Gongxi Chi (509 BCE-?), also known by his courtesy name Zihua and commonly called Gongxi Hua, was from the State of Lu and was forty-two years younger than Confucius. He is mentioned five times in The Analects. With an impressive appearance and the demeanor of a modest Junzi (Exemplary Person), he once described his aspiration as "willing to diligently study all kinds of affairs, and in ancestral temple ceremonies or alliance meetings with other states, to wear formal robes and a ceremonial cap, serving as an assistant in charge of rituals."
The Analects, Book VI (Yong Ye) records: Gongxi Hua (a disciple of Confucius) was sent on a mission to the State of Qi. Ran You (another disciple) asked Confucius for grain for Gongxi Hua's mother. Confucius agreed to give her six dou and four sheng (approximately 64 liters). However, Ran You gave her eighty shi (approximately 6,400 liters). When Confucius learned of this, he said: "When Gongxi Hua went to Qi, he rode well-fed horses and wore light furs. I have heard that the Junzi (Exemplary Person) helps the needy, not the wealthy." This shows that Gongxi Hua was relatively well-off.
Among Confucius's disciples, he was renowned for his expertise in sacrificial rites and guest rituals, as well as his skill in social interaction. The "Da Dai Li: Wei Jiangjun Wenzi" records: "Zi Gong (a wealthy merchant and eloquent disciple) said: 'His aspirations are penetrating and he delights in Li (Propriety); in managing the reception ceremonies between two rulers, he is dignified and refined, fully possessing ritual conduct. This is the conduct of Gongxi Chi.' Confucius said: 'The three hundred rules of ceremony can be learned with effort, but the three thousand rules of conduct are difficult to master.' Gongxi Chi asked: 'What does this mean?' Confucius replied: 'One's countenance must accord with ritual propriety, and ritual propriety must accord with one's words. This is what it means.' When Confucius spoke of him to others, he said: 'When it comes to matters of hosting guests, he is thoroughly versed.' He told his disciples: 'You who wish to learn the rites of receiving guests, go to Chi.'" Gongxihua was also highly skilled in matters of ancestral temple sacrifices. The Analects (Book XI: Xian Jin) records that when the disciples were attending Confucius and each spoke of their aspirations, Gongxi Chi said: "I do not claim that I am capable, but I wish to learn. In matters of the ancestral temple, such as diplomatic gatherings, I would don the ceremonial cap and robe and wish to serve as a minor assistant." His words revealed the demeanor of a modest Junzi (Exemplary Person), prompting Confucius to praise him: "What are matters of the ancestral temple and diplomatic gatherings if not the affairs of feudal lords? If Chi serves as a minor assistant in these, who could serve as a major one?"