Classic Chinese stories: Zou Ji exhorts King of Qi to take advice

Today let’s hear a story of Zou Ji who exhorted King of Qi to take advice. Zou was a counselor in the State of Qi (1046-221 B.C.). He was very tall and attractive but he had a concern that King Wei of Qi always ignored the loyal ministers’ advice and did not listen to beneficial words.

One day, Zou got up and washed his face, looking at himself in the mirror. He asked his wife, “Who is more handsome, me or Lord Xu in the north of the town?” Xu was also a good-looking man in the State of Qi. Zou’s wife then replied, “Of course, you are more handsome!” Happily, Zou turned to his concubine to ask the same question. The concubine said, “Oh, my lord, you are so dazzlingly handsome that it’s not fair to compare you with Lord Xu. He is far less compared to you!” Later, a guest came to meet Zou for business, and Zou asked him the same question. The guest replied, “Everyone knows that Lord Xu in the north of the city is not as attractive as you.”

Coincidentally, Xu came the next day and Zou found that he was not as good-looking as Xu after all. Zou examined himself in the mirror again and felt ashamed. At night, when lying in bed, he thought: “Why did my wife say I’m handsome? It’s because she loves me. Why did my concubine say I am good-looking? It’s because she is afraid of me. Why did the guest say I’m more handsome than Xu? He needs my favor!”

The next day during court, Zou said to King Wei of Qi, “Your Majesty, I have perceived something.” After listening to his explanation of his experience, the king had a sudden realization and said, “You are right. Bring me brushes and paper now; I’m issuing an order.” The king continued, “Anyone who gives me advice or even criticizes me in person will receive the highest reward; anyone who writes a document criticizing or blaming me will receive a medium reward; those who criticizes me publicly, as long as I’m notified, will receive the lowest reward.”

After the announcement was issued, there was a stir in State of Qi. In the first month, many people came to offer advice to the king, but after half a year, the number decreased significantly. A year later, there was almost no criticism. Qi thus became very strong and powerful; rulers from neighboring states such as Han, Zhao, Wei and Yan all came to have an audience with King Wei of Qi.

What conclusion can we draw from this story? Good medicine tastes bitter, but is beneficial for treating illness; good advice may sound unpleasant, but is helpful for improving one’s conduct. For a country to be well-governed and prosperous, its governors must listen humbly to the advice from loyal and upright ministers, as well as to common people’s voices.

(The author is a cultural scholar.)

(Translated by Cao Zhen)