Confucius's great name had long spread far and wide during his travels through the states.
King Ling of Shang was more than willing to meet this Great Sage with his unique ideas.
The two met.
They spoke for a long time.
No one knew what they discussed.
In the end, Confucius walked out of the Shang royal palace alone.
"Though King Ling wishes to restore the Shang Dynasty's former glory, his own talents and learning are lacking. He preserves what remains without action, with no measures for revival."
"In such circumstances, restoring the Shang Dynasty's rule is simply harder than climbing to Heaven."
Confucius sighed.
Having seen the Shang Dynasty as it was now, Confucius no longer held any hope for it.
"According to what I learned, the Historian of the Imperial Library in the royal capital is a man of vast learning, well versed in rites and music."
Confucius thought to himself.
He had come to the Shang royal capital for two reasons.
First, he was Traveling the states, and the Shang Dynasty was one of the places he intended to visit.
Second, Confucius had always greatly admired and been interested in the ancient Shang rites. Thus, he had come to this final capital of the Shang Dynasty to broaden his horizons and learn from it.
According to his inquiries, the Historian of the Imperial Library was a man of vast learning and mastery of rites and music. Confucius wished to discuss Shang ritual culture with him.
Led by a palace attendant, Confucius arrived at the Imperial Library and met its Historian—Laozi.
"What are you looking at?"
When the two met, the scene fell silent for a moment.
In the end, Confucius was the first to break the silence.
Laozi froze for a moment before replying blandly, "I wasn't