Confucius said, "Governance lies in selecting ministers." Duke Ai of Lu asked Confucius to explain in detail. Confucius said, "Since ancient times, there have been countless examples of states prospering by employing virtuous officials and declining by employing sycophants. Shun had five virtuous ministers, and the world was well-governed. King Wu of Zhou had nine capable ministers, thereby founding the Ji clan's rule over the realm."
Duke Ai of Lu (ruler of the State of Lu) then asked, "How can I make the people submit to the government's decrees?" Confucius replied, "Promote the upright and place them above the crooked, and the people will submit; promote the crooked and place them above the upright, and the people will not submit."
He further used analogies, saying: "A ruler holds the power of the state and stands above the people, yet it is as perilous as driving a galloping horse with a rotten rope. The I Ching (Book of Changes) says, 'Treading on a tiger's tail,' and the Classic of Poetry (Shijing) says, 'As if treading on thin ice'—is this not dangerous?" Duke Ai repeatedly bowed in gratitude to Confucius and said, "Though I am not wise, I will consider these words of yours."
Duke Ai of Lu wanted to employ Confucius, but was unable to fulfill his wish due to obstruction from conservative forces. Although he did not employ Confucius, he still admired Confucius's political acumen, and thereafter treated Confucius with the respect due to an elder statesman. In this way, Confucius had the time and energy to pursue scholarship, teach, and further organize ancient cultural heritage.