Pan Yun was playing chess with the Emperor.
As he played, the Emperor kept stealing glances at her.
Pan Yun asked, "What does His Majesty wish to say?"
The Emperor said, "The Imperial Preceptor divined Heaven's mandate and said this battle would end in a great victory, and it indeed did. I had thought the Imperial Preceptor would lend the great army a hand, yet after that divination, you said nothing more. Why was that?"
Pan Yun said, "Among the civil and military officials of the entire court, who did not fight their way through five passes and slay six generals? Their wisdom and talent are no less than mine. His Majesty should also trust his own judgment."
Seeing that Pan Yun had no intention of gathering power into her own hands and instead encouraged him to wield authority and govern the realm according to his own will, he could not help but be moved. His voice caught as he said, "None of the civil and military officials have such confidence in me. Even Yu Qian often advises me to be cautious and careful."
Pan Yun said gently, "Grand Secretary Yu's earnest heart wishes for His Majesty to become a wise ruler for the ages."
The Emperor asked, "Does the Imperial Preceptor not wish for me to become a wise ruler for the ages?"
Pan Yun smiled. "My definition of a wise ruler for the ages differs from that of the civil and military officials."
The Emperor grew curious and sat up straight. "Oh? What kind of wise ruler for the ages does the Imperial Preceptor envision?"
Pan Yun said, "Clearly understand that the people are the foundation of the realm. Draw close to worthy ministers and keep petty men at a distance. Know your own shortcomings. Listen and learn