Mafekini

Ace Instructor

Zigong asked Confucius, "May I ask why gentlemen value jade and despise enamel? Is it because jade is scarce and enamel is plentiful?" Confucius said, "It is not because enamel is plentiful that they despise it, but because jade is scarce that they value it. In the past, gentlemen compared virtues to jade: warm and moist, it is benevolence; meticulous and fine, it is knowledge; incorruptible but not sharp, it is righteousness; hanging like a string, it is courtesy; knocking, the sound is clear and long, and it bends at the end, it is music; flaws do not cover the beauty, and beauty does not cover the flaws, it is loyalty; trustworthiness is everywhere, it is trustworthiness; aura is like a white rainbow, it is heaven; spirit is seen in mountains and rivers, it is earth; jade is outstanding, it is virtue. What is valued by all in the world is the Tao. The Book of Songs says, 'When I think of a gentleman, he is as warm as jade.' Therefore, gentlemen value it."

Marry first, settle accounts later

It's good to relax with space

If one is superior to one's elders, one should not ask their age. When meeting a banquet, one should not take orders. When meeting on the road, one should greet the other, but not ask where to go. When attending funerals, one should not express condolences. When serving a gentleman, one should not hold a zither or draw a line on the ground, and one should not move his hands. When sleeping, one should sit and take orders. When serving an archer, one should draw arrows, and when serving a thrower, one should hold arrows. When winning, one should wash and ask for permission, and the same applies to guests. One should not fight or raise a horse. When holding the carriage of the king, one should sit. A servant should wear a sword in his right hand, carry a good rein, extend it to his face, drag the various hats, and let the reins go up, holding the reins before walking. Asking for an audience does not mean asking to leave. In court, one should say "leave", in banquets, one should say "return", and in military service, one should say "stop". When serving a gentleman, if the gentleman yawns, stretches, carries a scepter, cleans the head of the sword, and puts on his shoes, one should ask how early the day is, and even if one asks to leave, one can do so. Those who serve the king should consider before entering, and if not, then consider again; the same applies to those who ask for leave from others and those who work for others. Yes, so the superiors have no resentment, and the subordinates are far from sin. Do not spy on secrets, do not be intimate, do not talk about old times, and do not play with women. As a minister, there is remonstrance without slander, there is loss without anger; praise without flattery, remonstrance without arrogance; if lazy, promote and assist, if abolished, sweep and replace; this is called the service of the state.

Thousand Gold Doctor

Xi Zaochi and Sun Xinggong had never met each other, but they sat together in the presence of Duke Huan. Huan said to Sun, "You can talk with General Xi." Sun said, "'You are stupid and barbaric, how dare you make an enemy of a great country?' Xi said, "'We will attack the Xianyun' as far as Taiyuan."

Great Infinity Ring

Jianwen praised the official, saying: "Xuan Du's five-character poems are the best of his time."

Meeting you and encountering love

Zhu Fashen was sitting next to Jianwen. Liu Yin asked, "Why does a Taoist visit rich families?" He replied, "You can see the rich families yourself. I, a poor Taoist, am like visiting a thatched cottage." Some people said it was Bian Ling.