Duke Mu of Lu wanted Gongyi Qian as prime minister via Zisi. Zisi declined to lure the scholar with titles, saying sincere respect instead of material bait was required. Gongyi Qian upheld his integrity and refused officialdom all his life.
Han Feizi tells Li Chu warned Duke Mu: distant allies Jin and Chu can’t help Lu against nearby Qi. Distant water fails near fires.