English Original
Shu Xiang noticed that although Meng Xianbo was appointed as a high minister, he requested only one chariot. Consequently, Shu Xiang praised Meng Xianbo's frugality to others.
However, Miao Fenghuang disagreed. He contended, "The titles, salaries, and fiefs granted by the monarch to officials are meant to evaluate their contributions. The number of chariots is regulated to distinguish ranks and to serve purposes such as military readiness, emergency response, and daily governance. There are specific reasons for these regulations. Yet, Xianbo has disrupted the rank system and weakened preparedness for unexpected emergencies merely to pursue personal fame and integrity. Such behavior should not be praised at all!"
中文翻译
叔向看到孟献伯虽然被任命为上卿，却只要求配备一套车马，于是便向他人极力赞扬孟献伯的节俭。
然而，苗贲皇不同意叔向的观点。他认为：“君主授予臣下的爵位、俸禄和封地，是用来评定功劳大小的。规定车马的数量，是为了区分等级，并用于作战、应对突发事件以及日常政务，这些都有其具体的缘由。可是，献伯如今搅乱了职级体系，削弱了应对突发事件的准备措施，目的只是为了成全个人的名声和节操。这种行为根本不值得赞扬！”