Wenzi, a general of Wei, paid a visit to Zengzi. Zengzi did not rise to greet him, merely invited him to take a seat while sitting upright at the honored inner corner of the room.
After leaving, Wenzi said to his coachman: “Zengzi is foolish indeed. If he takes me for a gentleman, no gentleman ought to be treated disrespectfully. If he regards me as a violent man, no violent man should be insulted lightly. Zengzi will hardly escape misfortune.”
Note
Arrogant disregard of etiquette may offend powerful people and invite disaster. People should observe propriety according to others’ status and temperament.
Late Warring States Legalist thinker, cites the story to illustrate proper social etiquette and risk of arrogance.
Zengzi
Zengzi (505–435 BCE), born Zeng Shen, was a prominent disciple of Confucius. Renowned for his exceptional filial piety, he is traditionally credited with authoring the Great Learning (Daxue), a key Confucian classic. Zengzi was known for his moral integrity and deep understanding of Confucian virtues. He famously stated, “I daily examine myself on three points.”
According to Han Fei, Zengzi acted arrogantly toward the military noble in the story above.
Wenzi
Military general of the State of Wei, high-ranking aristocrat with power to punish others.
Coachman
Wenzi’s attendant.
Ancient guest etiquette
Rising to welcome visitors was basic courtesy in pre-Qin upper-class society; neglecting this was seen as deliberate slight.
Room layout custom
The southwest corner named ‘ao’ was the most respected indoor seat for elders or masters.
Rank distinction
Clear social hierarchy existed between scholar-officials and military nobles; improper disrespect might bring persecution.
衛將軍文子見曾子，曾子不起而延於坐席，正身於奧。文子謂其御曰：「曾子，愚人也哉！以我為君子也，君子安可毋敬也？以我為暴人也，暴人安可侮也？曾子不僇命也。」
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