Analects · Character

Yen Yû

A disciple of administrative talent who served the powerful Chî family, caught between the practical demands of office and the Master's unbending standards of propriety.

supporting

Also known as Yû, XIV Yen Yû, Zǎn Yû, Ch’iû, Zân Ch’iû, X Yen Ch’iû

First appearance: book i hsio r

As a supporting figure in Analects, Yen Yû is not background color—the story leans on what they do once the chapter opens.

Asked by Confucius to save the chief of the Chî family from sacrificing to the T’âi mountain; he admits he cannot.

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Yen Yû is the school's capable manager, the man who knows how to run a household and collect revenues — which is precisely why he keeps getting tangled in the Chî family's overreach. When the Master denounces the Chî chief's eight rows of pantomimes, the rebuke lands near Yen Yû, who serves that very house. His value to the Analects is the friction he creates: a reminder that governing well and living rightly are not the same skill, and that a talented disciple can still be asked, quietly, whether he has chosen his employer wisely.

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See Yen Yû in book i hsio r

Character Web

24 connections

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Relationship types

Other

Character groups

Confucius's Interlocutors and Disciples
Protagonist

+19 more in the full Character Web

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Narrative arc

Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.

Setup
Escalation
Breaking point
Aftermath
Closing

The emotional peak occurs when Confucius directly confronts Yû with a list of six virtues—benevolence, knowled…

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In the story

Yen Yû appears across 21 companion beats. Open any chapter in the free preview to see the notes beside the text.

Book III: Pa Yih
Asked by Confucius to save the chief of the Chî family from sacrificing to the T’âi mountain; he admits he cannot.
VI
Asked by Confucius to prevent the sacrifice but admits he cannot.
VII
Mentioned as capable of governing a city or clan.
Chapter III
A disciple who requests grain for Tsze-hwâ's mother and then gives more than instructed, prompting Confucius's rebuke.
VI
Described as a man of various ability, fit for government office.
X
Yen Ch’iû admits his delight in the doctrines but claims insufficient strength.
Book VII: Shû R
Asks whether Confucius supports the ruler of Wei, prompting Tsze-kung's inquiry.
XIV
Initiates the inquiry about the Master's stance on the ruler of Wei.
Book XI: Hsien Tsin
Mentioned for his administrative talents and his ambition to govern a state, though he lacks humility.
Chapter XII
Standing by Confucius's side with a free and straightforward manner.
XVI
Ch’iû, who collected imposts for the Chî family, increasing their wealth.
XXI
Asks the same question and is told to immediately carry into practice what he hears.
XXIII
Mentioned as one of the ministers in question.
XXV
Wishes to govern a smaller state and bring plenty to the people, but acknowledges he would need a superior man to teach propriety and music.
Book XIII: Tsze-Lû
Acts as driver for Confucius in Wei and asks what should be done for the numerous people, leading to the advice to enrich and then teach them.
Chapter IX
Drives Confucius's carriage and asks about governing the numerous people.
XIV
Returns late from court, claiming government business, but is corrected by the Master.
Book XV: Wei Ling Kung
Asks about the government of a country, receiving detailed instructions on rites and music.
Book XVI: Ke She
One of the disciples rebuked by Confucius for supporting the attack on Chwan-yü.
I
Defends the planned attack on Chwan-yü, citing strategic concerns, but is rebuked by Confucius.
VIII
Receives instruction from Confucius on the six words and six becloudings.

Chapter companion notes

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See Yen Yû in book i hsio r

See Yen Yû in Book III: Pa Yih