**[Explanation]**
* *Ting* (庭): courtyard.
* *Kang li* (抗礼): to exchange equal courtesies.
Originally, this phrase described guests and hosts standing on opposite sides of a courtyard, facing each other and performing formal bows. Today, it is used metaphorically to describe an equal relationship where two parties stand on equal footing.
**[Source]**
*Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of Merchants* by Sima Qian: "Zigong traveled in a chariot drawn by four horses, carrying bolts of silk as gifts to visit and entertain the feudal lords. Wherever he went, no ruler failed to stand on equal footing with him in the courtyard to exchange courtesies. The reason Confucius's name became renowned throughout the world was because of Zigong's support before and behind him. Is this not what is meant by gaining advantage from circumstances, thus making one's fame shine even brighter?"
*Explanation:* Instead of traveling humbly, Zigong rode in a grand four-horse chariot, carrying lavish gifts of silk to visit and present to the feudal lords. Wherever he went, the rulers treated him with the equal rites of host and guest, not the inferior rites of subject to sovereign. The reason Confucius achieved such widespread fame was due to Zigong's support and promotion. This is what is meant by gaining momentum from favorable circumstances, thereby enhancing one's reputation.
**[The Story]**
During the Spring and Autumn period, in the state of Lu, there lived a man named Kong Qiu (Kongzi), of the Zi family, Kong clan, styled Zhongni. He was the founder of the Confucian school of thought. Kongzi pioneered private teaching and advocated the virtues of benevolence (ren), righteousness (yi), propriety (li), wisdom (zhi), and trustworthiness (xin). He had three thousand disciples, among whom seventy-two were considered virtuous.
Kongzi often discussed questions with his disciples. One day, while resting in a grove with his disciples, the students were reading, while Kongzi played the *qin* (a zither-like instrument) alone. Before he finished a piece, a boat docked on the nearby riverbank. An old fisherman, his beard and eyebrows completely white, walked ashore and sat at the other end of the grove, listening intently to Kongzi's music.
After Kongzi finished playing, the fisherman beckoned to the disciples Zigong and Zilu, asking, "Who is that old man playing the instrument?" Zilu answered loudly, "He is our master, Confucius, the noble man of Lu!" Zigong added, "He is the Sage Confucius, renowned for his loyalty, trustworthiness, benevolence, and righteousness throughout the various states." The fisherman smiled slightly and said, "I fear he has lost his true nature through danger, and practices benevolence one-sidedly."
Having spoken, the fisherman turned and walked back towards the river. Zigong hurriedly reported the fisherman's words to Kongzi. Upon hearing this, Kongzi immediately put down his *qin*, sprang to his feet in surprise and delight, exclaiming, "This man is a sage! Hurry, go after him!" Kongzi quickly ran to the riverbank, but the fisherman was already preparing to push his boat off. Kongzi respectfully bowed to him twice and said, "I have been studying since childhood, and now I am sixty-nine years old. I have never heard profound teachings like these. How could I not humbly ask for your guidance?" The fisherman did not stand on ceremony; he stepped down from the boat and told Kongzi, "The 'True' means sincerity and authenticity. Without sincerity and authenticity, one cannot move others. Therefore, one who forces tears may sound sad but lacks true grief; one who forces anger may seem stern but lacks true awe; one who forces affection may smile but lacks true harmony. True grief is felt deeply even without sound; true anger is awe-inspiring even when not expressed; true affection is warm even without a smile. When the true exists within, the spirit moves outward. This is why the 'True' is so precious. Applied to human relationships, it means filial piety and kindness when serving parents, loyalty and integrity when serving a ruler, joy when drinking, and sorrow when in mourning." Kongzi listened with great enlightenment, nodding continuously.
Finally, Kongzi humbly said to the fisherman, "Meeting you, sir, is truly my fortune. I wish to become your student and receive your teachings. Could you please tell me where you live?" The fisherman did not tell him his dwelling. Instead, he jumped into his small boat and rowed away alone. At that moment, Yan Hui had already brought the carriage over, and Zilu handed the reins to Kongzi, but Kongzi paid no attention. He stared intently at the fisherman's boat, watching until he could no longer see its silhouette or hear the sound of the oars, before climbing into the carriage with a sigh of regret.
Zilu, unable to understand his master's extraordinary behavior, asked beside the carriage, "I have been driving for you for a long time, and I have never seen anyone as arrogant as this fisherman. Even when emperors or feudal lords meet you, they treat you with mutual courtesy and equal respect, and you still carry a certain dignity yourself! But today, this fisherman stood there carelessly, leaning on his pole, while you bowed your back and performed formal bows before speaking. Isn't that going too far? All of us disciples find your actions strange: how can you be so respectful to a fisherman?"
Kongzi, displeased by Zilu's words, leaned on the carriage rail and sighed, "Ah, Zilu, you are truly difficult to educate. Your vulgar and clumsy heart has not changed to this day! Come closer, let me tell you: To fail to respect the elderly is a breach of propriety; to fail to honor a worthy person is unkind. Unkindness and lack of love are the root of disaster. This fisherman today is a worthy man who understands the Way. How could I not show him respect?"