Confucius’ Trust: Why He Chose a Jailed Student for His Daughter

5.1 The Master said to Gongye Chang, “She may be his wife. Although he is in prison, it is not his fault.” So he married his daughter to him.

[Explanation]

(1) Gongye Chang: Gongye was his surname and Chang his given name. He was a native of Qi and a disciple of Confucius.

(2) 缧绁: lei xie, the rope used to bind prisoners, here used to refer to prison.

(3) 子: in ancient times, both sons and daughters were called zi.

Translation

Confucius commented on Gong Yezhang, saying, “You can marry your daughter to him. Although he is in prison, it is not his fault.” So Confucius married his daughter to him.

[Commentary]

In this chapter, Confucius spoke highly of Gong Yezhang, but did not say what outstanding things Gong Yezhang had done. However, from the central content of this chapter, as Gong Yezhang’s teacher, Confucius had a comprehensive understanding of him. Confucius was able to marry his daughter to him, so Gong Yezhang should at least have benevolence and virtue. This is what Confucius repeatedly asked of his students.

Gongye Chang, a disciple from the state of Qi, found himself behind bars due to a misunderstanding. In this situation, Confucius made a significant decision: he chose to marry his daughter to Gongye Chang. This act is notable not just for its personal implications but also for the deep trust and understanding Confucius displayed towards his student.

The Context of Ancient Chinese Society

In Confucius’ time, being imprisoned often carried a heavy stigma, regardless of the circumstances. However, Confucius’ assessment of Gongye Chang went beyond surface appearances. He recognized that Gongye Chang’s imprisonment was not due to his own wrongdoing, but rather a result of unfortunate circumstances. This level of discernment speaks volumes about Confucius’ values and his approach to evaluating character.

The Virtue of Ren (仁)

Central to Confucius’ teachings is the concept of Ren (仁), often translated as “benevolence” or “humaneness.” This virtue is a cornerstone of Confucian ethics, emphasizing the importance of empathy, kindness, and moral integrity. By choosing Gongye Chang as a son-in-law, Confucius demonstrated his belief that Gongye possessed these qualities. He looked beyond the immediate situation to see the true character of his disciple.

Lessons for Modern Readers

For contemporary readers, this story holds several key lessons:

Judging Character Beyond Circumstances: It is essential to look beyond immediate appearances and understand the true nature of a person’s character. This principle is especially relevant in today’s fast-paced world, where snap judgments are common.

The Value of Trust and Understanding: Confucius’ decision underscores the importance of trust and deep understanding in relationships. Whether in personal or professional contexts, building such trust can lead to more meaningful and lasting connections.

The Enduring Relevance of Confucian Values: Confucian virtues like Ren continue to offer valuable guidance in our lives. Emphasizing empathy and moral integrity can help foster better relationships and a more compassionate society.