The Demise of Yao and Shun

After Yellow emperor, there were three greatest tribe league leaders--Yao, Shun and Yu. They were all wise and sagacious and were loved by people.

Yao

Yao, named Fangxun, was the fifth generation of Yellow emperor, and in the legend, the avatar of real dragon. During his power, Yao made great efforts to seek talents and people's opinions, improved basic political system. As the head, he lived a simple life and was highly respected by people and other tribal leaders. He cared about agriculture and asked ministers to formulate a calendar according to the movement of the sun, the moon and stars, thus people could produce by season.
The most remarkable move Yao made is that he didn't take the country as his own and handed over the leadership to Shun instead of his son.
As Yao had reigned for 70 years, he was thinking about the successor and summoned other leaders to discuss it. One suggested:" Your son Danzhu is suitable. " Yao disagreed:" His virtue is not qualified. " Then people recommended Shun.

Shun

Shun had a father who was muddled and called Gusou (means blind old guy). As Shun's birth mother passed away early, Gusou remarried to a vicious woman and had another son Xiang who was arrogant and spoiled. Shun's life got quite tough, nontheless he treated the whole family with kindness, that's why people considered him as a man of virtue.
Yao decided to know more about Shun and married off his two daughters Ehuang and Nvying to Shun. With his talent and noble personality, Shun did excellent work and infected and attracted other people. Wherever Shun lived, one year later it became a village, two years later a small town, three years later a city. Yao was satisfied, he awarded Shun flocks and herds and bulit a storehouse for him. Gusou, the stepmother and Xiang were jealous, they planned to kill Shun and took all the possessions. Once Gusou asked Shun to mend the roof, and set a fire, Shun jumped down by two big hats. Another time, Gusou asked Shun to dig a well, and threw stones and soil to fill the well, however, Shun dug a channel from the side and went home safe again. Afterwards, Shun was still filial and respectful to his parents.
The story of Shun is an epitome of Chinese traditional value--filial piety and courtesy. I have to say, if I were him, I would run far far awar from that family.
Yao appointed Shun to took over more and more government affairs and he did all the things well. Finally Yao abdicated and handed over the crown to Shun. Upon his accession, Shun was as frugal and industrious as Yao, he reformed official institution to clarify the responsibilities of officials, as a result the efficiency got improved. After Yao's death, Shun offered the throne to Yao's son Danzhu, but all the people insisted to follow Shun, so Shun formally became the leader.
As Shun got old, he passed on power to Yu, who successfully tamed the flood. Yao and Shun are the symbol of fairness and selfless, and also the model of emperors.