By then, Confucius could truly be called renowned throughout the world. No one was ignorant of his virtue, no one was ignorant of his learning, and countless people respectfully called him Master.
His Way of the King simply did not accord with the rulers of the various states' desire for hegemony. Yet he accepted disciples widely and taught without distinction, so many outstanding talents among his disciples held office in the various states. In particular, Qingji, Marquis of Wu, could also be counted among his disciples, which gave him considerable prestige throughout the world.
Compared with Confucius's active engagement in worldly affairs, Laozi possessed a composure that would remain unshaken even if the sky collapsed. Those willing to learn attended his discourses on time; those unwilling were not compelled.
Confucius had spent many years at the Academy of Luo State. Especially as Laozi gradually withdrew, he had continued serving as the Academy's Libationer and could be said to have received great kindness from the Luo Clan.
Seeing Confucius arrive, Luo Ci forced himself upright and saluted. "Lord Zhongni, I have a favor to ask, so I troubled the Crown Prince to invite you here."
Confucius hurriedly returned the salute. "You are too kind, my lord. It is thanks to your care over these years that my disciples have flourished. Whatever the matter, please tell me."
As though recalling something, Luo Ci slowly said, "You know that among the Luo Clan's classics is a book called the Spring and Autumn Annals of Luo Palace, written by our ancestor Duke Ming."
Confucius grew somewhat excited. The sage he revered most was the Sage King. The classics the Sage King had written were exquisite and vast, but exceedingly complex. The person whose works he studied most was instead Luo Xiu, Lord Ming of