One autumn when Confucius was sixty years old, Ji Huanzi (the powerful minister of the State of Lu) fell gravely ill. After lying in bed for many days, he had himself carried out in a sedan chair for fresh air. Sitting in the sedan chair, Ji Huanzi saw the walls of the capital city of Lu in the distance and, recalling how Confucius had once ordered the dismantling of the three city walls, sighed and said, "Our state could have flourished earlier, but because I offended Confucius, Lu failed to become strong." Turning to his son and heir, Ji Kangzi, who was following the sedan chair, he said, "I will not live much longer. After I die, you will become the chief minister of Lu. At that time, you must invite Confucius back from abroad."
A few days later, Ji Huanzi died of illness. Ji Kangzi succeeded his father in governing the State of Lu. Following his father's dying wishes, Ji Kangzi intended to recall Confucius to Lu, but a household retainer named Gong Zhiyu advised against it, saying: "In the past, our former lord failed to employ Confucius to the fullest, becoming a laughingstock among the feudal lords. If you employ him now but again fail to see it through, will you not invite even more ridicule from the lords? It would be more appropriate to summon some capable disciples from Confucius's school to serve." Ji Kangzi, uncertain about whether he could fully employ Confucius, abandoned the idea of bringing him back. Following Gong Zhiyu's advice, he sent an envoy to the State of Chen to recruit Ran Qiu (a disciple of Confucius). Confucius foresaw that Ran Qiu would be greatly employed by the Ji family, which stirred his own homesickness. He sighed: "Let me return! Let me return! The young men of my hometown are ambitious and accomplished in their writings, but I do not know how to guide them." Having wandered abroad for six years, Confucius wished to return and instruct these talented and aspiring young men of his hometown. Zi Gong (a perceptive disciple), understanding Confucius's thoughts, advised Ran Qiu as he departed: if he gained significant position upon returning to Lu, he must arrange for Confucius to be recalled.