Ji Shi

Ji Shi intended to attack Zhuanyu. Ran You and Zilu went to see Confucius and said, “Ji Shi is preparing to attack Zhuanyu.” Confucius replied, “Ran Qiu, is this not your fault? Zhuanyu was once entrusted by the Son of Heaven to preside over sacrifices at Mount Meng, and it lies within the borders of Lu. It is a vassal state—why attack it?” Ran You said, “It is the wish of Ji Sun. Neither of us approves.” Confucius said, “Ran Qiu, Zhou Ren once said: ‘Exert your strength in fulfilling your duties; if you cannot, resign.’ If a ruler is in danger and you do not support him, or if he stumbles and you do not lift him, what use is an advisor? And your words are wrong. If a tiger or rhino escapes its cage, or a tortoise shell or jade is shattered in its case—whose fault is it?” Ran You said, “Zhuanyu’s walls are strong and close to Fei. If we do not take it now, it will trouble future generations.” Confucius said, “Ran Qiu! A gentleman despises those who hide their desires behind excuses. I have heard that rulers and ministers should fear not poverty but inequality, not......