When Confucius was 42 years old, Duke Ding of Lu state was in office. Retainers of Lord Ji overstepped the royal ministers' authorities, and mastered the political affairs of the state such as sacrifice and expedition. Confucius couldn't stand this situation of rites disintegration. So he gave up on being an official and concentrated on compiling poetry and books and formulating rites and music. However, there were more and more disciples and students came to pay respect to him and seek for knowledge.