The Place Where Confucius Turned His Chariot Around

The Place Where Confucius Turned His Chariot Around

In Sanjiaotang Village, 11 li north of Boping Town, Chiping County, there stands a stone stele from the Qing Dynasty. On its front are five large characters, each 20 cm square, reading “The Place Where Confucius Turned His Chariot Around” in regular script relief. The inscription above reads, “Re-erected on an auspicious day in the summer of the 13th year of Qianlong, Qing Dynasty,” while no name of the person who erected the stele is visible at the bottom, possibly due to damage over time. The stele measures 170×67×19 cm.

According to historical records, in 492 BC, summoned by Zhao Jianzi, Confucius was traveling from the State of Wei to enter the State of Jin. When he reached the Yellow River and heard that Zhao Jianzi had executed Dou Mingdu and Shunhua, he stopped by the river and sighed, “How beautiful is this water, flowing so vast and mighty. I cannot cross it—this must be fate.” Zigong moved forward and asked, “May I ask what you mean?” Confucius replied, “Dou Mingdu and Shunhua were virtuous ministers of Jin. Before Zhao Jianzi achieved power, he relied on these two men to govern. But once he gained power, he had them killed. I have heard that if one cuts open pregnant animals or slaughters young creatures, then the qilin will not come to the suburbs; if one drains a lake to catch fish, then dragons will not dwell in its depths; if one destroys nests and breaks eggs, then phoenixes will not soar above the land. Why? Because the noble-hearted are distressed by the suffering of their kind. Even birds and beasts know to avoid injustice—how much more should I?”

He then turned his chariot around and headed east, returning to Zouli in the State of Wei, where he composed the musical piece “Zou Cao” to mourn them. From that time on, the branch of the Yellow River that burst forth was named “Mingtuo River,” and at the crossing where Confucius had intended to ford the river—Mingtuo Ford—the inscription “The Place Where Confucius Turned His Chariot Around” was carved.

Note: Zhao Jianzi was the actual ruler of the State of Zhao, and his method of governance was characterized by harsh laws and severe punishments. Amid intense political struggles, Zhao Jianzi executed two intellectual rivals (who were also renowned scholars of the time), Dou Mingdu and Shunhua.

This incident took place in the 50th year of Confucius’s life. At the time, Confucius was preparing to travel from the State of Wei to the State of Jin. When he reached the riverbank, he learned that Zhao Jianzi had executed Dou Mingdu and Shunhua. Confucius sighed and said, “How magnificent is this vast river. I cannot cross to the west—it must be my bad fate. Dou and Shun were both wise ministers of Jin. Once Zhao Jianzi seized power, he had them killed. Even birds and beasts avoid acts of injustice—how much more so should I?” Thus, he turned back.

Source: Chiping County Historical Records Office