When Duke Ding of Teng died, the crown prince (later Duke Wen of Teng) said to his minister Ran You: “Years ago, Mencius taught me in Song, and his words have stayed with me ever since. Now I am so unfortunate as to have lost my father, I would like you to go and…
Duke Ping of Lu was about to set out when his favorite courtier, Zang Cang, asked: “Usually, Your Lordship informs the officials of your destination before leaving. Now your carriage is ready, yet no one knows where you’re going. May I ask?”
4.20 The Master said, “If for the whole three years of mourning a son manages to carry on the household exactly as in his father’s day, then he is a good son indeed.”