Kinsmen Ministers and Ministers of Other Clans

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English translation

Original Chinese text

English translation

King Xuan of Qi asked about ministers. Mencius said, “Which kind of minister are you asking about, Your Majesty?” The king replied, “Are ministers not all the same?”

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius replied, “They differ. There are ministers who are royal relatives and ministers of a different surname.” The king said, “Please tell me about ministers who are royal relatives.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius said, “When the ruler commits a grave error, a minister who is a royal relative must remonstrate. If repeated remonstrance is ignored, the ruler should be replaced.” The king’s expression suddenly changed.

Original Chinese text

English translation

Mencius said, “Your Majesty need not be alarmed. Since you asked me, I dare not answer anything but frankly and correctly.”

Original Chinese text

English translation

After the king’s expression settled, he asked about ministers of a different surname. Mencius said, “When the ruler errs, they should remonstrate; if repeated remonstrance is ignored, they should leave.”

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