| | Duke Ai asked Confucius: "In former times, what kind of hat did Shun wear?" Confucius did not reply. The duke said, "I have asked you a question, yet you say nothing. Why is that?" Confucius said, "Since your inquiry did not begin with the more important matters first, I am now thinking about how to reply." The duke asked, "What are these more important matters?" Confucius said, "Shun as a ruler." His administration cherished life and abhorred killing; his appointments favored the virtuous while replacing the unworthy. His virtue was as vast and tranquil as heaven and earth, and his influence transformed things like the changing of the four seasons. Therefore, all under the Four Seas followed his example, even among different peoples. Phoenixes flew and qilins arrived; birds and beasts were tamed by virtue. There was no other reason—this was because of his love for life. Your Majesty has neglected this principle and instead asked about hats, so I delayed my reply.
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