Confucius: also a master of sarcasm?

Did you know that Confucius was also a master of sarcasm?

Once the Zheng ruler, Duke Min, was building Lingyang Terrace. Before its completion, he had killed scores of builders. When he was about to kill three more, Confucius went to meet him. The two together stepped up the terrace, where Confucius sighed, “What a beautiful terrace it is! From time immemorial, sagacious emperors have built towers without killing one person.” Sensing the intended irony, the ruler did not say a word but pardoned the three builders when he returned.