In search of passage (likely) from Zuo Zhuan

[BPB]

Hi. I'm in search of a passage that I believe came from Burton Watson's Zuo Zhuan.

 

I'm hoping that if I describe the scenario you all will be able to point me in the right direction. I have a fear that it is in Lv Buwei's Spring and Autumn Annals, a bit more to read through than Watson's translations. The scenario included:

 

a. An authority figure deliberating on a political decision, the consequences of which were potentially violent.

b. Two advisers taking different positions on the best course of action, both citing the classics to make their points.

c. The triumph of the adviser who held the more benevolent position through a more convincing argument. 

 

Feel free to suggest any passages that fit this description.

 

Thanks for the suggestions!