Shloka 9
Śiśupāla-nigraha-prastāva: Yudhiṣṭhira’s Conciliation and Bhīṣma’s Defense of Kṛṣṇa
Book 2, Chapter 35
क्षत्ता व्ययकरस्त्वासीद् विदुर: सर्वधर्मवित् । दुर्योधनस्त्वर्हणानि प्रतिजग्राह सर्वश:
kṣattā vyayakaras tv āsīd viduraḥ sarvadharmavit | duryodhanas tv arhaṇāni pratijagrāha sarvaśaḥ ||
毗舍波耶那说道：通晓一切法度的维度罗——身为宫廷执事（kṣattā）——被任命掌理开支。至于难敌，则从纳贡诸王处广受礼敬与馈赠，负责接纳并依礼整饬安置——于是维度罗主理合乎正法的政务，而他自己则统摄王家贡献的收受。
वैशम्पायन उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse contrasts roles and values in governance: Vidura, grounded in dharma, is entrusted with responsible expenditure and orderly administration, while Duryodhana focuses on receiving honors and tribute—hinting at the ethical difference between principled stewardship and prestige-driven accumulation.
During the arrangements connected with royal proceedings, Vidura is appointed to oversee spending and management, and Duryodhana takes charge of receiving and organizing the gifts and honors brought by kings who pay tribute.