The Strong Minister and the Humble Ruler

This flow traces how delegated strength can support a state or threaten it, depending on loyalty and restraint.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

A Minister Holds Real Power

Strength Entrusted to Service Command below the throne The second line of the Hosts hexagram represents a strong leader within the army, while the ruler occupies a different position. Legge stresses the ruler's complete confidence in the commander. Delegation allows the sovereign to act through an able subordinate. Power remains accountable The commander's strength is useful because it remains attached to legitimate authority. The text praises capability without treating it as independent entitlement. The minister's first test is whether he can exercise power in service of a shared purpose.

A Rival Seeks Command

Ambition Splits the Army Usurping the appointed place The third line imagines a second figure entering the command structure. Legge interprets it as an unqualified leader who leaps over the rightful commander. The ambition damages both hierarchy and military coordination. A minister's warning The image shows that proximity to power is not proof of fitness to wield it. A subordinate who seeks distinction at the army's expense becomes a danger to the campaign. The would-be rival's trajectory ends in failure because he mistakes access for authority.

The Ruler Yielding the Field

Humility at the Center Authority delegates judgment The fifth line places a humble ruler above the field commander. Legge interprets the image of birds in the fields as enemies or plunderers whom the authorized host may destroy. The ruler does not need to direct every action personally. A limit on subordinate force The commander must lead without allowing younger or less-qualified men to divide his authority. The ruler's humility is not helplessness; it is a deliberate transfer of responsibility. The line defines cooperation as a balance of sovereign legitimacy and military competence.

The Strong Minister Becomes Suspect

Adherents Can Threaten the Throne Followers gather around strength The fourth line of Following depicts a strong figure who attracts adherents. Legge warns that such support may weaken the ruler's exclusive authority. The minister's popularity is not automatically harmless. Loyalty must be visible Only sincere loyalty can keep the powerful subordinate from becoming a rival center. The text asks him to make his purpose clear rather than relying on private assurances. The minister's character is measured by whether his influence strengthens or displaces legitimate rule.

Strength Is Redirected to the People

Power Measured by Beneficence A minister's outward purpose The final line of Increase describes a strong subject able to benefit others without diminishing his own resources. Legge presents the result as an abundance of ministers and helpers. Strength becomes legitimate through its outward direction. The failure of self-increase The preceding warning describes a powerful figure who concentrates advantage in himself and draws attacks. The contrast makes the minister's fate depend on whom his strength serves. The political resolution is practical: power should expand public capacity, not merely the holder's position.

At the central line of the Hosts hexagram

At the third line of the Hosts hexagram

At the fifth line of the Hosts hexagram

At the fourth line of Following

At the final line of Increase