A Famous Couplet at Wuhou Shrine

Wuhou Shrine has a famous couplet. The upper line reads: “If one can win hearts, dissent will naturally dissolve; since ancient times, those who understood warfare were not fond of war.” The lower line reads: “Without assessing circumstances, both leniency and severity will err; those who later govern Shu must think deeply on this.” Punishment originated from military affairs. To understand arms is not to love war; winning hearts is best, and subduing the enemy without battle is the highest realm of military strategy—and likewise of criminal law as a form of strategy. Criminal law should not be excessively lenient, but even less should it rely solely on heavy punishment.