To follow the established rules and policies of a predecessor; to adhere to the good practices laid down by a former official.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the reign of Emperor Hui of Han, who was still young, his prime minister, Cao Can, seemed to spend his days drinking and chatting, neglecting state affairs. The emperor was puzzled and felt that Cao Can might be underestimating him.
One day, Emperor Hui secretly asked Cao Yao, Cao Can's son and an official, to discreetly inquire his father about his lack of diligence during a home visit. Cao Yao did as instructed. Upon hearing his son's advice, Cao Can became furious, reprimanding Cao Yao for meddling in state affairs and beating him before sending him back to the palace.
Saddened, Cao Yao reported the incident to the emperor. The next day, after the imperial court, Emperor Hui questioned Cao Can about why he had beaten his son, revealing that the advice came from him.
Cao Can immediately removed his hat and prostrated himself to apologize. When asked to speak freely, Cao Can asked the emperor, "Please consider, who was wiser and more courageous, Your Majesty or Emperor Gaozu (the founding emperor)?" Emperor Hui replied, "I dare not compare myself with the late emperor." Cao Can then asked, "And who is more capable, myself or Prime Minister Xiao He (Gaozu's prime minister)?" Emperor Hui smiled and said, "You are probably not as good as Prime Minister Xiao."
Cao Can then explained, "Your Majesty is indeed correct. Since you are not as wise as Emperor Gaozu, and I am not as capable as Prime Minister Xiao He, and Emperor Gaozu and Prime Minister Xiao He have already established comprehensive and effective laws and regulations after unifying the empire, how can we possibly create better ones?"
He then sincerely added, "Now, Your Majesty is inheriting and preserving the empire, not establishing it. Therefore, we ministers should adhere to the late emperor's legacy, act cautiously, and stick to our duties. We should not arbitrarily change the established laws, but rather follow them. Isn't my current approach of simply adhering to these rules appropriate?"
Emperor Hui understood and said, "I comprehend, no need to say more!"
Cao Can served as prime minister for three years, strongly advocating for a "governing through inaction" approach, disturbing the people as little as possible, and governing the country strictly according to the laws set by Xiao He. This led to political stability, economic development, and an improved livelihood for the people of the Western Han Dynasty. After his death, the people composed a ballad praising him: "Xiao He set the laws, clear and orderly; Cao Can took over, followed them without deviation. Governance values tranquility, the people rejoiced." This became known as "Xiao Gui Cao Sui."