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21[1]

The correct and upright act in accordance with the True Way
and speak in accordance with right principles. They are just and
unselfish, not relaxing their determination for the sake of peace
or altering[2] their conduct to escape danger.

Of old Duke Hsien of Wei fled his country. [Later] he returned
to Wei and had reached the suburbs of the capital, where he was
about to distribute fiefs before entering the city to those who
had accompanied him [into exile]. The T`ai-shih Liu Chuang said,
"If everyone had [stayed behind] to look after the altars to earth
and grain, then who would there have been to serve you in your
exile?[3] And if everyone had followed you, then who would have
looked after the altars to earth and grain? Is it right that Your
Highness should be partial on being restored to your state?"
Whereupon [Duke Hsien] did not distribute [fiefs]. Liu Chuang
was correct.

Of old when the Recorder Yü,[4] a Great Officer of Wei, was
sick and on the point of death, he said to his son, "I have frequently
spoken of Ch`ü Po-yü's[5] worth without being able to get
him advanced, and of the unworthiness of Mi Tzŭ-hsia without
being able to get him retired. Now if during his life a minister is
unable to advance the worthy and retire the unworthy, it is not
fitting that mourning should be conducted for him in the main hall
after his death. It is enough to bury me in a [secondary][6] hall."

When the Prince of Wei [came to offer condolences][7] and asked
why [the burial had been so conducted], the son reported his
father's words. The prince quickly summoned Ch`ü Po-yü and
granted him honors, and retired Mi Tzŭ-hsia. Before he left he had
the [place of] burial moved to the main hall with full rites. To
remonstrate in person during life and to remonstrate through the
corpse in death—[such conduct] may be termed upright.

The Ode says,[8]