The reason that rivers and seas can act as kings of the
100 valleys
Is because they are good at being lower-than them.
Therefore : they can act as kings of the 100 valleys.
Thus the sage :
In desiring to be above the citizens,
He must by means of his speech be lower-than them.
In desiring to be before the citizens,
He must by means of his self be behind them.
Thus the sage :