《南齐书·列传·卷二十一》
太子说： 曾子虽然德操和行为都稍逊，但是神态奉养都尽到了礼，距离至高境界也近，诱导他也就没有阻碍，可以宣扬教化，真意在这裹。 
太子曰： 曾生虽德惭体二，而色养尽礼，去物尚近，接引非隔，弘宣规教，义在于此。 
The Crown Prince said: Although Zengzi was slightly inferior in his moral character and behavior, his demeanor and offerings were all in accordance with the rites and very close to the highest level. Inducing him would not be difficult, so it could be used to spread teachings. The true intentions are hidden within this.