The Execution of Shao Zheng Mao
After being appointed Minister of Justice, Confucius was entrusted by Ji Sun Si, a powerful minister of the Lu state, to act as the prime minister. On the seventh day of his administration, he executed the senior official Shao Zheng Mao on charges of disrupting governance. Confucius’s disciples could not understand why he had done so, and Zigong could not help but confront his teacher, saying, “Shao Zheng Mao was a renowned figure in Lu. You executed him as soon as you assumed power. Surely, this was not a mistake?” Confucius was not angered by Zigong’s challenge. Instead, he motioned for Zigong to sit and said, “Take a seat, and I will explain in detail. There are five reprehensible traits in a person: first, being knowledgeable yet harbouring malicious intent; second, behaving perversely and remaining obstinate; third, being eloquent yet hypocritical and deceitful; fourth, being widely learned but focusing on spreading vile information to mislead people; fifth, condoning and embellishing wrongful actions. If a person possesses even one of these five traits, they deserve punishment by a noble person. Shao Zheng Mao embodied all five of these evils. His presence alone attracted many followers, his words were enough to shield wickedness and confuse the masses, and his domineering nature could distort right and wrong and establish a sect. He was a cunning villain among petty individuals, and he had to be executed. In the past, King Tang of Shang executed Yin Xie, King Wen of Zhou executed Pan Zhi, the Duke of Zhou executed Guan Shu, Jiang Ziya executed Hua Shi, Guan Zhong executed Fu Liyi, and Zichan executed Deng Xi and Shi Fu. Though these seven men lived in different eras, they shared the same wicked nature and had to be executed.” After providing these historical precedents, Confucius further cited classical texts: “The Book of Songs says, ‘My heart is filled with sorrow, / I am hated by the crowd of mean men.’ When petty individuals form factions, it becomes a cause for concern.”
Although Shao Zheng Mao’s teachings have not been passed down, scattered historical records indicate that he was a well-known figure in Lu at the time. Like Confucius, he established a private school and attracted disciples, but their ideologies were at odds. Shao Zheng Mao was a man of considerable talent— articulate, persuasive, and knowledgeable. His influence was such that he repeatedly drew Confucius’s disciples away to attend his lectures, causing Confucius’s school to lose followers three times. Only Yan Hui remained steadfast.
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