6. Emperor Yao’s Search for a Successor
Chapter 1: The White-Haired King’s Worry
Emperor Yao stood on the tall observatory, his silver hair fluttering in the wind. After ruling the land for seventy years, for the first time he felt powerless. Beneath him, the capital Pingyang was still bustling, but his eyes looked far beyond.
“Your Majesty, it is late,” a servant whispered.
Yao did not turn around. Pointing to the sky, he asked, “Why is the North Star so dim tonight?”
The servant was puzzled. Yao sighed: “The dimming of the emperor’s star is a warning—it is time for me to think of a successor.”
This thought had troubled him for over a decade. His eldest son Dan Zhu was intelligent, but hot-tempered. His other sons had talents but lacked the greatness to rule all under heaven. To make matters worse, floods raged and wicked men stirred rebellion. A strong successor was urgently needed.
Chapter 2: The First Failed Recommendations
At court the next day, Yao spoke directly: “I am old. I wish to find a worthy heir. Do you have candidates?”
The hall fell silent. After a long pause, Minister Fang Qi stepped forward: “The crown prince, Dan Zhu, understands state affairs. He could take the throne.”
Yao shook his head: “Dan Zhu is stubborn and quarrelsome. A ruler must win hearts with virtue, not crush people with force.”
Others proposed Gong Gong: “He is skilled in water control and wins the people’s trust.”
Yao replied coldly: “He speaks sweetly but acts falsely. His talents cannot cover his lack of morals.”
Then Huan Dou suggested Gun for the flood problem. Yao frowned: “Gun is arrogant and self-willed. I fear he will fail.” But as many insisted, Yao gave in: “Let him try. Time will prove.”
The results were disastrous. For nine years Gun built dams to block the waters, wasting countless lives and resources. The floods only grew worse, and the people suffered terribly.
Chapter 3: Searching Among the People
Faced with crisis, Yao made a surprising decision: to disguise himself and personally search for talent among the people.
Dressed as an old man, his first stop was Mount Li during spring plowing. In the fields, he noticed a young man farming differently—he tied bells to his plow. When the ox strayed, he shook the bells to guide it instead of whipping.
“Young man, why not use a whip?” Yao asked curiously.
The youth wiped his sweat and smiled: “Oxen feel pain too. Why harm them? If treated kindly, they will work with all their strength.”
This young man was Shun. Yao observed him secretly for three days and found that Shun’s fields were perfectly neat, and all neighbors liked living beside him. Even more impressive, before every meal Shun prayed to Heaven and Earth, then shared leftovers with birds and animals.
Chapter 4: Testing Family Virtue
Yao heard that Shun’s family was especially difficult: a foolish father, a cruel stepmother, and an arrogant half-brother named Xiang. All wanted to harm him.
“This is interesting,” Yao thought. “If he can manage such a household, perhaps he can govern a nation.”
He sent agents to watch Shun’s home. Reports amazed him: even when his family plotted against him, Shun repaid with kindness. Once, Xiang broke his farming tools on purpose. Shun not only forgave him but asked if he hurt his hands.
“With such tolerance, he is truly rare,” Yao said to himself. But he still wanted further tests.
Chapter 5: Marriage as a Trial
Yao then made a bold decision: he married both his daughters, Ehuang and Nuying, to Shun. The court was shocked.
“Your Majesty, the princesses are noble. How can they marry a mere farmer?” the queen protested.
Yao replied with meaning: “One who can manage a household can govern a country. If Shun can handle the lives of two princesses, he can handle the affairs of many tribes.”
The wedding was simple. Shun settled his wives by the Gui River. To everyone’s surprise, the two princesses quickly shed their pride, living humbly and kindly with villagers. They even learned farming and pottery from Shun, without a trace of arrogance.
Yao’s nine sons were also sent to live with Shun. Within months, they became polite and considerate of the people.
Chapter 6: Trials in Government
After passing family tests, Shun was introduced to government affairs. His first task was to promote the “Five Teachings”: fatherly love, motherly kindness, brotherly friendship, respectful younger brothers, and filial children.
Shun practiced by example. At Lake Lei, he gave up rich fishing spots to others. At Shouqiu, he patiently taught pottery to youths. In less than a year, local customs improved greatly.
Next, he received visiting rulers. During a grand gathering, he treated all fairly. Even the proud leaders of the Sanmiao tribes eventually submitted to his wisdom.
The hardest test came in the forest. Yao sent Shun into the mountains, where a violent storm struck. While others panicked, Shun calmly studied the stars and led everyone safely out.
Chapter 7: The Struggle Over Abdication
After three years, Yao announced: “Shun’s virtue and talent are clear. I will pass the throne to him.”
The court erupted. Supporters of Dan Zhu protested: “The throne has always passed to sons, not outsiders. Think again!”
Some even spread rumors that Shun used sorcery to trick Yao. At the crucial moment, Ehuang and Nuying defended their husband, describing his daily kindness. Many lords also signed letters supporting Shun.
Most touching of all, Shun himself knelt before Yao: “I am unworthy. Let me assist Prince Dan Zhu instead.”
But Yao insisted: “The throne is not a gift, but a burden. I cannot betray the people for family.”
Chapter 8: The Grand Abdication
The abdication ceremony was held the next spring. A nine-story platform was built outside the capital, where rulers from all tribes gathered.
Placing the jade scepter into Shun’s hands, Yao instructed: “The duty of a ruler is to nurture the people, not control them; to transform their hearts, not to dominate their lives. Remember this always.”
Shun refused three times before finally accepting, vowing: “I will follow your way and never stray.”
To show humility, he moved south of the river instead of taking Yao’s palace. Yet soon, all lords came to him, and all lawsuits were brought to him instead of Dan Zhu. Three years later, he officially entered Pingyang as king, honoring Yao as “Grand Emperor” and treating him like a father.
Chapter 9: Joy in Old Age
In retirement, Yao lived simply. His greatest pleasure was listening to Shun’s reports.
When he heard that Shun exiled the wicked and appointed the virtuous, Yao nodded in satisfaction. When he learned that Great Yu succeeded in controlling the floods, tears filled his eyes. What made him happiest was seeing Shun improve his “criticism pillar” system, encouraging open speech from the people.
Once, Shun asked Yao about flood control. Yao reminded him: “Do you recall the bells on your plow? Water should be guided, not blocked.” This idea inspired Shun to change his strategy, leading to success.
Chapter 10: A Model for All Ages
Yao lived to 118 years. On his deathbed, he told Shun: “My proudest achievement is not ruling seventy years, but finding you as my successor.”
Shun and the people mourned for three years without music or feasts. Even Dan Zhu was moved by Shun’s virtue and loyally assisted in government.
The system of abdication Yao created became one of China’s greatest political legacies. What he left was not territory, but an ideal: the world belongs to all, and leadership must go to the most worthy.