Legge Translation (1861)

Chen Cheng killed the Duke Jian of Qi.

Confucius, after bathing and washing his head, went to court and reported the matter to the Duke Ai, saying: "Chen Heng has slain his sovereign. I beg that you will undertake to punish him."

The duke said: "Inform the chiefs of the three families of it."

Confucius retired, and said: "Following in the rear of the great officers, I did not dare not to represent such a matter, and my prince says, 'Inform the three chiefs of it.'"

He went to the chiefs, and informed them, but they would not act. Confucius then said: "Following in the rear of the great officers, I did not dare not to represent such a matter."