It is said in the Book of Changes: "Kang (亢) signifies excess, knowing to advance but not to retreat, knowing to exist but not to perish. It seems that only saints can truly achieve this!" The Book of Changes also states: "Knowing contentment will not be humiliated, knowing when to stop will not be dangerous." So, if you can't discern when to advance or retreat, or when to stop, danger and shame will pursue you, and it won't be long before misfortune strikes.
In ancient times, those who achieved greatness advanced to govern the country, to work for the people, to promote morality, and to educate the world. However, their bright success often sparked envy, prompting foolish people to climb desperately; when they retreated, they lived simply and frugally, upheld their integrity, which made the vulgar fear them. Even in the face of disaster, failure, danger, and death, they could remain calm and detached, which was rare in history. Zhang Liang of the Han Dynasty, after achieving fame, retired, lying sick in bed, even eating very little food. Compared to the unfortunate fates of Yue Yi and Fan Li, Zhang Liang's choice was truly wise! Later on, people like Xue Guangde and Er Shu followed the rules of propriety in their advances and retreats, which is also worthy of praise.
In "Weilue: Biography of Zhi Zu," Yu Huan recorded Fang Tian, Xu Yaguan, and Hu, whose actions differed somewhat from those previously mentioned. In "Jinshu: Biography of Zhi Zu," Xie Lingyun first discussed the literati of the Jin Dynasty who sought to escape the turmoil of war, stating that they were not truly content individuals; only Ruan Sikuang, who gave up fame and fortune to live in seclusion, could truly be considered free from disgrace. In "Songshu: Biography of Zhi Zu," Yang Xin and Wang Wei were also mentioned as belonging to this category. In the Qi Dynasty, Liu Zhuan of Pei State, styled Zige, resigned from his official position, embraced righteousness, and lived a leisurely, carefree life, not worrying about poverty or being attached to wealth, which made him an exemplary figure of noble Confucian virtues.
During the Liang Dynasty, with peace throughout the land and the disappearance of villains, scholars and officials recommended each other for official positions. However, those who could act according to their abilities and uphold their aspirations were rarely acknowledged. Occasionally, some individuals retired and returned to their hometowns after fulfilling their duties, or some had few desires to begin with, all of which were recorded in the national historical texts and included in the "Biography of Zhi Zu."
Gu Xianzhi, styled Shisi, was a native of Suzhou. His grandfather, Gu Jizhi, had served as the General of the Garrison and the Governor of Xiangzhou in the Song Dynasty. Before reaching the age of twenty, Gu Xianzhi was hired by the local government as a junior official, later passing the imperial examination, gradually rising through the ranks to become an attendant to the crown prince, a department director in the Ministry of Personnel, and the chief clerk of military affairs. He became the magistrate of Jiankang during the Yuanhui period.
At that time, a cattle theft case occurred. The cattle owner recognized his own cow, and the thief also claimed it was his cow. Both families stuck to their stories, and the evidence was equally inconclusive. The previous officials could not reach a verdict. Gu Xianzhi arrived and carefully examined the case. He said to both families, "Stop talking, I know what happened." He ordered the cow to be slaughtered and let each family take what they believed was theirs. In the end, all the meat went back to the rightful owner, and the thief admitted his crime. His investigative skills were remarkable, and there were many such examples. People at the time referred to him as a god. He handled requests from powerful people, as well as corrupt officials, with strict adherence to the law, showing no favoritism. He was known for his integrity, frugality, and responsible governance, earning the love and respect of the people. Therefore, when folks in the capital enjoyed a drink, if the wine was especially good, they would say, "This is Gu Jiankang's wine," implying the wine was pure and exquisite.
Later, he was promoted to be the Cavalry Commandant and a companion of King Jinxi. During the reign of Emperor Gao of Qi, he was appointed as the Chief Clerk of Cavalry Affairs and later promoted to be the Assistant to the Grand Commandant of the Western Bureau. After the establishment of the Qi dynasty, he became the Minister of the Central Secretariat. After Emperor Gao of Qi ascended the throne, he appointed him as the Governor of Hengyang. At that time, there was a plague in Hengyang County for several years in a row, leading to a high death toll and making coffins particularly expensive. Many people wrapped the bodies in reed mats and left them by the roadside. After Gu Xianzhi took office, he notified the counties to find the relatives of the deceased and help them with the burials. For those families who had all died, Gu Xianzhi used his own salary to ensure that government officials assisted with the funeral arrangements. In addition, there was a local custom in Hengyang that if someone from the mountainous areas fell ill, they would say it was caused by their ancestors, so they would open the tomb, dig out the bones, and wash them with water to ward off evil spirits. Gu Xianzhi patiently explained to them that life and death are separate matters, and these things were not related at all, so this custom was changed. At that time, Governor Wang Huan had just assumed office, and only Hengyang was free of lawsuits. He remarked, "Gu Hengyang's teachings are truly impressive! If all nine counties could be like Hengyang, what more could I possibly do!"
He first served as a junior official in the Grand Commandant's residence, and later was transferred to the position of Chief Clerk of the Eastern Command, handling the affairs of Kuaiji Commandery. Lv Wendu, a man from Shanyin, was deeply favored by Emperor Wu of Qi and built a mansion in Yuyao, behaving tyrannically and arrogantly. When Fan Xianzhi arrived, he immediately petitioned for Lv Wendu's removal. Later, Lv Wendu returned to his hometown to bury his mother, and county officials all rushed to offer condolences, but Fan Xianzhi didn't bother to show up. Lv Wendu harbored a grudge against him but ultimately did not do anything to him. Fan Xianzhi was later promoted to Chief Clerk of the Southern Command, Chief Clerk of the Prince of Balang, and promoted to General Who Establishes Might, handling the affairs of Wuzhou. At that time, the Minister of Works and Prince of Jingling set up military camps at the border of Xuancheng, Lincheng, and Dingling counties, seizing hundreds of miles of mountainous and marshy land, banning locals from chopping wood and foraging. Fan Xianzhi argued strongly that this was impractical, speaking earnestly and straightforwardly. The Prince of Jingling replied to him, "If it weren't for you, I wouldn't have heard such loyal advice." He subsequently ordered the ban lifted.
Next, he was promoted to the position of Secretary of the Yellow Gate, while also serving as a Minister in the Ministry of Personnel. During the Song Dynasty, his ancestor Fan Ji once served as an official in the Ministry of Personnel and planted a good tree in the yamen, telling others, "This is for Xianzhi to plant it!" When Fan Xianzhi actually took up this position, the prophecy came true. Later, he was sent out to serve as Chief of the War Department, acting in charge of the affairs of Southern Yanzhou, where he experienced the funeral of his mother. After completing the mourning period, during the Jianwu era, he was appointed as an Attendant Yellow Gate Secretary, concurrently serving as Commander of Infantry. Before he could take up this position, he was promoted to Imperial Household Gentleman to the Crown Prince, concurrently serving as the Supervisor of Wu County. Later, he was sent out to serve as General of Ning Shuo and Interior Minister of Linchuan; before he could take up the post, he was reassigned as General of Fuguo and Prefect of Jinling. Shortly after, he fell ill and requested to return home. In the beginning of the Yongyuan era, the court summoned him to be Minister of Justice, but he declined and was appointed Prefect of Yuzhang instead. At that time, there was a virtuous woman named Wan Xi, who was young, widowed, childless, and deeply devoted to serving her in-laws. Her parents wanted to arrange a new marriage for her, but she vowed to never comply. Fan Xianzhi rewarded her with a piece of silk to honor her virtue. In the second year of the Zhongxing era, the rebel army subdued Jiankang, and the founding emperor Xiao Daocheng was appointed Governor of Yangzhou, summoning Fan Xianzhi to serve as an Assistant Historian in the Bureau of Carriages and Horses. By the time he arrived, Emperor Xiao Daocheng had already taken the throne, and Fan Xianzhi's cold illness worsened, insistently requesting to return to Wu. In the second year of Tianjian, he was appointed Grand Master of Palace Service while at home. Although Fan Xianzhi held various positions as local officials, his family was not well-off, and he had very little savings. Upon returning to his hometown, he found his family in poverty, often lacking in food and clothing. Eight years later, he passed away at home at the age of seventy-four years. Before he died, he wrote a will instructing his sons:
Oh, in this lifetime, with life and death, just like day and night, it's all part of the natural cycle. When we are born, we have no idea where we come from, and when we die, we have no idea where we go. The words of Lord Yan Ling, "the essence returns to the heavens, the bones and flesh return to the earth, and the soul wanders everywhere," are quite profound! Although this topic is shrouded in mystery and difficult to prove, it's certainly not just nonsense. A hundred years slips by like a horse darting through a narrow gap, passing in the blink of an eye. I've already made arrangements for after I'm gone, so when I close my eyes, you have to honor my wishes and not go against them.
Zhuangzi and Dantai Ziyu are both individuals who have transcended worldly concerns; Wang Sun and Shi An are both independent figures. As for me, I am neither as perceptive nor as unconventional as they are. I've always thought the funeral customs in the capital are quite fitting—both sensible and in harmony with my beliefs. Wrapping the body in clothes shows respect for etiquette; a coffin draped in cloth is sufficient to mask the odor of decay. Nothing needs to be placed inside the coffin. Transported in a simple cart, covered with rough cloth to avoid offending anyone. Even Emperor Han Ming, a noble ruler, used only plain water, dried meat, and rice for his offerings; the martyrs recorded in Fan Ye's historical records were also buried with cold water and dried rice. As an ordinary person, shouldn't I avoid extravagance? Keeping funerals simple is a genuine expression of love for family; emphasizing simplicity in etiquette can completely follow my thoughts. There's no need for lavish sacrificial banquets; just lighting an incense lamp and providing a place for mourners will suffice. On the first and fifteenth of each month, as well as on certain anniversaries, you can set up a simple bed and arrange a few tables, using only vegetarian dishes, not animal sacrifices. Ancestral sacrifices should be treated with respect, regardless of one's wealth. However, preparing sacrificial items can be cumbersome and easily overlooked. We must not abandon the traditional practices of ancestral sacrifices, but from now on, I will use only vegetables and fruits for sacrifices, avoiding the extravagance of the past. We must remind future generations never to forget to honor our ancestors throughout the year. Confucius once said, "Even sacrifices of vegetables and fruits should be conducted with solemnity." The essence lies in sincerity and respect, not in ostentation! The poems, essays, inscriptions, praises, and my "Records of Hengyang County" total several dozen pieces.
Tao Jizhi is from Muling, a town in Danyang. His grandfather, Tao Minzu, once served as the governor of Guangzhou in the Song Dynasty. His father, Tao Jingren, was an official in the imperial court. Jizhi was exceptionally intelligent from a young age, and his grandfather especially liked him, singling him out. His grandfather once displayed four boxes of silver in front of him, allowing his grandchildren to take from them. At that time, Jizhi was only four years old, but he didn't take a single one. When asked why, Jizhi said, "If Grandfather wants to reward someone, he should give it to my father and uncle first, not us grandchildren, so I won't take it." His grandfather found him even more remarkable. When he was five years old, his mother passed away, and he cried as if he were an adult. Before his mother passed away, she had him dye clothes outside; after her death, the family redeemed the clothes, and Jizhi held the clothes and cried, causing everyone who heard him to feel deeply saddened.
As he grew up, Jizhi was diligent in his studies and uninterested in fame and fortune. He was first appointed as an attendant to the Prince of Guiyang and an army officer of the Northern Central Guards, but he did not take up the positions. People referred to him as "Mr. P," as many people invited him, but he did not go. After his father passed away and the mourning period ended, the Minister of the Interior, Liu Bing, took office as the magistrate of Danyang and appointed him as the chief clerk for the rear army, also serving as the county clerk. Later, he was dispatched to be the county magistrate of Wangcai, but soon resigned due to illness. At that time, Liu Bing and Yuan Can noticed the growing power of Emperor Qi and intended to conspire against him. Liu Bing had always valued Jizhi and wanted him to discuss strategies together. However, Jizhi believed that both Yuan Can and Liu Bing were scholars, and such actions would likely end in failure and death, so he stubbornly refused. Shortly after, Liu Bing and others were assassinated.
In the early days of the Qi dynasty, Ji Zhi was appointed as the Minister of Personnel. At that time, Chu Yuan served as the Minister of Personnel, and he had a good relationship with Ji Zhi. Chu Yuan wanted Ji Zhi to be the chief clerk of the Ministry of Personnel several times, entrusting him with the office’s affairs. After Chu Yuan passed away, Wang Jian, the Minister of Personnel at that time, wanted to posthumously bestow the title of "Wen Xiaogong" on Chu Yuan due to his noble character. Ji Zhi suggested using "Wen Jian" instead, worried that the title might not be entirely fitting. Wang Jian accepted his suggestion. Ji Zhi also requested Wang Jian to erect a monument for Chu Yuan, taking an active role in the arrangements and demonstrating great diligence and responsibility, receiving praise from the people at the time.
He was initially appointed as a military aide. Later, he was assigned to serve as the Champion Marshal and Prefect of Dongguan, where he earned a reputation for integrity and harmony. Upon returning to the court, he was appointed as a Gentleman of the Cavalry, concurrently serving as the Marshal of the Left Guard, and later promoted to the position of Military Advisor in the Western Garrison. When Emperor Wu of Qi passed away and Emperor Ming took power, he began to eliminate dissidents. Ji Zhi refused to flatter and please, which made Emperor Ming wary of him. Therefore, he was sent away to the position of Chief Historian of Fuguo and Prefect of Beihai. This was a significant position in the border regions, with a high rank, something few could achieve. Some advised Ji Zhi to travel to the capital to personally thank the emperor in hopes of changing his opinion. After meeting with him, Emperor Ming kept him close, appointing him as a Military Advisor to the Cavalry and concurrently as the Deputy Minister of Personnel. He was later promoted to the position of Prefect of Jian'an, where he continued to govern with integrity and a straightforward approach, earning the admiration of the people. Upon his return to court, he served as a Gentleman of the Palace Library and was later promoted to General of the Agile Cavalry, also serving concurrently as the Minister of Justice.
After the establishment of the Liang Dynasty, he was promoted to the position of Gentleman of the Yellow Gate. He often said that reaching the rank of 2,000 shi was satisfying enough for him, and he did not want to be involved in worldly affairs anymore. Therefore, he claimed to be ill and resigned from his official position to return to his hometown. During the Tianjian period of the Liang Dynasty, he was appointed as the Grand Master by the court. Emperor Gaozu said, "After the establishment of the Liang Dynasty, I have never seen this person." Ten years later, he passed away at home at the age of seventy-five. Mr. Ji Zhi was known for his extreme honesty and simplicity, living in seclusion for over ten years. When he passed away, his family was extremely poor, unable to afford even his funeral expenses. Those who heard about this could not help but feel regret for his noble character.
Xiao Shisu, from Lanling, had a grandfather who served as the Sima for the Western Expeditions in the Song Dynasty, and a father who was the Prefect of Wuxing. Both his father and grandfather were highly respected. Xiao Shisu grew up in poverty and was raised by his uncle, Xiao Huixiu. He initially served as a military officer in the Qi Dynasty, and later rose to the positions of Assistant to the Three Public Offices, Prince's Attendant, and Lang of the Three Public Offices. Towards the end of the Yongyuan period, he became the Prince's Equerry. After the establishment of the Liang Dynasty, Emperor Gaozu summoned him and appointed him as a military officer in the Central Command. In the early Tianjian period, he was appointed as a close advisor to the Prince of Linchuan, and later served as the Prince's Attendant and the Magistrate of Danyang. When he first took office, Emperor Gaozu rewarded him with 80,000 coins, which he immediately distributed to his relatives and friends. He was later promoted to the position of Deputy Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat and the Magistrate of Nanxu.
This person has a quiet personality, has few desires, loves to learn, is very articulate, is completely indifferent to fame and fortune, and does not show emotions on his face. Whether in life or work, he lives according to his own preferences, never arrogant or conceited, very simple and plain, so everyone respects him greatly. After arriving in Jingkou, he wanted to spend his remaining years there, so he built a house in She Mountain. Later, the court summoned him to the position of Minister of the Interior, but he outright refused, returning to his house on the mountain to live alone, rejecting all visitors, not even permitting relatives and friends to visit him. His wife was the daughter of Grand Commandant Wang Jian, and they had been separated for a long time, so they had no children. Eight years later, he passed away. His relatives and friends recorded his life story and posthumously honored him with the title "Mr. Zhenwen."
Historical records comment that people like him, like Yan Yuanzhi and Tao Yuanming, who retire at a certain age, are a rarity in official circles due to their indifference to fame and fortune. Compared to those who covet wealth and fame and are immersed in worldly life, it is truly a stark contrast.
