“Encounters of Honor: Confucian Ethos in Ancient China”
In the ancient kingdom of Wei, Confucius, a paragon of virtue and wisdom, navigated the intricate social and political landscapes of his time. His journey was marked by encounters with nobles and scholars, each interaction revealing layers of moral and philosophical depth.
The tale begins with Confucius paying respects to a noblewoman behind silk curtains. As he entered, he bowed respectfully, and the noblewoman, from within her veil, reciprocated with another bow, the sound of her jade ornaments tinkling softly. Confucius remarked, “Though I am from afar and our paths seldom cross, I respond to your courtesy.” His disciple, Zilu, remained silent, prompting Confucius to exclaim, “What I do not embrace, Heaven detests! Heaven detests!”
Months later, during his stay in Wei, Duke Ling and the noblewoman traveled together in a carriage. Confucius, alongside other attendants, followed behind. As they passed through the city, Confucius observed, “Rarely do I see a passion for virtue rivaling that for beauty.” This prompted his disciples to criticize, and Confucius clarified, “If people cherished virtue as they do beauty, they would forsake evil and return to righteousness.”
Soon after, they left Wei and journeyed through Cao. It was during this time that Duke Ding of Lu passed away. Confucius continued on to Song, where he immersed himself and his disciples in rituals under a large tree. There, the Minister of War, Huan Tui of Song, plotted to kill Confucius and ordered the tree to be uprooted. Unperturbed, Confucius moved on, saying, “If Heaven has bestowed virtue upon me, how can Huan Tui harm me?”
In Zheng, Confucius found himself separated from his disciples and stood alone at the eastern gate of Guo. Some locals remarked to Zigong, “At the eastern gate, there stands a man whose forehead resembles Yao, whose neck recalls Gao Yao, and whose shoulders evoke Zi Chan. Yet, from the waist down, he lacks Yu’s stature by three inches. He looks despondent, like a grieving dog.” Zigong reported this to Confucius, who chuckled and said, “Physical appearance is superficial. To liken me to a grieving dog is truly amusing!”
During his three-year stay in Chen, conflicts between Jin and Chu intensified. Chen was repeatedly raided by Wu, and Confucius observed, “Let us return home! The youths in my clan are rash and impulsive, yet they never forget their origins.”
While passing through Pu, the officials of the Guoshi clan halted them, as Pu had defected. One of Confucius’ disciples, Gongliang Ru, joined him with five private carriages. A man of stature and courage, Gongliang Ru declared, “Having stood by Master in the past in times of adversity, I am prepared to fight and die with him again.” The Pu officials, intimidated, said to Confucius, “If you do not go to Wei, we will let you pass.” They made an oath, and Confucius departed for Wei. Zigong asked, “Can we break this oath?” Confucius replied, “It is a necessary oath; the gods do not listen.”
Upon hearing of Confucius’ arrival, Duke Ling of Wei was pleased and welcomed him with a royal reception. He inquired, “Should we attack Pu?” Confucius replied affirmatively. Duke Ling expressed doubt, saying, “My ministers believe otherwise. Pu is our buffer against Jin and Chu. Attacking them may not be wise.” Confucius replied, “Their men are resolute in their desire to die, but their women are intent on safeguarding the Western River. I aim to subdue only a handful.” Duke Ling agreed, but they did not attack Pu.
As Duke Ling grew old and indifferent to governance, Confucius sighed and lamented, “If there is anyone who will employ me, within a few months, within three years, there will be success.” With those words, Confucius departed.
In Zhongmou, Gongliang Fu served as the magistrate. Zhao Jianzi attacked Fan and Zhongxing and raided Zhongmou. Gongliang Fu defected and sent for Confucius. Confucius wished to go. Zilu reminded him of his teaching, “If the ruler himself engages in wrongdoing, a gentleman does not enter his service.” Confucius replied, “Such is true. Yet, as an upright person, how can I refuse to act?”
Confucius played the chimes. As a man carrying a burden passed by the gate, he remarked, “How thoughtful, playing the chimes!” But, he said, “Know only yourself.” Confucius learned to play the zither from Master Xiangzi for ten days, yet Master Xiangzi said, “You could improve.” Confucius replied, “I have learned the melody but not yet mastered the rhythm.” He was interrupted, and Confucius remarked, “I have mastered the rhythm. You could improve.” Confucius replied, “I have not yet become a person.” He was deeply moved, sometimes in deep thought, sometimes cheerful and ambitious, and said, “I have become a person, and I am bleak and black, with long eyes like sheep and the four kings. Who else but King Wen could do this?” Master Xiangzi quickly bowed again and said, “Master, you are the one who plays King Wen’s harp.”
Confucius failed to use him in Wei and sought to meet Zhao Jianzi. Arriving at the river, Confucius heard that Dao Mingduo, Shunhua