At the age of thirty-four, Confucius traveled from Shandong to Luoyang to meet Laozi. This event is recorded in detail in The Family Sayings of Confucius. Confucius said to Nangong Jingshu: “I have heard that Laozi is versed in antiquity and the present, understands the origins of rites and music, and comprehends the essence of morality. He is my teacher. I wish to meet him.” Nangong replied: “I shall follow your wish.”

Nangong then petitioned the ruler of Lu, saying: “My father instructed me that Confucius is a descendant of sages and will one day be recognized by an enlightened ruler. He also told me to take him as my teacher. Now Confucius intends to go to Zhou to examine the institutions of former kings and investigate rites and music. This is a matter of great importance. Why not provide him with a carriage and horses? I request to accompany him.”

The ruler agreed and provided a carriage, two horses, and an attendant. After traveling for half a month, Confucius and Nangong reached the Zhou capital. Laozi, then eighty years old, served as Archivist of the Eastern Zhou, overseeing all royal texts and documents—a position of great authority and respect.

Confucius presented to Laozi a collection of folk poems he had painstakingly gathered. Laozi was overjoyed, praised Confucius’ achievement, and encouraged him to continue compiling both folk and aristocratic poetry.

Confucius asked Laozi about rites and toured sacrificial sites, examined the rules of the Bright Hall, and studied the institutions of ancestral temples and court rituals. He sighed: “Only now do I understand the sagacity of the Duke of Zhou and the reason Zhou ruled the world.”

In the Bright Hall, Confucius saw murals depicting Yao, Shun, Jie, and Zhou, illustrating virtue and vice, with inscriptions warning of national rise and decline. He also saw an image of the Duke of Zhou assisting King Cheng, standing with his back to a screen while receiving the feudal lords. Confucius said: “This is why Zhou flourished. A bright mirror reflects form; the past illuminates the present. If rulers neglect the path of stability and disregard impending danger, it is like walking backward while trying to overtake those ahead—how confused that is!”

In the Temple of Houji, Confucius saw bronze statues with sealed mouths and inscriptions warning against reckless speech and excess. After reading them, Confucius told his disciples: “Remember these words—they are sincere and trustworthy.” He quoted the Book of Poetry: “Be cautious, as if facing a deep abyss, as if treading on thin ice.”

When Confucius departed, Laozi escorted him and said: “The wealthy give gifts of wealth; the benevolent give gifts of words. Scholars today delight in criticizing others. Eloquence and exposure of others’ faults may endanger one’s life. Do not think only of yourself; as a minister, fulfill your duties completely.”

Confucius replied: “I will certainly follow your teachings.”

After returning to Lu, Confucius’ influence grew, and students came from afar. His disciples eventually numbered three thousand.

Confucius’ audience with Laozi fulfilled the greatest wish of his life. He and Nangong also toured the Zhou royal palace, visited the Temple of the Duke of Zhou, admired the architecture, heard various styles of music, and studied ritual and classical music, further deepening Confucius’ passion for learning.

Under Laozi’s guidance, Confucius also visited the Zhou imperial archive—equivalent to a national library—where he examined ancient texts.

The meeting of Confucius and Laozi became one of the greatest events in ancient Chinese history.

Appendix

Laozi: The Ideal State (Dao De Jing, Chapter 80)

“Let there be small states with few people.
Though there be tools for ten or a hundred men, let none be used.
Let the people value life and not migrate far.
Though there be boats and carriages, none ride them.
Though there be armor and weapons, none display them.
Let the people return to the use of knotted cords.
Let them savor their food, admire their clothing,
feel secure in their dwellings, and delight in their customs.
Neighboring states may see one another,
hear the sounds of cocks and dogs,
yet the people grow old and die without ever visiting one another.”

Appendix

Confucius: The Great Unity (Book of Rites, “Liyun”)

“When the Great Way prevails, the world is held in common.
The worthy and capable are chosen; trust and harmony are cultivated.
People care not only for their own parents nor love only their own children.
The elderly are cared for, the able employed,
the young nurtured, the widowed, orphaned, disabled, and ill supported.
Goods are not wasted, nor hoarded for oneself;
labor is not withheld, nor used solely for personal gain.
Schemes and theft disappear; doors remain open without being shut.
This is called the Great Unity.”

“The sage establishes standards, taking Heaven and Earth as the foundation,
yin and yang as the beginning, the four seasons as the handle,
and the sun and stars as the markers.”
— Family Sayings of Confucius, “Liyun”