Zhongyong – The Doctrine of the Mean

"Self-adjustment and purification, with careful regulation of his dress, and the not making a movement contrary to the rules of propriety:– this is the way for a ruler to cultivate his person. Discarding slanderers, and keeping himself from the seductions of beauty; making light of riches, and giving honor to virtue:– this is the way for him to encourage men of worth and talents. Giving them places of honor and large emolument. and sharing with them in their likes and dislikes:– this is the way for him to encourage his relatives to love him. Giving them numerous officers to discharge their orders and commissions:– this is the way for him to encourage the great ministers. According to them a generous confidence, and making their emoluments large:– this is the way to encourage the body of officers. Employing them only at the proper times, and making the imposts light:– this is the way to encourage the people. By daily examinations and monthly trials, and by making their rations in accordance with their labors:– this is the way to encourage the classes of artisans. To escort them on their departure and meet them on their coming; to commend the good among them, and show compassion to the incompetent:– this is the way to treat indulgently men from a distance. To restore families whose line of succession has been broken, and to revive states that have been extinguished; to reduce to order States that are in confusion, and support those which are in peril; to have fixed times for their own reception at court, and the reception of their envoys; to send them away after liberal treatment, and welcome their coming with small contributions:– this is the way to cherish the princes of the States.

Legge XX.14.

一切治理天下国家的方法有九项，但实行起来只有一个‘诚’字。”

白话翻译