"以君之贵，奉公如法则上下平，
上下平则国强"

"If a noble like yourself serves the public according to the law, then harmony will exist between upper and lower ranks; when such harmony prevails, the nation becomes strong."
— Sīmǎ Qiān, Shǐjì, From "Biographies of Lián Pō and Lìn Xiàngrú"

This "classical quotation" from Shǐjì (史记), Sīmǎ Qiān's monumental history of ancient China, distills a timeless principle of ethical leadership. Written in the Western Han dynasty (circa 1st century BCE), Shǐjì remains one of China's most influential historical texts, not only recording events but preserving values that continue to resonate.

The speaker is Lìn Xiàngrú (蔺相如), a statesman who rose from humble beginnings to high office through intellect and integrity. Despite his meteoric rise, Lin was targeted by the esteemed general Lian Po (廉颇), who, threatened by Lin's growing influence, vowed to humiliate him. Lin chose not to retaliate, famously avoiding confrontation and saying, "If two of Zhao's most trusted officials are at odds, how can we face external enemies like Qin?"

Later, when Lian Po realized Lin's self-restraint stemmed not from fear but from loyalty to the state, he was ashamed. In a dramatic act of humility, he appeared at Lin's door bare-backed and ready for punishment. Instead of anger, Lin welcomed him, and the two became close allies. Their story became a parable of personal sacrifice in service of the greater good.

It was in this spirit that Lin uttered the now-famous line: "以君之贵，奉公如法则上下平，上下平则国强." The quote is both a compliment and a subtle reminder. He acknowledges Lian Po's social rank but emphasizes that even those of the highest status must fèng gōng rú fǎ... serve the public justly, according to the law. Only then, he argues, can harmony be maintained between rulers and the people, and only through that harmony can national strength be secured.

This ideal sits at the intersection of Confucian ethics and Legalist pragmatism. From the Confucian perspective, moral example from those in high office is essential; from the Legalist view, adherence to law and order ensures stability. In either case, public service is not a privilege, but a duty—measured not by status, but by fairness and lawful conduct.

In contemporary society, where rumors of corruption and abuse of power often cloud public trust, this ancient wisdom feels strikingly relevant. It reminds us that ethical leadership—especially when demonstrated by those at the top—ripples downward, fostering balance, unity, and strength. When public servants act with integrity and uphold the law, the foundation of a just society is reinforced.

As a proverb-like maxim, this quote shares roots with expressions like 克己奉公 ("restrain oneself and serve the public"), and stands in contrast to 贪赃枉法 ("accepting bribes and perverting the law") or 假公济私 ("using public office for private gain"). Though over two thousand years old, the message remains urgent and clear: only when those in power act for the common good can a nation truly thrive.