Ruan Ji, style name Sizong, was from Weishi in Chenliu. His father, Ruan Yu, was a counselor to the prime minister of the Wei Kingdom and was quite well-known back then. Ruan Ji was exceptionally handsome, ambitious, free-spirited, independent, and kept his emotions to himself. Sometimes he would lock himself away to read for months on end, and other times he would go out to hike and enjoy the water all day long, forgetting to come home. He was well-read, especially fond of "Zhuangzi" and "Laozi." He could really hold his liquor, loved to whistle, and was a talented qin player. When he was happy, he let loose and forgot about everything. Many people at the time considered him eccentric, but his cousin Ruan Wenye always admired him, believing Ruan Ji was better than him, and that made everyone see Ruan Ji as someone special. Ruan Ji's nephew Ruan Xian, Ruan Xian's son Ruan Zhan, Ruan Zhan's brother Ruan Fu, Ruan Ji's cousin Ruan Xiu, Ruan Ji's younger cousin Ruan Fang, Ruan Fang's brother Ruan Yu, as well as Ji Kang, Xiang Xiu, Liu Ling, Xie Kun, Hu Wufuzhi (his son was named Hu Wuqian), Bi Zhuo, Wang Ni, Yang Man, and Guang Yi, all of these individuals were well-known figures back then.
I once accompanied my uncle to Dong County, where the governor of Yanzhou, Wang Chang, invited me to meet him. As a result, I ended up saying nothing all day, and he couldn't quite understand what kind of person I was. Later, the Grand Commandant Jiang Ji learned of my talents and summoned me. I went to the capital and submitted a memorial that read: "I have heard that your tolerant and generous character has earned you a high position in the court, and that talented individuals look up to you, and virtuous people take pride in serving you. When you first established your office, everyone felt they could serve under you; when your summoning order was issued, I was the first one selected. In ancient times, Zixia lived in seclusion by the West River, yet Duke Wen personally visited him; Zouzai lived in seclusion in Shugu, and King Zhao also personally accompanied him. Those recluses in coarse clothing lived alone, undisturbed by the world, and the nobles treated them with such respect because they valued their character. I don't have the talents of Zouzai or Bu Yan; I only have modest abilities, and yet you hold me in such high regard, which honestly makes me feel unworthy. I had originally planned to work the fields at Donggao and pay the remaining grain taxes. I often tire myself out chopping wood, and my health is not strong; I honestly feel unfit for an official position. I kindly ask you to withdraw your order so I can continue living my simple life."
Jiang Ji was initially concerned that I would refuse to come, but after receiving my petition, he was very pleased and immediately sent troops to welcome me. However, I had already left, which left Jiang Ji furious. Later, the villagers advised me, and I finally took a government position. Not long after, I resigned and returned home, citing illness as the reason. Later, I was appointed as a Junior Official, but soon after, I resigned again, citing illness once more. When Cao Shuang came to power, he summoned me to serve as a military advisor, but I declined again, feigning illness, and returned to the countryside to live a secluded life. More than a year later, when Cao Shuang was killed, people admired my foresight and wisdom. Later, Emperor Xuan became the Grand Tutor and appointed me as a Zhonglang. After Emperor Xuan passed away, I became the Zhonglang in the Grand Marshal's office of Emperor Jing. After Duke Gao of Guo took the throne, he bestowed upon me the title of Marquis of Guannei and transferred me to the position of Sancai Changshi.
My ancestors originally had the ambition to help the world and save the people, but during the chaotic Wei and Jin periods, many famous scholars could not preserve their lives, so my family simply withdrew from worldly affairs and lived in a state of drunkenness. At first, Emperor Wen wanted to marry his daughter to him, but he ended up being drunk for sixty days without saying a word, so the proposal was dropped. Zhong Hui often questioned him about current events, trying to extract words from him to punish him, but each time he managed to evade it by feigning drunkenness.
When Emperor Wen was in power, my ancestor once casually told him, "I have been to Dongping before and really like the local customs and culture." Emperor Wen was very pleased to hear this and immediately appointed him as the Governor of Dongping. He rode a donkey to the prefecture, removed the barriers of the government office so that everything could be seen, and implemented clear and concise policies, returning home within a few days. Emperor Wen then promoted him to serve as Zhonglang in the Grand General's office.
One day, someone had killed their mother, and my ancestor remarked, "Ah! While killing one's father can be understood, killing one's mother is simply outrageous!" Everyone present felt that he was mistaken. Emperor Wen asked him, "Killing one's father is the most heinous act, and you actually say it can be understood?" My ancestor said, "Even animals know their mothers but not their fathers. Killing one's father is akin to the behavior of a beast, while killing one's mother is even worse!" Everyone then agreed with him.
My ancestor heard that the people in the infantry kitchen had good brewing skills, so he stored three hundred hu of wine and requested to become an infantry captain. Although he held a position, he remained indifferent to worldly matters, often wandering around the mansion, and he never missed a court banquet. Later, Emperor Wen was set to receive the Nine Treasures, and the officials were to persuade him to accept them, so he asked my ancestor to write a memorial of refusal. He got drunk and forgot about it, only remembering just before going to court, so he sent someone to fetch it, only to find him fast asleep at the table.
When the situation was reported, he simply wrote directly on the table for someone to copy it down, without making any changes. This memorial of refusal was composed with remarkable clarity and strength, and was highly praised at the time.
Ruan Ji, though he wasn't constrained by traditional customs, had a profound way of speaking and never casually judged others. He was particularly filial—when his mother passed away, he was in the middle of a chess game. His opponent wanted to stop, but he insisted on finishing the game before determining the outcome. After finishing the game, he drank two dou of wine, wept uncontrollably, and coughed up several liters of blood. At his mother's burial, he ate a steamed chicken gizzard, drank two dou of wine, and then bid farewell to his mother. He candidly admitted he was at the end of his rope, wept again, coughed up more blood, and became so emaciated he seemed on the brink of death. Pei Kai came to offer condolences, and Ruan Ji, his hair unkempt, sat cross-legged, staring at Pei Kai with glazed eyes. Pei Kai left shortly after. Someone asked Pei Kai, "Typically, the host cries during a wake before the guest can pay their respects. Ruan Ji didn’t cry; why did you?" Pei Kai said, "Ruan Ji is a person above such trivialities, while I'm just an ordinary guy who has to stick to the rules." At that time, everyone were impressed by how both handled the situation.
Ruan Ji would roll his eyes, looking at those who adhered to etiquette with disdain. When Ji Xi went to pay his respects to him, Ruan Ji gave him a disdainful look, and Ji Xi left in displeasure. Ji Xi's younger brother, Ji Kang, heard about this and went to find Ruan Ji with wine and a qin. Ruan Ji was very happy and gave him a favorable look. Consequently, those who valued etiquette loathed him deeply, but the emperor always protected him. When Ruan Ji's sister-in-law returned to her family for a visit, someone criticized him as he saw her off. Ruan Ji replied, "Is etiquette meant for me?" There was a beautiful young woman living near his home who sold wine at a tavern. Ruan Ji once went there to drink, got drunk, and fell asleep beside her. Ruan Ji saw nothing wrong with it, and her husband didn't suspect anything either. A woman from a military family, talented and beautiful, died unmarried. Ruan Ji didn't know her parents or brothers, but he went directly to mourn for her, freely expressing his sorrow before heading back. Outwardly carefree, he was deeply pure at heart; these are some examples of how he conducted himself. He often traveled alone by carriage, avoiding the usual paths, and would cry out loud when he reached a point where the wheels could go no further, then he would return. He once climbed Mount Guangwu to view the ruins of the Chu-Han battlefield, lamenting, "It was the lack of heroes that let those nameless soldiers rise to fame!" After climbing Mount Wulao and gazing at the capital, he was filled with emotion and wrote the "Heroic Poem." In the winter of the fourth year of Jingyuan, Ruan Ji passed away at the age of fifty-four. Ruan Ji could write effortlessly, never needing to strain his mind. He wrote over eighty "Ode to Feelings," which earned him great acclaim. He also authored "On the Dao of Zhuang," explaining the preciousness of governing by inaction. Many of his works remain unrecorded.
I once met Sun Deng in Sumen Mountain, discussing the cultivation and health and the pursuit of spiritual enlightenment. Sun Deng completely ignored me, so I let out a long sigh and left. As I walked halfway up the mountain, I heard a cry like that of a phoenix coming from the valley, and it turned out to be Sun Deng's howl! Later, I wrote a piece called "The Biography of a Gentleman," which essentially conveys: "Those whom people call gentlemen only know how to follow rules and be bound by rituals. Holding a jade bi in their hands, treading on the straight and narrow, they try to please those around them and speak with an eye toward leaving a lasting legacy. They gain fame in their youth, and their reputation spreads to neighboring countries as they grow older. They aspire to high office while fearing the loss of their current status. Do they not see the lice hiding in their pants, believing they've found a safe haven? They are too afraid to stray from the seams, thinking they are following the rules. But once a fire breaks out and the city is destroyed, those lice hiding in their pants cannot escape! Gentlemen are trapped within the confines of societal norms; how are they any different from these lice?" These are my true thoughts. Zi Hun, courtesy name Changcheng, inherited his father's character. He was eager to understand the world when he was young, not being overly concerned with trivialities. I once told him, "Zhong Rong has already joined our circle; you can't keep going on like this!" During the Taikang era, he became a prince's son-in-law.
Xian, with the courtesy name Zhongrong. His father Xi was the Prefect of Wudu. Xian was carefree and unrestrained, living a hermit's life with his uncle (me) in the bamboo forest. At that time, the etiquette-minded criticized us. Xian and I lived on the south side of the road, while the Ruan brothers lived to the north. The northern Ruan family was wealthier, while the southern Ruan family was poorer. On the seventh day of the seventh month, the northern Ruan family was drying clothes made of brocade and silk, glistening brightly. Xian, however, hung a pole in the yard, drying a pair of coarse cloth trousers. When someone found it strange, he replied, "I can't completely avoid worldly influences, so I'll just go with it for now!"
Ruan Xian held the position of Cavalier Attendant. Shantao recommended him to participate in the selection examination, saying, "Ruan Xian is upright and incorruptible, with few desires, and deeply understands righteousness. Nothing can shake him. If he becomes an official, he will definitely become a clean official of his generation." However, Emperor Wu thought Ruan Xian had a fondness for drinking and was somewhat unreliable, so he did not use him. There was a scholar named Guo Yi in Taiyuan, who was noble-minded and insightful, very famous at that time, and few could earn his appreciation. But upon seeing Ruan Xian inebriated, he couldn't help but sigh.
When Ruan Xian's mother passed away, he was overly saddened and his behavior became somewhat erratic. He became involved with a maid from his aunt's house. His aunt initially claimed she would leave the maid behind when she returned to her husband's house, but later took her away. When Ruan Xian learned of this in the presence of guests, he swiftly borrowed a guest's horse to pursue the maid. After catching up with her, he rode back with the maid. This incident drew widespread criticism.
Ruan Xian is especially talented in music and plays the pipa very well. Although he is not very involved in social affairs, he often sings and drinks with relatives and friends, enjoying life. He has a special relationship with his nephew Ruan Xiu, and they often play joyfully together. Everyone in the Ruan family is a good drinker, and when Ruan Xian is around, they gather together without using cups, pouring the wine directly into a large basin and sitting around it and drinking heartily. Sometimes a bunch of pigs wander over to drink their wine; Ruan Xian chases them off and goes back to drinking. His siblings all think his carefree lifestyle is great, except for his brother Ruan Ji who disapproves. Xun Xu often talks music theory with Ruan Xian, feeling inferior and a bit jealous of him, so he assigns him as the magistrate in Shiping County. Later, Ruan Xian passes away, leaving behind two sons: Ruan Zhan and Ruan Fu.
Zhan has a vision as sharp as a hawk's. He is calm and content, with no desires, and is easily able to remember key points without studying hard. When he talks about principles, he doesn't say much, but his meaning is clear. He plays the zither very well, and many people come to listen to him play; regardless of their status, age, or background, he treats everyone equally and plays for them. He seems calm and indifferent, as if he doesn't even notice his audience. His brother-in-law Pan Yue often asks him to play the zither from morning till night, even until late at night, but he never shows any hint of impatience. Therefore, those who get it admire his indifference to fame and fortune, carrying himself with great dignity.
Once, he encountered Situ Wang Rong, who asked him, "Sages emphasize moral teachings, while Laozi promotes naturalness. Are their views the same or different?" Zhan replied, "They are likely similar." Wang Rong thought for a long time and immediately appointed him as an official. At that time, he was known as the "Trilingual Official." General Wang Yan also held him in high regard. On one occasion, Zhan traveled with a group, and it was very hot. Everyone was thirsty, and there was a well at the inn. Everyone hurried to draw water, but Zhan was the only one who walked slowly at the back. He waited until everyone had finished drinking before fetching water for himself. He showed humility and never competed with anyone.
King Yue of Donghai was based in Xuchang and appointed Zhan as an aide. He collaborated with Wang Cheng, Xie Kun, and Deng You at King Yue's residence. King Yue of Donghai wrote to them, saying, "Etiquette dictates that one should begin studying under a teacher at the age of eight. Only upon understanding reasoning can one truly accept a teacher's guidance. At the age of ten, one is considered to be in elementary school, gradually learning the teachings of the ancient kings. However, the knowledge acquired through study is often superficial, while the benefits of nurturing both mind and body are far more profound. Therefore, observing Zhan's demeanor is more valuable than merely learning etiquette; listening to his teachings is far more beneficial than just memorizing the ancients' words. My child Pi has neither good aptitude nor heard of any moral standards. I hope you gentlemen can find some time to provide him with guidance and instruction."
During the Yongjia period, Zhan served as a palace attendant for the crown prince. He always insisted on the belief in "no ghosts," which no one could refute, believing that this reasoning was sufficient to explain the realm of the dead. One day, a guest came to visit Zhan and, after some pleasantries, began discussing some philosophical questions. This guest was very eloquent, and Zhan debated with him for a long time, debating the existence of ghosts and deities, leading to a heated debate. When the guest was refuted, his demeanor shifted, and he said, "The matters of ghosts and deities are believed by sages of both ancient and modern times; how can you say they do not exist? I am a spirit!" After saying this, he morphed into a bizarre figure and disappeared shortly thereafter. Zhan fell silent, his expression darkened. More than a year later, Zhan died of illness at the granary, at the age of only thirty.
The character "Fu" holds a story. His mother was a member of the Hu ethnic group, and when Fu was just born, his grandmother chose a line from Wang Yanshou's "Ode to the Lu Lingguang Hall," which says, "The Hu people gather far away at the upper beams," to name him. At first, he worked in the Grand Tutor's office and later was promoted to the cavalry department. Later, when the world was in chaos, he crossed the river to seek refuge, and Emperor Yuan of Jin appointed him as a military officer in Andong. This person was disheveled and drank all day, not caring about official matters at all. At that time, Emperor Yuan of Jin, to save the realm, adopted the Legalist ideas of Shen Buhai and Han Feizi, but Fu and his friends could not fully accept this approach. However, the emperor did not dismiss him because of this; instead, he promoted him to Chancellor and made him a middle-ranking official. He spent his days in drunken stupor, often reported on by the authorities, but the emperor remained lenient towards him.
Wang Puo of Langya became the General of Chariots and Cavalry, stationed in Guangling. He recruited talents widely and appointed Fu as his Chief Historian. When Emperor Yuan heard about this, he specifically instructed him, "Since you are in charge of the military camp and have many military affairs, you should cut back on the drinking!" Fu's response was interesting: "Your Majesty values me, an incompetent person, and entrusts me with important tasks. I’ll definitely work hard and won’t say much. Moreover, with the prince watching over the region, looking majestic and benevolent, thieves have gone quiet, and the world is at peace. Why do I need to be on edge all day? I should quietly compose poetry and enjoy this peaceful era!" Later, he was promoted to the Yellow Gate Attendant and Cavalry Officer. Once, he exchanged a golden sable for some wine and was reported, but Emperor Yuan forgave him. He was later promoted to the Palace Attendant of the Crown Prince and Commander of the Left Guard, also serving as the Commandant of Tuen Cavalry.
After Emperor Ming of Jin ascended to the throne, Fu was promoted to Palace Attendant. He participated in quelling the rebellion of Wang Dun and was enfeoffed as Marquis of Nan'an County. Later, he was promoted to Minister of Personnel and concurrently led the army of Prince Donghai, but he turned down the position because he was ill. The court issued a decree for him to work from home, which Xi Jian, the Prefect of the Masters of Writing, thought was inappropriate. However, Emperor Ming said, "It’s not ideal for him to work from home, but if we do not use him, would it not be a waste of talent?" When Emperor Ming fell seriously ill, Wen Qiao was ordered to accept the final edict. Passing by Fu's house, he insisted on taking him along. Once on the carriage, Wen Qiao said to him, "The Emperor is critically ill, and the situation in Jiangnan is urgent. We urgently need all wise talents to govern the world together. You are the candidate everyone is counting on, and now we would like you to take on this important task together." Fu remained silent and insisted on getting off the carriage. As they neared the palace gate, Fu said he urgently needed to relieve himself and temporarily got off the carriage, and ended up walking home alone.
At first, Ruan Zuyue was a very greedy person, while Ruan Fu was particularly fond of wooden shoes. Both of them accumulated a lot of wealth and shoes, but it was hard to say who was more accomplished. When someone visited Ruan Zuyue, they happened to see him counting his money and valuables. As soon as the guest arrived, he quickly hid most of his money, leaving only two small boxes behind his back, bending over to shield them from view, clearly feeling uncomfortable.
Later, when someone visited Ruan Fu, they saw him polishing his wooden shoes, and he sighed, "I wonder how many pairs of wooden shoes I will wear in this lifetime!" He looked particularly relaxed and at ease. This clearly revealed the difference in character between the two.
In the early Xianhe period, Ruan Fu was appointed as the Intendant of Danyang. At that time, the Empress Dowager was in power, and political power was held by the relatives. Ruan Fu told his close associates, "Although the Jiangdong region has served the court for generations, the actual control has not lasted long. The Emperor is young, and the political situation is difficult. According to historical laws, dynasties change approximately every one hundred and sixty years. Yu Liang is still young, and his prestige and reputation are not yet stable. I foresee trouble ahead." Coincidentally, Governor Liu Yi of Guangzhou passed away, and Ruan Fu requested to be reassigned. Wang Dao and others felt that Ruan Fu was straightforward and unsuitable for the position of Intendant of the Capital, so they appointed him as the military commander of Jiaozhou, Guangzhou, and Ningzhou, General Who Pacifies the South, Leading General of Pingyue, Governor of Guangzhou, and Acting Duke. He died before assuming office, at the age of forty-nine. Shortly after, Su Jun rebelled, and those in the know believed that Ruan Fu had predicted the unfolding events. He had no sons, so his grandson Ruan Guang succeeded him.
Ruan Xiu, courtesy name Xuanzi. He enjoys studying the Book of Changes and the Tao Te Ching, and is quite adept at engaging in philosophical discussions. Once, when people were discussing the existence of ghosts and spirits, everyone believed that there are spirits after death, except for Ruan Xiu, who held a different view. He said, "Those who claim to have seen spirits all say that the spirits are wearing the clothes they wore when alive. If there are really spirits after death, do the clothes also become spirits?" Everyone found his argument convincing. Later, when Ruan Xiu was cutting down trees in the village, someone tried to stop him. Ruan Xiu said, "If the village deity resides in the trees, then when the trees are cut down, the deity will move away; if the trees themselves are the deity, then when the trees are cut down, the deity will also disappear."
Ruan Xiu was a simple and straightforward person who was indifferent to social niceties. He disliked meeting ordinary people and would quickly leave when encountering them. Whenever a thought came to his mind, he would immediately take off his shoes, regardless of the time of day, and sometimes without saying a word, just happily exchanging glances. He often walked with a hundred coins hanging from the end of his cane, and when he reached an inn, he would enjoy drinking alone. Despite having little savings, he paid no mind to the many wealthy families at the time, living very comfortably. He shared the same ideals with his brothers and often found joy in the mountains, forests, and fields.
Wang Yan was a renowned scholar in his time who believed he had a deep understanding of the Book of Changes, yet felt there were still aspects he hadn’t fully grasped. Despite repeated studies, he couldn't fully comprehend it and often said, "I wonder if I will meet someone who can answer my questions after death." Wang Yan's descendant Wang Dun suggested that he discuss it with Ruan Xiu. Wang Yan said, "I have heard of him, but I don't know how insightful he really is!" After conversing with Ruan Xiu, who spoke briefly yet expressed himself clearly, Wang Yan was finally convinced.
There was a man named Zhang Wei in the Liang Kingdom, whose interests and hobbies were quite unique; he went to the countryside to fish and hunt. A man named Wang Xiu greatly admired his talent but thought he was somewhat unreliable. Later, Zhang Wei became a Court Attendant and the Prefect of Chenliu, but as a result of dealing with political affairs, he found himself in political trouble.
Wang Xiu lived in poverty and was over forty years old without being married. Wang Dun and others gathered money to arrange a marriage for him; these were all well-respected scholars of the time, and many people wanted to donate money, but Wang Xiu did not agree. Wang Xiu wrote very few pieces, but he did compose an essay titled "Ode to the Great Peng": "The immense Great Peng, born from the Northern Sea. With magical scales and divine transformation. Like the wings of clouds, like the shape of mountains. Riding the waves, soaring upwards. Rising layer by layer, carrying the purity of the cosmos. Aspiring to heaven and earth, disdainful of the Tang court. The wild dove laughs, the small bird is light. Surpassing the world, soaring high, no one knows its feelings."
At that time, Wang Dun was the Minister of Rites and said to Wang Xiu, "You must often find it hard to get enough to eat, right? The position of Minister of Rites has a salary; would you like to take it?" Wang Xiu replied, "That would be fine!" So he accepted the position of Minister of Rites. Later, he was promoted to the position of General of the Imperial Guard and Horsekeeper to the Crown Prince. Eventually, he fled south to escape chaos, arriving in Xiyang Qisi County, where he was murdered by bandits when he was just forty-two.
Wang Fang, whose courtesy name was Siduo, had a grandfather named Zu Lue, who was the governor of Qijun; his father was Wang Yi, the Prefect of Huainan. In his youth, Wang Fang was as renowned as Wang Fu. After the restoration of the Eastern Jin, he was appointed a Doctor of the Imperial Academy, a Chamberlain to the Crown Prince, and a commoner. Although there were continuous wars at that time, during his service to the Crown Prince, he frequently discussed the "Dao De Jing" and "Zhuangzi," rarely talking about military and national affairs. Emperor Ming of Jin greatly favored him. He was later promoted to Court Attendant and subsequently transferred to the Ministry of Personnel, where he excelled in selecting officials and earned a stellar reputation.
At that time, Emperor Cheng of Jin was still young, and the Yuan clan controlled the court. Wang Fang requested to be appointed to a position in Jiaozhou, and was then appointed as the Military Supervisor of Jiaozhou, General of Displaying Might, and Governor of Jiaozhou. Upon arriving at Ningpu, he encountered Gao Bao, a general under Tao Kan, who was leading Liang Shuo and others back to the capital from Jiaozhou. Wang Fang hosted a banquet for Gao Bao, and then ambushed and killed him. Gao Bao's subordinates attacked Wang Fang, who was defeated and fled, seeking refuge in Jianyang. Shortly after arriving in Jiaozhou, he suddenly fell seriously ill, allegedly due to Gao Bao's ghost haunting him, and passed away. The court mourned his death deeply, as he was only forty-four years old at the time. He was posthumously honored as Court Commandant.
Wang Fang was already well-known, but he was known for his integrity and frugality, not engaging in business ventures. Even while serving as Minister of Personnel, he often went hungry and lacked warm clothing. Wang Dao and Yu Liang, who recognized his scholarly talents, often supported him with food and clothing. His son, Wang Xizhi, once served as the Administrator of Nandun.
Yu, styled Sikuang, was very talented but not boastful, instead being renowned for his noble character. When he was young, he was appointed as a scribe of the Grand Preceptor. Grand General Wang Dun appointed him as his chief secretary, holding him in high regard. Yu felt that Wang Dun harbored rebellious intentions, so he spent his days drinking away his sorrows, neglecting his duties. Wang Dun believed that Yu was just a name without substance, not truly talented, so he sent him to serve as a county magistrate in Liyang, later dismissing him from his position due to errors in his official duties. This allowed Yu to avoid the troubles caused by Wang Dun, earning even more respect from the people.
During the early years of the Xianhe period, he was appointed as Secretary of the Ministry. At that time, the court was in chaos, and both public and private affairs were neglected. Yu resigned and returned home to live in Shan County in Kuaiji. Wang Dao invited him to be a Chief Clerk, but he firmly declined. The court wanted to summon him, but Yu knew he couldn't escape, so he requested to be the Chief Historian of Wang Shu. After Wang Shu passed away, the court appointed him as an official of the Ministry of Personnel, which he also did not accept. Later, he was appointed as the Governor of Linhai at home, but he resigned shortly after. Sikong Chi Jian invited him to be the Chief Historian, and the court again summoned him to be the Director of the Imperial Secretariat, both of which he declined due to illness. He was then appointed as the Prefect of Dongyang. Shortly after, the court again summoned him to be a Court Attendant, which he still did not accept. He returned to Shan Mountain, determined to live in seclusion. Someone told Wang Xizhi about this, and Wang Xizhi said, "This gentleman is now unmoved by fame or shame. Even the ancient recluses cannot compare to him!" It is said that Yu's integrity is not as good as Wang Xizhi's, his demeanor is not as good as Wang Xianzhi's, his elegance is not as good as Xie An's, his talent is not as good as Yin Hao's, but he combines their respective strengths. When Emperor Cheng passed away, Yu participated in the rituals at the ancestral tombs and immediately returned home after the event was over. A crowd pursued him, but Yu knew that this wave would surely leave him behind, so he hastened his pace and upon reaching Fangshan, those people couldn't keep up. Liu Han sighed, "When I head east, I can only dock my boat under Anshi Zhu and dare not approach Sikong's residence again."
Yu, although not particularly learned, was very skilled in debate. He once asked Xie Wan, "Have you read 'The Four Books'? Could you share your thoughts on it?" After Xie Wan finished speaking, Yu drew on Fu Jia's perspective and expanded with a few hundred words of sharp and profound analysis, which impressed all the listeners. Yu believed that one does not need to be well-read but should prioritize etiquette. Therefore, he was usually quiet and did not embellish himself, yet was respected by all. When he was in Yan County, he owned a fine carriage and never refused to lend it to others. Once, someone needed the carriage for his mother's funeral but felt too awkward to ask. When Yu learned of this, he exclaimed, "What good is this carriage if it makes others hesitant to borrow it?" He then ordered the carriage to be burned.
I spent a long time in Dongshan and also served as the Sacrificial Official of the National University. Not long after, I was appointed as the Golden Purple Imperial Grand Master and also as the teacher of Prince Langye. Years have gone by, and I've been caught up in various affairs, yet accomplished little. The Chief Imperial Secretary, Zhou Min, accused both me and Xie An of defying imperial edicts for years and suggested that we be imprisoned for life. However, the emperor granted us a pardon.
Someone asked me, "You have repeatedly declined the court's summons, yet became the governor of two prefectures. How do you explain this?" I replied, "Though I've turned down the emperor's summons repeatedly, it's not out of a desire to seem high-minded. In my youth, I never considered becoming an official, and I wasn't cut out for farming, so I reluctantly took on the role of governor in two prefectures. It wasn't about showcasing my abilities; it was simply about making a living." I passed away at sixty-two. I had three sons: Yong, Ning, and Pu.
My eldest son, Yong, passed away at a young age. My second son, Ning, became the Prefect of Poyang. My youngest son, Pu, served as an advisor in the Cavalry. Yong's son, Xin, later became the Central Commander. Ning's son, Tian, became the Secretary Supervisor. Tian's younger brother, Wanling, and Xin's son, Mizhi, both held significant positions during the Yuanxi period.
Ji Kang, courtesy name Shuye, was from Zhi County in Qiao State. His ancestors were originally surnamed Xi, from Shangyu in Kuaiji, but they moved to Zhi County to avoid disaster. There was a Ji Mountain in Zhi County, and his family lived by the mountain, so they changed their surname to Ji. His talented older brother Ji Xi served as Grand Master of the Horse and Minister of Rites. Ji Kang lost his father at a young age, but he was exceptionally gifted and unique. He was seven feet eight inches tall, with elegant speech and demeanor, but he was indifferent to his appearance and rarely dressed up. People regarded him as having a natural elegance and beauty. He was indifferent to fame and fortune, magnanimous, and never judged others' shortcomings. He learned without the guidance of a teacher, was well-read, and knowledgeable about everything, especially fond of the texts "Laozi" and "Zhuangzi." He married into the royal family of Wei State and was appointed as a middle-ranking official. He often practiced health cultivation, played the zither, wrote poetry, and lived freely. He believed that becoming an immortal was a gift, not something that could be achieved through study. As long as one followed the right method of cultivation, one could live a long life like Anqisheng and Pengzu. Therefore, he wrote the "Treatise on Nourishing Life." He also believed that a nobleman should be selfless, writing in his essays, "A nobleman is someone who is not attached to right or wrong in his mind and does not act against morality. Why is that? Because a person with a tranquil mind does not pursue fame and fortune; a person with an open heart is not swayed by desires. Without the desire for fame and fortune, one can transcend rituals and norms and follow nature; not being bound by desires, one can discern right from wrong and understand human nature. Understanding human nature allows one to not go against the great way; transcending rituals and norms, following nature, allows one not to be attached to right or wrong. Therefore, a nobleman is based on non-attachment and understanding human nature; a petty person is evil for hiding emotions and lacking in morality. Why is that? Because hiding emotions and being stingy are the greatest evils of petty people; being open-minded and not attached to anything is the noble character of a nobleman. Therefore, the great way says, 'If I have no body, what is there to worry about?' Those who do not value survival are superior to those who fear death. Thus, the hearts of sages have never been attached to anything. Therefore, it is said, 'A nobleman cultivates the way, forgetting his own body,' this is true. The behavior of a nobleman is inherently noble, not considering whether there are rules before doing it; they are upright, not considering whether it is a good deed before doing it; they are sincere and open, not considering whether it is good to do so before doing it. Therefore, they naturally forget nobility, and noble behavior naturally arises; they naturally follow their true nature, and the true nature meets goodness; they naturally do not cling to anything, and things naturally succeed." That's about it. His aspirations were high and difficult to achieve, often feeling frustrated. His closest friends in spirit were Ruan Ji from Chenliu, Shan Tao from Henan, and their close associates Xiang Xiu from Henan, Liu Ling from Pei, Ruan Ji's nephew Ruan Xian, and Wang Rong from Langye. They played together in the bamboo forest, and they were known as the "Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove." Wang Rong himself stated that he had lived in Shanyang with Ji Kang for twenty years without ever witnessing his expressions of joy, anger, or sorrow.
Second paragraph:
He is indifferent to fame and fortune, magnanimous, and never dwells on the faults of others. He learns independently, without the guidance of teachers, and has a wide-ranging knowledge of books, especially enjoying "Laozi" and "Zhuangzi." He married into the royal family of the Wei Kingdom and was appointed as a middle-ranking court official. He often engages in health cultivation practices, plays the traditional Chinese string instrument known as the qin, writes poetry, and lives freely. He believes that attaining enlightenment and immortality is an inherent gift that cannot be obtained through learning. As long as the cultivation method is correct, one can live a long life like An Qisheng and Pengzu. This led him to write the "Treatise on Nurturing Life." He also believes that a noble person should be selfless, writing in his articles: "Those who are called noble possess a mind that remains clear and untroubled by right and wrong, and their actions do not deviate from the Dao. Why do I say this? Those with calm energy and empty spirit do not hold onto pride; those with bright bodies and open minds are free from desires. Without pride in the heart, one can transcend conventional teachings and follow nature; free from desires, one can discern honor from disgrace and grasp the essence of all things. When feelings are in harmony, the great Dao is not violated; when the heart is free from pride, there is no confusion about right and wrong. Therefore, noble persons are characterized by their lack of confusion and their ability to understand all things. Small-minded people conceal their true feelings, which is wrong, and deviate from the Dao, which is a deficiency. Why? Concealing true feelings and being miserly are the worst traits of small-minded people; an open heart free from confusion is the serious practice of noble persons. Therefore, the great Dao teaches, 'When I am without self, what is there to worry about?' Valuing life is wiser than valuing oneself. From this perspective, a noble person's heart is free from confusion. Therefore, it is said, 'A noble person walks the Dao, forgetting that they have a body.' This is the truth. The noble person's practice of virtue does not depend on having a standard before acting; having a pure heart without evil intentions does not require discussion of goodness before being righteous; revealing true feelings without confusion does not require consideration before acting. Therefore, arrogantly forgetting virtue leads to virtue and standards meeting; suddenly following the heart leads to the heart meeting goodness; and acting without confusion leads to actions and intentions coinciding." This is the gist of it.
Third paragraph:
His aspirations were lofty and difficult to attain, and he often thought of the qualities of the people of Ying. The only ones with whom he shared an intellectual camaraderie were Ruan Ji from Chenliu and Shan Tao from Henan. His companions included Xiang Xiu from Henan, Liu Ling from Pei, Xian, the nephew of Ji, and Wang Rong from Langya. They later became known as the "Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove." Rong claimed to have lived in Kangju and Shanyang for twenty years, never displaying any signs of joy or anger.
It is said that Ji Kang, this fellow, often goes up the mountain to gather herbs. When he's having a good time, he often forgets to head back home. When he meets villagers chopping wood and fetching water, they all think he looks like a celestial being. Later, he met Sun Deng in the mountains of Ji County and followed him for a while. Sun Deng was especially composed and spoke little. When Ji Kang was about to leave, Sun Deng said, "You have a fiery spirit that sets you apart. Can you learn to be more content and keep to yourself?"
Next, Ji Kang met Wang Lie and they went into the mountains together. Wang Lie discovered a type of stone marrow that resembled rock candy; he ate half and gave the remaining half to Ji Kang. As a result, it quickly turned into a stone. They also saw an ancient book in a stone room. Wang Lie quickly urged Ji Kang to retrieve it, but the book vanished. Wang Lie sighed and said, "Shuye (Ji Kang's style name) has lofty aspirations, but always fails; that's just how fate is!" Ji Kang had a unique way of thinking and often encountered such extraordinary things.
Shan Tao was going to become an official and wanted to recommend Ji Kang to take his place. Ji Kang wrote a letter to Shan Tao, saying he wanted to cut off their friendship, and wrote in the letter:
"I heard that you want me to take your place; even if this doesn't work out, I know you're coming from a good place, but I have to decline. I'm concerned you're like those who butcher pigs, cutting off their own flesh as a sacrifice; that's why I'm telling you how I feel."
Laozi and Zhuangzi are my teachers; they both held humble official positions. Liu Xia Hui and Dongfang Shuo were both extraordinary individuals, yet they were content with humble roles. How could I possibly look down on them! Confucius advocated for universal love and did not feel ashamed to drive a cart; Ziwen did not wish to become a high official, yet he served as a minister three times. This is a testament to the gentleman's desire to contribute to society! So-called high officials and nobility can benefit the world without changing their original intentions, and even in poverty, they can find joy and remain untroubled. From this perspective, during the reign of Yao and Shun, Xu You lived in seclusion; Zhang Liang assisted the Han dynasty, and Jie Yu sang and traveled; their aspirations were aligned. I admire these predecessors, as they all achieved their respective ambitions. Thus, there are many ways for a gentleman to conduct himself; although the paths differ, the ultimate goal is the same: to act in harmony with one's true nature and find their rightful place. Hence, there is a saying, "Not serving in the court, nor returning after seeking refuge in the mountains." Moreover, the character of Yanling Jizi Zang and the integrity of Sima Xiangru are what they hold dear, and no one can take that away from them.
Every time I read "The Biographies of Shang Ziping and Tai Xiaowei," I am deeply moved and can't help but imagine what kind of individuals they must have been. Both of them lost their parents at a young age, and their siblings were proud and unruly. They didn't study much Confucian classics, but instead immersed themselves in "Laozi" and "Zhuangzi," which only made them more free-spirited. Therefore, their pursuit of fame and fortune gradually faded in importance, while their desire for comfort and pleasure grew stronger. Ruan Ji never criticized others' faults when speaking, and I often try to emulate him, but I can't do it like he does. He was naturally outstanding, harmonious in his interactions with others, but his only flaw was excessive drinking, which made the etiquette-minded literati resent him and wish to see him gone; fortunately, the General always protected him. I don't have Ruan Ji's talent, but I tend to be lazy; I don't understand the ways of the world, nor am I proficient in political strategies; I don't have the caution of Wan Shi Jun, but I have the bad habit of seeking pleasure; the longer I navigate the bureaucratic world, the more problems I have; even if I don't want to cause trouble, how is it possible?
I have also heard the testament of a Taoist, saying that eating Polygonatum can prolong life, and I firmly believe this. I especially like to travel and enjoy nature, observing fish and birds, feeling very happy. But once I become an official, these hobbies will be neglected; how can I abandon what I love to do something I dread?
The key to human relationships is to understand each other's nature, and then help them. Dayu did not force Bo Chengzi and Ziga to do things they were not good at, which allowed their strengths to shine; Confucius did not force Zixia to do things he was not good at, protecting his weaknesses. Just like Zhuge Liang did not force Pang Tong to join Shu, and Hua Xin did not force Wang Lang to take a high position, these individuals truly know how to connect with others, truly understand their friends. I have already thought it through; if my path comes to an end, so be it. I hope you won't drive me into a corner.
I recently lost the affection of my mother and elder brother, and I have been heartbroken. My daughter is only thirteen, and my son is just eight; they're still just kids, and they often get sick. Just thinking about it breaks my heart; it's hard to put into words. Now, I just want to stay in my little corner of the world, educate my children well, occasionally gather with relatives and friends, talk about the past, have a drink, and play a tune. This would make me happy; I can’t even dare to dream of being a righteous official in the court! If I'm pushed to chase after fame and fortune, it might be fine for a fleeting thrill, but if pressured, I’d definitely lose it! Unless there's a serious grudge, I wouldn't go that far. I am writing this to explain to you clearly and use it as a farewell.
Once this book is out, I knew it would be hard to keep it under wraps. I am naturally very clever, and I enjoy blacksmithing. There is a willow tree in my yard that grows particularly lush; I’ve created a little water channel around it, and every summer, I sit under the willow tree to work with iron. Lu An from Dongping admires Kang Gao very much. Every time he misses him, he travels from afar to see him. They have a great friendship, and they both appreciate each other. Later, Lu An was set up by his brother and was imprisoned. During questioning, Lu An tried to clear his name but ended up dragging Kang Gao into it, which got Kang Gao arrested too. Kang Gao has always been cautious and never easily offends others. He never expected to be caught up in this situation, so he penned a poem expressing his frustration:
Oh, how unfortunate my blessings are, seldom encountered misfortune, mourning my own ignorance, as I grew up in swaddling clothes. Raised by my mother and brother, with love but no guidance, spoiled by love without discipline. Until adulthood, relying on favor to act freely, rejecting the old ways, allowing what is valued. Trusting in the teachings of Zhuangzi and Laozi, valuing the simple and pure, hoping to keep things simple and stay true to myself.
Alas, I have led an unfortunate life. Since childhood, I have faced misfortune, feeling isolated and helpless, even experiencing misfortune as a baby. My parents and siblings raised me with great love and never treated me harshly. Taking advantage of their affection, I indulged myself, aspiring to emulate the ancients, living according to my own ways. I revere the philosophies of Zhuangzi and Laozi, disdaining material pleasures and valuing personal cultivation, wholeheartedly wanting to maintain my true self and nurture my character.
I may be slow-witted, well-meaning but often misunderstood, like Ziyu, who is often wronged. Those with broad minds can always tolerate the shortcomings and mistakes of others. Everyone has flaws, and many things are beyond our control. Yet, I am narrow-minded, always seeing the good and bad of others too distinctly; now I reflect on my mistakes, and my heart aches as if cut by a knife. I intended to reduce my faults, but instead, I attracted a flurry of rumors; I mean no harm to others, yet I often attract their resentment. In the past, I felt ashamed of not being as tolerant and magnanimous as Liu Xia Hui was, and now I feel ashamed of not being as honest and upright as Sun Deng. I have betrayed my own aspirations and disappointed my friends. I admire people like Yan Ziling and Zheng Zichan, cherishing a tranquil life, avoiding entanglement with the mundane world, and maintaining a serene mindset.
I'm a pretty bad person, always getting into trouble. This isn't fate, but entirely due to my own foolishness and negligence, which just piled up more problems and ultimately sent me to prison. Faced with those crude interrogations, I'm trapped here, feeling ashamed and helpless, with the timing's just not right for me. Although I consider myself upright, my spirit's been crushed, my will has been weakened; even if I clear my name, what difference does it make? Just look at those geese, flying north in formation, following the season, carefree and forgetful. Alas, I can only sigh; what else can I do? Things just haven't gone my way, I'm stuck here, whether rich or poor, it’s all just fate, what else can I ask for?
As the ancients said, the best thing is to not chase after fame and fortune. If you go with the flow, stay humble and cautious, you won't have regrets. Being as cautious and careful as Wan Shi Jun, one can preserve one's own and family's honor. The world's a messy place, and it just messes with my head; gotta watch out for too much leisure and pleasure to maintain integrity in the end. Look at the lingzhi mushroom, growing three times a season, while I'm just sitting around feeling sorry for myself, not using my talents. I need to learn from this and really work on myself, never let myself be mediocre and lazy again. I want to live like Cai Wei does, finding freedom by the streams, singing and nurturing body and mind, living peacefully in old age.
Legend has it that Ji Kang, who grew up in poverty, forged iron beneath a large tree with his good friend Xiang Xiu to make ends meet. Zhong Hui, a gifted orator from Yingchuan, was talented and eloquent, so he went to visit Ji Kang. Ji Kang was not particularly courteous to him and continued to focus on forging iron. After a long time, Zhong Hui left, and Ji Kang asked him, "What brought you here after hearing something? And what did you see that made you leave?" Zhong Hui replied, "I came because I heard something, and I left because I saw something." This left Zhong Hui with a grudge against Ji Kang. Later, Zhong Hui maligned Ji Kang to Emperor Wei, saying, "Ji Kang is like a crouching dragon. Once he takes flight, the consequences could be dire. Your Majesty need not worry about the world; just be wary of Ji Kang." Zhong Hui also falsely accused Ji Kang of conspiring with Guanqiu Jian to rebel, but luckily Shantao did not agree. In the past, the state of Qi executed Huashi, while the state of Lu executed Shao Zhengmao because they posed a threat to the state and disrupted social order, so the sages got rid of them. Ji Kang, Ruan Ji, and others engage in licentious speech, slandering the laws and systems, which no emperor or general could tolerate. This is an opportunity to eliminate them and restore social order. Emperor Wei was always swayed by Zhong Hui's words, so he ordered Ji Kang's execution.
Xi Kang was to be executed in the East Market. More than three thousand students from the Imperial Academy requested to take him as their teacher, but they were not granted permission. Xi Kang looked at the setting sun, picked up his qin, and began to play, saying, "Once Yuan Xiaoni had learned 'Guangling Melody' from me, I had always been reluctant to teach it freely; now 'Guangling Melody' is on the verge of being lost!" At that time, Xi Kang was just forty. Scholars everywhere mourned this. Later, Emperor Wen of Wei came to regret his decision. Earlier, Xi Kang had traveled to the west side of Luoyang, where he stayed at Huayang Pavilion and played the qin. In the middle of the night, a guest suddenly arrived, claiming to be an ancient person, and discussed music theory with Xi Kang, speaking clearly and eloquently. The guest then took out a qin and played the piece "Guangling Melody," the sound of the qin was exquisite, and then taught it to Xi Kang, instructing him not to share it with anyone or reveal his name.
Xi Kang excelled in debate and writing; his thoughts were lofty, profound, and deeply mysterious. He wrote biographies and praises of noble figures from ancient times, seeking friendship with wise men of the future. He also wrote the "Tai Shi Zhen," which effectively outlined the principles of governance for emperors. Additionally, he composed the "Theory of Sound Without Sorrow or Joy," which had a very clear structure. His son, Zishao, has a separate biography.
Xiang Xiu, also known as Ziqi, was a native of Huainan. He was elegant and open-minded, with foresight and wisdom. He was recognized by Shantao for his talents at a young age and had a deep passion for the philosophy of Laozi. Although many scholars throughout the ages had read the various chapters of Zhuangzi's "Zhuangzi," no one had fully grasped its meaning and structure until Xiang Xiu offered his interpretation, showcasing its unique appeal and revitalizing interest in metaphysics. During the reign of Emperor Hui, Guo Xiang further elaborated on and developed the ideas of Zhuangzi, rendering Confucian and Mohist ideas appear superficial and leading to the rise of Daoism. At first, Xiang Xiu intended to annotate "Zhuangzi," but Ji Kang said, "Why does this book need annotations? It merely obstructs people from experiencing joy!" After completing the annotations, Xiang Xiu presented them to Ji Kang, asking, "What do you think?" They also discussed the way of nourishing life, engaging in a spirited discussion to elicit Ji Kang's profound insights. Ji Kang was skilled in metallurgy, and Xiang Xiu assisted him, and they worked together joyfully and in harmony. They also cultivated a vegetable garden in Shanyang with Lv An. Following Ji Kang's execution, Xiang Xiu received orders from the local authorities to proceed to Luoyang. Emperor Wen of Wei asked him, "I heard that you have aspirations to live in seclusion on Jishan, why are you here?" Xiang Xiu replied, "I believe that even the proud hermits Chao Fu and Xu You could not attain the level of Emperor Yao, so what is there to envy?" Emperor Wen was very pleased. Xiang Xiu was subsequently conscripted and wrote the poem "Reminiscing about the Past," which included the lines: ...
Ji Kang was particularly skilled in string and wind instruments. Before his execution, he gazed at the sun's shadow and requested a qin to play a tune. After his death, Xiang Xiu passed by Ji Kang's former residence at sunset, sensing the biting cold and desolation. A neighbor played the flute, its sound clear and melodious. Xiang Xiu was overcome with emotion and nostalgia as he remembered the joyous times he had spent with Ji Kang, and thus wrote this article...
I was ordered to the capital, but instead changed direction and headed north. After crossing the Yellow River and traveling by boat, I passed by my old home in Shanyang. Gazing at the desolate wilderness, I stopped my carriage at the city's edge to rest. I visited the old residences of my two sons and walked through those empty houses. I sighed at the lament for the fall of the Zhou Dynasty in "Shuli" and mourned the decline of the Yin and Shang Dynasties in "Maixiu." Recalling the past and cherishing the present, my heart felt restless and uncertain. The houses are still standing, not collapsed, but the physical and spiritual presence of people has vanished, like... what? Recalling the injustice faced by Li Si, I let out a deep sigh, akin to the mournful cry of a yellow dog; as I mourned the early death of Ji Kang, I gazed at the setting sun, plucking the strings of my qin. I entrusted my fate to insight and my remaining life to each passing moment. As I listened to the passionate and stirring flute, the beautiful music played intermittently, then rose again. As I prepare to set off, I take up my pen to write these words and express my feelings. Later, I became a Cavalry Attendant, then was promoted to Yellow Gate Attendant and Cavalry Consultant, holding no actual duties in the court, merely a nominal position. I eventually passed away while still in office. I had two sons: Chun and Ti.
Liu Ling, styled Bolun, was from Pei State. He was six feet tall and quite unattractive in appearance. He indulged his desires and acted recklessly, often contemplating the idea of "a subtle universe that harmonizes all things." He was usually quiet and did not casually associate with others, but when he met Ruan Ji and Ji Kang, they instantly connected and shared a deep bond, strolling together in the woods. At first, he did not care about the wealth of his family. He often rode in a deer cart with a jar of wine, while a servant followed behind carrying a hoe, saying, "Just bury me when I'm gone." He treated his own body with such carelessness. One time, he was very thirsty and asked his wife for wine. His wife threw the wine away, broke the wine container, and cried while advising him, "You drink too much; this is not a way to maintain health. You must quit drinking!" Liu Ling replied, "Fine! I can't control myself, so I can only make a vow to the gods. Then prepare wine and meat!" His wife agreed. Liu Ling knelt down and prayed, saying, "Heaven created Liu Ling, named him after wine. One drink is a measure, five dou to relieve drunkenness. Never listen to a woman's words!" After finishing, he began to drink and eat meat again, quickly getting drunk again.
One time, when he was drunk, he got into a conflict with an ordinary person, who rolled up his sleeves and started swinging his fists at him. Liu Ling leisurely said, "Chicken ribs, not enough to fill the gaps between teeth, how could you possibly swing your fists?" The man laughed heartily upon hearing this and stopped.
Though this person seemed quite unreliable on a daily basis, floating through life in a drunken stupor, he was surprisingly sharp at crucial moments. He rarely wrote anything, having only written a piece titled "Ode to the Virtue of Wine." In this piece, he wrote:
"There is a great man, treating the heavens and the earth as a single day, countless ages as just a fleeting moment, the sun and moon as his doors and windows, and the vast expanse as his courtyard. He wanders without leaving a trace, lives without a permanent home, using the sky as his canopy and the earth as his mat, doing whatever he pleases. When he rests, he holds a cup and a wine jug; when he moves, he carries a wine flask. His only concern is wine, caring for nothing else."
"There were noble young men and cultured scholars who, upon hearing of my reputation, began to discuss the reasons behind it. They waved their arms and glared, fervently debating rules and propriety, with disputes arising incessantly. Meanwhile, this gentleman remained unfazed, holding a wine jar and a cup, drinking heartily, with his beard flowing, sitting cross-legged, reclining on the dregs, without a care in the world, enjoying himself immensely. When he was drunk, he embraced it; when sober, he accepted it, unfazed by the thunder and the imposing presence of Mount Tai, unaware of the changing seasons and untouched by the desires for fame and fortune. Looking down upon all things, they seemed as inconsequential as floating weeds in a vast sea. The two companions by his side were like little insects, completely reliant on him.
He once held the position of a military officer in Jianwei. During the Taishi era, he participated in an examination, boasting about the idea of 'governing by doing nothing.' At that time, others were appointed to official positions due to their good exam results, but he was directly eliminated because his ideas were impractical. Ultimately, he lived a peaceful life."
Xie Kun, styled Youyu, is from Yangxia in the state of Chen. His grandfather, Xie Zuan, held the position of General in Charge of Agriculture. His father, Xie Heng, was renowned for his scholarly demeanor and became the Grand Sacrificial Official. Xie Kun was well-known from a young age, renowned for his straightforwardness and wisdom, unconcerned with trivial matters. He had a fondness for reading the Tao Te Ching and the I Ching, as well as singing and playing the qin (a traditional Chinese musical instrument). Wang Yan and Ji Shao both admired him.
During the Yongxing period, Sima Yi, the King of Changsha, was in power. There was a man named Ruan Xian, whom some said was planning to escape. Sima Yi wanted to whip him, but Ruan Xian took off his clothes in preparation for punishment, with no trace of anger on his face. After he was released, Ruan Xian didn't show any signs of happiness either, remaining very calm. When Sima Yue, the King of Donghai, heard of Ruan Xian's reputation, he recruited him as his assistant, giving him the freedom to work without many constraints. However, not long after, Ruan Xian's household servant stole official documents, which resulted in Ruan Xian's dismissal. Wang Xuan and Ruan Xiu, two scholars at the time, were sympathetic towards Ruan Xian for facing such unfair treatment so soon after entering the court. But Ruan Xian, upon hearing these discussions, was casually singing and playing the qin, not concerned in the slightest. Everyone admired his generosity of spirit and his indifference to honor and disgrace.
Next door to his house lived a beautiful young lady from the Gao family. Ruan Xian teased her, and she threw a shuttle at him, ending up knocking out two of his teeth. People would say, "Ruan Xian is so reckless and unruly, yet he still ended up with his teeth knocked out." When Ruan Xian heard about it, he laughed heartily and said, "This doesn't affect my singing and drinking!" Sima Yue later asked him to return to work, promoting him to a military officer. However, Ruan Xian felt that the situation was unstable and feigned illness to resign and escape to Yuzhang. One night, he came across an empty pavilion and decided to spend the night there. The pavilion had a reputation for being haunted, with people having been killed there. Just before dawn, a person in yellow clothes called out to him to open the door. Ruan Xian wasn't scared at all and reached out through the window to grab the person, only to discover it was a deer with a broken leg. He followed the blood trail and found the deer. From that day forward, the pavilion was never haunted again.
Later, General Wang Dun invited him to be the Chief Clerk because of his contributions in the campaign against Du Tao, and he was granted the title of Marquis of Xianting. After his mother passed away, Ruan Xian resigned from his official position to observe a period of mourning. Once the mourning period was over, he was again appointed by Wang Dun as the Chief Clerk of the Grand General. At that time, Wang Cheng was also working under Wang Dun. He noticed that Ruan Xian never tired of chatting with Wang Dun and remarked, "Chief Clerk Xie (referring to Ruan Xian) can really chat well!" When Wang Cheng spoke with Wang Dun, he didn't even look at him, which showed how much everyone admired Ruan Xian. Ruan Xian never pursued fame or fortune, nor did he work hard on self-improvement; his attitude towards life was balanced between gain and loss. Although he looked a bit scruffy, his every word and action had a certain elegance. Later, Wang Dun harbored treasonous intentions that everyone in the court and beyond knew about. Ruan Xian understood that he couldn't persuade him, so he led a relaxed and carefree life, ignoring political affairs, only occasionally poking fun at current events, and continued this way until old age. He often drank with Bi Zhuo, Wang Ni, Ruan Fang, Yang Man, Huan Yi, and Ruan Fu. Since Ruan Xian was quite famous, Wang Dun treated him with a lot of respect.
I once went to the capital when Emperor Ming was still in the Eastern Palace. He was especially warm and respectful towards me. He asked me, "Some say you resemble Yu Liang; what do you think?" I replied, "As for being dignified and steady in court, setting an example for all the officials, I cannot compare to Yu Liang; but if it’s about living in seclusion in the mountains, I think I'm better at that than he is." Wen Qiao once told my son Shang, "Your father is not just knowledgeable; he has unique insights too; even Zhuge Jin trying to convince Sun Quan can't hold a candle to him."
Later, Su Jun planned to rebel. He said to me, "Liu Yi is extremely treacherous and will endanger the state. I want to eliminate this disaster, restore the monarch, and save the situation. What do you think?" I replied, "Liu Yi is indeed the root of the chaos, but he's as tricky to handle as the foxes in the city and the mice at the altar." Su Jun angrily said, "You are truly a mediocre talent, completely lacking in understanding of the bigger picture!" He appointed me as the governor of Yuzhang, but kept me around to leverage my reputation and pressure me into acting with him. When Su Jun arrived at Shitou City, he sighed, "I can no longer accomplish anything great or virtuous." I said, "Why do you say that? As long as you start fresh from now, letting go of the past each day and focusing on the future, you’ll be fine."
At first, Su Jun said to me, "I plan to appoint Zhou Bo Ren as the Minister of Personnel Affairs and Dai Ruosi as the Deputy Minister." After arriving in the capital, he asked me again, "What do people think now?" I replied, "General, your intention to save the state, although well-meaning, hasn't been understood by the common people, who are gossiping about it. Zhou Yi and Dai Ruosi are the hopes of scholars from both the north and south; if you promote them, everyone will feel more at ease." That very day, Su Jun sent troops to arrest Zhou Yi and Dai Ruosi, and I had no idea. Su Jun angrily said, "How could you be so careless! Those two aren't worth your time; I've already arrested them." I had a deep friendship with Zhou Yi, and upon hearing this news, I was shocked, as if I'd lost a loved one.
Military advisor Wang Qiao strongly urged Su Jun against killing Zhou Yi, but Su Jun was furious and ordered Wang Qiao's execution. At that time, everyone was afraid and no one dared to speak. I said, "General, you are undertaking great matters; you shouldn't kill the innocent indiscriminately. Wang Qiao only angered you by speaking frankly; isn't it a bit excessive to want to kill him?" Only then did Su Jun relent.
After Wang Dun killed the loyal subject, he pretended to be sick and did not attend court, preparing to return to Wuchang. Xie Kun advised him, saying: "You have made great contributions to the country, but the people's hearts have not fully yielded. If you can attend court and meet the emperor, bridging the gap between the ruler and his ministers, then the hearts of the people will truly submit. By aligning with public sentiment and serving the emperor with a humble attitude, your achievements will stand alongside those of the state's greatest supporters, and your reputation will last for eternity!" Wang Dun asked, "Can you guarantee that there will be no trouble?" Xie Kun replied, "I recently met with the emperor in the palace, and he values me greatly. He even said he wants to see you. The atmosphere in the palace is very calm; there will definitely be no danger. If you attend court, I am willing to accompany you." Wang Dun became furious and said, "Even if I kill hundreds of you, what do I stand to lose?" In the end, he did not attend court and directly returned. At that time, the court ministers were concerned about Wang Dun's actions, yet Xie Kun stayed composed and frequently offered counsel. Wang Dun rejected Xie Kun's advice and harbored dissatisfaction toward him. After Wang Dun's army returned, Xie Kun was appointed as a local official. Xie Kun was known for his integrity and was beloved by the people during his time in office. Shortly after, he passed away at the age of forty-three years. After Wang Dun's death, the court posthumously bestowed upon Xie Kun the title of Grand Minister and granted him the posthumous title of "Kang." His son Xie Shang inherited his title, and other biographies also recount his accomplishments.
Hu Wufu, whose style name was Yanguo, was a native of Fenggao at Mount Tai. His grandfather, Hu Wuban, was the Chief of the Imperial Guards during the Han Dynasty; his father, Hu Wuyuan, was skilled in military affairs, and Shantao praised him for his ability to defend the border, recommending him to be the Grand Commandant's Chief Clerk, and eventually served as the magistrate of Henan. Hu Wufu was highly renowned from a young age and was adept at judging people. He enjoyed drinking, led an indulgent lifestyle, and was careless about details. He, along with Wang Cheng, Wang Dun, and Yu Ai, were all close confidants of the Grand Commandant Wang Yan, known as the "Four Companions." Wang Cheng once noted in a letter, "Yanguo's words flow like sawdust from a saw, endlessly, truly a leader of the younger generation!"
He was appointed as a Palace Attendant and Grand Commandant's secretary, but he declined both positions. Because of his family's financial struggles, he requested to serve as the magistrate of Fanchang County, where he began to abstain from alcohol, strict with himself, and gained a high reputation. Later, he was promoted to a Palace Gentleman, participated in the campaign against Prince Sima Jiong of Qi, and was granted the title of Lord of Yinping. He was promoted several times and eventually became the Chief Historian of the Minister of Works. He then requested an external assignment and served as General of the Guard and Prefect of Le'an. During his tenure, he and the people in the county spent their days drinking and neglecting government duties. Later, when Prince Sima Ying of Chengdu became the Crown Prince, he summoned Hu Wufu as a Palace Attendant, and he and others like Xie Kun, Wang Cheng, Ruan Xiu, Wang Ni, and Bi Zhuo lived a dissolute life together.
I once heard a tale where the assistant of the Intendant of Henan was drinking at the gate of the Henan Prefecture, and the Intendant's stable boy, Wang Zibo, was sitting nearby. The assistant asked Wang Zibo to make a fire, but Wang Zibo replied, "I am just a soldier; as long as I don't have to do heavy lifting, how can you expect to boss me around?" The assistant then chatted with him and remarked, "I can't hold a candle to him!" and recommended Wang Zibo to the Intendant of Henan, Le Guang. Le Guang was delighted to meet him and promoted him to be a clerk. You see, his talent scouting showed remarkable insight and discernment.
Later, the King of Donghai, Sima Yue, heard of the reputation of this advisor and appointed him as a junior official (从事中郎), then promoted him to General Zhenwei (振威将军) and Prefect of Chenliu. Later, when Wang Mi rebelled and passed through his jurisdiction, he failed to suppress the rebellion and was consequently dismissed. Not long after, he was appointed as General Ningyuan and Governor of Yangzhou, but he did not take up the position. Sima Yue then appointed him as Right Sima and Grand Central Inspector of Benzhou. After Sima Yue's death, in order to avoid the chaos of war, Emperor Jin Yuan appointed him as General Andong and Advisor to the Imperial Sacrifices, later promoting him to General Yangwu and Inspector of Xiangzhou, granting him temporary command authority. He died shortly after assuming office at the age of forty-nine, leaving behind a son named Qianzhi.
His son Qianzhi, styled Ziguang, did not have the same level of talent as his father, but he was even more arrogant and indulgent than his father. When drunk, he often called his father's name directly, and his father did not mind. Some said that the father and son were too arrogant. Once, while his father was drinking, Qianzhi secretly ran over and shouted loudly, "Yanguo (his father's name), you're getting old, stop drinking! Otherwise, I will have to help you back to your room!" His father laughed heartily and called him in to drink together. This was their way of interacting. Qianzhi died before he was thirty years old.
Bi Zhuo, courtesy name Maoshi, was from Tongyang, Xinchai. His father, Bi Chen, was an official of the Central Secretariat. When Bi Zhuo was young, he led a free-spirited life and was appreciated by Hu Wufu. Towards the end of the Taixing period, he became a Lang of the Ministry of Personnel and often neglected official duties because of his drinking. Once, when the wine made by a colleague's family was ready, Bi Zhuo stumbled into a colleague's wine cellar to steal a drink and was caught by the wine cellar guard. The next morning, people recognized him as Bi Zhuo, the Lang of the Ministry of Personnel, and hastily let him go. Bi Zhuo simply invited the owner of the wine cellar, threw a feast by the wine vat, and drank until he was heavily intoxicated before leaving. Bi Zhuo once said, "If there were hundreds of hu of wine filled on a boat, both ends of the boat filled with delicious food for all seasons, holding a wine cup in the right hand and a crab claw in the left hand, floating on the wine boat, that would be enough to live a lifetime!" Later, after crossing the river, he became the Changshi of Pingnan under Wen Qiao and eventually passed away while in office.
Wang Ni, courtesy name Xiaosun, was from Chengyang, though some say he hailed from Henei. He came from a military family and lived in Luoyang, renowned for his bold and free-spirited nature. Initially, he served as a soldier in the Guard Command, and Hu Wufu, Langye Wang Cheng, Fuchang Fu, Zhongshan Liu Yu, Yingchuan Xun Sui, and Hedong Pei Xia took turns seeking out Zhen Shu, the magistrate of Henan, and Cao Shi, the magistrate of Luoyang, hoping to recruit Wang Ni. Cao Shi informed them that this decision came from higher up, and he couldn't take matters into his own hands.
Hu Wu Fu and the others took the sheep and wine to the Hu Jun Mansion. After registering with the gatekeeper, they reported to the Hu Jun. Hu Jun sighed and said, "These scholars bringing sheep and wine must have a reason." At that time, Wang Ni was in charge of the horses at the mansion. After Hu Wu Fu and the others entered, they sat in the stable with Wang Ni, roasting lamb and drinking wine. They left only after eating and drinking their fill, without even meeting Hu Jun. Hu Jun was taken aback and immediately granted Wang Ni an extended leave and exempted him from military service. Dong Ying Gong invited him to serve as a secretary at the Chariot and Cavalry Mansion, but he refused.
At that time, the Shangshu He Sui lived an extremely luxurious life. Wang Ni remarked to others, "He Sui is living in troubled times, yet he's living so extravagantly and immorally. He won't live long." Someone said, "If Bo Wei (He Sui's style name) hears this, he'll surely come after you." Wang Ni replied, "If Bo Wei hears my words, he would have died long ago." Not long after, He Sui was indeed murdered by the King of Donghai Yue. When Wang Ni arrived in Luoyang, he went to pay a visit to the King of Donghai Yue and did not perform the kneeling ceremony. When asked why by the King of Donghai Yue, Wang Ni said, "You do not have the abilities of a prime minister, so I do not need to kneel." He then sharply criticized the King of Donghai Yue without hesitation. He also said, "You owe me an explanation." The King of Donghai Yue was surprised and asked, "How so?" Wang Ni said, "Once, someone in the State of Chu lost some cloth and blamed the Prime Minister for the theft. Now, my home and belongings have been pillaged by your soldiers, and I am hungry and cold. This is something else you owe me." The King of Donghai Yue laughed heartily and immediately rewarded him with fifty pieces of silk. When the other officials and nobles caught wind of this, they all rushed to send gifts to him.
After the fall of Luoyang, Wang Ni escaped to Jiangxia. At that time, Wang Cheng, the governor of Jingzhou, treated him kindly. Wang Ni lost his wife when he was young and had only one son. They had no house to live in, just a broken cart and a cow. Whenever they went out, he would have his son drive the cart, and at night, the father and son would sleep in the cart together. He often lamented, "The world is in chaos, and everywhere is unstable!" Shortly after, Wang Cheng passed away, and Jingzhou suffered from famine. Wang Ni couldn't find anything to eat, so he had to slaughter the cow, take apart the cart, and cook the meat. After they finished the meat, both father and son eventually starved to death.
Yang Man, also known as Zuyan, was the grandson of the older brother of Grand Tutor Yang Hu. His father, Yang Ji, had served as the governor of Yangping. Yang Man became well-known at an early age, and both his hometown and the province sought him for official positions; even the Grand Tutor asked him to be his advisor, but he did not accept. Later, to escape the chaos of war, he crossed the river to the south. Emperor Yuan appointed him as a military advisor in the East, and he was later promoted to the chief secretary of the chancellor, handling many confidential matters. He also served as the Palace Attendant, the Minister of Personnel, and the governor of Jinling, but was eventually removed from his position due to official issues. Yang Man was a laid-back guy who loved to drink. He had a good relationship with famous figures such as Wen Qiao, Yu Liang, Ruan Fang, and Huan Yi, all of whom were famous figures of his time. At that time, people referred to Ruan Fang from Chenliu as "Hong Bo," Qi Jian from Gaoping as "Fang Bo," Hu Wufu from Taishan as "Da Bo," Bian Zhi from Jiyin as "Cai Bo," Cai Mo from Chenliu as "Lang Bo," Ruan Fu as "Dan Bo," Liu Sui from Gaoping as "Wei Bo," and Yang Man as "Tai Bo." These eight men were referred to as the "Eight Bo of Yanzhou," similar to the ancient "Eight Jun."
Wang Dun had a falling out with the court, arresting many court officials. Yang Man was the Right Chief Historian at the time. Yang Man knew that Wang Dun was planning a rebellion, but he drank heavily every day and only spoke ill of him behind his back. Because Wang Dun valued Yang Man's reputation, he was very polite to him and did not give him any important positions, so Yang Man was not involved in Wang Dun's rebellion. After Wang Dun's failure, Yang Man succeeded Ruan Fu as the Governor of Danyang. At that time, when newly appointed court officials crossed the river, they liked to show off by hosting lavish banquets for each other. Once Yang Man took office, early guests enjoyed good food, but latecomers found it all gone, regardless of who they were. There was a man named Yang Gu, who later became the Prefect of Linhai. He entertained guests from morning till night with a lavish feast; even late-night arrivals could still enjoy a good meal. People said that although Yang Gu's banquet was luxurious, it lacked the sincerity and straightforwardness of Yang Man's. Su Jun rebelled, and Yang Man was appointed as the Front General, commanding troops to guard Yunlong Gate. The court's army was ineffective in battle, and some advised Yang Man to avoid Su Jun. But Yang Man said, "The court is on the brink of collapse; where else can I go?" He commanded his soldiers to hold their ground and was ultimately killed by Su Jun at the age of fifty-five. After Su Jun pacified the rebellion, the court posthumously appointed Yang Man as the Grand Chancellor of Ceremonies. His son Yang Ben was also famous in his youth, married Princess Daogong of Nanjun, daughter of Emperor Ming, and became a Secretariat Clerk, but sadly passed away at a young age. Yang Man also had a younger brother, Yang Dan.
Peng Zu, also known by his courtesy name Dan, didn't take his studies seriously in his youth, and people at that time thought he was just an ordinary guy with no special talents. At that time, there was a "Ba Bo" in Yanzhou, and later came the "Si Bo," all of them notorious officials. Chen Liu Jiangquan, the Grand Minister of Ceremonies, was called "Gu Bo" because he had a huge appetite; Shi Chou, the governor of Yuzhang, was nicknamed "Ben Bo" for being both overweight and dim-witted; Zhang Yi, a Cavalry Officer from Gaoping, was called "Hua Bo" for being sly and underhanded; and Peng Zu was called "Suo Bo" because of his fierce and violent nature, which was basically a modern take on the ancient "Four Evils"!
Peng Zu was first called by Emperor Yuan to work in the Prime Minister's office, and he later climbed the ranks to become the governor of Luling. He was tough, rough around the edges, and overbearing, relying on his status as a royal relative to be even more audacious, resorting to violence even over petty disputes. He suspected that people like Jianliang in the prefecture were thieves and killed more than two hundred people, not even sparing infants, and arrested hundreds more. Yu Liang captured him and brought him back to the capital. The authorities claimed Peng Zu's crimes warranted the death penalty, but since Empress Jingxian was his grand-aunt, he could avoid execution under the "Eight Proposals." Emperor Cheng issued an edict saying, "This kind of thing has never happened before, either in ancient times or now! I still can't bear to have him executed publicly, so let him receive the edict in prison!" Peng Zu's nephew Ben had married a princess and voluntarily submitted a request to dissolve the marriage. Emperor Cheng replied, "The guilt does not transfer; that is the rule both ancient and modern. Peng Zu has committed a crime, but what does that have to do with Ben! I absolutely do not agree to their divorce!"
Lady Shan, the Shan Concubine of Langye, was the niece of Peng Zu. She ran to the palace and knelt down to plead for mercy. Wang Dao also presented a memorial stating, "Peng Zu's crimes are inexcusable and deserve severe punishment. Concubine Shan is worried and sick because of this matter. Your Majesty should show your kindness and spare Peng Zu's life." So the emperor issued a decree saying, "The concubine has but one uncle. She cried and pleaded, even coughing up blood, demonstrating her profound worry. I was raised by the concubine in my youth; her kindness to me is like that of a mother. If she falls ill due to excessive grief, how can I hold my head up in this world! Now I pardon Peng Zu's death sentence to console the concubine's feelings." Thus, Peng Zu was pardoned. Not long after, Peng Zu fell ill and kept dreaming that Jian Liang and others were out to get him. He died a few days later.
Guangyi, with the courtesy name Mengzu, was from Le'an. Initially, he served as a low-ranking official in Bochang County. The county magistrate asked him to host guests, but he braved the biting cold and got drenched, only to find the magistrate was not there when he returned. He stripped off his wet clothes to dry them and then crawled into the magistrate's bed. When the magistrate returned and discovered this, he was furious and intended to punish him harshly. Guangyi said, "My family is impoverished, and I have very few clothes. If I don't warm up quickly, I will definitely freeze to death. How can you let me freeze to death just because you feel sorry for a blanket? A true gentleman cherishes kindness and compassion, and will not do such a thing. That's why I slept so boldly." The magistrate found him peculiar and let him go.
Later, he was appointed as the gatekeeper, responsible for welcoming the new county magistrate to the capital. Huyu Fuzhi and Xun Sui visited the magistrate's residence and saw Guangyi from afar. Huyu Fuzhi said to Xun Sui, "That person looks like a talent." So they called him into the carriage and chatted with him for a long time, realizing he was indeed talented. The magistrate was puzzled why the guests had not yet entered. The servants explained that the guests were engaged in conversation with Guangyi. The magistrate was enraged and promptly expelled Guangyi.
Later, Guangyi was recommended by Xiaolian to become a county magistrate, but he abandoned the position to seek out Hu Wuzhi. At that time, Hu Wuzhi was serving as a junior official under Grand Tutor Yue, and he recommended Guangyi to Yue. However, Yue didn't summon Guangyi due to his humble origins. Later, at a casual banquet, Yue chastised Hu Wuzhi for failing to recommend talented people. Hu Wuzhi replied, "I have previously recommended Guangyi, but you did not summon him because he does not belong to a prominent family, not because I failed to recommend him." Only then did Yue summon Guangyi. When the appointment letter arrived at the county, everyone assumed there had been a mix-up, and only after confirming it was really Guangyi did they formally invite him in.
Not long after, chaos broke out across the land, and Guangyi fled across the river, once again seeking refuge with Hu Wuzhi. When he arrived, he found Hu Wuzhi and a bunch of folks, including Xie Kun, Ruan Fang, Bi Zhuo, Yang Man, Huan Yi, and Ruan Fu, all shirtless, partying hard behind closed doors for days on end. Guangyi wanted to enter, but the doorman refused to let him in, so he simply stripped down right outside and yelled through the dog door. Upon hearing this, Hu Wuzhi exclaimed in surprise, "No one else would pull a stunt like that; it must be my Mengzu!" He quickly invited him inside, and they drank together nonstop, day and night. Back then, people called them the "Eight Dads." Later on, Emperor Yuan made Guangyi a military advisor. After the establishment of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, he became a Secretary of State and eventually passed away in office.
The historian said: Learning is not an ordinary path; as long as one is dedicated, there is nothing that cannot be learned. When understanding reaches the point of forgetting words, it has attained the highest realm. They conduct themselves in the world, blending harmoniously with the mundane world, not pursuing fame or fortune; after retirement, they live quietly, staying true to themselves. They can trace their roots and comprehend the essence of effortless governance while also flexibly employing metaphors and parables. Thus, Bo Yi and Shu Qi serve as role models for future generations through their virtues, and Ming Qian established a model with his humility. To aspire to elevate oneself, one must first be humble towards others, just as the greatest joy is often silent, yet it can still elicit a response from the phoenix. Zhuangzi expressed his thoughts freely, his debates flowing endlessly; he renounced wealth and status, regarding titles and official positions with disdain. Holding onto his Daoist principles, he looked down upon the nobility; he could even lick the filth under the wheels like a dog or devour carrion like a kite. He used this to express his ideas and to savor life, which is much like drifting on an empty boat, waving one's arms. Ji Kang and Ruan Ji gathered in the Bamboo Grove, while Liu Ling and Bi Zhu shared camaraderie over wine; they indulged in Zhuangzi's teachings, following Li Bai's poetic spirit. However, they disregarded the regulations of the court. Thus, Emperor Yao graciously accepted Xu You's hermitage on the field ridges, and Emperor Guangwu allowed Zi Ling's seclusion by the stream. The drooping pine and lichen honor the worthy; the clear mountain spring offers blessings to the recluse. The ministers expressed their aspirations, and the monarch gained a good reputation as a result. Until Ji Kang left behind "On Sounds of Sorrow and Joy" for Ju Yuan, and Ruan Ji created "Biography of the Master," the military advisors circulated their teachings, while the officials of the Ministry of Personnel stole their wine cups. Did the world slander them out of envy for their fame? They remained unwavering before the smelting furnace, sighing long on Mount Guangwu; ultimately, Ji Kang's琴音 ceased, and Ruan Ji's spirit lingered only in memory. They walked a path of heterodoxy, inevitably corrupting the social atmosphere; if summoned to court as officials, they would merely hold titles without any real power. Beyond orthodoxy, there may still be some aspects worth emulating. They were able to resonate with their hearts, persisting to the end, mourning their friendship to the sound of the evening flute, or driving out of longing. The historian collected their legacies and included them in this historical record.
It is said: The philosophies of Laozi and Zhuangzi are like trees that are planted, while Confucian teachings are the standard by which they are measured. Everyone has their own aspirations, and the value of the Dao lies in its namelessness. They do not conform to rituals or laws; instead, they follow the natural way. The waters ripple in autumn, and the spring clouds veil the sunlight. Good wine reflects their character, and they rise above worldly concerns. If one does not embrace their spirit, who can attain the Way of Kings?
