Chinese mythology, folktales, and literature
Zigong defends Confucius against slander. Ordinary virtuous men are mere hills one may climb, yet Confucius equals the unrivaled sun and moon. Slander cannot harm him; it only reveals the critic’s ignorance and lack of self-awareness.
When told officials deemed him superior to Confucius, Zigong uses a wall metaphor. His shallow learning is a shoulder-high wall easily seen over, while Confucius’ profound wisdom stands behind a tall wall; few find the gate to grasp its grandeur, explaining others’ misunderstanding.