The Master said, “In drafting official documents [or diplomatic proclamations], Bi Chen would first compose a draft; Shi Shu would then discuss and revise it; Xing Ren Zi Yu would polish the wording; and Dong Li Zi Chan would finally refine and finalize it.”
Note
On the surface, this passage from the Analects of Confucius describes the process of drafting diplomatic documents in the state of Zheng; in essence, it highly praises a model of collaborative governance – where each person contributes their unique strength, and the work is refined through successive stages of review.
- Bi Chen, known for deep thinking, handled the initial drafting – providing the core ideas;
- Shi Shu (You Ji), clear in reasoning, led the discussion – clarifying principles and correcting direction;
- Zi Yu (Gongsun Hui), an experienced diplomat, polished the language – ensuring propriety and diplomatic decorum;
- Zi Chan of Dong Li, respected for both virtue and literary skill, performed the final refinement – harmonizing content and style into a polished whole.
Through this example, Confucius emphasizes that major state affairs should not rely on one person’s judgment but must benefit from collective wisdom; excellence emerges from division of labor and iterative refinement. This reflects the Confucian values of “reverent attention to duty and trustworthiness” and “the noble person seeks harmony without uniformity.” It also implicitly commends Zi Chan’s leadership: rather than monopolizing authority, he organized capable ministers and synthesized their insights – a true embodiment of the ideal that “the noble person is not a mere tool” (Analects 2.12) but a leader who empowers others to achieve great things together.
Further Reading
The Master said, “The noble person is not a mere vessel [i.e., not limited to one function].” Analects 2.12 (Wei Zheng)
Zi Chan exemplifies this – he doesn’t do everything himself but orchestrates specialists, showing leadership beyond narrow utility.
The Master said, “Do not meddle in affairs if you are not in the proper position.” Analects 8.14 (Tai Bo)
Implies clear role differentiation – each official acts within their expertise, as in the drafting process described.
子曰：「為命：裨諶草創之，世叔討論之，行人子羽脩飾之，東里子產潤色之。」
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