Kindness is a virtue espoused by ancient Chinese. While emphasizing the importance of filial piety, the Confucian school also encouraged parental care and love for their children, which was referred to as kindness. Cultivation of one's kindness would enable a ruler to treat his people as his own children when exercising governance. In Daoism, kindness often referred to a ruler's love for his people.

As a ruler, one must practice benevolence. As a subject, one must revere the ruler.As a son, one must practice filial piety. As a father, one must be kind to his children. In dealings with other people, one must act in good faith. (The Book of Rites) 

There are three things I keep and treasure. The first is kindness; the second is thriftiness; and the third is not venturing anything no others have done. (Laozi)