If ten people in a village of one hundred families abide by the Five Precepts, we will have ten people who are friendly, kind, honest, cautious and respectful. In a region of one thousand families, if one hundred people abide by the Ten Good Conducts, we will have one hundred people live in harmony. If we apply this same principle to the whole nation where we may have a hundred million of households, we will have millions of virtuous people living in harmony. If we can practise one good conduct, one less evil will be committed. One less evil conduct means the elimination of one punishment. If each family reduces the crime rate by one, we can eliminate thousands and thousands of punishments. Yes, indeed, the country will be in peace and your Highness can sit on your throne without any worry.

(The Imperial Edict of Emperor Yong Zheng)