In the 9th year of the reign of Duke Ai of Lu state (486 BC), students who was in office in Wei state said that the new duke of Wei meant to put Confucius in an important position. So Confucius decided to return from Chu to Wei. Before Confucius set out on his way, a recluse of Chu named Jieyu came to Confucius' carriage as if he wanted to see him off. He sang beside the carriage, "Oh Phoenix! Why a virtuous being like you came to this decaying country? As to the future, you can't expect. As to the past, you can't regret. When the world is in order, the sage will achieve his career; when the monarch is fatuous and the world is in chaos, even the sage has to follow the trend to survive. At this time, we can only expect to be free from torture. Happiness is lighter than feathers, but I don't know how to gain it; the disaster is heavier than the earth, but I don't know how to avoid it. Give up your vain pursuit! Don't publicize your virtue in front of people! Pay attention to the danger around you! It's not wise to artificially break a path for people to follow! Thorns are everywhere, and I don't want to be hindered in walking! Roads are winding, and I don't want my feet to be hurt!" Hearing the song, Confucius wanted to get off the carriage and talk to Jieyu. But Jieyu quickly walked away.