Confucius visited Qi state for the second time when he was 36. Duke Jing of Qi state met him and invited him to the seat of honor. Confucius thought the level of the seat set for him was too high and asked for a lower grade. But Duke Jing repeatedly asked him to take the seat and said, "I think it's a great honor for me to have you here today. How can I let you sit down below? Isn't this a way to keep you away from me?" Confucius said, "Your majesty attaches so much importance to foreign ministers, which is a blessing. However, I'm just a civilian. How can I sit with your majesty? Although your majesty doesn't think so, it's against the rites!"