Chapter 34

(seven), Shun's mother was actually a shrew.

(seven), Shun's mother was actually a shrew.

Liu Guozong

Kong Fu this brat, usually speaks sourly, but at critical moments he offers ideas that actually make sense――

Then how can we remedy it?

At that time, among Chen Sheng's followers there was a scholar named Kong? who was erudite and versatile, versed in rites, a descendant of Confucius, a transmitter of Kong learning. He had already defected to Chen Sheng's side, struggling to earn money to support his family. He often helped Chen Sheng devise plans, and Chen Sheng would sometimes listen to his few words. Chen Sheng's father-in-law and former friends and brothers-in-arms had been driven away by anger. Chen Sheng also regretted it, so he went to consult Kong Fu.

Kong Fu said to Chen Sheng: 'Have you heard the story of Emperor Shun? Before becoming emperor, Shun lived a life even harder than that of ordinary commoners. His father was blind; that blind father, aside from having a violent temper, could not do proper work, was full of wicked schemes, and his mind was not upright. Though he could not see, he had many devious thoughts and would occasionally come up with vicious ideas to harm people; Shun's mother was a shrew, constantly gossiping about the Zhang family's long and the Li family's short, spreading rumors was her specialty; his brother never did anything good, was a rascal and rogue, specializing in stealing chickens and dogs to cause harm. Facing such a family, Shun did not blame heaven or others; he bent over backward in every way to accommodate himself. Eventually he made the whole family live in harmony. This earned the admiration of all under heaven, who recommended him to succeed Yao's throne. If a person cannot even get along with his own parents and brothers, how could he possibly get along with all under heaven?'

After thinking, Chen Sheng also felt it made sense; it was somewhat reasonable. He couldn't see that this Kong Fu brat, who usually spouts empty formalities and speaks sourly, could actually come up with useful ideas at critical moments. This is 'the fruit of a good book'; truly worthy of being a descendant of Confucius. The words of his ancestor Zisi are not false: 'To govern a state, one must first regulate the family; if the family cannot be taught, there is nothing.' If you cannot even manage your own household, how can you govern a nation?

Or perhaps invite back his own Grand Master of Mount Tai and those sworn brothers, even though they are temporarily poor.

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