《汉书·传·薛宣朱博传》
薛宣就移送文书慰劳勉励他们说： 从前孟公绰作趟魏的家臣很优秀，却不适合当滕国、薛国的大夫，所以有的人依靠德行而显达，有的人凭藉功劳而被举荐， 君子进身的道路，怎么能够相同呢？
宣因移书劳勉之曰： 昔孟公绰优于赵魏而不宜滕薛，故或以德显，或以功举， 君子之道，焉可怃也！ 
Xue Xuan then sent documents to comfort and encourage them, saying: "In the past, Meng Gong-chuo was a great retainer for Sui Wei, but he was not fit to be the grand master of Teng and Xue. Therefore, some reach fame with virtue while others are recommended with merit. How could the paths to success for gentlemen be the same?"