Echoes of Ancient Virtue: A Eulogy
In the twilight of his days, Dong Mingduo, known as Dong Mengdu, stood by the river and sighed, “How beautiful is this water, flowing endlessly! If only I could cross it, but it is fated not to be!” Zilong, a disciple, hurried forward and asked, “May I inquire about your words?” Confucius replied solemnly, “Dong Mingduo and Shun Hua were noble ministers of the state of Jin. When Zhao Jianzi had yet to achieve his ambitions, he relied on these two men for governance. But once he attained power, he betrayed and killed them. It is said that if you destroy nests and eggs, the phoenix will not soar. Why? Because noble men refrain from harming their own kind. Even birds and beasts understand this principle and avoid harming their own. How much more should we humans!” With that, Confucius returned to his dwelling, composing a mournful tune in remembrance.
Later, Duke Ling of Wei inquired about military strategies. Confucius replied, “I have heard about ceremonial vessels and sacrificial rites, but military matters are not within my realm of expertise.” The next day, while conversing with Confucius, the duke observed wild geese flying overhead. He gazed at them, his attention diverted from Confucius. Seeing this, Confucius departed and returned to Chen.
In the summer, Duke Ling of Wei passed away, and his grandson, Wei Chu, ascended to the throne. In the sixth month, Zhao Yang brought Crown Prince Kuai from Qi to live in exile. Yan Hu, posing as a mourner from Wei, dressed in mourning attire and pretended to escort the prince, shedding tears as he entered the city, where he settled.
In the winter, Cai Qian moved to Zou. In that year, it was the third year of Duke Ai of Lu, and Confucius turned sixty. Qi assisted Wei in besieging Qi due to the presence of Crown Prince Kuai.
In the summer, the Huanli Temple in Lu was burnt, and the Southern Palace’s Jingshuo helped to put out the fire. Upon hearing this in Chen, Confucius remarked, “Could the disaster be at the Huanli Temple?” Indeed, it proved to be true.
In the autumn, Ji Huanzi fell ill and was carried in a carriage to see the city of Lu. He sighed deeply and said, “This country almost flourished. Yet because I offended Confucius, it did not.” Addressing his successor, Kangzi, he said, “When I die, make sure to summon Confucius.” Several days later, Huanzi passed away, and Kangzi succeeded him. After the burial, he intended to summon Confucius. Gong Yu said, “In the past, my ancestors used him but could not see it through, and they became the laughingstock of the vassals. Now, we use him again, but if we cannot see it through, we will again become the laughingstock of the vassals.” Kangzi said, “Who else can we summon?” Gong Yu replied, “We must summon Yai Qiu.” Thus, messengers were sent to summon Yai Qiu. As Yai Qiu prepared to depart, Confucius said, “If the people of Lu summon him, it is not for minor tasks; they will put him to great use.” On that day, Confucius said, “Go, go! My family’s young ones are simple and straightforward. They are keen to make progress on the great path and hastily create connections, but they do not know how to shape their progress. They should return and work on their progress.”
Zhai Qiu went away, and the following year, Confucius moved from Chen to Cai. In the future, Zhou Gong invited him to go to Wu. Before Zhou Gong cheated his minister Qian State to move, the future would be. Public fears that Chu would attack Cai. In the fall, Qi Jing died. The next year, Confucius returned to Ye from Cai. The Lord asked about politics, and Confucius said, “Governing policy is not a distant relationship.” The following day, the Lord asked Confucius in front of Xuluyu. After the Lord’s name, worry, had.