This term means to gladly and willingly follow someone by virtue of their moral character and conduct. Mencius （372？-289 BC）believed that the proper way to convince others was not by forcing them to do something, but by demonstrating a high level of self-cultivation and morality. A person with high ethical standards will convince others, out of appreciation and regard, to accept his teachings or political ideas.

Coercion can bring people in line not because they are willing, but because they do not have the strength to resist; it is virtue that will persuade others to gladly and willingly follow, just as in the case of Confucius’ more than seventy disciples who followed him out of true respect. (Mencius)