| | 莊公不說... : |
晏子臣于莊公，公不說，飲酒，令召晏子。晏子至，入門，公令樂人奏歌曰：「已哉已哉！寡人不能說也，爾何來為？」 |
| | Yan Zi served as a minister to Duke Zhuanggong, but the duke was displeased with him. The duke drank wine and ordered someone to summon Yan Zi. When Yan Zi arrived, he entered the gate, and the duke ordered musicians to sing a song: "It is over! It is over!" "I am unable to be pleased with you. Why have you come?"
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| | 莊公不說... : |
晏子入坐，樂人三奏，然後知其謂己也。遂起，北面坐地。公曰：「夫子從席，曷為坐地？」 |
| | Yan Zi sat down, and after the musicians played three times, he realized that they were referring to him. He then got up and knelt facing north on the ground. The duke said, "Master, why are you sitting on the floor instead of taking your seat?"
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| | 莊公不說... : |
晏子對曰：「嬰聞訟夫坐地，今嬰將與君訟，敢毋坐地乎？嬰聞之，眾而無義，彊而無禮，好勇而惡賢者，禍必及其身，若公者之謂矣。且嬰言不用，願請身去。」遂趨而歸，管籥其家者納之公，財在外者斥之市。曰：「君子有力於民，則進爵祿，不辭富貴；無力于民而旅食，不惡貧賤。」 |
| | Yan Zi replied, "I have heard that a litigant sits on the ground. Now I am about to argue with you, how could I dare not sit on the ground?" "I have also heard that those who are numerous but lack righteousness, powerful yet disrespectful, fond of bravery and hostile to the virtuous will surely bring disaster upon themselves. This is what I mean by referring to you, Your Majesty." "And since my words are not heeded, I respectfully request permission to leave and go away." He then hurriedly returned home. The person in charge of the keys at his house admitted him, and his property outside was sent to the market for disposal. He said, "A gentleman who is of service to the people should be promoted in rank and granted emoluments; he does not refuse wealth or honor." "If one is of no benefit to the people yet lives off their hospitality, then he should not resent poverty and low status."
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| | 莊公不說... : |
遂徒行而東，耕于海濱。居數年，果有崔杼之難。 |
| | He then walked eastward on foot and tilled the land by the seashore. After several years, there was indeed the disaster involving Cui Zhu.
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| | 莊公不用... : |
晏子為莊公臣，言大用，每朝，賜爵益邑；俄而不用，每朝，致邑與爵。爵邑盡，退朝而乘，嘳然而歎，終而笑。其僕曰：「何歎笑相從數也？」 |
| | Yan Zi was a minister of Duke Zhuanggong and made great contributions. Each time he attended court, he was granted a title and additional fiefs. Soon after, however, he fell out of favor; each time he attended court, the fiefs and titles were taken away from him. When his titles and fiefs were all gone, he left court in a carriage, sighed deeply with sorrow, and finally smiled. His charioteer asked, "Why do sighing and laughing follow each other so often?"
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| | 莊公不用... : |
晏子曰：「吾嘆也，哀吾君不免于難；吾笑也，喜吾自得也，吾亦無死矣。」崔杼果弒莊公，晏子立崔杼之門，從者曰：「死乎？」晏子曰：「獨吾君也乎哉！吾死也！」曰：「行乎？」曰：「獨吾罪也乎哉！吾亡也！」曰：「歸乎？」曰：「吾君死，安歸！君民者，豈以陵民，社稷是主；臣君者，豈為其口實，社稷是養。故君為社稷死，則死之，為社稷亡，則亡之；若君為己死而為己亡，非其私暱，孰能任之。且人有君而弒之，吾焉得死之？而焉得亡之？將庸何歸！」門啟而入，崔子曰：「子何不死？子何不死？」 |
| | Yan Zi said, "My sigh is for mourning my lord's inevitable misfortune; my laughter is from being pleased with myself, and I know that I will not die." Cui Zhu indeed assassinated Duke Zhuanggong. Yan Zi stood at Cui Zhu's gate, and a follower asked, "Shall we die?" Yan Zi said, "Is my lord the only one who matters?!" "I shall die!" They asked, "Shall we flee?" He said, "Is it only my crime?!" "I shall escape!" They asked, "Shall we return?" He said, "My lord is dead; where should I go back to?!" A ruler of the people does not dominate them but serves as the master of the state and its altars. Ministers who serve their lord do so not for personal gain, but to nurture the state and its altars." Therefore, if a ruler dies for the state, then one should die with him; if he flees for the sake of the state, then one should flee with him. If a ruler dies or flees for his own sake, then unless it is for someone very close to him personally, who else could bear the responsibility? Moreover, if a person has a ruler and then kills him, how can I die for that? And how could I flee with such a man?" Where else should we go!" The gate was opened and he entered. Cui Zhi said, "Why did you not die?" "Why did you not die?"
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| | 莊公不用... : |
晏子曰：「禍始，吾不在也；禍終，吾不知也，吾何為死？且吾聞之，以亡為行者，不足以存君；以死為義者，不足以立功。嬰豈其婢子也哉！其縊而從之也！」遂袒免，坐，枕君尸而哭，興，三踊而出。人謂崔子必殺之，崔子曰：「民之望也，舍之，得民。」 |
| | Yan Zi said, "When the disaster began, I was not present; when it ended, I did not know about it. Why should I die?" Moreover, I have heard that those who flee in action are not sufficient to preserve their lord; those who regard death as righteousness alone are insufficient to accomplish great deeds. Am I merely a servant girl?!" Should I hang myself and follow him?!" He then removed his outer garments, sat down, placed his head on the corpse of his lord, wept, rose up, and exited after making three loud jumps. People thought Cui Zhi would surely kill him, but Cui Zhi said, "He is the people's hope. Let him go; thus we will gain their support."
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| | 崔慶劫齊... : |
崔杼既弒莊公而立景公，杼與慶封相之，劫諸將軍大夫及顯士庶人于太宮之坎上，令無得不盟者。為壇三仞，埳其下，以甲千列環其內外，盟者皆脫劍而入。維晏子不肯，崔杼許之。有敢不盟者，戟拘其頸，劍承其心，令自盟曰：「不與崔慶而與公室者，受其不祥。言不疾，指不至血者死。」所殺七人。次及晏子，晏子奉桮血，仰天嘆曰：「嗚呼！崔子為無道，而弒其君，不與公室而與崔慶者，受此不祥。」俛而飲血。 |
| | Cui Zhu had already assassinated Duke Zhuang and installed Duke Jing, and Zhu and Qing Feng served as regents. They gathered the generals, ministers, and prominent commoners at a ditch in Taigong, coercing them to swear an oath so that no one was allowed to remain unsworn. They built a sacrificial altar three ren high, dug a pit beneath it, and arranged a thousand armored soldiers in rows around its interior and exterior. Those who were to swear the oath all entered without their swords. Only Yanzi refused, but Cui Zhu agreed to his refusal. Anyone who dared not swear the oath had their necks gripped by halberds and swords held to their hearts, with orders given for them to swear themselves: "Whoever does not support Cui and Qing but supports the royal house shall bear misfortune." "If your words are not spoken quickly or if your finger does not touch blood, you will be put to death." Seven people were killed. When it came to Yanzi's turn, he held up a cup of blood and looked upward in sorrow, saying: "Alas!" "Cui Zhu has acted without morality and assassinated his ruler. Whoever does not support the royal house but supports Cui and Qing shall bear this misfortune." He then bent down and drank the blood.
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| | 崔慶劫齊... : |
崔子謂晏子曰：「子變子言，則齊國吾與子共之；子不變子言，戟既在脰，劍既在心，維子圖之也。」 |
| | Cui Zhu said to Yanzi, "If you change your words, I will share the state of Qi with you; if you do not change your words, then halberds are already at your throat and swords are already at your heart. Think it over, only you can decide."
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| | 崔慶劫齊... : |
晏子曰：「劫吾以刃，而失其志，非勇也；回吾以利，而倍其君，非義也。崔子！子獨不為夫詩乎！《》云：『莫莫葛虆，施于條枚，愷愷君子，求福不回。』今嬰且可以回而求福乎？曲刃鉤之，直兵推之，嬰不革矣。」 |
| | Yanzi said, "To lose one's will under the threat of a blade is not bravery; to be swayed by profit and betray one's ruler is not righteousness." Cui Zhu! Do you not know the verses of poetry at all?!" The "Shi Jing" says: 'The creeping kudzu spreads over branches and twigs; the noble gentleman, seeking blessings, does not turn back.' Now can I, Ying, turn back to seek blessings? Even if you twist the blade to hook me or push with a straight weapon, I, Ying, will not change."
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| | 崔慶劫齊... : |
崔杼將殺之，或曰：「不可！子以子之君無道而殺之，今其臣有道之士也，又從而殺之，不可以為教矣。」崔子遂舍之。晏子曰：「若大夫為大不仁，而為小仁，焉有中乎！」趨出，授綏而乘。其僕將馳，晏子撫其手曰：「徐之！疾不必生，徐不必死，鹿生于野，命縣于廚，嬰命有繫矣。」按之成節而後去。《》云：「彼己之子，舍命不渝。」晏子之謂也。 |
| | Cui Zhu was about to kill him, but someone said, "No, you cannot! You killed your ruler because he was unjust. Now his minister is a man of virtue, and if you kill him as well, it cannot be used as an example." Cui Zhu then let him go. Yanzi said, "If a great official commits an extremely inhumane act yet shows minor kindness, how can there be any consistency?" He hurried out and took the reins to mount his carriage. His charioteer was about to drive off quickly, but Yanzi placed a hand on his shoulder and said, "Go slowly!" "Speed does not guarantee life, nor does slowness ensure death. A deer lives in the wild but its fate hangs on the kitchen; my life is already at stake." He adjusted his carriage to maintain proper decorum and then left. The "Shi Jing" says: "That noble gentleman, he does not waver in his life." This is a reference to Yanzi.
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| | 晏子再治... : |
景公使晏子為東阿宰，三年，毀聞于國。景公不說，召而免之。 |
| | Jinggong sent Yanzi to serve as magistrate of Donge. After three years, reports of his censure spread throughout the state. King Jing was displeased and summoned him to dismiss him from office.
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| | 晏子再治... : |
晏子謝曰：「嬰知嬰之過矣，請復治阿，三年而譽必聞于國。」景公不忍，復使治阿，三年而譽聞于國。景公說，召而賞之。景公問其故。 |
| | Yanzi apologized, saying: "I now understand my mistake. Please allow me to govern E again; after three years, surely reports of praise will spread throughout the state." King Jing could not bear it and allowed him to resume governance of E. After three years, commendations about him spread throughout the state. King Jing was pleased and summoned him to bestow a reward. King Jing asked for the reason behind it.
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| | 晏子再治... : |
對曰：「昔者嬰之治阿也，築蹊徑，急門閭之政，而淫民惡之；舉儉力孝弟，罰偷窳，而惰民惡之；決獄不避，貴彊惡之；左右所求，法則予，非法則否，而左右惡之；事貴人體不過禮，而貴人惡之。是以三邪毀乎外，二讒毀于內，三年而毀聞乎君也。今臣謹更之，不築蹊徑，而緩門閭之政，而淫民說；不舉儉力孝弟，不罰偷窳，而惰民說；決獄阿貴強，而貴彊說；左右所求言諾，而左右說；事貴人體過禮，而貴人說。是以三邪譽乎外，二讒譽乎內，三年而譽聞于君也。昔者嬰之所以當誅者宜賞，今所以當賞者宜誅，是故不敢受。」 |
| | He replied: "In the past, when I governed E, I built paths and lanes, enforced strict policies in the neighborhoods, and thus the dissolute people hated me; I promoted frugality, diligence, filial piety, and fraternal respect, punished theft and laziness, and thus the lazy people hated me; I adjudicated cases without favoritism, and the powerful and strong resented it; When my attendants made requests, I granted them only if they were in accordance with law, otherwise not, and thus the attendants hated me; I treated important people according to no more than proper rites, and thus those important figures resented me." Therefore, three groups of wicked individuals slandered me from outside, and two informers defamed me within, so that after three years reports of censure reached the king. Now I have carefully changed my approach, no longer building paths and lanes and relaxing policies in the neighborhoods, so that the dissolute people are pleased; I do not promote frugality, diligence, filial devotion, and fraternal respect nor punish theft or laziness, so that the lazy people are pleased; I adjudicate cases favoring the powerful and influential, so the powerful and strong are pleased; When my attendants make requests I promise to grant them, so that the attendants are pleased; I treat important people with more than proper rites, so those important figures are pleased. Therefore, the three groups of wicked individuals praise me from outside and the two informers praise me within, so after three years commendations reached the king. In the past, what I did that deserved punishment is now worthy of reward; today, what I do that deserves reward is actually deserving of punishment. Therefore, I dare not accept it."
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| | 晏子再治... : |
景公知晏子賢，迺任以國政，三年，而齊大興。 |
| | King Jing knew Yanzi was virtuous and thus entrusted him with state affairs. After three years, Qi experienced great prosperity.
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| | 景公惡故... : |
景公與晏子立于曲潢之上，晏子稱曰：「衣莫若新，人莫若故。」 |
| | Jinggong and Yanyi stood by the Quhuang, and Yanyi said: "Nothing is better than new clothes; no one is better than an old friend."
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| | 景公惡故... : |
公曰：「衣之新也，信善矣，人之故，相知情。」 |
| | The duke said: "New clothes are indeed good, and the familiarity of old friends means mutual understanding."
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| | 景公惡故... : |
晏子歸，負載使人辭于公曰：「嬰故老耄無能也，請毋服壯者之事。」公自治國，身弱于高國，百姓大亂。公恐，復召晏子。諸侯忌其威，而高國服其政，田疇墾辟，蠶桑豢收之處不足，絲蠶于燕，牧馬于魯，共貢入朝。墨子聞之曰：「晏子知道，景公知窮矣。」 |
| | Yanyi returned home and sent someone to bid farewell to the duke, saying: "I am old and infirm with no ability; I beg you not to assign me duties meant for the strong." The duke governed the state himself, but his strength was inferior to that of Gao and Guo, causing great disorder among the people. The duke was frightened and summoned Yanyi again. The feudal lords envied its power, while Gao and Guo submitted to its administration. Farmland was cultivated and expanded; the places for raising silkworms and mulberry trees were insufficient. Silk was produced in Yan, horses were bred in Lu, all contributing tribute to the court. Mozi heard of this and said: "Yanyi understands the Way; Duke Jing knows his limitations."
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| | 景公欲墮... : |
景公登東門防，民單服然後上，公曰：「此大傷牛馬蹄矣，夫何不下六尺哉？」 |
| | Jinggong ascended the eastern gate defense; the people wore single-layer clothing before going up. The duke said, "This greatly harms the hooves of oxen and horses. Why not lower it by six chi?"
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| | 景公欲墮... : |
晏子對曰：「昔者吾先君桓公，明君也，而管仲賢相也。夫以賢相佐明君，而東門防全也，古者不為，殆有為也。蚤歲溜水至，入廣門，即下六尺耳，鄉者防下六尺，則無齊矣。夫古之重變古常，此之謂也。」 |
| | Yanzi replied, "In the past, our late ruler Duke Huan was a wise sovereign, and Guan Zhong was a virtuous prime minister. With a virtuous prime minister assisting a wise sovereign, the eastern gate defense was complete; in ancient times they did not build it, so there must be some reason for doing so now. In previous years, the rushing water came, entered through Guangmen, and that was only six chi lower. If the defense were lowered by six chi as before, there would be no Qi left. This is what is meant by the ancients' emphasis on changing ancient customs."
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| | 景公憐饑... : |
景公遊于壽宮，睹長年負薪者，而有饑色。公悲之，喟然歎曰：「令吏養之！」 |
| | Jing gong you yu Shou Gong, du Changnian fu xin zhe, er you ji se. The duke felt compassion for him, sighed deeply, and said: "Let officials provide care for this man!"
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| | 景公憐饑... : |
晏子曰：「臣聞之，樂賢而哀不肖，守國之本也。今君愛老，而恩無所不逮，治國之本也。」 |
| | Yan Zi said: "I have heard that taking joy in the virtuous and feeling sorrow for those lacking virtue is the foundation of preserving a state. "Now, your lordship cares for the elderly, and your benevolence reaches all without exception—this is the foundation of governing a state."
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| | 景公憐饑... : |
公笑，有喜色。晏子曰：「聖王見賢以樂賢，見不肖以哀不肖。今請求老弱之不養，鰥寡之無室者，論而共秩焉。」 |
| | The duke smiled, showing a look of joy. Yan Zi said: "A sage ruler feels joy at seeing the virtuous and mourns at seeing those lacking virtue. "Now I request that we seek out the elderly and weak who are not cared for, as well as widowers and widows without homes, and provide them with proper support."
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| | 景公憐饑... : |
公曰：「諾。」于是老弱有養，鰥寡有室。 |
| | The duke said: "Agreed." Thus, the elderly and weak were provided for, and widowers and widows had homes.
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| | 景公探雀... : |
景公探雀鷇，鷇弱，反之。晏子聞之，不待時而入見景公。公汗出惕然，晏子曰：「君何為者也？」 |
| | Jing Gong probed a sparrow's egg, and found it weak, so he returned it. Yan Zi heard about this, and entered to see King Jing without waiting for the proper time. The king broke out in a sweat and looked anxious; Yan Zi said, "What are you doing, Your Majesty?"
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| | 景公探雀... : |
公曰：「吾探雀鷇，鷇弱，故反之。」 |
| | The king said, "I probed a sparrow's egg. The egg was weak, so I returned it."
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| | 景公探雀... : |
晏子逡巡北面再拜而賀曰：「吾君有聖王之道矣！」 |
| | Yan Zi circled around and bowed twice facing north while congratulating the king, saying, "Our ruler has the way of a sage king!"
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| | 景公探雀... : |
公曰：「寡人探雀鷇，鷇弱，故反之，其當聖王之道者何也？」 |
| | The king said, "I probed a sparrow's egg and found it weak, so I returned it. How does this conform to the way of a sage ruler?"
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| | 景公探雀... : |
晏子對曰：「君探雀鷇，鷇弱，反之，是長幼也。吾君仁愛，曾禽獸之加焉，而況于人乎！此聖王之道也。」 |
| | Yan Zi replied, "Your Majesty probed a sparrow's egg and found it weak; you returned it. This is showing care for the young." Our ruler shows benevolence and love, even extending to birds and beasts, how much more so toward people! "This is the way of a sage king."
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| | 景公慚刖... : |
景公正晝，被髮，乘六馬，御婦人以出正閨，刖跪擊其馬而反之，曰：「爾非吾君也。」公慚而不朝。 |
| | During the day of Jinguang, he let his hair down loose, rode out from the main gate on a six-horse carriage driven by a woman. He was amputated at the knees and struck his horse to turn it back, saying, "You are not my lord." The marquis felt ashamed and did not attend court.
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| | 景公慚刖... : |
晏子睹裔款而問曰：「君何故不朝？」 |
| | Yan Zi saw Yikuan and asked, "Why has the lord not attended court?"
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| | 景公慚刖... : |
對曰：「昔者君正晝，被髮，乘六馬，御婦人以出正閨，刖跪擊其馬而反之，曰：『爾非吾君也。』公慚而反，不果出，是以不朝。」 |
| | He replied, "In the past, during the day, the lord let his hair hang loose, rode out on a six-horse carriage drawn by a woman from the main gate. He was amputated at both knees and struck his horse to make it turn back, saying: 'You are not my sovereign.'" "The marquis felt ashamed and returned, did not finally go out, so he did not attend court."
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| | 景公慚刖... : |
晏子入見。景公曰：「昔者寡人有罪，被髮，乘六馬，以出正閨，刖跪擊馬而反之，曰：『爾非吾君也。』寡人以天子大夫之賜，得率百姓以守宗廟，今見戮於刖跪，以辱社稷，吾猶可以齊于諸侯乎？」 |
| | Yan Zi entered to pay his respects. Jinggong said, "In the past I committed a crime by letting my hair hang loose and riding out on a six-horse carriage from the main gate. I was amputated at both knees, struck my horse to make it turn back and said: 'You are not my lord.'" "I, by the favor of a Son of Heaven's official, have been allowed to lead the people in guarding our ancestral temple. Now I am humiliated by being struck down by one who had his knees cut off, bringing disgrace upon the state and its gods. Can I still be considered equal among the feudal lords?"
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| | 景公慚刖... : |
晏子對曰：「君勿惡焉！臣聞下無直辭，上有隱君；民多諱言，君有驕行。古者明君在上，下多直辭；君上好善，民無諱言。今君有失行，刖跪直辭禁之，是君之福也。故臣來慶。請賞之，以明君之好善；禮之，以明君之受諫。」 |
| | Yan Zi replied, "Your lordship should not resent this!" "I have heard that when there are no upright words from below, the sovereign above remains concealed." "When the people often avoid speaking openly, the ruler has arrogant conduct." "In ancient times, when a wise sovereign was in power, there were many upright words from below;" "the ruler above loved virtue, and the people had no reservations about speaking." "Now that your lordship has acted improperly, the man with amputated knees spoke up to restrain you; this is a blessing for your lordship." "Therefore I have come to offer congratulations." "Please reward him, so as to demonstrate your lordship's love of virtue;" "honor him with courtesy, so as to show that your lordship accepts advice."
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| | 景公慚刖... : |
公笑曰：「可乎？」 |
| | The marquis smiled and said, "Is this acceptable?"
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| | 景公慚刖... : |
晏子曰：「可。」于是令刖跪倍資無征，時朝無事也。 |
| | Yan Zi said, "Yes." Thus the marquis ordered that Yikuan's taxes be doubled and he should not be levied any further; at this time court affairs were peaceful.
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| | 景公夜從... : |
景公飲酒，夜移于晏子，前驅款門曰：「君至！」 |
| | Jing Gong was drinking wine and spent the night at Yan Zi's residence. The vanguard knocked on the gate and said, "The ruler has arrived!"
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| | 景公夜從... : |
晏子被元端，立于門曰：「諸侯得微有故乎？國家得微有事乎？君何為非時而夜辱？」 |
| | Yan Zi was dressed in Yuan Duan robes and stood at the gate, saying, "Is there perhaps some matter concerning the feudal lords?" "Or is there perhaps something happening to the state?" "Why has Your Lordship come at an improper time and in the night, thus humiliating me?"
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| | 景公夜從... : |
公曰：「酒醴之味，金石之聲，願與夫子樂之。」 |
| | The ruler said, "I wish to share with Master Yan Zi the taste of wine and the sound of jade and stone."
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| | 景公夜從... : |
晏子對曰：「夫布薦席，陳簠簋者，有人，臣不敢與焉。」 |
| | Yan Zi replied, "Those who spread mats and arrange ritual vessels are others; I dare not partake in such matters."
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| | 景公夜從... : |
公曰：「移于司馬穰苴之家。」前驅款門，曰：「君至！」 |
| | The ruler said, "Then let us move to the residence of Sima Rangju." The vanguard knocked on the door and announced, "The ruler has arrived!"
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| | 景公夜從... : |
穰苴介冑操戟立于門曰：「諸侯得微有兵乎？大臣得微有叛者乎？君何為非時而夜辱？」 |
| | Rang Ju stood at the gate in armor, holding a halberd, and said, "Is there perhaps some military matter concerning the feudal lords?" "Or is there perhaps someone among the ministers who has rebelled?" "Why has Your Lordship come at such an improper time and in the dead of night, thus humiliating me?"
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| | 景公夜從... : |
公曰：「酒醴之味，金石之聲，願與將軍樂之。」 |
| | The ruler said, "I wish to share with General Rang Ju the taste of wine and the music of jade and stone."
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| | 景公夜從... : |
穰苴對曰：「夫布薦席，陳簠簋者，有人，臣不敢與焉。」 |
| | Rang Ju replied, "Those who spread mats and set out ritual vessels are others; I, a subject, dare not partake in this."
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| | 景公夜從... : |
公曰：「移于梁丘據之家。」前驅款門，曰：「君至！」 |
| | The ruler said, "Then let us go to the residence of Liangqiu Ju." The vanguard knocked on the gate, saying, "Your Lordship has arrived!"
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| | 景公夜從... : |
梁丘據左操瑟，右挈竽，行歌而出。公曰：「樂哉！今夕吾飲也。微此二子者，何以治吾國；微此一臣者，何以樂吾身。」 |
| | Liangqiu Ju held a se in his left hand and a yu in his right, singing as he walked out. The ruler said, "How joyful!" "This evening's drinking is delightful." "Without these two men, how could my state be governed; "and without this one minister, how could I enjoy happiness in my own person."
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| | 景公夜從... : |
君子曰：「聖賢之君，皆有益友，無偷樂之臣，景公弗能及，故兩用之，僅得不亡。」 |
| | A man of virtue said, "Sage and virtuous rulers all have beneficial friends, but no ministers who indulge in idle pleasures. Duke Jing could not measure up to them; therefore, he employed both types, barely managing to avoid ruin."
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| | 景公使進... : |
晏子侍于景公，朝寒，公曰：「請進暖食。」 |
| | Yan Zi served Duke Jing, and on a cold morning, the duke said, "Please bring warm food."
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| | 景公使進... : |
晏子對曰：「嬰非君奉餽之臣也，敢辭。」公曰：「請進服裘。」 |
| | Yan Zi replied, "I am not an official who serves you with offerings, so I dare to decline." The duke said, "Please bring a fur coat for you to wear."
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| | 景公使進... : |
對曰：「嬰非君茵席之臣也，敢辭。」公曰：「然夫子之于寡人何為者也？」 |
| | He replied, "I am not an official who deserves your cushions and mats, so I dare to decline." The duke said, "Then what is it that you do for me, Master?"
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| | 景公使進... : |
對曰：「嬰，社稷之臣也。」公曰：「何謂社稷之臣？」 |
| | He replied, "I am a minister of the state." The duke asked, "What is meant by a 'minister of the state'?"
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| | 景公使進... : |
對曰：「夫社稷之臣，能立社稷，別上下之義，使當其理；制百官之序，使得其宜；作為辭令，可分布于四方。」自是之後，君不以禮，不見晏子。 |
| | He replied, "A minister of the state is one who can establish the state, distinguish the righteousness between superiors and inferiors, and ensure that all things are in their proper order; he regulates the hierarchy among officials so that each is properly placed; he formulates words and commands, which can be communicated to all quarters." From then on, the duke did not see Yan Zi without observing propriety.
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| | 晏子飲景... : |
晏子飲景公酒，日暮，公呼具火，晏子辭曰：「《》云：『』，言失德也。『屢舞傞傞』，言失容也。『既醉以酒，既飽以德，既醉而出，並受其福』，賓主之禮也。『醉而不出，是謂伐德』，賓之罪也。嬰已卜其日，未卜其夜。」 |
| | Yan Zi drank wine with King Jing, and as the day was ending, the king called for a fire to be prepared. Yan Zi declined, saying: "The Shi says: 'Cebian zhi e,' meaning loss of virtue." "'Lü wu suo suo,' meaning the loss of composure." "'Already drunk on wine, already sated with virtue; having become drunk and then leaving, one receives double blessings'—this is the etiquette between host and guest." "'To be drunk but not leave—is called attacking virtue,' this is the fault of the guest." "I have already divined the day, but not yet the night."
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| | 晏子飲景... : |
公曰：「善。」舉酒祭之，再拜而出。曰：「豈過我哉，吾託國于晏子也。以其家貨養寡人，不欲其淫侈也，而況與寡人謀國乎！」 |
| | The king said: "Well done." He raised wine to make an offering, bowed twice, and then left. He said: "Could it be my fault? I have entrusted the state to Yan Zi." "He uses his family's wealth to support me, not desiring luxury or extravagance; how much less would he conspire against the state with me!"
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| | 晉欲攻齊... : |
晉平公欲伐齊，使范昭往觀焉。景公觴之，飲酒酣，范昭曰：「請君之棄樽。」公曰：「酌寡人之樽，進之于客。」范昭已飲，晏子曰：「徹樽，更之。」樽觶具矣，范昭佯醉，不說而起舞，謂太師曰：「能為我調成周之樂乎？吾為子舞之。」太師曰：「冥臣不習。」范昭趨而出。 |
| | Jin Pinggong wanted to attack Qi and sent Fan Zhao to observe it. Jinggong offered him a drinking ceremony, and when the wine was flowing freely, Fan Zhao said, "Please allow me to drink from your abandoned wine vessel." The king said, "Pour wine into my cup and offer it to the guest." After Fan Zhao had drunk, Yanzi said, "Remove this wine vessel and replace it with another one." The cups and vessels were all prepared. Fan Zhao pretended to be drunk, unhappy, and began dancing, saying to the Grand Music Master, "Can you play for me the music of Cheng Zhou?" "I will dance it for you." The Grand Music Master said, "This humble servant is not familiar with it." Fan Zhao hurriedly left.
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| | 晉欲攻齊... : |
景公謂晏子曰：「晉，大國也，使人來將觀吾政，今子怒大國之使者，將奈何？」 |
| | King Jing said to Yanzhi, "Jin is a great state; they have sent someone here to observe our administration. Now you have angered the envoy of this great state—what are we going to do about it?"
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| | 晉欲攻齊... : |
晏子曰：「夫范昭之為人也，非陋而不知禮也，且欲試吾君臣，故絕之也。」 |
| | Yanzi said, "That Fan Zhao is a man who is not crude or ignorant of propriety; he wanted to test our ruler and ministers, so we cut him off."
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| | 晉欲攻齊... : |
景公謂太師曰：「子何以不為客調成周之樂乎？」 |
| | King Jing asked the Grand Music Master, "Why did you not play for the guest the music of Cheng Zhou?"
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| | 晉欲攻齊... : |
太師對曰：「夫成周之樂，天子之樂也，調之，必人主舞之。今范昭人臣，欲舞天子之樂，臣故不為也。」 |
| | The Grand Music Master replied, "The music of Cheng Zhou is the music of the Son of Heaven. To play it, one must have the ruler himself dance to it." "Now Fan Zhao is but a ministerial official who wished to dance to the Son of Heaven's music, so I deliberately did not play it for him."
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| | 晉欲攻齊... : |
范昭歸以報平公曰：「齊未可伐也。臣欲試其君，而晏子識之；臣欲犯其禮，而太師知之。」 |
| | Fan Zhao returned and reported to King Ping, saying, "Qi is not yet ready to be attacked. I wanted to test their ruler, but Yanzi recognized my intent; I wanted to violate their rites, and the Grand Music Master was aware of it."
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| | 晉欲攻齊... : |
仲尼聞之曰：「夫不出于尊俎之間，而知千里之外，其晏子之謂也。可謂折衝矣！而太師其與焉。」 |
| | Zhongni heard about this and said, "To know what is happening a thousand li away without leaving the setting of wine vessels and sacrificial tables—this must be referring to Yanzi. That can truly be called resolving conflicts through diplomacy! And the Grand Music Master also played a role in it."
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| | 景公問東... : |
景公伐魯，傅許，得東門無澤，公問焉：「魯之年穀何如？」對曰：「陰水厥，陽冰厚五寸。」不知，以告晏子。 |
| | Jing Gong attacked Lu, passed through Xu, and captured Dongmen Wuzhe. The duke asked him, "How is the harvest in Lu this year?" He replied, "The yin water has dried up, and the yang ice is five cun thick." Not knowing what to make of it, he reported this to Yan Zi.
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| | 景公問東... : |
晏子對曰：「君子也。問年穀而對以冰，禮也。陰水厥，陽冰厚五寸者，寒溫節，節則刑政平，平則上下和，和則年穀熟。年充眾和而伐之，臣恐罷民弊兵，不成君之意。請禮魯以息吾怨，遣其執，以明吾德。」公曰：「善。」迺不伐魯。 |
| | Yan Zi replied, "He is a man of virtue." "He asked about the harvest but answered with information on ice—this is in accordance with propriety." "When the yin water dries up and yang ice is five cun thick, it indicates that cold and warmth are in harmony. When there is harmony, punishments and governance will be balanced; when they are balanced, those above and below will be harmonious; and when all is harmonious, the harvest will be bountiful." "To attack a state whose harvest is abundant and people are in harmony would, I fear, exhaust the populace and damage our troops, failing to achieve Your Lordship's intent." "I request that we treat Lu with courtesy to ease their resentment, release their captives, and thereby demonstrate our virtue." The duke said, "Well spoken." Thus he did not attack Lu.
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| | 景公使晏... : |
景公予魯君地，山陰數百社，使晏子致之，魯使子叔昭伯受地，不盡受也。晏子曰：「寡君獻地，忠廉也，曷為不盡受？」 |
| | Jinggong gave land to Duke Lu, including hundreds of she in Shanyin, and sent Yanzi to present it. The State of Lu dispatched Zishu Zhaobo to receive the land, but he did not accept all of it. Yanzi said: "My lord offered this land as an act of loyalty and integrity; why was it not fully accepted?"
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| | 景公使晏... : |
子叔昭伯曰：「臣受命于君曰：『諸侯相見，交讓，爭處其卑，禮之文也；交委多，爭受少，行之實也。禮成文于前，行成章於後，交之所以長久也。』且吾聞君子不盡人之歡，不竭人之忠，吾是以不盡受也。」晏子歸報公，公喜笑曰：「魯君猶若是乎。」 |
| | Zishu Zhaobo said: "I received an order from my lord saying, 'When feudal lords meet each other, they should show mutual courtesy, and strive to take the lower position; this is the formality of ritual." "Mutual delegation involves much giving, while striving to accept less—this is the practical application of such conduct." "When ritual forms are established beforehand and actions follow in an orderly manner afterward, this is how mutual relations can endure for a long time.'" "And I have heard that gentlemen do not exhaust another's joy, nor deplete another's loyalty; this is why I did not fully accept the land." Yanzi returned and reported to the duke. The duke smiled happily and said, "Is Duke Lu of Lu still like this?"
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| | 景公使晏... : |
晏子曰：「臣聞大國貪于名，小國貪于實，此諸侯之通患也。今魯處卑而不貪乎尊，辭實而不貪乎多，行廉不為苟得，道義不為苟合，不盡人之歡，不竭人之忠，以全其交，君之道義，殊于世俗，國免于公患。」 |
| | Yanzi said: "I have heard that great states are greedy for reputation, while small states are greedy for actual benefits; this is a common problem among feudal lords. "Now, the State of Lu maintains humility without craving respect, declines material benefits without desiring more; it upholds integrity without seeking gain through improper means, and adheres to righteousness without compromising for convenience. It does not exhaust another's joy or deplete another's loyalty in order to preserve their relationship. Your lord's sense of righteousness is distinct from that of the common world, and thus his state avoids public calamity."
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| | 景公使晏... : |
公曰：「寡人說魯君，故予之地，今行果若此，吾將使人賀之。」 |
| | The duke said: "I was pleased with Duke Lu of Lu, so I gave him the land. Now that his conduct has indeed turned out to be like this, I will send someone to congratulate him."
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| | 景公使晏... : |
晏子曰：「不！君以驩予之地，而賀其辭，則交不親，而地不為德矣。」公曰：「善。」于是重魯之幣，毋比諸侯，厚其禮，毋比賓客。君子於魯，而後明行廉辭地之可為重名也。 |
| | Yanzi said: "No!" "If you give land out of goodwill and then congratulate him for declining it, the relationship will not become closer, and the gift of land will no longer be seen as an act of virtue." The duke said: "Well spoken." Thus, he increased the gifts to Lu, making them greater than those given to other feudal lords, and extended more elaborate courtesy, surpassing that shown to ordinary guests. Only through the example of Lu did gentlemen come to understand clearly how integrity in declining land could be esteemed as a significant reputation.
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| | 景公遊紀... : |
景公遊于紀，得金壺，乃發視之，中有丹書，曰：「食魚無反，勿乘駑馬。」 |
| | Jing Gong toured Ji and obtained a golden pot; he then opened it to look inside, where there was a red document, which said: "When eating fish, do not flip it over. Do not ride a poor horse."
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| | 景公遊紀... : |
公曰：「善哉！知苦言，食魚無反，則惡其鱢也；勿乘駑馬，惡其取道不遠也。」 |
| | The ruler said, "That is good!" Knowing bitter words, when eating fish one does not flip it over, which means hating the taste of its roe; "Do not ride a poor horse, because one dislikes that such a horse cannot travel far."
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| | 景公遊紀... : |
晏子對曰：「不然。食魚無反，毋盡民力乎！勿乘駑馬，則無置不肖于側乎！」 |
| | Yan Zi replied, "Not quite." "When eating fish one does not flip it, is this not about not exhausting the people's strength?" "Do not ride a poor horse—does this not mean not placing unworthy individuals by one's side!"
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| | 景公遊紀... : |
公曰：「紀有書，何以亡也？」 |
| | The ruler asked, "Ji had writings; why then did it fall?"
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| | 景公遊紀... : |
晏子對曰：「有以亡也。嬰聞之，君子有道，懸之閭。紀有此言，注之壺，不亡何待乎！」 |
| | Yan Zi replied, "It fell for a reason." I have heard that gentlemen with principles hang them up in the 闾 (neighborhood). "Ji had these words, inscribed on a pot; what else could it await but its downfall!"
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| | 景公賢魯... : |
魯昭公棄國走齊，齊公問焉，曰：「君何年之少，而棄國之蚤？奚道至於此乎？」 |
| | Lu Zhao Gong abandoned his state and fled to Qi. The ruler of Qi asked him, saying, "Your lordship is so young in years, yet you have left your state so early?" "What has brought you to this pass?"
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| | 景公賢魯... : |
昭公對曰：「吾少之時，人多愛我者，吾體不能親；人多諫我者，吾志不能用；好則內無拂而外無輔，輔拂無一人，諂諛我者甚眾。譬之猶秋蓬也，孤其根而美枝葉，秋風一至，根且拔矣。」 |
| | Zhao Gong replied, "When I was young, many people loved me, but my body could not be close to them; " those who often advised me, my will could not follow their counsel; " "Those I liked had no one within to oppose and none outside to assist, neither opposition nor assistance from a single person; those who flattered me were numerous. " "It is like the autumn tumbleweed, whose roots are isolated while its branches and leaves are beautiful; when the autumn wind arrives, the root will be uprooted."
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| | 景公賢魯... : |
景公辯其言，以語晏子，曰：「使是人反其國，豈不為古之賢君乎？」 |
| | Jing Gong found his words meaningful and told Yan Zi, saying, "If this man were to return to his state, would he not become a sage ruler of ancient times?"
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| | 景公賢魯... : |
晏子對曰：「不然。夫愚者多悔，不肖者自賢，溺者不問墜，迷者不問路。溺而後問墜，迷而後問路，譬之猶臨難而遽鑄兵，噎而遽掘井，雖速亦無及已。」 |
| | Yan Zi replied, "Not necessarily. " "A foolish person often regrets; an unworthy man considers himself virtuous. One who is drowning does not ask about falling, and one who is lost does not inquire about the way." "To ask about falling only after drowning, to inquire about the way only after being lost—this is like forging weapons suddenly when disaster approaches or digging a well suddenly when one chokes; even if done quickly, it will be too late."
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| | 景公使魯... : |
晏子使魯，仲尼命門弟子往觀。子貢反，報曰：「孰謂晏子習于禮乎？夫禮曰：『登階不歷，堂上不趨，授玉不跪。』今晏子皆反此，孰謂晏子習于禮者？」晏子既已有事于魯君，退見仲尼，仲尼曰：「夫禮，登階不歷，堂上不趨，授玉不跪。夫子反此乎？」 |
| | Yan Zi was sent as an envoy to Lu, and Confucius ordered his disciples to go and observe. Zigong returned and reported, saying: "Who says Yan Zi is familiar with rites?" The rites say: 'When ascending the steps, one should not step on both treads at once; in the hall, one should not hurry; when receiving jade, one should not kneel.' "Now Yan Zi has done exactly the opposite of all these. Who would say that Yan Zi is familiar with rites?" After having already conducted affairs for the ruler of Lu, Yan Zi withdrew to see Confucius. Confucius said: "According to rites, when ascending steps one should not step on two treads at once; within the hall one should not rush; and when receiving jade, one should not bow." "Have you done the opposite of this?"
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| | 景公使魯... : |
晏子曰：「嬰聞兩檻之閒，君臣有位焉，君行其一，臣行其二。君之來速，是以登階歷堂上趨以及位也。君授玉卑，故跪以下之。且吾聞之，大者不踰閑，小者出入可也。」晏子出，仲尼送之以賓客之禮，不計之義，維晏子為能行之。 |
| | Yan Zi said: "I have heard that between two thresholds, there is a position for ruler and minister. The ruler takes one step, while the minister takes two steps." "The ruler's arrival was swift; therefore, I stepped on both treads and hurried across the hall to reach my position." "The ruler presented the jade in a humble manner, so I knelt to receive it with humility." "And I have heard that for those of high rank, one should not cross the threshold; but for those of lesser status, entering and exiting is acceptable." After Yan Zi left, Confucius saw him off with the rites of a guest. The meaning of not counting [steps], only Yan Zi was able to practice it.
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| | 晏子之魯... : |
晏子之魯，朝食進餽膳，有豚焉。晏子曰：「去其二肩。」晝者進膳，則豚肩不具。侍者曰：「膳豚肩亡。」 |
| | Yan Zi went to Lu, and at dawn he was presented with a gift of food, which included a piglet. Yan Zi said, "Remove its two shoulders." When the attendants presented food during the day, the piglet's shoulders were not included. The attendant said, "The piglet shoulder is missing from the meal."
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| | 晏子之魯... : |
晏子曰：「釋之矣。」侍者曰：「我能得其人。」 |
| | Yan Zi said, "Let it go." The attendant said, "I can find the person who took it."
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| | 晏子之魯... : |
晏子曰：「止。吾聞之，量功而不量力，則民盡；藏餘不分，則民盜。子教我所以改之，無教我求其人也。」 |
| | Yan Zi said, "Stop. I have heard that if one measures merit but not ability, the people will be exhausted; if surplus is hoarded without being distributed, the people will turn to theft. "You should teach me how to correct this situation, not teach me to seek out the person."
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| | 曾子將行... : |
曾子將行，晏子送之曰：「君子贈人以軒，不若以言。吾請以言之，以軒乎？」曾子曰：「請以言。」 |
| | Zengzi was about to depart, and Yanzi saw him off, saying: "A gentleman gives a carriage as a gift to another person, but it is better to give words of wisdom." "I shall offer you some words instead—shall I give you a carriage?" Zengzi said, "Please, offer me your words."
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| | 曾子將行... : |
晏子曰：「今夫車輪，山之直木也，良匠揉之，其圓中規，雖有槁暴，不復嬴矣，故君子慎隱揉。和氏之璧，井里之困也，良工修之，則為存國之寶，故君子慎所修。今夫蘭本，三年而成，湛之苦酒，則君子不近，庶人不佩；湛之縻醢，而賈匹馬矣。非蘭本美也，所湛然也。願子之必求所湛。嬰聞之，君子居必擇鄰，游必就士，擇居所以求士，求士所以辟患也。嬰聞汩常移質，習俗移性，不可不慎也。」 |
| | Yanzi said: "Now, the wheel of a cart is made from straight wood in the mountains. A skilled craftsman bends and shapes it; its roundness conforms to the compass. Even if it dries out or is exposed to harsh weather, it will no longer warp. Therefore, gentlemen are cautious about subtle influences and shaping." "The He Shi Bi jade is a stone found in the fields; with careful work by a skilled artisan, it becomes a treasure that preserves the state. Therefore, gentlemen are cautious about what they cultivate and refine." "Now, the orchid plant takes three years to mature. If it is soaked in bitter wine, even gentlemen will not approach it, and common people will not wear it; " "if it is steeped in fermented sauce, its value becomes no more than that of a single horse." "It is not the orchid itself that determines its quality, but rather what it is immersed in." "I hope you will surely seek out what you are immersed in." Ying heard this: "A gentleman must choose his neighbors when settling down, and associate with scholars when traveling. Choosing one's residence is for the purpose of seeking wise people; seeking wise people is to avoid misfortune." "I have heard that constant exposure can alter a person's nature, and habitual customs can change one's disposition; therefore, one cannot be too cautious about this."
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| | 晏子之晉... : |
晏子之晉，至中牟，睹敝冠反裘負芻，息于塗側者，以為君子也，使人問焉。曰：「子何為者也？」對曰：「我越石父者也。」 |
| | Yan Zi went to Jin, and when he arrived at Zhongmou, he saw a man wearing an old hat and a fur coat inside out while carrying fodder on his back, resting by the roadside. Thinking that this was a gentleman, Yan Zi sent someone to ask about him. He said, "What are you doing here?" The man replied, "I am Yue Shipu."
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| | 晏子之晉... : |
晏子曰：「何為至此？」曰：「吾為人臣，僕于中牟，見使將歸。」 |
| | Yan Zi said, "Why have you come to this place?" He said, "I am a servant of another man and was working in Zhongmou. I saw the master about to return home."
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| | 晏子之晉... : |
晏子曰：「何為為至僕？」對曰：「不免凍餓之切吾身，是以為僕也。」 |
| | Yan Zi asked, "Why did you become a servant?" The man replied, "I could not avoid the severe cold and hunger affecting my body, so I became a servant."
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| | 晏子之晉... : |
晏子曰：「為僕幾何？」對曰：「三年矣。」 |
| | Yan Zi asked, "How long have you been a servant?" The man replied, "Three years now."
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| | 晏子之晉... : |
晏子曰：「可得贖乎？」對曰：「可。」 |
| | Yan Zi asked, "Is it possible to redeem you?" The man replied, "Yes."
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| | 晏子之晉... : |
遂解左驂以贈之，因載而與之俱歸。至舍，不辭而入，越石父怒而請絕，晏子使人應之曰：「吾未嘗得交夫子也，子為僕三年，吾迺今日睹而贖之，吾于子尚未可乎？子何絕我之暴也。」 |
| | Yan Zi then untied the left horse from his carriage to give it as a gift and thus took him along in the carriage, returning home with him. Upon arriving at his residence, Yan Zi did not say a word of explanation and went inside. Yue Shipu became angry and requested to part ways. Yan Zi sent someone out to respond, saying, "I have never yet formed an acquaintance with you, Master. You were my servant for three years, and I only today saw you and redeemed you. Is it truly unacceptable that I did not immediately greet you upon returning home?" "Why are you cutting me off so abruptly?"
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| | 晏子之晉... : |
越石父對之曰：「臣聞之，士者詘乎不知己，而申乎知己，故君子不以功輕人之身，不為彼功詘身之理。吾三年為人臣僕，而莫吾知也。今子贖我，吾以子為知我矣；嚮者子乘，不我辭也，吾以子為忘；今又不辭而入，是與臣我者同矣。我猶且為臣，請鬻于世。」 |
| | Yue Shipu replied, "I have heard that a man of virtue is humiliated by those who do not know him and honored by those who recognize his worth. Therefore, a gentleman does not belittle another's dignity for the sake of personal gain, nor does he humble himself merely because someone else has done something for him." "For three years I have served as a servant to others, and no one has ever recognized me." "Now you have redeemed me, so I thought you understood me; " "Earlier when you rode in the carriage and did not bid me farewell, I assumed it was an oversight on your part;" Therefore, now that you have again entered without bidding me farewell, this is no different from treating me as a servant. "If I am still to be treated like a servant, then please sell me back into the world."
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| | 晏子之晉... : |
晏子出，見之曰：「嚮者見客之容，而今也見客之意。嬰聞之，省行者不引其過，察實者不譏其辭，嬰可以辭而無棄乎！嬰誠革之。」 |
| | Yan Zi came out and saw him. He said, "Earlier I saw only your appearance as a guest, but now I see the sincerity of your character." Ying heard this and said, "I have always believed that a person who examines his conduct does not dwell on past mistakes, and one who seeks truth does not mock another's words. How could I possibly offer an excuse without abandoning my principles!" "Ying sincerely acknowledges the need for change."
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| | 晏子之晉... : |
迺令糞灑改席，尊醮而禮之。越石父曰：「吾聞之，至恭不脩途，尊禮不受擯。夫子禮之，僕不敢當也。」晏子遂以為上客。 |
| | He then ordered the floor to be swept and cleaned, replaced the mat, prepared a respectful offering of wine, and honored him with proper courtesy. Yue Shipu said, "I have heard that true respect does not require elaborate preparations, and genuine courtesy is not rejected." "Your reverence toward me with such rites is something a mere servant like I cannot possibly deserve." Yan Zi then treated him as an honored guest of the highest rank.
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| | 晏子之晉... : |
君子曰：「俗人之有功則德，德則驕，晏子有功，免人于厄，而反詘下之，其去俗亦遠矣。此全功之道也。」 |
| | A man of virtue said, "Ordinary people, when they have done a favor for others, take it as a debt and become arrogant. Yan Zi, having done a good deed by rescuing someone from hardship, instead humbled himself before the person. How far he is removed from the ways of ordinary people!" "This is the way to preserve one's virtue through deeds."
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| | 晏子之御... : |
晏子為齊相，出，其御之妻從門閒而闚，其夫為相御，擁大蓋，策駟馬，意氣揚揚，甚自得也。既而歸，其妻請去。夫問其故，妻曰：「晏子長不滿六尺，相齊國，名顯諸侯。今者妾觀其出，志念深矣，常有以自下者。今子長八尺，迺為人僕御；然子之意，自以為足，妾是以求去也。」 |
| | Yan Zi was the prime minister of Qi. When he went out, his charioteer's wife peeped through a gap in the door. Her husband served as the charioteer for the prime minister; he held up a large canopy and drove four horses, full of pride and self-satisfaction. Afterward, when he returned home, his wife requested to leave him. Her husband asked her the reason, and she said: "Yan Zi is not more than six chi tall. He served as prime minister of the State of Qi, and his name was renowned among the feudal lords." "Today I observed him when he went out. His thoughts were profound, and he always showed humility toward others." "Now you are eight chi tall, yet you serve as a charioteer for someone else; "but your attitude is one of self-satisfaction. That is why I wish to leave."
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| | 晏子之御... : |
其後，夫自抑損。晏子怪而問之，御以實對，晏子薦以為大夫。 |
| | After that, the husband became more humble and restrained himself. Yan Zi found this strange and asked about it. The charioteer told him the truth, so Yan Zi recommended him to be appointed as a grand officer.
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| | 泯子午見... : |
燕之游士，有泯子午者，南見晏子于齊，言有文章，術有條理，巨可以補國，細可以益晏子者，三百篇。睹晏子，恐慎而不能言。晏子假之以悲色，開之以禮顏，然後能盡其復也。客退。晏子直席而坐，廢朝移時。在側者曰：「嚮者燕客侍，夫子胡為憂也？」 |
| | Among the wandering scholars of Yan, there was a man named Minziwu. He went south to visit Yanzi in Qi and said that he had written articles with orderly reasoning; these writings could greatly benefit the state or at least be beneficial to Yanzi himself, amounting to three hundred chapters. When he saw Yanzi, Minziwu was afraid and cautious, unable to speak. Yanzi feigned a sorrowful expression and opened the conversation with courteous demeanor; only then was Minziwu able to fully express his thoughts. The guest departed. Yanzi sat upright on the mat, abandoning court affairs for a long time. Someone nearby said: "Earlier, when the Yan guest was present, why did Master look so worried?"
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| | 泯子午見... : |
晏子曰：「燕，萬乘之國也；齊，千里之塗也。泯子午以萬乘之國為不足說，以千里之塗為不足遠，則是千萬人之上也。且猶不能殫其言於我，況乎齊人之懷善而死者乎！吾所以不得睹者，豈不多矣！然吾失此，何之有也。」 |
| | Yanzi said: "Yan is a state with ten thousand chariots; Qi, a journey of a thousand li. If Minziwu considers it insufficient to persuade the ruler of such a great state, and regards a journey of a thousand li as not too distant, then he is indeed superior to ten thousand people." Moreover, if even he could not fully express his words to me, how much more so for the good-hearted people of Qi who have died without being understood! The number of worthy individuals I have thus failed to meet must be great indeed! "Yet, if I were to lose this opportunity, what would become of me?"
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| | 晏子乞北... : |
齊有北郭騷者，結罘罔，捆蒲葦，織履，以養其母，猶不足，踵門見晏子曰：「竊說先生之義，願乞所以養母者。」 |
| | There was a man named Bei Guosao in Qi who tied nets, bound reeds, and wove sandals to support his mother. Still it was not enough, so he went to the door of Yanzi and said: "I secretly admire your virtue, Master; I wish to beg from you something with which to support my mother."
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| | 晏子乞北... : |
晏子使人分倉粟府金而遺之，辭金受粟。有閒，晏子見疑于景公，出奔，過北郭騷之門而辭。北郭騷沐浴而見晏子曰：「夫子將焉適？」 |
| | Yanzi sent someone to give him a share of grain and money from the granary and treasury, but he refused the money and accepted only the grain. After some time, Yanzi was suspected by King Jinggong and fled; he passed by Bei Guosao's gate to bid him farewell. Bei Guosao bathed and washed, then met Yanzi and asked: "Where is Master going?"
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| | 晏子乞北... : |
晏子曰：「見疑于齊君，將出奔。」 |
| | Yanzi said: "I have been suspected by the ruler of Qi, so I am about to flee."
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| | 晏子乞北... : |
北郭騷曰：「夫子勉之矣！」 |
| | Bei Guosao said: "Master, do your best!"
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| | 晏子乞北... : |
晏子上車太息而歎曰：「嬰之亡豈不宜哉！亦不知士甚矣。」 |
| | Yanzi climbed into his carriage and sighed deeply, saying: "Is it not fitting that Ying should flee?" "I have indeed failed to understand the worth of men."
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| | 晏子乞北... : |
晏子行，北郭子召其友而告之曰：「吾說晏子之義，而嘗乞所以養母者焉。吾聞之，養其親者身伉其難。今晏子見疑，吾將以身死白之。」 |
| | After Yanzi left, Bei Guosao summoned his friends and told them: "I admired the virtue of Yanzi, and once I had asked him for something to support my mother. I have heard that one who supports his parents should personally bear their hardships. Now Yanzi is suspected, and I shall sacrifice my life to prove his innocence."
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| | 晏子乞北... : |
著衣冠，令其友操劍，奉笥而從，造于君庭，求復者曰：「晏子，天下之賢者也；今去齊國，齊必侵矣。方見國之必侵，不若死，請以頭託白晏子也。」因謂其友曰：「盛吾頭于笥中，奉以託。」退而自刎。 |
| | He put on his clothes and hat, ordered his friend to hold a sword, carried a bamboo basket, and followed him as they went to the court of the ruler. Addressing those who could restore Yanzi's position, he said: "Yanzi is a virtuous man in all under heaven; now that he has left Qi State, Qi will surely be invaded." Since I have foreseen the certainty of invasion for our state, it is better to die. Please allow me to offer my head as proof of Yanzi's innocence." He then said to his friend: "Place my head in the basket and present it on behalf of me." Then he withdrew and cut his own throat.
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| | 晏子乞北... : |
其友因奉託而謂復者曰：「此北郭子為國故死，吾將為北郭子死。」又退而自刎。景公聞之，大駭，乘馹而自追晏子，及之國郊，請而反之。晏子不得已而反，聞北郭子之以死白己也，太息而歎曰：「嬰之亡，豈不宜哉！亦愈不知士甚矣。」 |
| | His friend then presented the basket to those who could restore Yanzi and said: "This is Bei Guosao, who died for the sake of our state; I shall now die for Bei Guosao." He then withdrew and cut his own throat as well. King Jinggong heard of this, was greatly alarmed, and rode a fast horse to personally pursue Yanzi. He caught up with him at the outskirts of the state and begged him to return. Yanzi reluctantly returned, and upon hearing that Bei Guosao had died to prove his innocence, he sighed deeply and said: "Is it not fitting that I should have fled?" "I have indeed failed even more in understanding the worth of men."
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| | 高糾治晏... : |
高糾事晏子而見逐，高糾曰：「臣事夫子三年，無得，而卒見逐，其說何也？」 |
| | Gao Jiu served Yanzi and was expelled. Gao Jiu said, "For three years I have served my master without achieving anything, yet in the end I am expelled. What is the reason for this?"
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| | 高糾治晏... : |
晏子曰：「嬰之家俗有三，而子無一焉。」糾曰：「可得聞乎？」 |
| | Yanzi said, "My family has three customs, but you possess none of them." Jiu said, "May I hear what they are?"
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| | 高糾治晏... : |
晏子曰：「嬰之家俗，閒處從容不談議，則疏；出不相揚美，入不相削行，則不與；通國事無論，驕士慢知者，則不朝也。此三者，嬰之家俗，今子是無一焉。故嬰非特食餽之長也，是以辭。」 |
| | Yanzi said, "The customs of my family are as follows: if one remains at leisure and composed without engaging in discussion or debate, he is considered distant; when going out, not praising others' virtues, and when coming in, not criticizing others' conduct, one does not associate with them; those who are involved in national affairs yet do not speak of them, and those who look down upon learned men and act arrogantly toward the wise, are not received at court." These three things are my family's customs. Now you possess none of them. "Therefore, I am not merely the head who receives food gifts; that is why I dismissed you."
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| | 晏子居喪... : |
晏子居晏桓子之喪，麤衰，斬，苴絰帶，杖，菅屨，食粥，居倚廬，寢苫，枕草。其家老曰：「非大夫喪父之禮也。」 |
| | Yan Zi lived through the mourning period for Yan Huanzi, wearing coarse hemp clothing and a rough hemp robe with a torn hem. He wore a hemp sash, carried a staff, wore rush sandals, ate porridge, dwelled in a leaning hut, slept on straw mats, and used grass as his pillow. The elder of his household said: "This is not the proper mourning rites for a gentleman who has lost his father."
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| | 晏子居喪... : |
晏子曰：「唯卿為大夫。」曾子以聞孔子，孔子曰：「晏子可謂能遠害矣。不以己之是駁人之非，遜辭以避咎，義也夫！」 |
| | Yan Zi said, "Only ministers are addressed as 'daren' (gentlemen)." Zeng Zi reported this to Confucius. Confucius said, "Yan Zi can truly be called someone who is able to avoid harm." "He does not use his own correctness to refute others' faults, but uses humble words to avoid blame. This is indeed righteousness!"
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