Book 6
6.1
The Master said, Yong may be permitted to sit facing south.
6.2
Zhonggong asked about Zisang Bozi. The Master said, "He was satisfactory; his style was simple."
Zhonggong said, "To be attentively respectful when interacting at home but simple in conduct when approaching one's people is indeed satisfactory. But is not being simple both at home and in conduct abroad to be too simple?"
The Master said, "Yong's words are correct."
6.3
Duke Ai asked which of the disciples loved learning. The Master said, "There was Yan Hui who loved learning. He never shifted his anger, never repeated his errors. Unfortunately, his life was short and he died. Now there is none. I have not heard of another who loves learning."
6.4
Zihua was dispatched on a mission to Qi. Ranzi asked for an allotment of grain to provide his mother. The Master said, "Give her six measures."
Ranzi asked for more.
"Give her nine measures."
Ranzi gave her twenty-five measures. The Master said, "When Chi traveled
to Qi, he rode a sleek horse and wore a fine fur jacket. I have heard it said, 'The junzi attends to the needy; he does not enrich the wealthy.'"
6.5
Yuan Si acted as steward of the Master's household. The Master set his salary at nine hundred measures. Yuan Si declined. The Master said, "No, you can give it to your neighbors and townsmen."
6.6
The Master characterized Zhonggong thus: If the calf of a plough ox has a sorrel coat and fine horns, though one wished not to sacrifice it, would the spirits of the mountains and rivers forego it?
6.7
The Master said, Hui would go three months without his heart ever departing from ren. As for the others, their hearts merely come upon ren from time to time.
6.8
Ji Kangzi asked, "Cannot Zhong Yóu be appointed to government position?"
The Master said, "Yóu is resolute. What difficulty would he have in govern-
ance?""Cannot Si be appointed to government position?"
The Master said, "Si has understanding. What difficulty would he have in governance?"
"Cannot Qiu be appointed to government position?"
The Master said, "Qiu is accomplished in arts. What difficulty would he have in governance?"
6.9
The Ji family sent word appointing Min Ziqian as the steward of Bi. Min Ziqian said, "Make a good excuse for me. If they send for me again, I will surely be found north of the River Wen."
6.10
Boniu fell ill. The Master called upon him, grasping Boniu's hand through the window. He said, "There is nothing for it! It is fated. Yet for such a man to have such an illness! For such a man to have such an illness!"