original_query: What is Shen Buhai's perspective on the ruler's role in governance?
query: What is Shen Buhai's perspective on the ruler's role in governance?
answer: Shen Buhai believed the ruler should possess ultimate sovereignty, make crucial decisions, and maintain unlimited control over the bureaucracy.  However, he advocated for a largely passive ruler (Wu Wei) who avoids interference in ministerial duties, focusing instead on overseeing performance and using 'method' (Fa) to maintain control and gather information without direct intervention.