Book VI 3

1 Tsze-hwa being employed on a mission to Ch’i, the disciple Zan requested grain for his mother. The Master said, ‘Give her a fu.’ Yen requested more. ‘Give her an yu,’ said the Master. Yen gave her five ping.

2 The Master said, ‘When Ch’ih was proceeding to Ch’i, he had fat horses to his carriage, and wore light furs. I have heard that a superior man helps the distressed, but does not add to the wealth of the rich.’

3 Yuan Sze being made governor of his town by the Master, he gave him nine hundred measures of grain, but Sze declined them.

4 The Master said, ‘Do not decline them. May you not give them away in the neighborhoods, hamlets, towns, and villages?’