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Kong Wenzi
Late Spring and Autumn chief minister of Wey, Kong Yu, posthumously named Wen, whom Confucius praised as quick and fond of learning.
In a council hall, a long table holds an unrolled map scroll, a brass-cornered chest and a brush pot, with tall-backed chairs around it and a bronze lamp at the left; a figure stands with their back turned on the balcony at the right, with palace roofs beyond.
Also known as Kong Yu · Zhongshu Yu
Kong Wenzi, personal name Yu, was a senior minister of Wey, Wen being his posthumous name. Under Duke Ling, as Zhongshu Yu, he handled the reception of foreign guests, and later led Wey's government. In 484 BCE, planning to attack Taishu Ji, he consulted Confucius, who declined to answer and left Wey. When Zigong asked why he had been named Wen, Confucius replied that he was quick, loved learning and was not ashamed to ask those below him, the origin of a well-known Analects saying.
Life and times
Dates Dates unknown; still leading Wey's government in 484 BCE, died by c. 480 BCE