Dynasty: Han Dynasty

Author: Liu Xiang

Original text:

Zengzi's clothes were bare to plough. Lord Lu sent someone to the town and said, "Please fix your clothes with this." Zengzi did not accept it, but went back and did not accept it. The messenger said, "You don't ask for others, but they offer it. Why don't you accept ridicule?" Zengzi said, "When I heard of it, 'those who receive others fear others; those who give others are proud.' If you have given me something, I will not be afraid if I am not proud.". When Confucius heard it, he said: "The words of reference are enough to complete the whole festival."

translation
Zengzi was wearing shabby clothes in the fields. The king of the State of Lu sent people to him to grant him a town. He said, "Please use the income of this town to decorate your clothes." Zengzi did not accept it. The envoy sent back, and came back soon after, but Zengzi still did not accept it. The man sent said, "Sir, he didn't ask for the monarch, but he gave it to you. Why didn't he accept it?" Zengzi said, "I've heard that when I accept something from someone else, I'm afraid of offending them; whoever gives something to someone else will inevitably be arrogant. Even if Lu Jun doesn't show arrogance to me when he gives me the manor, can I not be afraid of him?" Finally, Still didn't accept. Knowing this, Confucius said, "Zeng Shen's words are enough to preserve his integrity."

appreciation

It is a matter of course that one should not be paid for his idle work. Zengzi did not contribute much to the State of Lu, but the king of the State of Lu wanted to give him a town just to help him decorate his appearance. Although this was the king's kindness, it was his respect for Zengzi. However, it is also reasonable that Zengzi refused to accept such a generous gift. He replied to a statement sent by Lu Jun, which was not aimed at a certain person, but reflected that out of ordinary gifts, honest people would inevitably have a guilty mental state and thoughts. The mutual gifts between relatives and friends are based on friendship, so it is not necessary to refuse too much, because there is no reward for each other. However, if Lu Jun gives a manor as a gift, it is very important. It is necessary to consider whether Zengzi's words should be accepted.