A king of great virtue, namely, a sage, by observing the way of heaven and based on his understanding of human nature, establishes social norms and laws to regulate public lives. What he says and does are thus the model for all to follow. If a king possesses such great virtue, he is called a sage king. According to Confucianism, if a sage becomes the king, he would create an ideal state of governance. However, those whom Confucian scholars considered as sages never had the opportunity to become kings after Confucius’ (551-479 BC) time.

Determining social status is most important when it comes to distinguishing between things; establishing rites is most important for determining social status; and following sage kings is most important in establishing rites. Xunzi

Therefore a sage king establishes the fundamental principles of justice and the order of rites to regulate human feelings. The Book of Rites