Confucius, the great philosopher hailed as "the model teacher for all ages", led a legendary life. However, there has always been controversy surrounding his birth. One such claim is that Confucius was born out of wedlock. What exactly is the truth behind this?

Firstly, it's important to clarify that Confucius was born approximately in 551 BC, according to historical records and archaeological research. His father, named Kong Fu, was a nobleman, and his mother, Yan Zhengzai. Their marital relationship was socially recognized at that time.

However, there is a widespread belief that Confucius was born out of wedlock. This claim is primarily based on a passage from the "Records of the Grand Historian" that reads: "When Confucius' mother, Zhengzai, was wandering on Mount Niqiu, she saw an envoy of the Black Emperor who said to her, 'You will have a holy son.' She returned and became pregnant." Some people interpret this passage to mean that Confucius' mother became pregnant out of wedlock, leading to the conclusion that Confucius was born out of wedlock.

However, this interpretation is inaccurate. In ancient Chinese, the word "gui" does not solely mean "to return home" but also carries the meaning of "to get married." Therefore, "gui er yun zhi" actually means that Confucius' mother became pregnant after getting married. Furthermore, considering the social customs of that time, pregnancy out of wedlock was strictly forbidden, and if Confucius were truly born out of wedlock, both his mother and father would have faced severe social condemnation.

Moreover, Confucius' father, Kong Fu, was a nobleman with strict family rules and moral standards. It is unlikely that he would tolerate his son being born out of wedlock. Additionally, Confucius enjoyed widespread social recognition and respect throughout his life. If he were truly born out of wedlock, his social status and influence would have been severely compromised.

In conclusion, although there is controversy surrounding Confucius' birth, based on existing historical records and archaeological evidence, we can confidently assert that Confucius was the legitimate offspring of Kong Fu and Yan Zhengzai. He was not born out of wedlock. This misunderstanding may stem from a misinterpretation of ancient Chinese language and a lack of understanding of ancient social customs. We should approach this issue with a more rational and scientific attitude, avoiding misunderstandings that could potentially mislead our understanding of Confucius and his teachings.

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