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Overview The translated histories identify Shun as a ruler. This record brings together 3 passages from 1 chapter across 1 history, with names, dates, relationships, offices, and events preserved as source-backed claims.
Names Type English Chinese Pinyin
Personal
Shun
舜
Shun
Alternate
Youyu clan
有虞氏
Youyu shi
Identity
Historicity Legendary
Identification Named
Sex Uncertain Life and dates Attested activity References in the histories Open any source group to read the Chinese and English passage in context.
Book of Han, Chapter 25 Volume 23: Treatise on Punishment and Law · 3 passages
唐虞之際，至治之極，猶流共工，放讙兜，竄三苗，殛鯀，然後天下服。
In the age of Yao and Shun, even at the height of good government, they still exiled Gonggong, banished Huandou, deported the Sanmiao, and executed Gun; only then did all under heaven submit.
若夫舜修百僚，咎繇作士，命以「蠻夷猾夏，寇賊姦軌」，而刑無所用，所謂善師不陳者也。
As for Shun ordering the hundred officials and Gao Yao serving as judicial officer, entrusted with cases of 'Man and Yi disturbing Xia, bandits, rebels, and traitors,' yet with punishments having no occasion to be used: this is what is meant by one who is good at commanding not forming ranks.
書奏天子，天子憐悲其意，遂下令曰：「制詔御史：蓋聞有虞氏之時，畫衣冠異章服以為戮，而民弗犯，何治之至也！
When the memorial reached the emperor, he pitied her intent and issued an order: "By edict to the imperial secretary: I have heard that in the age of the Youyu clan, painted caps and differing robes served as punishment, yet the people did not offend—what supreme governance!