During the Song and Ming Dynasties, Confucian morality became fashionable. Many people vied with one another to imitate the poise of a moralist.
A Confucian scholar was walking to the city. On the street, he moved with measured strides, his back arched and hands clasped behind him, adhering strictly to the prescribed posture and pace.
After a while, his back ached and he felt entirely exhausted. Glancing around, he whispered to his servant, "Look behind us. Is anyone there?"
"No," replied the servant.
Hearing this, the scholar immediately straightened up, sighed with relief, and began to walk freely with long, unbridled strides.
Another Confucian scholar was walking slowly with the same measured steps when dark clouds gathered and a heavy rain began to fall. He hurriedly dashed for over a li (about half a kilometer). Suddenly, he exclaimed with regret, "Too bad! I have erred! But a gentleman corrects his mistake as soon as he realizes it, and it is not too late."
Consequently, he braved the rain, returned to the spot where he had started running, and began to walk slowly again, step by measured step.