Confucius said that he taught 77 students, each a specialist in their own right. As for character, there were Yan Hui, Min Ziqian, Ran Qiu, and Zhong Gong; in politics, there were Ran You and Ji Lu; in speech, there were Zai Wo and Zigong; in literature, there were Ziyou and Zixia. There were also Shibi, Canlu, Chai Yu, You Yan, Huilukong, and many others. Although Zigong was not bound by official positions, he was very successful in business, and he was always spot on with his predictions.
Confucius had a lot of respect for Laozi in the Zhou Dynasty, Qubo Yu in the State of Wei, Yan Pingzhong in the State of Qi, Lao Lai Zi in the State of Chu, Zichan in the State of Zheng, and Meng Gongchuo in the State of Lu. In addition, he praised Zang Wenzhong, Liuxia Hui, Tongdi Bohua, and Jieshan Ziran, but they weren't around at the same time.
Yan Hui, from the State of Lu, with the courtesy name Ziyuan, was thirty years younger than Confucius. When Yan Hui asked what benevolence was, Confucius said, "If you can control yourself and live a life of ritual propriety, the world will be at peace."
Confucius said of Yan Hui, "He's a truly virtuous man! Despite living simply on a meager diet and in a humble alley, he was always happy. He might seem a bit simple, but he's a deep thinker, not at all foolish. He only acts when necessary, and otherwise keeps to himself. He's the only one besides me who does that!"
Yan Hui passed away at the age of 29, his hair already white. Confucius wept and said, "Ever since Yan Hui came along, my students have become closer." Duke Ai of Lu asked, "Among your students, who loves learning the most?" Confucius replied, "Yan Hui loves learning the most, never blaming others, and never repeating mistakes. It's a pity that he passed away young and is no longer here."
Min Sun, with the courtesy name Ziqian, was fifteen years younger than Confucius. Confucius said, "Min Ziqian is truly filial! Others cannot compare to his devotion to his parents and siblings." He did not hold official positions and did not accept dirty salaries. "If there's anyone else like him, they'd be a rare find indeed."
Ran Geng, with the courtesy name Bonyu, was considered by Confucius to have great character.
Bo Niu was seriously ill, and Confucius went to visit him. Leaning in through the window, he took his hand and said, "It's just fate, isn't it? A man like that, to get this sick... it's just fate."
Ran Yong, styled Zhonggong.
Zhonggong asked about the way of governing, and Confucius said, "Treat everyone you meet like a VIP, and treat the common folk like it's a big holiday. No complaints from the court, no complaints from home."
Confucius believed that Zhonggong had noble character and said, "Zhonggong has the makings of a ruler."
Zhonggong's father had a low status. Confucius said, "Even a plow horse's strong, healthy foal wouldn't be left to waste, would it?"
Ran Qiu, styled Ziyu, was 29 years younger than Confucius and had served as the prime minister of the Ji clan. Ji Kangzi once asked Confucius, "Is Ran Qiu a benevolent person?" Confucius said, "Give him a city with over a thousand households, or a large family with a hundred chariots; he'd keep the tax system running smoothly. As for whether he is a benevolent person, I don't know." Ji Kangzi asked again, "What about Zilu, is he a benevolent person?" Confucius replied, "Pretty much the same as Ran Qiu."
Ran Qiu once asked Confucius, "Should I put what I've learned into practice right away?" Confucius said, "Yes, you should implement it." Zilu also asked the same question, "Should I put what I've learned into practice right away?" Confucius replied, "You've got family responsibilities. You can't just drop everything and do it right away!" Zihua felt strange and asked Confucius, "Wait, why the different answers?" Confucius explained, "Ran Qiu's a bit shy, so I push him to be more assertive. Zilu, on the other hand, is a bit reckless, so I tell him to slow down."
Zhongyou, styled Zilu, was from Biandi and was nine years younger than Confucius. Zilu was rough, tough, and fiercely honest; sporting a rooster comb and boar tusks, he treated Confucius with blatant disrespect. Confucius slowly guided him with etiquette, and later Zilu became respectful and humble, actively requesting to become Confucius' student.
Zilu once asked Confucius how to govern a country, and Confucius said, "Set a good example and work hard." Zilu asked again, and Confucius replied, "Keep at it." Zilu then asked, "Should a gentleman value martial arts?" Confucius said, "Righteousness is the most important. A gentleman who's good at fighting but lacks righteousness will cause chaos; a thug who's good at fighting but lacks righteousness will become a thief." Zilu understood the reasoning but couldn't follow through, always worried that he wasn't living up to it. Confucius commented on him, saying, "Zilu's the kind of guy who can settle a case in one sentence!" "Zilu's even gutsier than me, but he lacks strategy." "A guy like Zilu's probably gonna end up dead." "Only Zilu wouldn't be embarrassed wearing rags next to someone in a fox fur coat." "Zilu's in the hall, but he hasn't even gotten to the inner sanctum."
Ji Kangzi asked, "Is Zilu a good man?" Confucius said, "Give him a huge army, and he can manage taxes well; as for whether he is a good man, I do not know."
Zilu enjoyed studying with Confucius, and along the way, he encountered Changju, Jie Ni, and an old man carrying firewood.
Zilu later became the Ji clan's top minister, and Ji Sun asked Confucius, "Can Zilu be considered a top minister?" Confucius said, "He can be considered a pretty good minister."
Zilu later became Puyi's top guy and bid farewell to Confucius. Confucius said to him, "Puyi's full of tough guys, and it's a tough place to run. But here's the secret: be respectful and careful, and you'll control the strongmen; be fair and generous, and you'll unite the people; be respectful, fair, and calm, and you'll please the ruler."
Initially, Duke Ling of Wei had a hot concubine named Nanzi. The crown prince – Duke Zhuang's old man – was banging Nanzi and, fearing execution by Duke Ling, he fled. When Duke Ling kicked the bucket, his wife wanted to make Gongzi Ying, the son of the crown prince, the ruler. But Gongzi Ying refused, saying, "The son of the crown prince is still alive!" So the state of Wei made the son of the crown prince the ruler, and this became Duke Chu of Wei.
Wei Chugong served as the ruler of the state for twelve years, while his father Kui remained in exile and could not return. During this time, Zilu acted as a county administrator under Kong Kui in the state of Wei. Kui, together with Kong Kui, rebelled, planning first to attack Kong Kui's household and then lead his men against Wei Chugong. Wei Chugong fled to the state of Lu, and Kui returned to become the ruler, known as Duke Zhuang of Wei.
When Zilu heard about Kong Kui's rebellion while he was away on official business, he hurried back. On the way, he met Zigao coming out of the city gate of Wei. Zigao said to Zilu, "The Duke had already escaped, and the city gate is closed. You should go back and not die in vain." Zilu replied, "If you eat someone’s rice, you must do things for them. How can you avoid danger?" Zigao eventually left. At that moment, a messenger entered the city, and the gate opened. Zilu followed him in and found Kui and Kong Kui standing on a platform. Zilu said, "Your Majesty, why do you still rely on Kong Kui? Let me kill him!" Kui did not agree. So Zilu tried to set fire to the platform. Kui became afraid and sent his men to attack Zilu, cutting off his hat and belt. Zilu declared, "A gentleman's honor is paramount," and then used his belt to commit suicide.
When Confucius heard about the rebellion in Wei, he said, "Alas, Zilu is dead!" It was later confirmed that Zilu had died. So Confucius remarked, "Since I had Zilu, I have not heard any bad news." Meanwhile, Zigong was on a mission to the state of Qi from the state of Lu.
Zai Yu, whose courtesy name was Ziwo, was a very eloquent person with good speaking skills. After studying with Confucius, he asked him, "Is a three-year mourning period too long? If a nobleman does not hold sacrificial activities for three years, the ritual music system will definitely collapse; if entertainment activities are not held for three years, they will definitely decline. We've finished the old harvest and the new one is in, and the technique for making fire has been mastered. Can the three-year mourning period be ended?" Confucius asked him, "Do you feel right about this?" Zai Yu replied, "I'm fine with it." Confucius said, "If you are at peace in your heart, then go ahead. During the mourning period, a nobleman finds no pleasure in enjoying fine food and drink, and does not feel joy when listening to music; that is why sacrificial and entertainment activities are not held." After Zai Yu left, Confucius said, "Zai Yu is really unrighteous! Children aren't weaned until they're three. The three-year mourning period is a common principle in the world!" Zai Yu slept during the day. Confucius said, "Decayed wood cannot be carved; a wall made of dung cannot be plastered." Zai Yu also asked about the virtues of the Five Emperors, but Confucius said, "I am not someone who studies in that area." Zai Yu later became a minister in Linzi, rebelled with Tian Chang, and was eventually exterminated. Confucius felt very ashamed of this. Duanmu Ci, from the state of Wei, with the courtesy name Zigong, was 31 years younger than Confucius. Zigong was very eloquent and had good speaking skills. Confucius often criticized him for being too good at arguing. Zigong asked Confucius, "Who is better between me and Yan Hui?" Confucius said, "Do you dare to compare yourself with Yan Hui? Yan Hui can understand ten meanings at once, while you can only understand two at a time." This passage talks about how Zigong was very articulate, and Confucius felt he was a bit too good at talking, so he often guided him. Then Zigong humbly asked who was better between himself and Yan Hui, and admitted that he was not as good as Yan Hui. After completing his studies, Zigong asked Confucius, "What kind of person am I?" Confucius said, "You are a vessel." Zigong asked again, "What kind of vessel?" Confucius said, "A precious jade vessel."
After completing his studies, Zigong went to ask his teacher what kind of person he was. Confucius said he was a top-notch guy, like one of those fancy ceremonial vessels. Chen Ziqin asked Zigong, "Where did Confucius study?" Zigong replied, "The wisdom of King Wen and King Wu has not been lost; it exists among the people. Those with talent can grasp its essence, while those without talent can get a piece of it. No one is untouched by the ways of the world. Where did the teacher study? Did he have a fixed teacher?" Chen Ziqin asked again, "When Confucius goes to a country, does he always understand the local political situation by himself, or is he told by others?" Zigong said, "The teacher is a gentle, respectful, and courteous guy, which is why he can appreciate these things. His way of understanding politics is different from that of ordinary people."
Zigong asked Confucius, "What do you think of someone who is rich but not arrogant, and poor but not servile?" Confucius said, "That's okay, but it's better to be poor and devoted to one's aspirations, and wealthy but fond of rituals."
Tian Chang wanted to rebel in the state of Qi, but was afraid of the four powerful families - Gao, Guo, Bao, and Yan. So he moved his army to attack the state of Lu. When Confucius heard about this, he told his students, "Lu is our ancestral homeland, where our ancestors are buried. The country is in deep trouble; why aren't you all going out to help?" Zilu requested to go, but Confucius stopped him. Zizhang and Zishi also requested to go, but Confucius did not allow them. Zigong requested to go, and Confucius agreed. This last passage describes how Tian Chang of Qi wanted to rebel and attack Lu first. When Confucius learned of this, he only let Zigong go help.
First, Zigong hit up Tian Chang in Qi and said, "Attacking Lu is not a good strategy! Lu is a tough place to take on. The walls are short and flimsy, the land is narrow, and it's low-lying and prone to flooding. The ruler of Lu is a total dunce, the ministers are a bunch of two-faced losers, and the people hate war. You can't conquer a place like that. You’d be better off going after Wu instead. Wu has high, strong walls, a huge population, great weapons, well-trained soldiers, and powerful ministers – it's a much easier target."
When Tian Chang heard this, his face immediately darkened and he angrily said, "What you call hard, others find easy; what you call easy, others find hard. Think you're teaching me how to run things?" Zi Gong calmly replied, "I sense your worries. I have heard that when one has worries in their heart, they will attack powerful enemies; when one has no worries, they will attack weaker enemies. I have also heard that you have tried to divide the land three times, but each time was unsuccessful because the ministers did not listen to you!
Now, as you attack the state of Lu to expand the power of Qi, relying on victories in battle to make the ruler proud and elevating the status of the ministers by destroying other countries, you yourself gain nothing from it. If this continues:
- the relationship between you and the ruler will become more distant,
- the ruler will become arrogant, and the ministers will do as they please,
- achieving great things will become difficult,
- when the ruler is arrogant, he will indulge,
- the ministers will fight for power and profit.
This will create a rift between you and the ruler, and you and the ministers will also fight against each other. Your position of power in Qi will be in danger! So I suggest, why not attack the state of Wu? Even if the attack on Wu fails, the common people will die in battle, and the ministers will suffer heavy losses. This way, you will not have powerful ministers opposing you, and the common people will not blame you. Wouldn't that be a more advantageous position?"
After listening to Zi Gong's words, Tian Chang said, "You are right! However, my army has already set out to attack the state of Lu. If I were to attack Wu now, my ministers will be suspicious. What should I do?" Zi Gong confidently replied, "Hold your army; don't attack Lu. I will go to Wu and persuade the king to send troops to rescue Lu and attack Qi. You can then use your army to confront them." Tian Chang agreed to Zi Gong's suggestion and dispatched Zi Gong south to see what he could do with the Wu king.
Someone said: "I heard that a true king won't let the world perish, and a hegemon has no powerful opponents. Even if it’s a heavy object weighing a thousand catties, a little extra weight can move it. Now, you’re using the powerful Qi to secretly help the weak Lu while at odds with Wu. I think this is too dangerous! Furthermore, saving Lu can bring you fame, while defeating Qi can yield great benefits. If you can bring the Sishui princes into line, defeat the tyrannical Qi, and deter the powerful Jin, the rewards will be immense! On the surface, it seems like saving Lu, but in reality, it weakens the powerful Qi. That's the smart play."
The King of Wu said, "You're right! However, I fought against Yue before and got trapped in Kuaiji Mountain. King Goujian of Yue is probably plotting revenge. You'll have to wait for me to defeat Yue before you share your plan."
Zigong said, "Yue is weaker than Lu, and Wu is weaker than Qi. If you attack Yue first and ignore Qi, by the time you're done with Yue, Qi will have already destroyed Lu. Besides, you're using the guise of restoring the fallen states to attack the small Yue first while fearing the powerful Qi. That ain't brave! Real heroes aren't afraid of a fight, virtuous people don't sweat the small stuff, and wise people seize opportunities. Kings don’t let the world perish to establish their own prestige. You should first pacify Yue, show your righteousness to the princes, then save Lu, defeat Qi, and deter Jin. At that point, the other princes will be lining up to kiss your ring, and you'll be king of the hill! Moreover, since you hate Yue's guts, I request to go east to meet King Goujian and have him send troops to act together. It'll look like a coalition, but it'll weaken Yue."
The King of Wu was very pleased and sent Zigong to Yue.
King Goujian personally went out of the city to meet Zigong. After arriving at the guest house, he asked Zigong, "Wu is a country of barbarians. What brings you here with such formality?"
Zigong replied, "I just advised the King of Wu to help Lu in attacking Qi. The King of Wu wanted to go, but feared Yue, saying, 'I’ll go after defeating Yue.' This way, he thinks defeating Yue will definitely be successful. Also, it’s foolish to hide your desire for revenge, dangerous to show it too openly, and risky if your plans are known before you act. These are three things you absolutely can't do if you want to succeed!"
Goujian immediately bowed deeply twice, exclaiming, "I underestimated my own strength before and fought with Wu, only to be trapped in Kuaiji. Consumed by grief day and night, I only wished to die alongside the King of Wu. That was my wish!" He then asked Zigong for advice.
Zigong said, "The King of Wu is fierce, and his ministers can’t stand him. Wu has weakened from multiple wars, soldiers are tired of fighting, and the people resent the court. The ministers clash internally, Wu Zixu was killed for his honesty, and the Prime Minister abuses power to satisfy his own desires. These are the reasons for Wu's decline. If you send troops to support Wu to raise their spirits, win him over with lavish gifts, and show respect with humble words, he will attack Qi. If Wu loses, you’re safe. If Wu wins, they’ll turn to Jin, and I’ll request to meet the King of Jin to attack Wu together, weakening them. With Wu's elite forces attacking Qi and heavy troops stuck in Jin, you can attack Wu and the destruction of Wu will be assured!"
King Goujian of Yue was very happy and agreed to Zigong's suggestion. He gave Zigong a hundred *jin* of gold, a magnificent sword, and two excellent spears. Zigong did not accept and left. The King of Wu sent someone to tell Goujian, "I passed your message on to King Fuchai." Goujian was scared and quickly said, "I've been incredibly unlucky, lost my father at a young age, and made mistakes that were punished by the Wu state. My army was defeated, I was humiliated, and I could only hide in Kuaiji. Thanks to your gracious gift, I can continue to worship my ancestors. I will never forget your kindness and dare not have any other thoughts!" Five days later, Zhuang, a humble servant from the East and the envoy sent by Goujian, bowed and greeted the King of Wu, saying, "I, Zhuang, a lonely servant of the Eastern Sea, am here to inquire about the situation. I have heard that you are going to raise an army to right wrongs and secure the Zhou dynasty. I request to recruit 3,000 soldiers from within the country, and I'll lead the charge, be the first into battle. Also, I offer the ancestral weapons left by my ancestors: twenty suits of armor, a battle-axe, a Qu Lu spear, and a Bu Guang sword as gifts to the army." The King of Wu was very pleased and asked Zigong, "Goujian wants to personally join me in attacking Qi; what do you think?" Zigong replied, "It's wrong to take all of Yue's army, and their king too! You have accepted their gifts and agreed to their army, but refused their monarch; that's unwise." The King of Wu agreed with Zigong's words and declined Goujian's request. So the King of Wu launched his attack on Qi, drawing troops from nine counties.
Zigong ditched Wu and headed for Jin. He said to the ruler of Jin, "I've heard you can't handle surprises if you don't plan ahead, and you can't win a war if you don't know what you're doing. Now Qi and Wu are about to go to war. If Wu loses, Yue'll jump in; if Wu wins, they'll come after Jin." The Jin ruler freaked out and asked, "So what do we do?" Zigong said, "Get your army ready, rest up, and get prepared." The ruler of Jin agreed.
Zigong left Jin and went to the state of Lu. The Wu king battled Qi at Ailing, crushed 'em, took seven generals prisoner, but instead of going home, he marched straight on Jin, meeting them at Huangchi. Wu and Jin went at it, Jin wiped the floor with Wu. When Fuchai heard, he crossed the Yangtze, ambushed Wu, and set up camp seven miles outside the city. The Wu king hightailed it back from Jin, clashed with Yue at Wuhu, lost three fights in a row, couldn't hold the city gates, and ended up with Yue surrounding the palace, killing Fuchai and his top guy. Three years later, Yue ruled the east.
Zigong shows up, and boom: Lu's chill, Qi's a mess, Wu's down for the count, Jin's on top, and Yue's kissing their feet. He stirred things up, and in ten years, everything changed. Zigong was a shrewd businessman, always making money. He'd praise people's good points but wouldn't sugarcoat their bad ones. He shuttled between Lu and Wei, raking in a fortune, and finally kicked the bucket in Qi.
Yan Yan, a man from the state of Wu, courtesy name Ziyu, was forty-five years younger than Confucius. After completing his studies, Ziyu became the magistrate of Wucheng County. When Confucius passed by, music and singing drifted out from inside. Confucius smiled and said, "That's like using a cannon to kill a mosquito." Ziyu explained, "I once heard Master say that a gentleman learns principles to love others, while a small-minded person learns principles to be better at serving others." Confucius replied, "You are right, Ziyu. I was just joking." Confucius felt that Ziyu had his head buried in the classics.
Bu Shang, courtesy name Zixia, was forty-four years younger than Confucius. Zixia asked Confucius, "What does 'Charming smiles, beautiful eyes, pure and elegant (meaning something like 'naturally beautiful')' mean?" Confucius replied, "It means you need a sketch before you start painting." Zixia then asked, "Does this mean that rituals should come first?" Confucius said, "Shang, now you're finally ready to talk about the *Shijing*." Zigong asked Confucius, "Who is better, you or Zixia?" Confucius said, "I've got my flaws, and Zixia's still learning." "So, are you better?" Confucius replied, "Too much of a good thing." Confucius also advised Zixia, "You should be a scholar of true virtue, not a petty Confucian scholar." After Confucius passed away, Zixia taught in Xihé and became the teacher of the Marquis Wen of Wei. When his son died, he cried himself blind.
Zhuan Sun, a man from the state of Chen, with the courtesy name Zizhang, was forty-eight years younger than Confucius. Zizhang asked Confucius about his career prospects and salary. Confucius said, "Ask questions, be careful what you do, and you'll make fewer mistakes. Watch what's going on, be careful of trouble, and you'll regret less. Make fewer mistakes, have fewer regrets, and naturally, the salary will come." One day, they got stuck between Chen and Cai, and Zizhang asked Confucius what to do. Confucius said, "Be honest and keep your word, treat people with respect, and you'll be alright even in the sticks. If you're not honest and respectful, you won't last long anywhere! Stand tall, sit straight, and people will respect you." Zizhang wrote down these words on his belt.
Zizhang asked Confucius, "What does it mean to be truly successful?" Confucius asked him in return, "What do you mean by 'successful'?" Zizhang said, "Someone who's famous at court and back home." Confucius replied, "That is just being well-known, not truly successful. A truly successful person is honest, kind, perceptive, and always thinks of others. Such a person, whether in the court or in their hometown, will be recognized as truly successful. Those who are well-known often act righteous on the surface, but they're not really, and they don't even realize it. These people may have fame in the court and hometown, but they are not truly successful."
Ceng Can, from Nanwu City, whose courtesy name was Ziyu, was 46 years younger than Confucius. Confucius thought he was filial and perceptive, so he took him as a student and even let him write the "Classic of Filial Piety." Ceng Can later died in Lu. Dantai Mieming, from Wucheng, whose courtesy name was Ziyu, was 39 years younger than Confucius. He was not good-looking and wanted to be a student of Confucius, but Confucius thought he had average abilities. However, after becoming a student of Confucius, Dantai Mieming practiced diligently, never took shortcuts, and never visited officials or nobles without official business. He later traveled south to the area around the Yangtze River with three hundred students, circulating among the various states and gaining great fame. When Confucius heard about this, he sighed and said, "In the past, I valued people's words too much and missed out on Zai Yu; I valued people's appearances too much and missed out on Ziyu." Mi Boqi, whose courtesy name was Zijian, was 30 years younger than Confucius. Confucius praised him, saying, "Zijian is truly a gentleman! If there were no gentlemen in Lu, where would I find one?" Zijian became the county magistrate of Danfu, and when he returned to Lu, he reported to Confucius, saying, "There are five people of high moral character in this country, but their methods of governing the country are very different." Confucius said, "It's a pity that the area governed by Zijian is too small. If it were larger, he could have achieved much more." Yuan Xian, whose courtesy name was Zisi, was also notable for his contributions.
Yuan Xian asked Confucius what shame is. Confucius said, "It ain't shameful to have food when things are good; it *is* shameful to have food when things are bad." Yuan Xian then asked, "If someone keeps their wants in check and doesn't whine about fate or other people, does that make 'em good?" Confucius said, "It’s tough to restrain desires; as for benevolence and righteousness, I don’t know." After Confucius passed away, Yuan Xian secluded himself in the mountains. Zigong went on a mission to the state of Wei, with a grand procession, riding in a chariot pulled by four horses, accompanied by many followers, and arrived at the place where Yuan Xian was living in seclusion. Yuan Xian came out in tattered clothes to meet Zigong. Zigong was all, "Hey, Professor, you sick or somethin'?" Yuan Xian said, "I heard it said that bein' broke is one thing, but bein' a hypocrite is a sickness. Me? I'm just broke." Zigong felt ashamed and left unhappily, feeling embarrassed for his rash words for the rest of his life.
Gongye Chang, from the state of Qi, styled himself Zichang. Confucius said, "Gongye Chang's a good egg. Even though he did some time, it wasn't his fault." So he married his daughter to him. Nangong Kuo, styled Zirong.
Confucius was asked, "Houyi was a killer shot, Boyi was a top-notch rower, but neither of 'em had a happy ending. Dayu and Houji busted their butts farmin' and ended up runnin' the country. What gives?" Confucius did not answer. After the person left, Confucius sighed, "What a stand-up guy! A real moral compass!" "In good times, they're okay; in bad times, they stay alive." Confucius also repeatedly mentioned the story of "Bai Gui's stain" and married his niece to that person.
Gong Xi'ai, styled Jici. Confucius said, "Everybody's chasin' after a job, either workin' for someone else or in the big city. But Jici? Never touched the stuff."
Zengzi, courtesy name Xi, was one of Confucius's students. Confucius said to him, "Tell me about your aspirations." Zeng Xi replied, "In the spring, when the clothes are ready, five or six gentlemen and six or seven young boys will go to Yishui to bathe, dance at the Yuyu Terrace, and then sing as they walk home." Confucius listened and sighed, saying, "Zeng Xi and I share the same aspirations!"
Yan Hui, courtesy name Lu, was the father of Yan Hui. Both father and son served Confucius at different times. After Yan Hui passed away, Yan Lu's family was poor, and he borrowed a cart from Confucius to bury Yan Hui. Confucius said, "Regardless of talent, parents will always speak up for their children. Yan Hui (Li) has passed away, but there is only a coffin and no outer coffin. I cannot walk to make one for him, as I have followed the nobles and cannot walk."
Shangqu, a man from the state of Lu, courtesy name Zimu, was twenty-nine years younger than Confucius. Confucius passed the Book of Changes to Shangqu, who then passed it down through a chain of disciples, eventually reaching Yanghe from the region of Zichuan. During the reign of Han Emperor Yuan Shuo, Yanghe was appointed as a Han Zhong official due to his proficiency in the Book of Changes.
Gao Chai, courtesy name Zigao, was thirty years younger than Confucius. Zigao was less than five feet tall and studied under Confucius, who thought he was slow-witted. Zilu recommended Zigao to be the magistrate of Feiyi, but Confucius said, "This would be unfair to him." Zilu replied, "There are common people and the state; why must one read to be considered educated?" Confucius said, "That's why I dislike those who are silver-tongued."
Qi Qiaokai, courtesy name Zikai, was asked by Confucius to become an official, and Zikai replied, "I cannot do that." Confucius was very pleased.
Gongbo Liao, courtesy name Zizhou. Zizhou reported Zilu to the Jisun clan, and Zifu Jingbo informed Confucius, saying, "Master, you have always had misleading ideas. As for Gongbo Liao, I can take care of him publicly in the marketplace." Confucius said, "If the Dao is to prosper, it is Heaven's will; if the Dao is to decline, it is also Heaven's will. What can Gongbo Liao do!"
Sima Geng, courtesy name Ziniu.
Niu was talkative and impulsive, and he went to ask Confucius what benevolence is. Confucius said, "A benevolent person speaks cautiously." Niu asked again, "Can speaking cautiously be considered benevolence?" Confucius replied, "It's very difficult to achieve. Can one speak without caution?"
Next, Niu asked what a gentleman is, and Confucius said, "A gentleman is neither worried nor afraid." Niu continued to ask, "Can one be considered a gentleman if they are neither worried nor afraid?" Confucius replied, "If one self-reflects without guilt, what else is there to worry or fear?"
Fan Chi, courtesy name Zichi, was 36 years younger than Confucius.
Fan Chi wanted to learn farming from Confucius, who said, "I can't compare to an old hand at farming." Fan Chi then wanted to learn vegetable gardening, and Confucius said, "I can't compare to an old hand at vegetable gardening." After Fan Chi left, Confucius sighed, "Fan Chi is truly a small-minded man! When leaders uphold ritual, justice, and integrity, the people will be respectful, obedient, and diligent. In that case, people from all directions will come to you with their children in tow. Is there still a need to learn farming?"
Fan Chi also asked what benevolence is, and Confucius said, "Benevolence." He asked what wisdom is, and Confucius said, "Knowing others."
You Ruo was 43 years younger than Confucius. You Ruo said, "The use of rituals should prioritize harmony, as this was the noble way of the ancient kings. All matters, big or small, should be conducted accordingly; those who understand harmony and pursue it without conforming to ritual norms will not succeed." "Sincerity approaches righteousness; one keeps their word. Respect approaches ritual; one avoids shame. Actions that don't violate filial piety serve as good examples."
After Confucius passed away, his disciples missed him very much. A disciple, You Ruo (有若), who resembled Confucius, was unanimously chosen as their teacher, and they served him as they used to serve Confucius. One day, the disciples asked You Ruo for instruction: "In the past, Master would have us bring rain gear when he went out, and it would rain later. How did Master know? Master said: 'Doesn't the Classic of Poetry say, "When the moon leaves the asterism Bi, there will be heavy rain"? Wasn't the moon out of the Bi asterism last night?' However, when the moon was in the Bi asterism later, it did not rain. Shang Qu was old and had no sons, so his mother arranged a marriage for him. Confucius sent him to the state of Qi, and Shang Qu's mother came to request from Confucius. Confucius said: 'Don't worry, Shang Qu will have five sons after he turns forty.' And so it proved. How did Master know these things?" You Ruo remained silent, unable to answer. The disciples stood up and said, "You Ruo, perhaps this is beyond your expertise!"
Gong Xi Chi, styled Zihua, was 42 years younger than Confucius. Zihua served as an envoy to the state of Qi, and Ran You asked for grain on behalf of his mother. Confucius said, "Give her one pot of grain." Ran You requested more, and Confucius said, "Give her one yu of grain." Ran You then gave her five bing of grain. Confucius said, "When Zihua goes to the state of Qi, he rides a fine steed and wears rich furs. I heard that a gentleman helps those who need it, not those who are already well-off."
Wu Ma Shi, styled Ziqi, was thirty years younger than Confucius.
Chen Sibai asked Confucius: "Does Duke Zhao of Lu understand etiquette?" Confucius replied: "He understands etiquette." After Chen Sibai came out, he bowed to Wuma Shi and said: "I heard that a gentleman does not engage in factionalism or self-serving behavior. Can a gentleman also form factions? The Duke of Lu married a woman from the state of Wu as his wife and called her Mengzi, a courtesy title. Mengzi's surname is Ji, and it is taboo to have the same surname, so she is referred to as Mengzi. Since the Duke of Lu understands etiquette, who wouldn't?" Wuma Shi told Confucius about this, and Confucius said: "I'm fortunate; any mistakes I make are bound to be noticed. It's proper etiquette for ministers not to speak ill of their ruler – it's a matter of avoiding taboo."
Liang Zan (Shuyu) was 29 years younger; Yan Xing (Ziliu), 46; Ran Ru (Zilu), Cao Xi (Zixun), and Bo Qian (Zixi), all 50; and Gongsun Long (Zishi), 53.
Starting with Zi Shi, there were thirty-five individuals with recorded ages and records of being disciples of Confucius, which can be found in historical records. The remaining forty-two, however, lack age records or are otherwise undocumented in historical sources. Their names are as follows: Ran Ji (Zi Chan); Gong Zu Ju Zi (Zi Zhi); Qin Zu (Zi Nan); Qi Diao Duo (Zi Lian); Yan Gao (Zi Jiao); Qi Diao Tu Fu; Rang Si Chi (Zi Tu); Shang Ze; Shi Zuo Shu (Zi Ming); Ren Bu Qi (Xuan); Gong Liang Ru (Zi Zheng); Hou Chu (Zi Li); Qin Ran (Kai); Gong Xia Shou (Cheng); Xi Rong Zhen (Zi Xi); Gong Jian Ding (Zi Zhong); Yan Zu (Xiang); Qiao Dan (Zi Jia); Ju Jing Jiang; Han Fu Hei (Zi Suo); Qin Shang (Zi Pi); Shen Dang (Zhou); Yan Zhi Pu (Shu); Rong Qi (Zi Qi); Xian Cheng (Zi Qi); Zuo Ren Ying (Xing); Yan Ji (Si); Zheng Guo (Zi Tu); Qin Fei (Zi Zhi); Shi Zhi Chang (Zi Heng); Yan Kuai (Zi Sheng); Bu Shu Cheng (Zi Che); Yuan Kang Ji; Le Kai (Zi Sheng); Lian Xie (Yong); Shu Zhong Hui (Zi Qi); Yan He (Ran); Di Hei (Xi); Bang Xun (Zi Lian); Kong Zhong; Gong Xi Yu Ru (Zi Shang). Gong Xi Zhen (Zi Shang). This simply means Gong Xi Zhen's courtesy name was Zi Shang.
Sima Qian said: Many scholars cite Confucius' seventy-two disciples, sometimes with excessive praise or inaccurate criticism. I, Sima Qian, never met these guys, so I judge whether they were Confucius' disciples based on the contents recorded in the *Analects*, aiming for accuracy. I've put together their names and stories from the *Analects* and *Disciples' Questions*, leaving gaps where I'm unsure.
