The moral foundation of Chinese ancient theory of clean and honest government

The Chinese ancient theory of clean government had deep moral foundation. It required the officials to be clean and honest. However, it didn' t evade the issue of officials' benefits. Instead, it emphasized the importance of high salary in making the officials clean and honest. It required the officials to observe morality and justice and make the principle of clean and honest, but was not against officials' pursuing wealth and honor if they deserved it and did not pursue otherwise. It didn't see being clean and honest as the loftiest standard of virtue, but a basic requirement. It placed the emphasis on self-discipline, requiring the officials pursue self accomplishment and strengthened the society' s virtue education of officials.