Mencius states true friendship centers on virtue, free from status, age or power. He cites nobles and rulers treating virtuous men as equals, arguing genuine respect from lords means granting them political authority, balancing honoring superiors and worthy subordinates.
— Zheng Gu The vernal breeze has brightened your color so fine; You stir my mind to write a verse before good wine. With rain impearled on you, more beautiful you grow; You’re all the more bewitching when about to blow. The fair forgets to powder her face before you; The painter hesitates to…