Translated by Qin Xiaogong Seeking Merit

In the early Warring States period, the Qin State was the most backward among the Seven Heroes. In 361 BC, after Qin Xiaogong ascended the throne, he issued a "merit-seeking order" to recruit talented people and offer suggestions for the reform of Qin. The patriot Shang Ying ran to the Qin State and talked with Qin Xiaogong about the way to enrich the country and strengthen the army, which was appreciated by Qin Xiaogong.

In 356 B.C., Qin Xiaogong appointed Shang Ying to implement a new decree stipulating that the state recognized the ownership of land by private individuals and allowed land to be bought and sold freely; Abolish the privileges of nobles and officials as soon as they are born, and implement the method of awarding titles and houses according to military merits, and nobles who have no military merits will not have titles; Those who produce more grain and cloth are exempt from servitude, and those who are poor because of trading and laziness are punished as slaves of the government along with their wives and children. After the Shang Dynasty reformed the law, Qin's agricultural productivity was developed, and its military power became stronger.

On this basis, in 350 B.C., Shang Ying implemented a second reform: the well field system was abolished, and the paths crisscrossing the well fields were reclaimed for crops; Ten years later, Qin's national strength became stronger and stronger, and it gradually became the most powerful country among the Seven Heroes of the Warring States. Obtained the division of Chu and Wei, destroyed the six countries, and unified the United States.

Shang (referring to Tang Taizong) ordered Feng Deyi to be virtuous, and he did nothing for a long time.

On the cross-examination, he said: "It's not undedicated, but there is no genius yet!" Shang said: "A gentleman uses people like tools, and each takes his strengths." How can the rulers of the ancients borrow from other generations? Is it (only) suffering from oneself that one cannot know, and Encore falsely accuses (wrongs, belittles) a person of one lifetime? ”

It can be interpreted as 1, to "start", 2, to establish, to make achievements, 3, to rise, to launch, 4, to promote, to promote, 5, to enumerate, 6, to report, 7, to complete. From the context, it is natural that Tang Taizong wanted Feng Deyi to recommend talented people, so other righteous items can only be discarded. It can be interpreted as 1, inquiry, questioning, 2, questioning, 3, punishment.

Because Feng Deyi "didn't do anything for a long time", Tang Taizong said something, the question is to ask, question or punish? According to the point of view of employing the director of the person described below, it should be "accountability". Suffering, which can be interpreted as 1, sickness, 2, scourge, 3, worry.

After Tang Taizong put forward the idea of employing people, he criticized that he did not understand talents without promoting talents, which is exactly what our country is worried about, and it is self-evident what should be chosen. Know, 1, knowledge, 2, know, 3, know, 4, understand. At this point, there is no doubt that "understand (people)" is the choice.

So the translation is as follows: Tang Taizong ordered Feng Deyi to nominate talented people (but) he did not nominate people for a long time. Tang Taizong asked Feng Deyi, (Feng Deyi) said:

It's not that I'm trying my best, it's just that I haven't found any strange talent yet! Tang Taizong said: "A gentleman employs people like using utensils, and each takes its strengths."

In ancient times, did those who governed the country and achieved great governance borrow people from other dynasties? I am only worried that I can't understand people, how can I wronged the talents of the generation of wrongdoers? ”