12. The Unification of the Nine Provinces — A Vision of Peace and Good Governance
When Yu the Great completed his journey across the Nine Provinces, recording the names of mountains and rivers, classifying soils and resources, a clear and orderly map of the world was presented for the first time. The floods had finally been subdued, and what lay ahead was a new land ready for rebuilding and governance.
Carrying these monumental achievements, Yu returned to the capital to meet Emperor Shun. This was not just a triumphant homecoming, but also a profound conversation about the future of the dynasty.
A Time of Peace: All Under Heaven United
Historical records describe the new prosperity:
“At this time, the Nine Provinces were unified, and the people of the four quarters could all live in peace. Roads had been opened through the mountains, rivers were dredged from their sources, swamps had been drained and embanked, and all waterways were under control. The lords of the realm could now gather together in harmony, respecting the authority of the central court.”
This was an unprecedented achievement. Before, the floods had isolated regions, blocked travel, and left tribes and states ruling in separation. Now, with waterways flowing freely and roads open across the land, barriers of geography were gone. For the first time, the idea of a true “all under heaven” became reality.
Officials in charge of tribute could now carry out their duties fairly, based on the system Yu had established: dividing land by fertility into nine grades and taxes into nine levels. Good land paid more, poor land paid less—never one rule for all. The principle was simple:
“Be cautious with taxation, and always match it to the fertility of the land.”
This reflected the wisdom of the ancient sage-kings: to cherish the people’s labor and pursue fairness above all.
The Jade Tablet: A Gift from Heaven
Yu’s success not only won the love of the people, but also seemed to earn Heaven’s blessing. The chronicles say:
“Then the Emperor bestowed upon Yu a dark jade tablet (xuan gui), to announce his success to all under heaven.”
The “Emperor” here could mean the Heavenly Emperor, or Emperor Shun acting in Heaven’s name. Either way, the act carried immense weight. The black jade tablet was a sacred symbol of supreme authority and heavenly favor. This ceremonial gift proclaimed to the world:
Yu’s great work of taming the waters and pacifying the land was complete!
The world had now entered an age of peace.
Ruling the Realm: A New Era of Governance
With peace secured, attention turned to the question of how to preserve and strengthen it. At Emperor Shun’s court, a momentous council was held—a kind of ancient “state strategy meeting.”
Shun formally appointed Gao Yao as Minister of Justice, in charge of law and the people’s welfare. This marked a shift: from emergency flood control to long-term governance under law and order.
One day, Shun gathered his top ministers. Yu, Gao Yao, and Bo Yi (likely referring to Yi) joined him in a historic discussion on how to govern the new world.
Gao Yao spoke first, setting the tone for the dynasty:
“We must sincerely uphold the virtuous policies of the sage kings. Rulership must be wise, and ministers must work together in harmony.”
Yu agreed and pressed further:
“That is true! But how should this be put into practice?”
Gao Yao explained:
“The key lies in cultivating one’s own virtue and planning for the long term. We must unite the clans with benevolence, attract virtuous men to serve as assistants, and spread good governance from near to far.”
Yu praised him:
“Indeed, that is right!”
Gao Yao then identified the two hardest challenges:
“It all comes down to two things: recognizing the right people, and securing the livelihood of the people.”
Yu, drawing from his own struggles, added:
“Yes, this is exactly what makes rulership difficult. To recognize talent, one must be wise; to secure the people, one must give them real benefit. If you can both employ the right people and care for the people, then why worry about villains like Huan Dou, or rebellions like the Three Miao? Even the cunning flatterers will find no foothold.”
The Nine Virtues: A Standard for Officials
The debate turned to how to judge talent. Gao Yao laid out the famous doctrine of the Nine Virtues, a moral compass for selecting officials:
- Broad but dignified – tolerant yet commanding respect.
- Clear-sighted but forgiving – perceptive yet compassionate.
- Powerful but humane – authoritative yet reassuring to the people.
- Solemn but respectful – serious yet courteous.
- Orderly but decisive – organized yet firm.
- Upright but gentle – honest yet kind.
- Simple but incorruptible – modest yet clean in conduct.
- Strong but steadfast – resolute yet dependable.
- Resolute but understanding – decisive yet reasonable.
Gao Yao explained:
- If a man practiced three virtues, he could preserve his household.
- With six virtues, he could govern a state.
- If the ruler gathered men of all nine virtues, evil-doers would have no chance to rise.
Yu wholeheartedly agreed:
“What you say can truly be put into practice.”
Yu’s Humility and Shun’s Trust
Then Emperor Shun turned to Yu:
“And you, Yu—what are your thoughts?”
Yu bowed humbly:
“Ah, what could I say? I only know to work tirelessly, every day.”
Gao Yao asked:
“What do you mean by tirelessly?”
Yu reflected on his years of hardship:
“I traveled by cart on land, by boat on water, by sled in the mud, and by climbing gear in the mountains. I dredged the nine great rivers to flow into the seas, dug channels so fields drained into rivers. Together with Hou Ji, I ensured the people had grain to eat, and the world could be governed in peace. That is what I mean by tireless work.”
Gao Yao was deeply moved:
“Ah! Your achievement is truly great!”
Finally, Yu gave Emperor Shun a heartfelt reminder:
“Your Majesty, be cautious in your reign. Rule with virtue, and the people will follow. Keep your heart pure, and await Heaven’s command, and Heaven will bless you with fortune.”
Shun, in turn, urged his ministers to act as his “arms and eyes,” to correct his faults, and to remove flatterers and traitors from court. Yu warned:
“If the worthy and unworthy are treated alike, the state will surely fall into ruin.”
A Blueprint for an Ideal State
This great debate at Shun’s court laid the foundation for governance: ruling by virtue, appointing the worthy, securing the people, and enforcing fair law.
Yu’s deeds and humility, Gao Yao’s wisdom in law and justice, and Shun’s enlightened leadership together painted the vision of an ideal ancient state.
From the ruins left by the flood, a new dynasty rose—firm, fair, and full of promise.