There is the following traditional story: When Duke Wên of
Chin had returned to his state from exile, he thrice gave out
rewards, but none reached T`ao Shu-hu.[2]
T`ao Shu-hu said to Uncle Fan,[3]
"I followed [our prince][4]
into
exile for eleven years until my complexion was burnt black and
my hands and feet were [covered with] calluses. Now he has
returned to his state and thrice has given out rewards, but nothing
to me. Is it that the prince has forgotten me? Or am I greatly
to blame? Would you try speaking on my behalf?"
Uncle Fan spoke about it to Duke Wên, who said, "Eh, how
could it be that I have forgotten this man? Those who were
greatly enlightened and most worthy, whose minds and conduct
were perfect,[5]
who soothed me with the True Way and persuaded
me with jên, who changed my conduct and made bright my
[fame],[6]
making me an accomplished person, to these I gave the
highest reward. Those who treated me with respect according
to the rites (li), who protected me with i, who guarded and assisted
me so that I did not commit faults, to these I gave the next highest
[reward]. Those who were brave, strong, and martial, who were
forward and self-reliant, who, when there was trouble in front,
placed themselves in front, and when the trouble was in the rear,
placed themselves in the rear, rescuing me out of danger and
difficulty, to these I gave the next highest [reward]. After them I
put the gentlemen who [merely] endured hardship."[7]
The Ode
says,[8]
He [himself] followed the rules of conduct without
error;
And then he saw that they were put into practice.
Now if one does not internally reflect on his own faults, he will
not please the people; so what reward will there be for him?
[9]
