Chan Ch’ǎng murdered the Duke Chien of Ch’î.
Confucius bathed, went to court, and informed the duke Âi, saying, “Chan Hang has slain his sovereign. I beg that you will undertake to punish him.”
The duke said, “Inform the chiefs of the three families of it.”
Confucius retired, and said, “Following in the rear of the great officers, I did not dare not to represent such a matter, and my prince says, ‘Inform the chiefs of the three families of it.’ ”
He went to the chiefs, and informed them, but they would not act. Confucius then said, “Following in the rear of the great officers, I did not dare not to represent such a matter.”