《资治通鉴·汉纪·汉纪四十一》
再者，从中期开始，选任三公，都务必从清廉忠厚而又谨慎小心、循规蹈矩而又熟悉旧典的人中擢拔。这乃是妇女的楷模，乡间的平常之人罢了，怎么足以身居三公高位呢！
又，中世之选三公也，务于清悫谨慎，循常习故者，是乃妇女之检柙，乡曲之常人耳，恶足以居斯位邪！
Moreover, starting from the middle period, the selection of the Three Dukes, must be promoted from among those who were honest, loyal, cautious and prudent; who followed the rules and were familiar with the old system. These were the role models for women, and the ordinary people in the countryside. How could they be sufficient to hold the high positions of the Three Dukes!