Page "Confucius" Paragraph 12

Earlier, Gongshan had approached Confucius to join him, which Confucius considered at first.

Even though he disapproved the use of a violent revolution, the Ji family dominated the Lu state by force for generations and had exiled the previous duke.

Although he wanted the opportunity to put his principles in practice, Confucius gave up on this idea in the end.

states that, unlike the rebel Yang Hu before him, Gongshan may have sought to destroy the three hereditary families and restore the power of the duke.

However, states that he was instigated by Viscount Ji Huan to invade the Lu capital in an attempt to avoid dismanteling the Bi fortified walls.

Whatever the situation may have been, Gongshan was considered an upright man who continued to defend the state of Lu, even after he was forced to flee.

According to, the attackers retreated after realizing that they would have to become rebels against the state and against their own lord.

If so, according to, this incident resulted that the Bi officials inadvertently revolted against their own lord through Confucius ' doing, thus forcing Viscount Ji Huan's hand in having to dismantle the walls of Bi ( as it could have harbored such rebels ) or confess to instigating the event by going against proper conduct and righteousness as an official.

He further states that the incident brought to light Confucius ' foresight, practical political ability, and insight into human character.