On Virtue and Governance (Gongye Chang)

Confucius said of Gongye Chang:"Though he was once imprisoned, it was not by his own fault. He is worthy to take a wife." Thus, Confucius gave him his daughter in marriage. Of Nan Rong, Confucius remarked:"When the state is well-ordered, he will not be dismissed; when it is chaotic, he will escape punishment." He then married his niece to Nan Rong. Of Zijian, Confucius said:"What a noble man! If Lu had no true gentlemen, how could he have acquired such virtue?" Zigong asked: "What do you think of me?"Confucius replied, "You are like a vessel.""What kind of vessel?""A hulian—a sacred vessel used in ancestral rites." Someone remarked: "Ran Yong is virtuous but lacks eloquence."Confucius retorted, "What need is there for eloquence? Sharp tongues invite hatred. I know not if he is truly virtuous, but why must he speak?" When Confucius urged Qidiao Kai to enter government,the latter replied, "I am not yet confident in my ability." Confucius was pleased. Confucius sighed:"If my Way fails, I shall sail away on a raft. Zhong You alone might follow me!" Delighted, Zilu......