During the reign of Lu Aigong, Ran You, as the general of the Ji clan, led the army to fight against the Qi state and defeated the Qi army at Langyi. Ji Kangzi expressed his appreciation for Ran's military talent and asked how he had earned it. Ran You replied that he had learned it from Confucius. Ji Kangzi further asked Confucius what kind of person he was, and Ran You replied that Confucius was a very talented person, and that he should be appointed in accordance with his reputation; He will be proclaimed among the people, and even the spirits will not be dissatisfied with him. Ran You also emphasized that even if he could get a reward from the Thousand Society, even if he could get a reward from the Thousand Society, the teacher would not covet such benefits.
Ji Kangzi admired Confucius's talent very much and wanted to summon Confucius. Ran You reminded him that if he wanted to summon Confucius, he should not restrict him like he did with villains, and that would be fine. At the same time, Confucius Wenzi, who was defending the country, planned to lead his troops to attack Uncle Taifu and asked Confucius for a strategy. Confucius said that he did not know, and after exiting, he ordered to prepare the carriage and leave immediately. Confucius resolutely retained him, but Confucius believed that Confucius could not keep him, and he thought: "The bird can choose which tree to perch on, and how can the tree choose the bird?" Later, Ji Kangzi expelled Gonghua, Gongbin, and Gonglin, and came to greet Confucius with gifts, and Confucius returned to Lu. Confucius left the state of Lu for a total of fourteen years before returning to the state of Lu.
Lu Aigong asked Confucius about the method of governance, and Confucius replied that the key to government was to choose courtiers. Ji Kangzi asked Confucius about the method of governance, and Confucius said that if you recommend upright people and place them above those who are not right-minded, those who are not right-minded will become upright. Ji Kangzi was very worried about thieves, and Confucius said that as long as you are not greedy, even if you reward them, they will not steal. However, in the end, the state of Lu failed to appoint Confucius, and Confucius did not seek official positions.
Commentary: Through the dialogue between Confucius and his student Ran You, Confucius's political wisdom and moral concepts are displayed, and the importance of integrity, honor, and the appointment of virtuous ministers is emphasized in governing the country. At the same time, it also reflects that Confucius was not fully recognized and had the opportunity to display his talents in the political environment of the time.
Recorded in 202402.18.