• The Analects – Chapter 14.18

    Gongshu Wenzi recommended his own retainer, Dafu Zhuan, to the ruler, and both were promoted together to serve as high ministers at court. When Confucius heard of this, he said, “He truly deserves the posthumous title ‘Wen’!”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.16

    Zilu said, “Duke Huan of Qi killed Prince Jiu; Shao Hu died for him, but Guan Zhong did not.” He added, “Was he not humane?”The Master replied, “It was through Guan Zhong’s efforts that Duke Huan convened the feudal lords nine times without resorting to war chariots. Wasn’t he humane! Wasn’t he humane!”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.15

    The Master said, “Duke Wen of Jin was crafty but not upright; Duke Huan of Qi was upright but not crafty.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.17

    Zigong said, “Was Guan Zhong not a humane person? When Duke Huan killed Prince Jiu, Guan Zhong did not die for his lord, but instead became his minister.”The Master replied, “Guan Zhong assisted Duke Huan in becoming hegemon over the feudal lords and brought order to the entire realm. The people still benefit from…

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.14

    The Master said, “Zang Wuzhong used his fief of Fang to demand that the ruler of Lu appoint his descendants as successors. Even if someone claims he was not coercing his lord, I do not believe it.”

  • The Analects – Chapter 14.13

    Confucius asked Gongming Jia about Gongshu Wenzi, saying, “Is it true that your master never speaks, never laughs, and never takes anything?”Gongming Jia replied, “The person who told you that exaggerated. In fact, my master speaks only when the time is right – so people do not dislike his words; he laughs only when…