Defending the State with Its People

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English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

Duke Wen of Teng asked, ‘Teng is a small state between Qi and Chu. Should we serve Qi, or Chu?’

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius replied, ‘That choice of strategy is beyond what I can settle for you. If I must offer one course, dig the moat, build the walls, and defend them with the people. If they remain even at the risk of death, there is something you can do.’

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