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Mohism -> Mozi -> Book 9 -> Anti-Confucianism II -> 8

齊景公晏子:「孔子為人何如?」Lord Jing of Qi asked Yanzi: "What kind of a man is Confucius?"
晏子 Yanzi answered not.
The Lord reiterated the question
and there was still no answer.
景公:「孔丘寡人Lord Jing said: "Many have told me about Kong Qiu and all said he was a virtuous man.
寡人Now that I am asking you about him, why should you not answer?
晏子:「Yanzi replied: "Ying is not wise and cannot know virtuous men.
Yet Ying has heard that a virtuous man must be one who, upon entering a state, will endeavour to bring about friendly relations between the ruler and the ministers and dissolve the grudges between superior and subordinates.
孔丘 This man Confucius once visited the state of Jing.
He heard of the plans of Duke Bo
and told them to Shi Qi.
As a result, the lord almost perished
and Duke Bo was executed.
Ying has also heard that the virtuous man does not obtain confidence of the superior by flattery
or that of the subordinates by threat.
If his counsels are listened to by the lord they will benefit the people,
if his instructions are followed by the subordinates they will benefit the superior.
His speech is plain and easy to understand
1 and his conduct is plain and easy to follow.
His righteous conduct enlightens the people
and his thoughtful counsel convinces the lord and his ministers.
孔丘Now, this man Confucius with elaborate plans conspired with the rebels
and with devious plots committed depravity.
To persuade the subordinates to plot against their superior
and tell the ministers to assassinate their lord
is not the conduct of a virtuous man.
To enter a country and join with its traitors
is not akin to the righteous.
To urge those who are known to be disloyal to revolt
does not fit the way of the magnanimous.
Plotting against one at a distance
and condemning one behind his back,
his conduct enlightening not the people
and his counsel convincing not the lord
孔丘- how Confucius is different from Duke Bo, your servant Ying does not see.
。」 This is why I did not answer you."
景公:「Lord Jing said: "Oh!
寡人 I have been benefited.
If it were not for you,
孔丘。」 I would never in my life understand Kong Qiu to be of the same kind as Duke Bo."

1. 明而易 : Originally read: "易而". Corrected by 孫詒讓《墨子閒詁》


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