人言可畏 — “Refers to the formidable power of rumors”

The idiom "Ren Yan Ke Wei" (fear of incurring gossip) is often associated with the formidable power of public opinion. Although its modern usage differs from the direct source, the story provided for context originates from "Zuo Zhuan, Duke Xiang's 31st Year," where Zichan said: "People's hearts are as varied as their faces; how could I dare to say your face is like mine?"

During the Spring and Autumn Period, Zipi, a high official of the State of Zheng, intended to appoint Yinhe, a junior servant from his own household, as the administrator of his fief. Yinhe lacked the experience and capability to manage such a large territory, and many believed he was unfit for the position.

Zipi sought the opinion of Zichan, who assisted him in governance. Zichan said, "Yinhe is young; I'm afraid he might not be capable." Zipi disagreed, saying, "Yinhe is cautious and honest, and I like him very much. He won't betray me. Although he lacks experience, he can learn. With enough time, he will understand the principles of governance."

Zichan objected, "That won't do. When one cares for another person, one always hopes for their benefit. Now you care for someone, yet you entrust such an important matter to him. This is like asking someone who cannot wield a knife to cut something; it will cause great harm to that person. If so, who would dare to seek your protection in the future?"

Zichan then sincerely added, "You are the pillar of Zheng. If the main beam of the house breaks, won't we who live in it also suffer? To give another example, if you have a piece of exquisite and beautiful brocade, you would never entrust it to someone who cannot tailor clothes to learn to make garments, because you would fear spoiling the brocade."

At this point, Zichan brought the conversation to the main topic: "High offices and large territories are meant to safeguard the interests of the common people. They are far more important than that exquisite brocade. You are reluctant to give brocade to an unskilled tailor, so why would you entrust high offices and large territories to someone without any experience to hold and manage? Isn't your action valuing the brocade more than high offices and large territories? I have also never heard of learning to be an official by first becoming one."

Seeing Zipi nodding, Zichan pressed on, "Let's take hunting as an example. If a person can't even drive a chariot or shoot a bow and arrow, how can they hunt wild beasts? They would likely overturn the chariot before catching any. Managing state affairs is the same. One must learn before governing, not govern before learning. Forcing it this way will inevitably lead to significant losses."

Zipi listened to Zichan's words, nodding repeatedly and saying, "You are absolutely right; I was so foolish. Clothes are worn on my own body, so I know to be careful in choosing a tailor. But high offices and large territories concern the interests of the people, and I treated them so lightly. I was truly shortsighted!" Saying this, Zipi bowed to Zichan, then added, "If not for your reminder, I would not have known my own folly. I remember saying before that you govern Zheng, and I only manage my household affairs, which is enough to secure my well-being. I now ask you to even oversee my household matters from now on!"

Zichan shook his head repeatedly and said, "People's hearts are as varied as their faces; how could I dare to say your face is like mine? I truly feel that what you are doing is dangerous, so I told you the truth." Zichan's implied meaning was that his thoughts might not necessarily align with Zipi's.

Zipi felt that Zichan was extremely loyal to the state, so he fully entrusted him with governmental affairs. Later, Zichan managed the State of Zheng, making it prosperous and strong.