The following text is extracted from « Paragraph 1”, that is, chapter one of The Book of Lord Shang, translated by J.J.-L. Duyvendak.
Duyvendak notes that this section is « A piece of pure literature. It has no connection with the rest of the book and merely serves as an introduction.” (p. 81).

“Lord Shang », or « Lord Shang Yang » is the honorific title given to Yang Kung-sun

Lord Shang, c. 390 – c. 338 bc, The Book of Lord Shang

Duke Hsiao discussed his policy. The three Great Officers, Kung-sun Yang, Kan Lung and Tu Chih, were in attendance on the Prince. Their thoughts dwelt on the vissicitudes of the world affairs; they discussed the principles of rectifying the law, and they sought for the way of directing the people. The prince said:

— Not to forget, at his succession, the tutelary spirits of the soil and of grain, is the way of a Prince; to shape the law and to see to it that an intelligent ruler reigns, are the tasks of a minister. I intend, now, to alter the law, so as to obtain orderly government and to refor the rites, so as to teach the people; but I am afraid that the empire will criticize me.

Kung-sun Yang said:

— I have heard it said that he who hesitates in action, does not accomplish anything, and that he who hesitates in affairs, gains no merit. Let Your Highness settle your thoughts quickly about altering the laws and perhaps not heed the criticism of the empire.
Moreover, he who conducts himself as an outstanding man is, as a matter of course disapproved of by the world. […]

Duke Hsiao expressed his approval, but Kan Lung said:

— Not so. I have heard it said: « A sage teaches without changing the people, and a wise man obtains good governement without altering the laws. »  […]

Kung Sun Yang replied:

— What you, sir, hold is the point of view of the man-in-the-street. Indeed, ordinary people abide by old practices, and students are immersed in the study of what is reported from antiquity. These two kinds of men are all right for filling offices and for maintaining the law, but they are not the kind who can take part in a discussion which goes beyond the law […]

Tu Chih said:

— Unless the advantage be a hundredfold, one should not reform the law; unless the benefit be tenfold, one should not alter an instrument. I have heard it said that taking antiquity as an example one makes no mistakes, and in following established rites, one commits no offence. Let your highness aim at that.

Kung Sun Yang said:

— Former generations did not follow the same doctrines, so what antiquity should one imitate? The emperors and kings dod not copy one another, so what rites should one follow? […]

Duke Hsiao said:

— Excellent! […]

(*) The Book of Lord Chang, Shāng jūn shū. Translated by J. J.-L. Duyvendak (1889-1954). London, Arthur Probsthain, 1928. Reprint by Chinese Materials Center, San Francisco 1974.