Doing Duty

Emperor Wen of Han has 2 prime minister : Zhou Po, senior prime minister, and Chen Ping, Junior prime minister.
One day, the emperor ask Zhou Po about how many lawlessness happen in that country in the last 1 year.
“I don’t know,” Zhou Po replied regretfully.
“How much is our outcome and income in this year?”
“I’m so sorry, I don’t know,” Zhou apologizing, his sweat start to shed.
The emperor, then, turn to Chen Ping and ask him the same questions.
“There are officers who overcome this subjects his majesty,” Chen Ping replied.
“What officer?” the emperor ask.
“If his majesty want to know about the amount of lawlessness, minister of justice. If you want to know about amount of our treasure and wheat, we can ask minister of treasury and minister of agriculture.” Chen replied confidently.
“If all matters are overcome by those ministers, then what is your responsibility?”
“I feel honor to be your prime minister. A prime minister is responsible to help emperor to run a government. Externally, I maintain a good relationship with our neighbor; internally, I try to make everyone living in prosperity by ensuring that all officers from all departments running their duty well.”
Emperor Wen is pleased hearing that answer.


Comment: The most important thing is whether we know every information, but do we know the information that we need to do our job.

Source:Chinese Ancient Wisdom

Michael C. Tang