Gongxi Hua was sent on a mission to the state of Qi. Ran Qiu asked their employer to provide grain to Gongxi Hua’s mother. Ran Qiu asked Confucius how much he should request for her.
Confucius said, “Request a full measure of grain.”
Ran Qiu asked for more.
Confucius said, “Then request a double measure of grain.”
In the end, Ran Qiu requested ten measures of grain.
Confucius said, “Gongxi Hua travelled to Qi, he drove the best horses and wore fine furs. I’ve always heard, ‘The noble person helps out the poor, but doesn’t make the rich richer.’”