During the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 BC), a high-ranking official named Qi Huangyang served in the State of Jin.
One day, the king summoned him and asked, "The magistrate position in Nanyang county is vacant. Who do you think is suitable?"
"Xie Hu is the right person," Qi replied without hesitation.
The king was surprised. "Xie Hu? I thought he was your enemy. Why recommend him for such an important post?"
Qi Huangyang smiled and said, "Your Majesty asked who was competent for the position, not for my personal opinion of him. Therefore, I recommended Xie Hu."
The king followed his advice. Xie Hu became the magistrate and governed the county excellently, earning widespread respect.
Some time later, the king again sought Qi's counsel, this time for a court judge position. Qi Huangyang recommended Qi Wu.
The king was once again surprised, as Qi Wu was Qi Huangyang's own son. "You recommend your son? Aren't you afraid of gossip?"
Qi Huangyang replied, "Your Majesty asked for the most capable person for the judge position. I believe Qi Wu is."
Though hesitant, the king appointed Qi Wu. He proved to be an upright and talented judge, greatly respected by the people.
Confucius later praised Qi Huangyang's actions: "Qi Huangyang was correct. He recommended people based on their ability and talent, not personal feelings or fear of gossip. Such a person is called 'without selfish motives.'"
From Confucius's comment came the idiom "Unselfish" or "Perfectly Impartial," used to describe anyone who handles affairs fairly and without bias.