“和而不同”:晏子与齐君关系探析

Harmony in Diversity:An Analysis of the Relationship Between Yan Zi and Dukes of Qi

晏子作为一代贤相,十分擅长处理君臣关系。齐灵公在关系身家性命的大事上不听晏子之言,却乐意在平日小事中采纳他的建议;齐庄公对晏子的态度经历了一个由信任到厌恶的过程,他虽然没有始终重用晏子,但是在内心深处却认可晏子的品质和威望;齐景公对晏子的倚重是逐渐形成的,他对晏子的无比信任,既是君主驾驭臣下的一种权术,也是自身情感的真实流露。作为忠直之臣,晏子以"一心事三君",根据三位君主的不同性情,采取不同的事君方式,充分体现了其"和而不同"的君臣思想。

As a sagacious and candid Prime Minister to the State of Qi during the Spring and Autumn Period, Yan Zi was very good at dealing with his rulers. Duke Ling of Qi would rather take Yan Zi＇ s advice on trivial matters than those of life and death. Duke Zhuang of Qi＇ s attitude toward Yan Zi changed from trust to disgust. Although he was never assigned any major responsibility, Yan Zi was much admired by this king for his quality and prestige. Duke Jing of Qi, however, got to increasingly rely on Yan Zi＇ s service. This King＇ s heavy reliance on his subjects was a political tactic, and a revelation of his true feelings as well. A loyal and straightforward subject, Yan Zi served three kings with different philosophies in light of their temperament, which showed his idea of ＂harmony in diversity＂ on monarch-subject relationship.