忠臣不私，私臣不忠，履正奉公，臣子之节。《后汉书》

Loyal ministers are unselfish; selfish ministers are not loyal. Integrity and upholding justice in performing the official duties are the basic moral standards that the ministers should follow.

今人之性恶，必将待法然后正，得礼义然后治。今人无师法，则偏险而不正；无礼义，则悖乱而不治。《荀子：性恶》

The nature of human beings is evil. Only by enforcement of the law can man follow right path. Only by implementing etiquettes and righteousness can the country gain peace and prosperity. If a man does not have admonitions from the teachers and is not deterred by the law, his deeds will transgress and break moral principles. If the people do not observe regulations for courtesy and righteousness, they will become disorderly and treasonous, the country will consequently decline to be incorrigible.