Confucius and Nan Zi: A Moral Dilemma Explored

6-28 When the son met Nanzi(1), Zilu did not speak(2). Zi yi(3) said, “What I have denied(4) is not tiresome! Heaven is sick of it!”

[Commentary

(1) Nanzi: the wife of Duke Ling of the State of Wei, who at that time practically held sway over the regime of the State of Wei and was guilty of lewd behavior.

(2) said: yuè, with “happy”.

(3) yi: yuè, the same as “oath”, here, swearing.

(4) No: not right, not, referring to doing something improper.

[Translation

Confucius went to see Nanzi, and Zilu was not happy. Confucius swore, “If I do anything improper, let heaven condemn me! Let Heaven condemn me!”

[Commentary

This chapter is silent on what Confucius went to see Nanzi to do. According to the Confucianism of later times, Confucius met Nanzi because he “wanted to do something overbearing”. Therefore, Confucius swore here that if he did anything improper, he would let heaven condemn him. Moreover, Confucius mentioned the concept of “heaven” here, so I am afraid that we cannot simply say that Confucius still had a religious sense in his mind, and that this was just an oath he swore in order to convince Zi Lu.

In ancient China, the teachings of Confucius were deeply intertwined with the moral and ethical standards of the time. One significant episode that sheds light on Confucius’s principles is his encounter with Nan Zi, the wife of Duke Ling of Wei. This story not only reveals the moral framework of Confucius but also provides insight into the cultural values of ancient China.

The Encounter with Nan Zi

Confucius’s visit to Nan Zi, a woman of considerable influence and notoriety due to her scandalous behavior, is a poignant example of how Confucius navigated complex moral situations. Nan Zi was not just the Duke’s wife but also an individual who had significant control over the political affairs of Wei. Despite her position, she was known for her corrupt actions, which were widely criticized.

During this encounter, Confucius’s disciple, Zi Lu, was visibly upset. This reaction suggests that Confucius’s visit to Nan Zi was controversial and possibly conflicted with the ethical norms that his disciples upheld. Zi Lu’s displeasure highlights the tension between Confucius’s actions and the moral expectations of his followers.

Confucius’s Oath

To address the discomfort of his disciple, Confucius made a solemn oath: “If I engage in any improper conduct, let heaven punish me!” This declaration serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it reassures his disciples of his commitment to ethical behavior. Secondly, it reflects Confucius’s deep belief in divine justice and accountability.

Confucius’s use of the term “heaven” in his oath underscores the significant role that the concept of divine oversight played in ancient Chinese thought. It is not merely a religious gesture but a reaffirmation of his personal integrity and the seriousness with which he took his moral responsibilities.

Context and Interpretation

The reasons behind Confucius’s visit to Nan Zi are not explicitly detailed in historical records. However, later interpretations suggest that Confucius’s visit might have been intended to engage in political maneuvers or to offer counsel, albeit in a controversial context. The presence of Nan Zi, given her dubious reputation, adds a layer of complexity to the moral evaluation of Confucius’s actions.

In Confucius’s era, navigating political and social relationships often involved intricate moral considerations. His public declaration of self-discipline was a strategic move to maintain his ethical stance while interacting with powerful, albeit morally questionable, individuals. This moment reflects Confucius’s broader philosophy of maintaining personal integrity in the face of societal challenges.

The encounter between Confucius and Nan Zi, and the subsequent oath he took, provides valuable insights into the moral and cultural dynamics of ancient China. It highlights the challenges faced by Confucius as he strived to uphold his principles amidst complex social and political realities. This episode not only reflects Confucius’s commitment to ethical conduct but also exemplifies the importance of divine justice in his moral framework. For modern readers, it serves as a reminder of the timeless relevance of moral integrity and the challenges of navigating ethical dilemmas in any era.