According to Sima Qian's "Historical Records", the story of Confucius asking Laozi for courtesy and virtue is widely circulated. At that time, Laozi was the director of the National Library, 20 years older than Confucius (Confucius was born in 55 1 year BC, and Laozi was born in 57 1 year BC). This story not only shows Confucius' emphasis on etiquette and morality, but also highlights his desire for learning and knowledge. Confucius asked Laozi, the director of the National Library, it was natural. After all, Lao Tzu is a man with rich knowledge and wisdom, and his opinions are very valuable to Confucius. In addition, this story also reflects the respect and worship of knowledge in society at that time. People regard the National Library as the temple of knowledge, and the curator is regarded as the embodiment of knowledge. Therefore, Confucius' seeking advice from Laozi is not only a personal respect for Laozi, but also a respect and worship for knowledge.

The story of Confucius asking for advice from Laozi first appeared in Zhuangzi, in which Laozi was mentioned sixteen times, eight of which were about the relationship between Confucius and Laozi. In these eight chapters, Tian Di Pian tells the story of Lao Zi and Confucius discussing the "supreme way", while Tian Dao Pian tells the story of Confucius and Lao Zi discussing "poetry", "book", "righteousness", "ceremony" and "benevolence and righteousness". In addition, there is a version of the story that Confucius heard that a learned sage named Lao Dan wanted to visit him and invited Uncle Nangong Jing to go with him. Nangong Shu Jing agreed, and they went to Lao Dan by bus.