This refers to efficient governance and harmonious people. Efficient governance means that the policies and decrees of
the government are followed in all respects, and political affairs are handled
in a smooth and effective way. The term “harmonious people” means that people are
happy about their affairs, and commoners and officials are united and of one
mind. It is close in meaning to the concept of “stable country and peaceful people.”
However, this term puts more emphasis on the role of human agency, and the
reciprocal relation between efficient governance and harmonious people.
The term has two meanings. First, it refers to all measures for governing a country. Zheng (政) stands for decrees, rules, and ordinances, and zhi (治) refers to their implementation, that is, the way in which the people are governed. Second, it refers to a state of stable and sound governance of the country, with an efficient and clean government, a prosperous economy, and a peaceful society. In modern times, the term is used in the sense of “politics,” as it refers to policies, measures, and actions that governments, political parties, social groups, or individuals adopt in domestic or international affairs.
Governance of a state should be guided by virtue. Confucius (551-479 BC) expounded this philosophy – which his followers in later eras promoted – on the basis of the approach advocated by the rulers in the Western Zhou Dynasty that prized high moral values and the virtue of being cautious in meting out punishment. Governance based on virtue stands in contrast to rule by use of harsh punishment as a deterrent. It does not, however, exclude the use of punishment, but rather highlights the decisive role of virtue in governance, and regards moral edification both as the fundamental principle and the essential means for achieving good governance.
A state which takes good care of its people is one with true power. A ruler will be trusted and supported by the people, and the state under such a ruler will be a solid stronghold only when the policies and measures made and implemented meet the people’s requirements and represent the people’s fundamental interests. This is a new theme derived from the concept of “loving the people,” which is the fundamental driving force of a state’s becoming strong and prosperous. It is also an extension and development of the concepts of “the people are the foundation of a state,” and “a benevolent person loves others.”
Live a stable life and work happily. Anju (安居) literally means a secure house and by extension living a happy life. Leye (乐业) means enjoying one's work. Together they refer to the general state of good governance, with peace prevailing and everyone in their proper place, satisfied with work and content with life. It is the longing of the common people as well as the goal of good governance. It is a people-oriented political aspiration centering on securing people's livelihood.
When a country is at peace, its people enjoy a happy life. This term is similar to another ancient concept – “peaceful land.” Since ancient times, this has been the goal of governance pursued by all decent rulers. It has also been a vision cherished by commoners. The key to reaching such a state lies with stability and peace. This has been regarded as the common source of well-being for both the country and the people. It also reflects the humanistic spirit of the Chinese people who cherish stability and peace.
This expression means one should both work diligently and be ready to mix with others. Ye (业work) originally meant studies; later, it came to mean one’s job or duty. Qun (群others) referred to fellow students and friends but it also included team members and society at large. Working diligently is about one’s attitude to work, while keeping good company is about one’s need to have proper social behavior. They are basic qualities required of an educated person or a person with a job, and are also the basis of a good and healthy society.
Harsh and cruel laws are more horrifying even than a tiger. The expression comes from The Book of Rites. The story goes that when Confucius (551-479 BC) was passing the foot of Mount Tai, he saw a woman weeping on a grave. He sent Zilu(542-480 BC) over to inquire. The woman said there were many tigers in the area and that she had lost three of her family to them, but because the local laws were not harsh, she did not wish to move away. Confucius sighed and said, “Tyranny is fiercer even than a tiger.” This is a criticism of harsh government, and an exhortation to rulers to reduce taxes and cut conscript labor, and to treat their subjects with compassion. It is an expression of Confucian principles of benevolent rule.
Confucianists believe that the aim of a government official is to have people live in peace and contentment. Officials must always bear in mind the people’s well-being, be concerned about their suffering, and do their best to keep them free from misery. This embodies the Confucian concept of “benevolent governance,” a fine Chinese ethical tradition and the responsibility of those with lofty ideals, working for social prosperity and the people’s well-being. This concept is well expressed in the line “Worry before everyone else has to worry, and feel happy only after everyone else can feel happy” in “Memorial to Yueyang Tower” written by Fan Zhongyan ( 989 -1052 ), an eminent minister of the Song Dynasty.
If a country has no people harboring resentment against those in power, it is a country that can be called a strong country. This is a Legalist definition of a strong state. The Legalists were pragmatic, emphasizing farming and military fighting, a rich state with a strong army. However, they did not at all measure the strength of states by their hard power alone but also by their soft power. The essence of soft power is the people feeling no hatred of those in power. The prerequisite of no such hatred is justice, fairness and equality in the country and the result is national unity. This term is the Legalist expression of the notion that “people are the foundation of the state.”