lǐ礼shàng尚wǎng往lái来
Courtesy demands reciprocity; to return a favor for a favor.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, Confucius taught his disciples at home, attracting the attention of Duke Ding of Lu, who often invited him to lecture in the palace.
Yang Hu, the chief steward of the Ji family, went specifically to visit Confucius, but Confucius excused himself and did not meet him.
One day, Yang Hu left a roasted suckling pig for Confucius, knowing that Confucius greatly valued the principle of 'courtesy demands reciprocity.' As expected, Confucius eventually paid a return visit to Yang Hu.