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士君子之有勇而果於行者，不以立節行誼，而以妄死非名，豈不痛哉！士有殺身以成仁，觸害以立義，倚於節理而不議死地；故能身死名流於來世，非有勇斷，孰能行之？子路曰：「不能勤苦，不能恬貧窮，不能輕死亡；而曰我能行義，吾不信也。」昔者申包胥立於秦庭，七日七夜喪不絕聲，遂以存楚，不能勤苦，安能行此！曾子布衣縕袍未得完，糟糠之食，藜藿之羹未得飽，義不合則辭上卿，不恬貧窮，安能行此！比干將死而諫逾忠，伯夷叔齊餓死于首陽山而志逾彰，不輕死亡，安能行此！故夫士欲立義行道，毋論難易而後能行之；立身著名，無顧利害而後能成之。《》曰：「」非良篤修激之君子，其誰能行之哉？王子比干殺身以作其忠，伯夷叔齊殺身以成其廉，此三子者，皆天下之通士也，豈不愛其身哉？以為夫義之不立，名之不著是士之恥也，故殺身以遂其行。因此觀之，卑賤貧窮，非士之恥也。夫士之所恥者，天下舉忠而士不與焉，舉信而士不與焉，舉廉而士不與焉；三者在乎身，名傳於後世，與日月並而不息，雖無道之世不能污焉。然則非好死而惡生也，非惡富貴而樂貧賤也，由其道，遵其理，尊貴及己，士不辭也。孔子曰：「富而可求，雖執鞭之士，吾亦為之；富而不可求，從吾所好。」大聖之操也。《》云：「」言不失己也；能不失己，然後可與濟難矣，此士君子之所以越眾也。 |
| | A learned gentleman who is courageous and decisive in action, yet does not use his bravery to uphold virtue and righteousness, but instead dies recklessly for an unworthy cause—how sorrowful this is! A gentleman may sacrifice his life to fulfill benevolence, face harm to establish righteousness, and rely on principles of integrity without recklessly seeking death; Therefore, he can have his name endure in future generations. Without courage and decisiveness, who could carry this out? Zilu said: "One who cannot endure hardship, cannot remain content in poverty, and cannot regard death lightly; and yet claims that I am capable of upholding righteousness—I do not believe it." In the past, Shen Baoxu stood in the court of Qin, wailing without ceasing for seven days and nights, thus managing to save the state of Chu. Without the ability to endure hardship, how could one accomplish such a feat! Zengzi, in his plain clothes and patched robe that were never complete, ate coarse grain and drank thin porridge made from wild vegetables, yet when righteousness was not aligned, he refused the position of a high-ranking official. Without contentment in poverty, how could one act thus! Bi Gan, on the verge of death, advised with even greater loyalty; Boyi and Shuqi starved to death in Shouyang Mountain yet their resolve became even more evident. Without regarding death lightly, how could one achieve this! Therefore, a gentleman who wishes to uphold righteousness and practice the Way must not consider difficulty or ease before striving to carry it out; Establishing one's character and gaining renown can only be achieved by disregarding personal gain or harm. The Shi Jing says: "That man, he is strong and steadfast." If not a truly devoted and virtuous gentleman, who could possibly carry this out? Prince Bi Gan sacrificed his life to demonstrate his loyalty, and Boyi and Shuqi gave up their lives to uphold their integrity. These three men were all renowned gentlemen of the world—could it be that they did not cherish their own lives? They believed that failing to establish righteousness and leaving one's name unknown was a disgrace for a gentleman, so they sacrificed their lives to fulfill their principles. Therefore, low status or poverty is not a shame for a gentleman. What should be a disgrace to a gentleman is when the world honors loyalty yet he does not partake in it, values trustworthiness yet he does not embody it, or upholds integrity yet he does not share in it; If these three virtues—loyalty, trustworthiness, and integrity—are present within oneself, one's name will be passed down to future generations, enduring alongside the sun and moon without ceasing. Even in an age of moral decay, such a person cannot be defiled. Thus, it is not that they love death and hate life, nor that they despise wealth and honor while delighting in poverty and low status. Rather, by following the Way and adhering to reason, when respect and nobility come to oneself, a gentleman does not refuse them. Confucius said: "If wealth can be obtained in accordance with righteousness, even if it means being a mere whip-holder in attendance, I would do it;" if wealth cannot be attained through righteous means, then I shall follow what I love." This is the conduct of a great sage. The Shi Jing says: "My heart is not a stone, which can be turned; my heart is not a mat, which can be rolled up." It speaks of not losing oneself; Only by remaining true to oneself can one then assist in times of crisis—this is why learned gentlemen rise above the common crowd.
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楚伐陳，陳西門燔，因使其降民修之，孔子過之，不軾，子路曰：「禮過三人則下車，過二人則軾；今陳修門者人數眾矣，夫子何為不軾？」孔子曰：「丘聞之，國亡而不知，不智；知而不爭，不忠；忠而不死，不廉；今陳修門者不行一於此，丘故不為軾也。」 |
| | The state of Chu attacked the state of Chen, and the western gate of Chen was burned down. They then ordered their surrendered citizens to repair it. When Confucius passed by, he did not lower his hand in salute from the carriage. Zilu said: "According to ritual, when passing by three people one should dismount; when passing by two people, one should lower one's hand in salute;" now there are many people repairing the gate of Chen—why does Master not lower his hand in salute?" Confucius said: "I have heard that if one is unaware of a state's downfall, it is unwise; to know and yet not remonstrate, it is disloyal; to be loyal yet not give one's life for it, it is lacking in integrity; now the people of Chen repairing the gate do not embody any of these virtues—thus I do not lower my hand in salute."
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孔子見齊景公，景公致廩丘以為養，孔子辭不受，出謂弟子曰：「吾聞君子當功以受祿，今說景公，景公未之行而賜我廩丘，其不知丘亦甚矣！」遂辭而行。曾子衣弊衣以耕，魯君使人往致邑焉，曰：「請以此修衣。」曾子不受，反復往，又不受，使者曰：「先生非求於人，人則獻之，奚為不受？」曾子曰：「臣聞之，受人者畏人，予人者驕人；縱子有賜不我驕也，我能勿畏乎？」終不受。孔子聞之曰：「參之言，足以全其節也。」子思居於衛，縕袍無表，二旬而九食，田子方聞之，使人遺狐白之裘，恐其不受，因謂之曰：「吾假人，遂忘之；吾與人也，如棄之。」子思辭而不受，子方曰：「我有子無，何故不受？」子思曰：「伋聞之，妄與不如棄物於溝壑，伋雖貧也，不忍以身為溝壑，是以不敢當也。」 |
| | Confucius met with Duke Jing of Qi, and Duke Jing offered the fief of Linqiu as a stipend for his support. Confucius declined and did not accept it. As he left, he told his disciples: "I have heard that a gentleman receives rank and salary according to merit. Now I advised Duke Jing, yet before he had put my advice into practice, he granted me the fief of Linqiu—how little does he know about me!" He then declined and left. Zengzi was plowing in tattered clothes when the ruler of Lu sent someone to bestow a fief upon him, saying: "Please use this to mend your clothing." Zengzi refused the gift. The messenger returned repeatedly, but Zengzi still did not accept it. The envoy then said: "Master, you do not seek favors from others, yet others offer them to you—why then do you refuse?" Zengzi said: "I have heard that one who receives from others fears them, and one who gives to others looks down upon them; Even if you bestow this gift without looking down on me, how can I avoid feeling fear?" He finally did not accept it. Confucius heard of this and said: "Zeng Can's words were sufficient to preserve his integrity." Zi Si lived in the state of Wei, wearing a patched robe with no outer layer, and for twenty days he had only nine meals. Tian Zifang heard about this and sent him a sable-white fur coat, fearing that Zi Si might refuse it, so he said: "I lend things to others and often forget about them; I give to others as if discarding something." Zi Si declined and did not accept the gift. Zifang said: "I have it, but you do not—why then refuse it?" Zi Si said: "Ji has heard that giving something recklessly is no different from throwing it into a ditch. Though Ji may be poor, I cannot bear to regard myself as a ditch—thus I dare not accept such a gift."
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宋襄公茲父為桓公太子，桓公有後妻子，曰公子目夷，公愛之，茲父為公愛之也。欲立之，請於公曰：「請使目夷立，臣為之相以佐之。」公曰：「何故也？」對曰：「臣之舅在衛，愛臣，若終立則不可以往，絕跡於衛，是背母也。且臣自知不足以處目夷之上。」公不許，彊以請公，公許之，將立公子目夷，目夷辭曰：「兄立而弟在下，是其義也；今弟立而兄在下，不義也；不義而使目夷為之，目夷將逃。」乃逃之衛，茲父從之。三年，桓公有疾，使人召茲父，若不來，是使我以憂死也，茲父乃反，公復立之以為太子，然後目夷歸也。 |
| | Duke Xiang of Song, Zi Fu, was the crown prince of Duke Huan. Duke Huan had a later wife and son, Gongzi Muyi, whom the duke loved dearly. Zi Fu also loved the duke for this reason. He wished to support him and thus asked the duke, saying: "Please allow Muyi to be installed as ruler; I shall serve as his prime minister to assist him." The duke said: "Why is this so?" He replied: "My maternal uncle resides in the state of Wei and loves me. If I were to become ruler, I could not go there, thus cutting off all contact with my uncle in Wei—that would be betraying my mother." Moreover, I know within myself that I am unworthy of standing above Muyi." The duke did not agree, but Zi Fu persistently requested it. Eventually the duke consented. He was about to install Gongzi Muyi as ruler when Muyi declined, saying: "For a brother to be above and a younger brother below is in accordance with propriety; now for the younger brother to rule while the elder remains beneath him is unjust; to act unjustly and have Muyi do so would cause me to flee." He fled to the state of Wei, and Zi Fu followed him. Three years later, Duke Huan fell ill and sent someone to summon Zi Fu. He said: "If you do not come, it will cause me to die in sorrow." Thus, Zi Fu returned, and the duke reinstated him as crown prince. Only then did Muyi return.
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晉驪姬譖太子申生於獻公，獻公將殺之，公子重耳謂申生曰：「為此者非子之罪也，子胡不進辭，辭之必免於罪。」申生曰：「不可，我辭之，驪姬必有罪矣，吾君老矣，微驪姬寢不安席，食不甘味，如何使吾君以恨終哉！」重耳曰：「不辭則不若速去矣。」申生曰：「不可，去而免於此，是惡吾君也；夫彰父之過而取美諸侯，孰肯納之？入困於宗，出困於逃，是重吾惡也。吾聞之，忠不暴君，智不重惡，勇不逃死，如是者，吾以身當之。」遂伏劍死。君子聞之曰：「天命矣夫世子！」《》曰：「萋兮斐兮，成是貝錦。彼譖人者，亦已太甚！」 |
| | Li Ji of the state of Jin slandered Crown Prince Shen Sheng to Duke Xian. Duke Xian was about to kill him, and Gongzi Chonger told Shen Sheng: "This is not your fault. Why do you not present a defense? If you plead your case, you will surely be exonerated." Shen Sheng said: "No, if I defend myself, Lady Li Ji will certainly be punished. Our lord is old, and without her, he cannot sleep soundly or eat with satisfaction. How could I allow my lord to die in regret!" Chonger said: "If you do not plead your case, then it would be better for you to leave quickly." Shen Sheng said: "No, to flee and escape this situation is to show hatred toward my lord; to expose my father's faults in order to gain favor among the feudal lords—would any of them dare accept me?" To be troubled within by family disgrace and troubled without by exile is to compound my shame. I have heard that loyalty does not expose the ruler, wisdom does not compound wrongdoing, and courage does not flee death. If this is so, I shall bear it with my own life." He then fell upon his sword and died. The learned gentlemen who heard of this said: "Truly, the fate of a crown prince is determined by Heaven!" The Shi Jing says: "So fine and patterned, it becomes a beautiful brocade." Those who slander others have indeed gone too far!"
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晉獻公之時，有士焉，曰狐突，傅太子申生，公立驪姬為夫人，而國多憂，狐突稱疾不出。六年，獻公以譖誅太子，太子將死，使人謂狐突曰：「吾君老矣，國家多難，傅一出以輔吾君，申生受賜以死不恨。」再拜稽首而死。狐突乃復事獻公，三年，獻公卒，狐突辭於諸大夫曰：「突受太子之詔，今事終矣，與其久生亂世也，不若死而報太子。」乃歸自殺。 |
| | During the reign of Duke Xian of Jin, there was a scholar named Hu Tu, who served as tutor to Crown Prince Shen Sheng. When the duke made Lady Li Ji his principal wife and the state became filled with troubles, Hu Tu claimed illness and did not leave his home. Six years later, Duke Xian ordered the execution of Crown Prince Shen Sheng on false charges. As the prince was about to die, he sent a message to Hu Tu saying: "Our lord is old and our state faces many hardships. If you were to leave your home even once to assist my lord, I would receive this favor and face death without regret." He bowed twice in deep reverence and then died. Hu Tu then resumed his service to Duke Xian. Three years later, when Duke Xian died, Hu Tu addressed the high officials and said: "I received an order from the crown prince. Now that duty has ended; rather than live on in a time of disorder, it is better for me to die and thus fulfill my oath to the crown prince." He then returned home and committed suicide.
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楚平王使奮揚殺太子建，未至而遣之，太子奔宋，王召奮揚，使城父人執之以至，王曰：「言出於予口，入於爾耳，誰告建也？」對曰：臣告之，王初命臣曰：「事建如事余，臣不佞，不能貳也；奉初以還，故遣之，已而悔之，亦無及也。」王曰：「而敢來，何也？」對曰：「使而失命，召而不來，是重過也，逃無所入。」王乃赦之。 |
| | King Ping of Chu ordered Fan Yang to kill Crown Prince Jian. Before the order could reach him, it was sent away, and the prince fled to Song. The king summoned Fan Yang and had the people of Chengfu arrest him and bring him before court. King Ping said: "The words came from my mouth and entered your ear—how did Prince Jian come to know about this?" Fan Yang replied: "I informed him. When Your Majesty first gave me my orders, you said, 'Treat Prince Jian as you would treat me.' I am not a man of great talent, but I could not be disloyal;" I followed my initial instructions and returned to you, so I sent him away. Later I regretted it, but by then it was too late." The king said: "How dare you come here? Why?" Fan Yang replied: "If I had carried out your order and failed in my mission, or if you summoned me and I did not come, that would have been a greater offense. Now there is nowhere for me to flee." The king then pardoned him.
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晉靈公暴，趙宣子驟諫，靈公患之，使鉏之彌賊之；鉏之彌晨往，則寢門闢矣，宣子盛服將朝，尚早，坐而假寢，之彌退，歎而言曰：「不忘恭敬，民之主也。賊民之主，不忠；棄君之命，不信。有一於此，不如死也。」遂觸槐而死。 |
| | Duke Ling of Jin was tyrannical, and Zhao Xunzi repeatedly remonstrated with him. Duke Ling became troubled by this and sent Chu Zhimi to assassinate him; Chu Zhimi went early in the morning, and found that the door to Zhao Xunzi's sleeping quarters was already open. Xunzi was dressed formally and about to go to court; it was still too early, so he sat down for a brief rest. Chu Zhimi withdrew and sighed, saying: "One who does not forget reverence and propriety is indeed the leader of the people." To kill the leader of the people is disloyal; to abandon one's lord's command is to lack trustworthiness. To possess either of these faults is worse than death." He then struck his head against a locust tree and died.
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齊人有子蘭子者，事白公勝，勝將為難，乃告子蘭子曰：「吾將舉大事於國，願與子共之。」子蘭子曰：「我事子而與子殺君，是助子之不義也；畏患而去子，是遁子於難也。故不與子殺君以成吾義，契領於庭，以遂吾行。」 |
| | There was a man from Qi named Zilanzi, who served Bai Gong Sheng. When Sheng planned to instigate turmoil, he informed Zilanzi and said: "I am about to undertake a great endeavor in the state; I wish to share it with you." Zilanzi said: "I serve you yet assist you in killing your lord—this would be aiding you in an act of injustice; to fear misfortune and leave you is to abandon you in times of crisis. Therefore, I will not assist you in killing the ruler so as to uphold my own righteousness; I shall cut my throat in the courtyard to fulfill my principles."
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楚有士申鳴者，在家而養其父，孝聞於楚國，王欲授之相，申鳴辭不受，其父曰：「王欲相汝，汝何不受乎？」申鳴對曰：「舍父之孝子而為王之忠臣，何也？」其父曰：「使有祿於國，立義於庭，汝樂吾無憂矣，吾欲汝之相也。」申鳴曰：「諾。」遂入朝，楚王因授之相。居三年，白公為亂，殺司馬子期，申鳴將往死之，父止之曰：「棄父而死，其可乎？」申鳴曰：「聞夫仕者身歸於君而祿歸於親，今既去子事君，得無死其難乎？」遂辭而往，因以兵圍之。白公謂石乞曰：「申鳴者，天下之勇士也，今以兵圍我，吾為之奈何？」石乞曰：「申鳴者，天下之孝子也，往劫其父以兵，申鳴聞之必來，因與之語。」白公曰：「善。」則往取其父，持之以兵，告申鳴曰：「子與吾，吾與子分楚國；子不與吾，子父則死矣。」申鳴流涕而應之曰：「始吾父之孝子也，今吾君之忠臣也；吾聞之也，食其食者死其事，受其祿者畢其能；今吾已不得為父之孝子矣，乃君之忠臣也，吾何得以全身！」援桴鼓之，遂殺白公，其父亦死，王賞之金百斤，申鳴曰：「食君之食，避君之難，非忠臣也；定君之國，殺臣之父，非孝子也。名不可兩立，行不可兩全也，如是而生，何面目立於天下。」遂自殺也。 |
| | There was a scholar in the state of Chu named Shen Ming, who remained at home to care for his father. His filial piety became renowned throughout the land of Chu. The king wished to appoint him as prime minister, but Shen Ming declined and would not accept it. His father said: "The king wishes to make you prime minister—why do you refuse?" Shen Ming replied: "To abandon a son who is filial to his father in order to become a loyal minister to the king—what would that achieve?" His father said: "If you receive a salary from the state and establish righteousness in court, you will be happy and I shall have no worries. This is why I wish for you to become prime minister." Shen Ming said: "Very well." He then entered court, and King of Chu appointed him as prime minister. After three years, Bai Gong instigated a rebellion and killed Sima Ziqi. Shen Ming was about to give his life for the king when his father stopped him and said: "To abandon your father and die—could this be acceptable?" Shen Ming said: "I have heard that when one serves in office, his body belongs to the ruler and his salary belongs to his parents. Now that I have left you to serve my lord, could I not give my life in times of crisis?" He then bid farewell and went forth, and thus led his troops to surround Bai Gong. Bai Gong said to Shi Qi: "Shen Ming is a valiant man of the world. Now he has surrounded me with his troops—what shall I do about him?" Shi Qi said: "Shen Ming is a filial son of the world. Let us take his father hostage with troops; when Shen Ming hears this, he will surely come, and then we can speak to him." Bai Gong said: "Good." They went and took Shen Ming's father, holding him at swordpoint. They told Shen Ming: "If you join us, we shall divide the state of Chu between us; if you do not, your father will die." Shen Ming wept and replied: "At first I was a filial son to my father, but now I am a loyal minister to my lord; I have heard that one who eats the ruler's food must die for his duties, and one who receives a salary must give all of his ability; now I can no longer be the filial son to my father—I am now a loyal minister. How could I preserve my life!" He seized the drumstick and sounded the war drum, then killed Bai Gong; his father also died. The king rewarded him with a hundred jin of gold, but Shen Ming said: "To eat the ruler's food yet avoid hardship for one's lord is not to be a loyal minister; to stabilize my lord's state and kill my father, I am no filial son. One cannot uphold two reputations at once, nor can one achieve both virtues entirely; to live in such a way, what face would I have to stand among the people of the world?" He then committed suicide.
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齊莊公且伐莒，為車五乘之賓，而杞梁華舟獨不與焉，故歸而不食，其母曰：「汝生而無義，死而無名，則雖非五乘，孰不汝笑也？汝生而有義，死而有名，則五乘之賓盡汝下也。」趣食乃行，杞梁華舟同車侍於莊公而行至莒，莒人逆之，杞梁華舟下鬥，獲甲首三百，莊公止之曰：「子止，與子同齊國。」杞梁華舟曰：「君為五乘之賓，而舟梁不與焉，是少吾勇也；臨敵涉難，止我以利，是污吾行也；深入多殺者，臣之事也，齊國之利，非吾所知也。」遂進鬥，壞軍陷陣，三軍弗敢當，至莒城下，莒人以炭置地，二人立有間，不能入。隰侯重為右曰：「吾聞古之士，犯患涉難者，其去遂於物也，來，吾踰子。」隰侯重仗楯伏炭，二子乘而入，顧而哭之，華舟後息。杞梁曰：「汝無勇乎？何哭之久也？」華舟曰：「吾豈無勇哉，是其勇與我同也，而先吾死，是以哀之。」莒人曰：「子毋死，與子同莒國。」杞梁華舟曰：「去國歸敵，非忠臣也；去長受賜，非正行也；且雞鳴而期，日中而忘之，非信也。深入多殺者，臣之事也，莒國之利非吾所知也。」遂進鬥，殺二十七人而死。其妻聞之而哭，城為之阤，而隅為之崩。此非所以起也。 |
| | Duke Zhuang of Qi was about to attack Ju, and he invited guests for a five-chariot procession; however, Qi Liang Hua Zhou alone was not included. Therefore, upon returning home, he refused to eat. His mother said: "If you live without righteousness and die without a name, even if you were not among the five chariots, who would not laugh at you? If you live with righteousness and die with a name, then all those in the five-chariot procession will be beneath you." She urged him to eat and then proceed. Qi Liang Hua Zhou rode in the same chariot, serving Duke Zhuang of Qi as they arrived at Ju. The people of Ju came out to oppose them; Qi Liang Hua Zhou dismounted and fought, capturing three hundred enemy warriors. Duke Zhuang stopped him and said: "Stop! I will share my state of Qi with you." Qi Liang Hua Zhou said: "My lord invited five chariot guests, yet I was not among them—this shows you doubt my courage; to stop me in the face of danger with promises of profit is to sully my conduct; to go deep into battle and kill many enemies is a minister's duty. Whether it benefits the state of Qi or not is beyond my concern." He then advanced into battle, breaking through the enemy lines and charging deep into their ranks; no part of the army dared to oppose him. When he reached beneath Ju's city walls, the people of Ju scattered charcoal on the ground. For a while, Qi Liang Hua Zhou and another man stood there but could not enter. Xi Hou Zhong, serving as the right-hand man, said: "I have heard that ancient men of virtue who faced danger and hardship would not be hindered by obstacles. Come, I shall leap over you." Xi Hou Zhong held a shield and lay down on the charcoal; the two men rode over him to enter. As they looked back, they wept, and Hua Zhou was the last to stop crying. Qi Liang said: "Have you no courage?" "Why did you weep for so long?" Hua Zhou said: "How could I lack courage? His bravery was equal to mine, yet he died before me—this is why I grieve." The people of Ju said: "You need not die—we will share the state of Ju with you." Qi Liang Hua Zhou replied: "To leave one's own country and return to the enemy is not the act of a loyal minister; to abandon one's ruler for a reward is not upright conduct; and to make an appointment at cockcrow yet forget it by noon is not trustworthiness. To go deep into battle and slay many enemies is the duty of a minister; whether or not it benefits the state of Ju is beyond my concern." He then advanced to fight, killing twenty-seven men before dying. His wife heard of it and wept so bitterly that the city walls cracked and a corner of them collapsed. This is not what should be praised.
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越甲至齊，雍門子狄請死之，齊王曰：「鼓鐸之聲未聞，矢石未交，長兵未接，子何務死之？為人臣之禮邪？」雍門子狄對曰：「臣聞之，昔者王田於囿，左轂鳴、車右請死之，而王曰：『子何為死？』車右對曰：『為其鳴吾君也。』王曰：『左轂鳴者工師之罪也，子何事之有焉？』車右曰：『臣不見工師之乘而見其鳴吾君也。』遂刎頸而死，知有之乎？」齊王曰：「有之。」雍門子狄曰：「今越甲至，其鳴吾君也，豈左轂之下哉？車右可以死左轂，而臣獨不可以死越甲也？」遂刎頸而死。是日越人引甲而退七十里，曰：「齊王有臣，鈞如雍門子狄，擬使越社稷不血食。」遂引甲而歸，齊王葬雍門子狄以上卿之禮。 |
| | The Yue army approached Qi, and Yongmen Zidi requested to die in battle. King of Qi said: "The sound of drums and bells has not yet been heard, arrows and stones have not yet clashed, nor have long weapons met—why do you rush toward death?" "Is this the proper conduct for a minister?" Yongmen Zidi replied: "I have heard that in the past, when Your Majesty was hunting in the park, a wheel on the left side of the chariot broke, and the charioteer to your right requested to die for it. The king said, 'Why should you die?' The charioteer replied: "Because the broken wheel has disturbed my lord." The king said: "A broken left wheel is the fault of the chariot maker, what does it have to do with you?" The charioteer said: "I did not see the chariot maker ride, but I saw that the broken wheel disturbed my lord." Then he cut his own throat and died. Does Your Majesty know of this?" King of Qi said: "Yes, I do." Yongmen Zidi said: "Now the Yue army has arrived; their presence disturbs my lord. Is this not far more serious than a broken left wheel?" The charioteer could die for the broken left wheel, yet may I alone refuse to die for my lord in the face of the Yue army?" He then cut his own throat and died. On that day, the Yue forces withdrew their troops seventy li and said: "King Qi of Qi has a minister as loyal as Yongmen Zidi. If we continue, the ancestral sacrifices of Yue may cease." They then withdrew their troops and returned. King Qi buried Yongmen Zidi with the rites reserved for a high-ranking minister.
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楚人將與吳人戰，楚兵寡而吳兵眾，楚將軍子囊曰：「我擊此國必敗，辱君虧地，忠臣不忍為也。」不復於君，黜兵而退，至於國郊，使人復於君曰：「臣請死！」君曰：「子大夫之遁也，以為利也，而今誠利，子大夫毋死！」子囊曰：「遁者無罪，則後世之為君臣者，皆入不利之名而效臣遁，若是則楚國終為天下弱矣，臣請死。」退而伏劍。君曰：「誠如此，請成子大夫之義。」乃為桐棺三寸，加斧質其上，以徇於國。 |
| | The people of Chu were about to fight against the Wu. The Chu forces were few, while the Wu army was numerous. General Zi Nang of Chu said: "If I lead our troops into this battle, we will surely be defeated, bringing disgrace upon my lord and losing territory—this is something a loyal minister cannot bear to do." Without reporting back to the ruler, he dismissed his troops and withdrew. Upon reaching the outskirts of the capital, he sent a messenger to report to the king: "I beg leave to die!" The ruler said: "You, Master Zi, retreated because you deemed it advantageous. And indeed, it has proven to be so—so you need not die!" Zi Nang said: "If retreating is without blame, then future ministers and rulers will all seek to avoid disadvantage and follow my example. If this continues, the state of Chu will forever remain weak among the world's powers. I beg leave to die." He stepped back and beheaded himself with his sword. The ruler said: "If this is indeed the case, then I shall honor Master Zi's sense of righteousness." He then prepared a three-cun-thick paulownia wood coffin, placed an axe and chopping block on top of it, and paraded it through the state.
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宋康公攻阿，屠單父，成公趙曰：「始吾不自知，以為在千乘則萬乘不敢伐，在萬乘則天下不敢圖。今趙在阿而宋屠單父，則是趙無以自立也。且往誅宋！」趙遂入宋，三月不得見。或曰：「何不因鄰國之使而見之。」成公趙曰：「不可，吾因鄰國之使而刺之，則使後世之使不信，荷節之信不用，皆曰趙使之然也，不可！」或曰：「何不因群臣道徒處之士而刺之。」成公趙曰：「不可，吾因群臣道徒處之士而刺之，則後世之臣不見信，辯士不見顧，皆曰趙使之然也。不可！吾聞古之士怒則思理，危不忘義，必將正行以求之耳。」期年，宋康公病死，成公趙曰：「廉士不辱名，信士不惰行，今吾在阿，宋屠單父，是辱名也；事誅宋王，期年不得，是惰行也。吾若是而生，何面目而見天下之士。」遂立槁於彭山之上。 |
| | King Kang of Song attacked E and sacked Danfu. Cheng Gong Zhao said: "At first, I did not realize it myself—I thought that if a state had a thousand chariots, a ten-thousand-chariot power would dare not attack it; and if it had ten thousand chariots, the whole world would dare not plot against it. Now that Zhao is in E yet Song sacks Danfu, this means Zhao has no way to establish himself." And now I shall go forth and punish the state of Song!" Zhao then entered Song, but for three months he was not granted an audience. Someone said: "Why don't you use the envoy of a neighboring state to gain an audience with him?" Cheng Gong Zhao said: "No, if I were to kill him through the envoy of a neighboring state, then envoys in future generations would no longer be trusted. The credibility of those who carry credentials would be disregarded, and all would say it is due to Zhao's actions—this cannot be allowed!" Someone said: "Why not use a scholar among the court officials or a follower of the common people to assassinate him?" Cheng Gong Zhao said: "No, if I were to assassinate him through a court official or an itinerant scholar of the common people, then in future generations ministers would not be trusted and eloquent men would not be heeded. All would say this is due to Zhao's example—this cannot be allowed!" No! I have heard that men of virtue in ancient times, when angry, would think of reason; even in danger, they would not forget righteousness. I must act with integrity and seek justice through proper means." After a year, King Kang of Song died from illness. Cheng Gong Zhao said: "An upright man does not disgrace his name, and a trustworthy man does not slacken in conduct. Now that I was in E while Song sacked Danfu, this is to disgrace my name; to seek vengeance against the king of Song and fail for a whole year—this is to slacken one's conduct. If I were to live in this way, what face would I have before the men of virtue throughout the world?" He then stood upright on the banks of Mount Peng, fasting until death.
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佛肸用中牟之縣畔，設祿邑炊鼎曰：「與我者受邑，不與我者其烹。」中牟之士皆與之。城北餘子田基獨後至，袪衣將入鼎曰：「基聞之，義者軒冕在前，非義弗受；斧鉞於後，義死不避。」遂袪衣將入鼎，佛肸播而之趙，簡子屠中牟，得而取之，論有功者，用田基為始，田基曰：「吾聞廉士不恥人，如此而受中牟之功，則中牟之士終身慚矣。」襁負其母，南徙於楚，楚王高其義待以司馬。 |
| | Bo Xi, having rebelled with Zhongmou county, set up cauldrons in the fief of Lu Yi and declared: "Those who support me shall receive a fief; those who do not will be boiled." All the men of virtue from Zhongmou supported him. Only Tian Ji, the son of Yu Zi from the northern part of the city, arrived last. He rolled up his sleeves and was about to be thrown into the cauldron, saying: "Ji has heard that righteousness means accepting honor and rank when they come before one, but if it is not righteous, one must refuse; the threat of axes and halberds behind—yet for righteousness, death cannot be avoided." He then rolled up his sleeves and prepared to enter the cauldron. Hearing this, Bo Xi fled to Zhao. Jianzi sacked Zhongmou, captured him, and when rewarding those with merit, placed Tian Ji first on the list. Tian Ji said: "I have heard that an upright man does not shame others. To accept the credit for Zhongmou's victory in this way would bring lifelong disgrace upon the men of virtue from Zhongmu." He wrapped his mother in a cloth and carried her southward to Chu. King of Chu admired his righteousness and appointed him as Sima.
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齊崔杼弒莊公，邢蒯瞶使晉而反，其僕曰：「崔杼弒莊公，子將奚如？」邢蒯瞶曰：「驅之，將入死而報君。」其僕曰：「君之無道也，四鄰諸侯莫不聞也，以夫子而死之不亦難乎？」邢蒯瞶曰：「善能言也，然亦晚矣，子早言我，我能諫之，諫不聽我能去，今既不諫又不去；吾聞食其祿者死其事，吾既食亂君之祿矣，又安得治君而死之？」遂驅車入死。其僕曰：「人有亂君，人猶死之；我有治長，可毋死乎？」乃結轡自刎於車上。君子聞之曰：「邢蒯瞶可謂守節死義矣；死者人之所難也，僕夫之死也，雖未能合義，然亦有志之意矣，《》云：『夙夜匪懈，以事一人，』邢生之謂也。孟子曰：『勇士不忘喪其元，』僕夫之謂也。」 |
| | In Qi, Cui Zhu assassinated Duke Zhuang. Xing Kuaike was on a mission to Jin when he returned, and his attendant asked: "Cui Zhu has killed Duke Zhuang—what will you do about it?" Xing Kuaike said: "Drive on! I shall enter Qi and die in service to my lord." His attendant said: "Your ruler is unjust, and all neighboring states are well aware of it. Should a man of virtue die for such a lord? Is this not difficult?" Xing Kuaike said: "You speak well, but it is too late. If you had spoken to me earlier, I could have advised the ruler; if my advice was not heeded, I could have left. Now that I neither gave counsel nor departed; I have heard that one who receives a ruler's salary must die for his duties. I have already accepted the 俸禄 of an unjust ruler—how can I now demand to serve and die for a just one?" He then drove forward into Qi, determined to lay down his life. His attendant said: "A man has an unjust ruler, yet another still dies for him; I have a just lord—should I not die?" He then tied the reins together and beheaded himself on the chariot. The learned men who heard of this said: "Xing Kuaike may truly be called a man who upheld his principles and died for righteousness; death is difficult for any man. The attendant's death, though not fully in line with righteousness, still showed a spirit of determination. As the Odes say: 'Day and night without respite, to serve one person'—this was what Xing Kuaike exemplified." Mencius said: "A valiant man does not forget to lose his head"—this was a reference to the faithful attendant.
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燕昭王使樂毅伐齊，閔王亡，燕之初入齊也，聞蓋邑人王歜賢，令於三軍曰：「環蓋三十里毋入。」以歜之故，已而使人謂歜曰：「齊人多高子之義，吾以子為將，封子萬家。」歜固謝燕人，燕人曰：「子不聽，吾引三軍而屠蓋邑。」王歜曰：「忠臣不事二君，貞女不更二夫；齊王不聽吾諫，故退而耕於野。國既破亡，吾不能存，今又劫之以兵，為君將，是助桀為暴也，與其生而無義，固不如烹。」遂懸其軀於樹枝，自奮絕脰而死，齊亡，大夫聞之曰：「王歜布衣義猶不背齊向燕，況在位食祿者乎？」乃相聚如莒，求諸公子，立為襄王。 |
| | Yan Zhao Wang sent Yue Yi to attack Qi. King Min of Qi fled. When the Yan forces first entered Qi, they heard that Wang Chu of Gai was a virtuous man and gave orders to all troops: "Within thirty li around Gai, do not enter." Because of Wang Chu's virtue, they later sent a messenger to him and said: "Many people in Qi admire your righteousness. We appoint you as general and bestow upon you ten thousand households." Wang Chu firmly declined the Yan envoys. The Yan forces said: "If you do not listen, we shall lead our three armies to sack Gai." Wang Chu said: "A loyal minister does not serve two lords; a chaste woman does not remarry after her husband's death; King of Qi did not heed my advice, so I withdrew and farmed in the fields. Now that my country has been destroyed and I could not save it, to be forced by arms into serving as a general for another ruler is to aid tyranny. Better to die without righteousness than live in such dishonor." He then hung his body from a tree branch and with a final effort, severed his neck and died. After Qi fell, the ministers who heard of this said: "Wang Chu, an ordinary man, still did not betray Qi for Yan—how much more so those in office who receive salaries?" They then gathered together at Ju, sought out the royal descendants, and enthroned one as King Xiang.
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左儒友於杜伯，皆臣周宣王，宣王將殺杜伯而非其罪也，左儒爭之於王，九復之而王弗許也，王曰：「別君而異友，斯汝也。」左儒對曰：「臣聞之，君道友逆，則順君以誅友；友道君逆，則率友以違君。」王怒曰：「易而言則生，不易而言則死。」左儒對曰：「臣聞古之士不枉義以從死，不易言以求生，故臣能明君之過，以死杜伯之無罪。」王殺杜伯，左儒死之。 |
| | Zuo Ru was a friend of Du Bo, and both were ministers to King Xuan of Zhou. When King Xuan planned to execute Du Bo on false charges, Zuo Ru pleaded with the king, making his case nine times, but the king refused. The king said: "To separate from one's lord and oppose one's friend—this is you." Zuo Ru replied: "I have heard that if a ruler's way conflicts with the principles of friendship, one must follow the ruler and punish the friend; if a friend's conduct opposes the ruler's will, then one should lead the friend in defying the ruler." The king became angry and said: "If you speak easily and change your words, you shall live; if you do not yield in your speech, you shall die." Zuo Ru replied: "I have heard that a man of virtue in ancient times would not twist righteousness to follow death, nor alter his words to seek life. Therefore, I must clarify the ruler's fault and die for Du Bo's innocence." The king executed Du Bo, and Zuo Ru died with him.
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莒穆公有臣曰朱厲附，事穆公，不見識焉，冬處於山林食杼栗，夏處於洲澤食蔆藕。穆公以難死，朱厲附將往死之。其友曰：「子事君而不見識焉，今君難吾子死之，意者其不可乎！」朱厲附曰：「始我以為君不吾知也，今君死而我不死，是果不知我也；吾將死之，以激天下不知其臣者。」遂往死之。 |
| | Ju Mu Gong had a minister named Zhu Li Fu, who served King Ju but was never given recognition. In winter he lived in the mountains and forests, eating chestnuts; in summer he dwelled by marshes and lakes, subsisting on lotus roots. King Ju Mu Gong died a violent death, and Zhu Li Fu intended to die with him. His friend said: "You served your lord without ever receiving recognition; now that the ruler has died a violent death and you intend to die with him, perhaps this is not appropriate!" Zhu Li Fu said: "At first I thought my lord did not know me, but now if the ruler dies and I do not die with him, it proves he truly did not know me; I shall die with him to provoke all those in the world who fail to recognize their ministers. He then went and died with him.
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楚莊王獵於雲夢，射科雉得之，申公子倍攻而奪之，王將殺之，大夫諫曰：「子倍自好也，爭王雉必有說，王姑察之。」不出三月，子倍病而死。邲之戰，楚大勝晉，歸而賞功，申公子倍之弟請賞於王曰：「人之有功也，賞於車下。」王曰：「奚謂也？」對曰：「臣之兄讀故記曰：射科雉者不出三月必死，臣之兄爭而得之，故夭死也。」王命發乎府而視之，於記果有焉，乃厚賞之。 |
| | King Zhuang of Chu was hunting in Yunmeng and shot a pheasant, which he caught. Gongzi Bei attacked and took it from him. The king intended to execute Gongzi Bei, but a minister advised: "Gongzi Bei is naturally fond of such things; there must be an explanation for why he contested the king's pheasant. Let the king investigate carefully." Within three months, Gongzi Bei fell ill and died. At the Battle of Bi, Chu achieved a great victory over Jin. Upon returning, they rewarded those who had rendered service. Gongzi Bei's younger brother petitioned the king for reward and said: "When people have rendered meritorious service, they are rewarded beneath the chariot." The king asked: "What do you mean by that?" He replied: "My elder brother read an old record which stated: 'One who shoots a pheasant will die within three months.' My elder brother contested for it and thus died prematurely." The king ordered the records to be retrieved from the archives and examined. The record indeed contained such an entry, so he richly rewarded Gongzi Bei's brother.
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