」晏子對曰：「臣請改道易行，而治東阿，三年不治，臣請死之。
Retire, sir, and reflect on your mistakes; I will soon impose a heavy punishment on you.” “I beg permission to change the techniques and procedures that I use to govern Dong E,” Yanzi replied.
“If it is not in good order within three years, I beg to suffer death in consequence.” Lord Jing granted this request.
」景公許之。
The next year, after Yanzi submitted his report, Lord Jing went out to greet him and congratulated him saying, “The way you have been governing Dong E is skillfull indeed!” “When I governed Dong E before,” said Yanzi, “I did not grant requests that were made to me, and no bribes were presented.
於是明年上計，景公迎而賀之曰：「甚善矣，子之治東阿也！
I let the poor folk profit from the fish in the ponds.
During that period no one among the people went hungry, but you accused me of mismanagement.
」晏子對曰：「前臣之治東阿也，屬託不行，貨賂不至，陂池之魚，以利貧民，當此之時，民無飢者，而君反以罪臣；今臣後之治東阿也，屬託行，貨賂至，並會賦斂，倉庫少內，便事左右，陂池之魚，入於權家。
After I resumed the government of Dong E, I granted requests; bribes were presented, and tax collections increased.
當此之時，飢者過半矣，君乃反迎而賀臣。
The granary stores were depleted so as to benefit those around me, and the fish in the ponds went into the hands of powerful families.
Currently more than half the people are going hungry, but you have come out to greet and congratulate me.
愚不能復治東阿，願乞骸骨，避賢者之路。
I am ignorant and incapable of governing Dong E.
」再拜便辟。
I beg leave to withdraw my carcass from this position and make way for someone worthier.” With this he bowed twice and withdrew.
Lord Jing left his mat and excused himself to Yanzi, saying, “Bear with the aggravation and return to your post in Dong E.
景公乃下席而謝之曰：「子強復治東阿，東阿者，子之東阿也，寡人無復與焉。」
It shall be yours to govern as you see fit.
I shall not intervene again.