Boyi, Taigong, and King Wen

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English translation

Mencius said, “Boyi fled from Zhou and lived on the northern seacoast. When he heard that King Wen had risen, he said, ‘Why not go to him? I have heard that the Earl of the West is good at caring for the aged.’ Taigong fled from Zhou and lived on the eastern seacoast. Hearing that King Wen had risen, he said the same. These two elders were the most eminent elders under Heaven. When they returned to him, it was as if the fathers of all under Heaven had returned to him. If the fathers of all under Heaven returned to him, where would their sons go? If a feudal lord practices King Wen’s government, within seven years he will surely govern all under Heaven.”

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