After Confucius left Kuang county and returned to Wei state, Nanzi, the duchess of Wei state, sent someone to see Confucius and said, "All gentlemen from all around the world who come to Wei state to visit the duke must also visit the duchess. The duchess hopes to see you today." Confucius then went to visit the duchess. When they met, instead of talking face to face, they were talking across the curtain. To show respect, Confucius worshiped on bended knees. The duchess bowed down twice behind the curtain to show her respect to the master. Confucius talked with the duchess for quite a long time before he came out, which made Zilu confused and unhappy as he thought the master should not spend too long time alone with a lady. He blamed Confucius for this. Confucius replied, "I didn't mean to visit the duchess. But since I visit her, I should pay due respect to her. If it's not like what I said, just let the heaven punish me!"