On his way back from the State of Ye to the State of Cai, Confucius and his party needed to cross a river to reach Fuhan, but they did not know where the ferry was. Looking around, they saw Chang Ju and Jie Ni (two reclusive farmers) plowing side by side nearby. Believing them to be recluses, Confucius sent Zi Lu (his disciple) to get down from the carriage and ask them where the ferry was located.
Zi Lu first went up to Chang Ju (a reclusive farmer) and respectfully asked, "Sir, may I ask where the ferry crossing is?"
Chang Ju looked up at Zi Lu (a disciple of Confucius), glanced at Confucius and his disciples not far away, and instead of answering Zi Lu's question, asked back: "Who is that man sitting in the carriage?"
Zi Lu (a disciple of Confucius) replied, "It is Kong Qiu."
“Is that Kong Qiu from the State of Lu?”
"Exactly."
Chang Ju said, "He should know where the ferry is," implying a sarcastic remark that Confucius, who traveled through various states tirelessly, ought to be omniscient and thus aware of the ferry's location. Having said this, he continued with his work and ignored Zi Lu (Confucius's disciple) any further.
Zi Lu (a disciple of Confucius) then went to ask Jie Ni (a reclusive hermit), who also did not answer, instead asking Zi Lu: “Who are you?”
Zi Lu replied, "I am Zhong You, a disciple of Confucius from the State of Lu."
Jie Ni (a reclusive farmer) then advised him to change course, believing that the world had already fallen into complete decay of Li (Propriety) and was beyond saving—like a surging flood—so Confucius's attempt to reverse the trend was futile. Therefore, rather than following someone who flees from bad people, it would be better to follow recluses who flee from the entire society. Having said this, the two men lowered their heads and kept on plowing, refusing to pay any more attention to Zi Lu (a disciple of Confucius), and never telling him where the ferry was.
Zi Lu did not ask about the ferry crossing; instead, he returned and reported what he had heard to Confucius. After listening, Confucius sighed deeply and said, "We cannot live together with birds and beasts. Since we dwell among fellow human beings, if we do not engage with those in power to seek the well-being of the people, with whom shall we interact and for what purpose shall we strive? If the world were governed by the Dao (The Way), achieving political clarity and a life of peace and contentment for the people, then there would be no need for me to travel far and wide with you, persuading the rulers of various states in the hope of changing the world." He believed that escaping society and retreating into seclusion was no different from living with birds and beasts, which is not what a Junzi (Exemplary Person) should do; thus, one must only interact with human society. It is precisely because the world lacks the Dao today that he travels through the states seeking an enlightened ruler to transform the world; otherwise, he would not be so eager to participate in politics.
After Confucius said this, he drove the carriage himself along the riverbank downstream to look for a ferry crossing. The disciples followed the carriage, walking behind in twos and threes. The young man from the State of Chen, who had gone with Zi Lu (a disciple known for his bravery) to ask for directions, asked Zi Lu: "Just now, Chang Ju (a reclusive farmer) said that your teacher should know where the ferry crossing is. What did he mean by that?"
Zi Lu said, "That man was mocking our teacher for not knowing everything. Having traveled far and wide for many years, he should be very familiar with the terrain everywhere—how could he not know where the ferry is?"
Zi Gong took over from Zi Lu (a brave and impulsive disciple) and said, "Chang Ju's mention of a ferry crossing also implies there is a way out in life. He was mocking our teacher for not knowing how to retreat and preserve himself in such chaotic times, instead running into obstacles everywhere and asking for trouble. But if he had retreated to preserve himself, could the Master still be the Master? It is precisely because he does not do so that he is the Master."
Several disciples were walking and talking as they went, and soon the group found a ferry crossing downstream.