by 歐修梅
The story comes from Records of the Grand Historian: The House of Confucius
Lord Jing of Qi sought counsel from Confucius on governance. Confucius replied, "Let kings be kings, ministers be ministers, fathers be fathers, sons be sons.”
Lord Jing responded, “Wonderful! For if the king is not as a king should be, the minister not as a minister should be, the father not as a father should be, and the son not as a son should be, even though there may be grain in the granary, how would I possibly enjoy it?”
On another day, Lord Jing again inquired Confucius about the principles of governance. Confucius said, “Good governance lies in frugality.” Pleased, Lord Jing considered bestowing upon Confucius the lands of Ni Creek.
This story took place during Confucius’ middle years, a period when the State of Lu was plagued by civil warfare. Lord Zhao of Lu was defeated by the three most powerful families in the state and fled to the State of Qi. Confucius also left Lu and traveled to Qi, where he had the opportunity to meet Lord Jing of Qi.
Lord Jing of Qi consulted Confucius on the principles of ruling a country. Confucius advised, “Let kings be kings, ministers be ministers, fathers be fathers, and sons be sons.” In other words, kings should act like kings, ministers should act like ministers, fathers should act like fathers, and sons should act like sons.
Lord Jing of Qi replied, “Well said! If kings do not act like kings, ministers do not act like ministers, fathers do not act like fathers, and sons do not act like sons, even there is plenty of grain in the warehouse, how will I ever get to enjoy it?”
A few days after, Lord Jing of Qi consulted Confucius again about the principles of ruling a country. Confucius advised, “Be mindful of conserving financial resources when ruling a country.” Lord Jing of Qi was delighted by this advice and wished to bestow a piece of land near Ni Creek to Confucius.
Pitifully, the plan was thwarted due to the intervention of Yan Ying.
This painting depicts the audience between Lord Jing of Qi and Confucius. The scene is set in the wilderness beneath a pine tree. The lord is accompanied by two guards, one holding an umbrella and the other a lamp. Confucius is positioned slightly lower. The lord and his esteemed guest are shown bowing to each other in mutual respect.
