Yu Zi (鬻子) Chapter 10 — 湯政天下至紂第七
Paul PengYu Zi (鬻子) — Chapter 10
湯政天下至紂第七 · Tang's Rule over the World Lasted Until Zhou · Bilingual Edition
Tang founded the Shang dynasty by governing through seven worthy ministers — including the legendary Yi Yin. His dynasty endured 27 generations and 576 years, until the tyrant Zhou brought it to ruin. Yu Zi's message is clear: governance aligned with the Dao endures; governance that abandons it collapses, as explored in the Huang-Lao political philosophy of non-coercive rule.
Original Chinese — 中文原文
English Translation
When Tang ruled the world, he had Qingyu, Yi Yin, Huangli Qie, Dongmen Xu, Nanmen Ru, Ximen Ci, and Beimen Ce. He gained these seven great ministers to assist in governing the world, and thus the world was well governed. In twenty-seven generations, accumulating a total of 576 years until Zhou.
Yi Yin — the first named minister — is one of the most celebrated statesmen in Chinese history, revered for his wisdom and loyalty across Taoist and Confucian traditions alike. His role exemplifies the wu wei (non-action) ideal: the minister who enables the ruler to govern effortlessly by taking on the burden of practical wisdom.
The yin and yang of this chapter lies in its ending: 576 years of good governance, then Zhou. The dynasty's longevity was built on virtue; its collapse came when virtue was abandoned. For Laozi, this is the eternal pattern — the Dao sustains what virtue upholds and withdraws from what tyranny destroys.
Library Resources — 底本
Primary sources include the Shoushanige Congshu edition, the Zhengtong Daozang (Taoist Canon) edition, and the Mohaijinju edition.
