《先秦两汉》

In ancient times, when feudal lords failed to observe rites and righteousness, neglected laws and regulations, did not adhere to virtue, or submit to righteousness, the Son of Heaven appointed the She Ren (archery official) to select those with virtuous conduct through archery rituals; the Zhifang Shi and Da Xingren, based on their governance of the states, selected those capable of achieving success. Only after the successes and failures, order and disorder in the feudal states were determined would the Son of Heaven clearly establish the nine levels of rewards to encourage them, and clearly enact the nine punitive measures to demonstrate authority and deter misconduct. If there were still feudal lords who did not adhere to virtue or submit to righteousness, then the Son of Heaven would dispatch the Zhangjiao (official in charge of diplomacy) to persuade them. Therefore, all feudal lords would inevitably adhere to virtue and submit to righteousness. This was the method by which the Son of Heaven nurtured the feudal lords—without resorting to military force, yet ensuring that they naturally upheld proper conduct.