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"A great state is like the lower reaches of water’s downward flow. It is the female of the world. In the intercourse of the world, The female is always able to use her equilibrium (jing) to best the male. It is this equilibrium that places her properly underneath. Hence if the great state is able to get underneath the small state, It can rule the small state; If the small state is able to get underneath the large state, It can get to be ruled by the large state. Hence some get underneath in order to rule And some get underneath in order to be ruled. Now, the great state wants no more than to win over the other state and tend to it, While the small state wants no more than to offer the other state its services. If they are both getting what they want in the relationship, Then it is fitting for the great state to take the lower position."