When Mencius served as a high minister in Qi state, he was sent to the state of Teng to offer condolences on behalf of Qi. The king assigned Wang Huan, the governor of Ge, as his deputy for the mission. Throughout the journey – both going to Teng and returning to Qi – Wang Huan came to see Mencius mornings and evenings, yet Mencius never once spoke with him about the affairs of the mission.
Gongsun Chou asked:
“Your position as a minister of Qi is not low, and the distance between Qi and Teng is not short.
Yet on the entire round trip, you never discussed official business with Wang Huan. Why?”
Mencius replied:
“If someone has already taken care of everything himself, what is there for me to say?”
孟子為卿於齊，出吊於滕，王使蓋大夫王驩為輔行。王驩朝暮見，反齊滕之路，未嘗與之言行事也。
公孫丑曰：「齊卿之位，不為小矣；齊滕之路，不為近矣。反之而未嘗與言行事，何也？」
曰：「夫既或治之，予何言哉？」
Note
This brief episode from Mencius: Gongsun Chou II reveals profound ethical principles beneath a seemingly minor diplomatic silence.
Moral distance from the unworthy
Historical sources suggest Wang Huan was a favored courtier known for flattery rather than virtue. By refusing to consult with him, Mencius practiced principled non-engagement – a form of moral protest. This aligns with Confucius’s teaching:
“Do not plot with those whose ways differ from yours” (Analects 15.24).
Irony in “He’s already handled it”
Mencius’s reply carries subtle irony. He does not praise Wang Huan’s competence but implies: since this man acts unilaterally and excludes ethical deliberation, participation would only legitimize improper conduct. Silence becomes a shield for integrity.
The scholar’s right to withhold cooperation
Confucianism values service – but only “in accordance with the Dao.” When collaboration entails complicity in unrighteousness, withdrawal or silence is not dereliction but moral self-preservation. As Confucius said:
“Serve the ruler according to the Way; if you cannot, withdraw” (Analects 11.24).
Historical Context: Mencius’s frustration in Qi
Though honored with a title, Mencius lacked real influence in Qi state, where militarism trumped benevolent governance. Wang Huan symbolized the prevailing realpolitik. Mencius’s refusal to engage signaled his rejection of being co-opted into an amoral system – a stance that soon led to his resignation.
In this quiet act of non-conversation, Mencius embodies the Confucian ideal: better to be sidelined by power than to compromise one’s moral voice.
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