It indicates a kind of reasonableness, or a reasonable thing, reasonable behavior, and reasonable state.
In Confucius's philosophical system, Yi (Righteousness) is a concept representing reasonableness, or the highest basis for people's social conduct. The saying "Yi means what is appropriate" conveys this meaning. Confucius said, "The Junzi (Exemplary Person) has no predispositions for or against anything in the world; he aligns with what is Yi (righteous)" (The Analects, Book 4, Chapter 10). This means that the Junzi has no fixed rules for worldly affairs; everything is guided by whether it is reasonable, with reasonableness being the supreme principle for all conduct. So, what constitutes reasonableness? Confucius did not explicitly discuss this, but from the logical relationships within his entire philosophical system, things and actions that conform to Li (Propriety) are reasonable. Confucius stated, "Li (Propriety) is used to enact Yi (Righteousness); Yi is used to generate benefit; benefit is used to pacify the people" (Zuo Zhuan, 2nd Year of Duke Cheng), demonstrating the close connection between Li and Yi.
Confucius believed that as an ideal personality, the Junzi (Exemplary Person) must take the principle of rationality as the highest basis for conduct. Therefore, the Junzi must have a clear understanding of what is reasonable: "The Junzi understands Yi (Righteousness); the Xiaoren (Petty Person) understands profit" (The Analects, Book 4, Chapter 16) expresses this meaning. On various occasions, he repeatedly pointed out that a key way for a person to elevate their moral level and enhance their ability to distinguish right from wrong is to clearly recognize what is reasonable—what is "Yi"—and strive to make their own conduct conform to the requirements of "Yi." For example, when Zi Zhang (a disciple of Confucius) asked about elevating virtue and discerning confusion, Confucius replied: "Hold loyalty and Xin (Trustworthiness) as primary, and move toward Yi—this is elevating virtue" (The Analects, Book 12, Chapter 10). The so-called "moving toward Yi" means taking Yi as the central focus and following Yi exclusively. Therefore, when people see or encounter something reasonable—"Yi"—they should bravely act upon it, which is called "acting bravely for what is right." As for unreasonable and unrighteous matters and things, one must never do them or pursue them, and one must never accept unrighteous wealth. Confucius said, "Wealth and honor obtained through unrighteousness are like floating clouds to me," expressing his firm stance and attitude toward Yi.
In Confucius's philosophical system, Yi (Righteousness) also refers to a reasonable means and method, particularly appropriate and suitable measures taken by those in governance. For example, Confucius once evaluated Zi Chan (a renowned statesman of Zheng State), saying he "was respectful in his conduct, reverent in serving his superiors, generous in nourishing the people, and righteous in employing them" (The Analects, Book V, Gongye Chang). Here, "righteous" indicates a reasonable and appropriate political measure. Similarly, Confucius stated: "When those above love Li (Propriety), the people dare not be disrespectful; when those above love Yi (Righteousness), the people dare not be disobedient; when those above love Xin (Trustworthiness), the people dare not be insincere" (The Analects, Book XIII, Zilu). "When those above love Yi" means the ruler's own conduct is reasonable and their demeanor upright—that is, "when those above are upright, orders are carried out without being issued; when those above are not upright, though orders are given, they are not followed" (same text). Therefore, "when those above love Yi, the people dare not be disobedient."
“Yi (Righteousness)” also denotes a reasonable social order. For instance, when Fan Chi (a disciple of Confucius) asked about wisdom, Confucius replied: “To devote oneself to what is proper for the people, to respect the ghosts and spirits while keeping them at a distance—this may be called wisdom” (The Analects, Book Six). This means that a wise ruler’s primary task is to guide the people toward a reasonable social state. Such a state involves enabling the population to thrive and multiply, ensuring their lives are prosperous, and then providing them with cultural knowledge—namely, “to increase the population, to enrich them, and to educate them” (The Analects, Book Thirteen).