid Eloquent Speakers, Employ the Honest and Dutiful
Avoid Eloquent Speakers, Employ the Honest and Dutiful
Emperor Wen, Liu Heng (202 – 157 BC), was the third emperor of the Han Dynasty (202 BC – 220 AD). He was the third son of founding Emperor Gaozu, Liu Bang, and the younger brother of second Emperor Hui, Liu Ying. After Emperor Hui passed away, Empress Dowager Lu attempted to consolidate power to her own kin and crowned an official young emperor. After she died, her relatives Lu Chan and Lu Lu began a coup to seize the throne. With the support of Zhou Bo and Chen Ping, Liu Heng was able defeat the Lu forces. He ascended the throne to become Emperor Wen. Over his reign of 23 years, Emperor Wen is considered one of the most benevolent rulers in Chinese history. His reign and that of his son, Emperor Jing, are often collectively known as the “Rule of Wen and Jing.” Their governing was renowned for its general stability and relaxed laws.
Zhang Shizi was a minister in charge of judicial matters during Emperor Wen’s rule. He was from Duyang County, Nanyang City, which is now called Fangcheng County.
According to historical records, Zhang once escorted Emperor Wen on a horseback tour. When they passed a bridge, a person appeared from underneath the bridge. This startled the emperor’s horse and he almost fell off. Emperor Wen was furious. He ordered the person to be arrested for punishment by Zhang Shizi. After Zhang questioned the person, he sentenced the person to pay a fine. Emperor Wen was quite dissatisfied with this outcome, thinking that the person should be given the death penalty for almost killing the emperor.
Zhang explained that, the emperor had the right to execute the person on the spot. However, if the person was sent to me, then I must abide by the law and decide accordingly. The country has clear laws. As the enforcer of the law, how could I not follow the law? Based on the law, this person’s mistake should be punished by a fine, and that is what I have sentenced. It is definitely not a light sentence. After Emperor Wen found Zhang’s explanation reasonable, so he agreed with the decision.
Another story comes from <Records of the Han Historian: Biography of Zhang Shizi>. This story describes Emperor Wen's ability to accept criticism, whereby he avoided the mistake of choosing an articulate speaker over someone who possessed the proper capabilities and talents.
One time, Emperor Wen visited the royal park to look at the animals. While he stood in front of the tiger cage, he asked the park ranger questions about the animals. The ranger was unable to provide the answers immediately. The animal caretaker was nearby, and he quickly pushed his way forward to answer the emperor's questions. Emperor Wen was very pleased to hear the answers, and he ordered his minister, Zhang Shizhi, to promote the animal caretaker and replace the park ranger.
Zhang Shizhi said to the emperor, “Both Zhou Bo and Zhang Xiangru hold important positions at the royal court and are well respected by others. However, neither of them are eloquent speakers. If your majesty promotes the animal caretaker only because he is an articulate speaker and knows how to please his superiors, then others might follow suit. Everyone might try to improve their speech and not be as mindful of their duties. I ask your highness to consider the consequences.” Emperor Wen thought Zhang Shizhi's words made sense and thus withdrew his order.
There seems to be an on-going issue since ancient times in regards to employing the proper person for a job. One often gauges a person's ability by the way he speaks, which can sometimes be a serious mistake. Some people utilize their ability to speak in order to flatter their superiors. Others attempt to uncover their boss's likes and dislikes and then speak to them with the intention of fulfilling their own self-interests.
The animal caretaker was that kind of person. He overstepped his superior and spoke on his boss's behalf to the emperor. He was showing off his knowledge, and instead of being humble and kindly to help his superior, he almost replaced him. He failed to act out of kindness and did not know when to back down. Zhang Shizhi was selfless, observant, fair, and not easily swayed by smooth talkers. The emperor was fortunate to have Zhang by his side, and his timely reminder kept the emperor from falling for the deception.
不用利口 本份厚道
    来源: 看中国 责编: Kitt

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