勝將為難，乃告子蘭子曰：「吾將舉大事於國，願與子共之。
When Sheng was about to mount his rebellion, he spoke to Zi Lanzi as follows: “I am about to launch the great enterprise in my state: I hope that you and I can work together in this.” Zi Lanzi said, “If my service to you consists of helping you to kill your ruler, this would amount to helping you to perform an unrighteous deed.
」子蘭子曰：「我事子而與子殺君，是助子之不義也；畏患而去子，是遁子於難也。
But, if I should cast you aside out of fear of the disaster that will come, this would amount to deserting you in your hour of difficulty.
故不與子殺君，以成吾義，契領於庭，以遂吾行。」
I shall therefore, to preserve my righteousness, decline to join you in killing your ruler, and, to preserve my rectitude, I shall cut my throat in the court assembly hall.