Yan Yanzhi, courtesy name Yannian, was from Linyi in Langya. His great-grandfather Yan Han held the title of Right Guanglu Daifu; his grandfather Yan Yue was Governor of Lingling Prefecture; and his father Yan Xian was Commander of the Guard. Yan Yanzhi lost both parents at a young age, grew up in poverty on the outskirts of town, and his house and the alley were in disrepair. But he devoured all kinds of books and wrote exceptionally well, unparalleled at the time. He wasn't particularly mindful of his behavior when drinking, and he remained unmarried by the age of thirty. His sister married Liu Xian, the son of Liu Muzhi from Dongguan. Liu Muzhi and Yan Yanzhi were old friends, and upon hearing about Yan Yanzhi's talent, he sought to promote him and wanted to meet him first, but Yan Yanzhi declined the invitation. Later, General Liu Liu and the Minister of the Interior of Wu appointed him as a military advisor, and later promoted him to Chief Clerk, and subsequently served as a military advisor to the Prince of Yuzhang.
In the twelfth year of the Yixi era, Emperor Wu of Song launched a northern expedition. Song Gong sent someone to deliver an appointment to him, asking him to participate in the writing of the daily records. Yan Yanzhi and his colleague Wang Canjun were ordered to go to Luoyang, and on the way, they wrote two poems that were highly praised by Xie Hui and Fu Liang for their magnificent language. After the establishment of the Song Dynasty, Zheng Xianzhi recommended him to be a scholar, and he was later promoted to be an attendant to the crown prince. After Emperor Wu of Song became emperor, he appointed him as an attendant to the crown prince. At that time, there was a man named Zhou Xuzhi from Yanmen, who lived in seclusion in Lushan. His knowledge of Confucianism was very high, and he was summoned to the capital during the Yongchu era. The court specially opened a residence for him to stay. Emperor Wu of Song personally visited him, and all the court officials went as well. Although Yan Yanzhi held a relatively low position, the emperor arranged for him to sit at the top seat. The emperor asked Zhou Xuzhi to expound extensively on the "three virtues," and Zhou Xuzhi spoke confidently. However, Yan Yanzhi consistently countered him with succinct arguments each time. After Yan Yanzhi had refuted Zhou Xuzhi multiple times, the emperor asked him to explain himself. Zhou Xuzhi's explanation was concise and well-organized, earning everyone's approval. Later, Yan Yanzhi was transferred to be a clerk in the Ministry of Rites and also served as an attendant to the crown prince.
Fu Liang believed he was the greatest writer of his time and considered himself superior to others. However, Xie Lingyun matched his talent, which made Fu Liang very unhappy. Prince Luling Xiao Yizhen held Xie Lingyun's writing in high regard and treated him well; Xu Xianzhi and the others doubted Xie Lingyun's allegiance, which left them quite displeased. Later, when the young emperor ascended the throne, Xie Lingyun was appointed as a regular attendant and also served as an attendant in the Imperial Library. Not long after, he was promoted to be an assistant grand secretary, and was ultimately appointed governor of Shian County.
General Xie Hui, the leading general, said to Xie Lingyun, "Before, Xun Xu was jealous of Ruan Xian and demoted him to Shiping County. Now you have also gone to Shi'an, this is quite the 'double beginning,' isn't it?" The Yellow Gate Attendant Yin Jingren also said to him, "As the saying goes, society tends to shun outstanding talents and disparage those with literary flair." Xie Lingyun went to take up his post in Shi'an County, passing by the Miluo River, where he happened to encounter the Governor of Xiangzhou, Zhang Ji, who was offering sacrifices to Qu Yuan. Xie Lingyun also expressed his respect, saying:
I respectfully carry out the Emperor's orders, honoring the old Chu. Visiting the depths of Huai Sha, receiving offerings at the Juan Pei. Calming the waters of Luo Tan and mooring the boat at Mi Zhu, respectfully honoring the spirit of Lord Qu, the esteemed figure of Chu:
The fragrance of orchids fades, and jade integrity shatters. It is said that a gentleman faces a lack of auspicious days. Warm winds until the time, flying frost urgent. My body is severed from Ying Que, with traces scattered across Xiang Gan. Like plants and herbs, I am connected to the dragons and phoenixes. My voice resonates like gold and stone, and my ambition shines like the sun and moon. Like those fragrant trees, truly remarkable and thriving. Gazing at Mi with a heavy heart, and looking at Luo with thoughts of crossing. Lying down amidst the dust, my shining loyalty is hard to fault.
In 426 AD, Yan Yanzhi was implicated in certain matters and faced punishment. Later, he was appointed as a Deputy Director of the Imperial Secretariat, and soon after was promoted to the Prince's Chief Attendant, and then served as the Colonel of Infantry, enjoying a successful official career, with the emperor generously rewarding him.
However, Yan Yanzhi, a heavy drinker with a straightforward personality who doesn't read the room, was unhappy to see Liu Zhan and Yin Jingren in power. He often angrily said, "National affairs should be discussed with everyone; how can one person's smarts solve all the problems?" He spoke fiercely and often confronted those in power. He even directly told Liu Zhan, "I haven’t been promoted because of you lot!" Liu Zhan was so angry with him that he went to Prince Pengcheng Liu Yikang to complain, and as a result, Yan Yanzhi got demoted to governor of Yongjia.
Yan Yanzhi was very resentful, so he wrote a poem called "The Five Lords' Ode," drawing on the story of the Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove to poke fun at Shan Tao and Wang Rong for their demotions due to their high status. In the poem, he wrote about Ji Kang: "The phoenix feathers sometimes preen; who can tame the dragon nature?" He wrote about Ruan Ji: "You can’t forget the dead, and you can’t avoid the path to poverty." He wrote about Ruan Xian: "Repeatedly recommended but not appointed, only to be sent out as a governor." He wrote about Liu Ling: "Hiding talents and sinking into drinking; who knows it’s not just a wild party?" These four lines actually reflect his own state of mind. When Liu Zhan and Liu Yikang saw this poem, they felt that Yan Yanzhi's words were disrespectful and were very angry.
At that time, Yan Yanzhi had already taken up the position of governor of Yongjia, and they wanted to demote him to a more remote place. Emperor Wen of Song and Liu Yikang issued a decree together, saying, "Demote Yan Zhi to a remote small country to govern. Some say that his presence in the capital city is enough to disturb the people; his wrongdoings are obvious, and the people all know. Originally, they wanted to replace him and let him think things over in the countryside. But he still does not repent, so he will be exiled to the east. His ambitions are intolerable, and we'll handle him based on how things go later. The intentions of Yin Jingren and Liu Zhan are the same." In the end, they replaced Yan Yanzhi with Guanglu Xunche Zhongyuan.
Yan Yanzhi and Zhongyuan had a strained relationship, so Yan Yanzhi stayed away from officialdom, lived in seclusion in the countryside, and stayed there for seven years. Later, Wang Qiu, the Chancellor, was known for his integrity and did not engage in political disputes. Yan Yanzhi greatly admired him, and Wang Qiu also recognized Yan Yanzhi's talents, so their relationship was very good. Yan Yanzhi lived frugally, and Wang Qiu often supported him.
When Empress Dowager Jin Gongsi was buried, all officials were required to attend. Taking the opportunity in the first year of Yixi to usher in the new year, Liu Zhan appointed Yan Yanzhi as an attendant. When the county officials delivered documents, Yan Yanzhi was drunk and threw the documents on the ground, saying, "Yan Yanzhi can't even handle matters while alive; how can he handle things for the dead!" In his spare time, Yan Yanzhi also wrote a "Family Instruction," deleting some of the tedious texts and keeping only the main essence, which was included in the article.
A "Family Instruction" is used to admonish future generations, which means you don't need to have grand ambitions; just be a good person at home. As I grow older, I feel like a leaf falling in autumn, so I quickly write down some advice I haven't had the chance to share with you. The principles of good conduct have been clearly stated by the sages, so I will not repeat them. What I am writing now is my accumulated thoughts, coming from the heart and put into practice. I emphasize clarity in writing, not pursuing complexity, but striving to say what I need to say to help you avoid mistakes. As the ancients said, if the holes in a birdcatcher's net are too small, the birds cannot be caught; similarly, in life and work, one must grasp the balance.
This is the purpose of my writing these words.
You must stick to your principles and be fair and impartial, as this is the foundation of being a person; personal feelings are private. Fairness and impartiality can earn the blessings of heaven; if one's selfishness is too strong, even one's family will leave. Therefore, great individuals from ancient times abandoned selfish thoughts, followed principles, prioritized fairness, and rejected personal desires.
Although our lives are short, only a few decades, our hearts should be as vast as the heavens and the earth; although our lifespan is limited, our actions should be as solid and enduring as rock and gold. Look at the warnings of the ancients, the teachings of our elders, though they may seem minor, they can leave a lasting legacy, remembered by future generations; those exquisite buildings can also be preserved for a long time, embodying the aspirations of the people. Shouldn't we think long-term when cultivating virtues, achieving success, and honoring our ancestors? It's not enough to do good deeds on your own; you should also be remembered by future generations. If you want your children to be filial, you must first be loving; if you want your siblings to get along, you need to be friendly first. Filial piety may not necessarily require parental love, but parental love is the foundation of filial piety; sibling harmony may not necessarily require mutual love, but love is the cornerstone of harmony.
It is said that sometimes success can be achieved with insufficient preparation, but if there is not enough trust, then it will definitely not work. If you understand that kindness and intentions nurture each other, and reason and emotions are mutually promoting, then you can have talents in your family like those of Shen and Chai, with everyone contributing and sacrificing. Pay attention to moral cultivation at home, earn a good reputation outside, speak confidently but act with humility; stand out in talent for a while, but be humble and cautious in your dealings with others. Do not interfere with the public based on your own abilities, do not comment on matters based on your own strengths; only then can you flow into the great path like a deep and wide river, be in harmony with heaven and earth; that kind of person is a true gentleman. If you cannot leave a lasting legacy and want others to praise you, understand that this kind of thinking is in vain; do not force it, be humble and cautious, avoid arrogance and pride, broaden your knowledge and aspire to the lofty ideals of the wise. No matter how well you write, if your expressive abilities are lacking, no matter how brilliant your arguments are, if they can't contribute to your personal growth, they're merely second-rate.
If one only values practical benefits, relies solely on debate skills to win, places too much importance on the glory that comes from reputation, thinks that success can be won through competition, stays indoors, believing themselves to be noble, doesn't even trust their own servants and maids, and boasts of being better than others, this leads to a reckless ambition for quick gains, pursuing superficial fame and fortune, without realizing they've sunk to the standards of the discerning, contradicting the teachings of self-cultivation and family harmony! Remember the saying, "When a thousand people point fingers, one dies a death without illness." Those who behave like this, I don't want to hear about them anymore.
Those with talent ought to prepare their arguments ahead of time. Ordinary scholars lacking practical experience, how can they gain recognition by comparing their writings to others' opinions? If they merely sigh at home, boast among their peers and gossip about oddities, using hollow arguments to counter others' views, this is a shortsighted approach, lacking a long-term vision. If esteemed guests are present, and everyone is reading and discussing extensively, but you can't express your own opinions, you'll be looked down upon, feeling lost and dejected, silently returning home, unaware that your earlier boasting has only led to your present frustration! This is indeed a common issue among young people; you must take heed!
Those harboring resentment and slander will not succeed, only inviting ridicule from others. Such behavior is that of a slave; how can a person of broad mind act this way? Therefore, moral standing and demeanor—the higher, the better; resentful words and arguments will only lead to deeper entanglement. For those aspiring to be gentlemen, shouldn't they strive diligently? While it's often said that all people are the same, emotions can't always stay calm, therefore, one should employ lofty reasoning to rise above them, using shrewd calculations to dispel them. Shouldn't one work to distinguish themselves and avoid sinking into the ranks of the vulgar?
Wealthy people and impoverished people are in two entirely different situations. It's not always easy for wealthy people to relate to poor people. However, in the past, some people were able to get along without resentment or annoyance; there's surely a reason for that. After all, where there is wealth, there must be poverty—that's just the way of the world. If I'm holding onto wealth, then someone else must be holding onto poverty, right? That's not quite right either. This is where the reasoning lies, and this is the logic behind it, but some people insist, speculate randomly, thinking that they have not reached the position they deserve.
Raising silkworms and weaving cloth is essential for having enough food and clothing; this is the foundation of the common people's lives. Farming is really tough, so they can only hire servants to help. We need to be mindful of their needs, provide clothing and food, arrange their work, alternate between light and heavy tasks, let them rest and have fun, and punish them when necessary. Even if you try hard to comfort them, you should not let them suffer too much. First, effectively manage public taxes to reduce the extortion of officials; don't rush to add extra expenses to steer clear of rumors; adjust taxes based on the season and the quality of the harvest; live simply and share what you can with others. This is how to live in harmony with the world and manage life effectively.
There are many ways to lead subordinates; you should appeal to their emotions. There are many strategies to lead subordinates; you should be straightforward and transparent. If you treat them with genuine sincerity, things can be done well; even if you work in the fields, as long as you are honest, you can achieve remarkable results. If you deprive them of their normal lives and make them do heavy work, even if you come across as imposing and intimidating, like a clap of thunder, you cannot suppress their desires; even if you abandon their strengths and only focus on their minor flaws, even if you shine as brightly as the sun and moon, you cannot suppress their ill intentions. Thus, it is said: "Too much leniency leads to mistakes, while too much strictness discourages people." Etiquette values generosity, whereas laws demand strictness. Generosity helps make people better, while strictness helps make people cautious. Although farming and harvesting are crude tasks, mistakes cannot be made in work. This means that while the work may be crude, it should not be approached with a crude mindset.
Alas, in this life, we all come from the same roots, but unfortunately, there is a strict hierarchy, clear distinctions between the rich and the poor, the noble and the lowly, which confines people's understanding to their professions and dulls their true nature with worldly concerns. Even if everyone has their own wishes and preferences, there should not be any differences; even in employer-employee relationships, respect is essential, and one should not arbitrarily insult others! Look at those wealthy families, warm in winter like spring, their dogs and horses eat well, while the stewards and maids often go hungry. If those wealthy people could understand the hardships of the poor, understand the benevolence of rulers like King Zhou, eat less delicacies, comprehend the hunger of the poor, and embrace kindness and forgiveness, wouldn't that be wonderful? How can those who see human life as expendable and treat others like livestock think the same way? Punishment should be applied carefully and not misused; favors should be given fairly and not skewed. Abusing punishment loses its meaning, and biased favors are worse than none at all; even in minor matters, one should be as careful as skilled doctors and those who lack expertise. Reflect on your actions more, and be mindful of others' feelings when interacting; only then can one gain others' favor and satisfy one's heart. During festivals and gatherings, everyone comes together, chatting and laughing; this is a positive thing. But if a lack of respect leads to insults, it’s simply not worth it. If one can be respectful and cautious usually, especially when dealing with unpleasant situations, one should be even more careful to avoid unnecessary conflicts. Instead of this, it is better to reduce interactions, simplify matters, maintain a calm mindset, not speculate about others' thoughts, speak sincerely and thoughtfully, making your friends feel at ease; let your smile come naturally and warmly, so those around you feel happy. This way, you will not offend others for no reason, nor invite insults; it’s like mastering the art of social interactions, and everyone must be cautious!
Doubt, suspicion, and mistrust are indeed difficult to distinguish. This is not only because shameless people hide their intelligence, and indecisive people hide their determination. If you constantly harbor suspicions and resentments and deceive the wise, your emotions will become erratic; if you want to change those who behave like dogs and horses, their words and actions will become strange. Moreover, acts of theft, corruption, and bribery are even less worthy of mention. Therefore, the ancient wise rulers established laws and systems, carefully handled cases, avoided abuse of power, and changed their original intentions; just as Zhu Gong discussed prices and Lin Xiangru discussed jade, fairness and justice must prevail, and prices should not be swayed by personal preferences. Although these principles are grand, they can be used to guard against minor faults. Making many friends is good, but friendship should be loyal. The key to long-lasting friendship lies in long-term companionship, while broken friendships often stem from hasty breakups. Long-lasting friendship stems from mutual respect, while broken friendship stems from mutual disdain. Love your friends, but do not overburden them; support them on the right path. Be loyal to your friends, but do not overly lecture them; let them recognize their own mistakes. Help them develop their skills and enhance their literary talents, so that close friends remain respectful and distant friends do not become suspicious. Always maintain noble character and avoid holding grudges. If you can do these things, you'll forge friendships that last a lifetime.
Drinking can bring happiness, but one should not overindulge. Few people actually get sick from overindulgence, and those who become seriously ill are even rarer. If someone is already ill and it worsens, they will lose their normal judgment. To maintain normal judgment, the best approach is to practice caution and restraint. While one can enjoy music or performances, it's important not to completely reject them. Those who are not offended by refusal are rare, and those who are not negatively affected by offense are even rarer. If negative effects have already happened and offense has taken root, corresponding harm will be suffered. To achieve inner peace, one must overcome obstacles and control their preferences.
Doing good deeds should not only stem from the heart but also align with ethical principles. Doing good deeds does not require prior accumulation or meticulous calculation. Even if one spends all their wealth, it is certainly possible. Helping those in urgent need should always come first, even if you're struggling financially. Being generous like Wang Dan when giving and accepting help graciously like Du Lin exemplifies true interaction.
Extravagant outfits and superficial decorations only serve to hide one's true self. Unique clothing and exquisite food are ways to abandon simplicity and authenticity. While these things may draw envy and attention, they rarely fulfill one's inner needs. Recognizing that life's true essence isn't found in superficialities, one can naturally uphold nobility and self-restraint, steering clear of meaningless actions despite the temptations of luxury.
Fortune-telling and physiognomy must have a basis. After listening to the analysis of the fortune-teller and verifying it on oneself, the reasoning can be examined. People have innate endowments and acquired cultivation, as well as the virtues of the Five Constants. Innate endowments are characterized by yin and yang, and the virtues of the Five Constants have strengths and weaknesses. Once a person comes into the world, how can one avoid some misfortunes? This is like the distinction between beauty and ugliness from birth, and the difference between premature death and longevity at death, which everyone knows is predetermined by heaven. As for encountering misfortunes in one's prime and hardships in middle age, how can they be easily changed? Therefore, the more difficult it is for a gentleman to cultivate the Dao, the stronger their understanding of the Dao grows.
Ancient people were ashamed to use themselves as tools of greed, which means restraining desires. Desires are the impurities of human nature, the evaporation of human vitality, so their harm lies in clouding the mind, depleting true feelings, damaging interpersonal relationships, and violating human nature. Although desires exist from birth, human nature is like smoke that smothers fire, and like worms that infest cinnamon trees, which destroy the cinnamon tree. Therefore, when the fire is strong, the smoke will be extinguished; when the worms are strong, the cinnamon tree will break. Thus, people with clear minds have simple desires, while those with many indulgences have turbid breath. Without clarity, they become turbid and cannot survive for long. The wisdom of sages, both within and outside, is often dismissed, and the insights of many Confucian and Taoist scholars are denied. However, those with desires are not worried about going astray, so those who advise them always feel that their methods are shallow and powerless, resulting in more people abandoning moral principles and fewer who uphold them. It is difficult to completely abandon desires, but making even small changes each time counts as progress.
The nature of integrity and desire is different, so feelings of awe and admiration may also be different. People who do things for others, if they do not have a mindset of being selfless and considerate of others, cannot truly be considered wise. Only by not abandoning one's principles because of others' demands can one stay true to oneself. Believing one is right while others disagree is like a flaw in chess; admiring others' strengths while overlooking one's own weaknesses is a pitfall in learning from them. To eliminate these flaws, one must constantly reflect on yourself and be cautious and self-restrained.
Gossip is inevitable for anyone, let alone those of low status, who are even harder to guard against it. The best way to handle gossip is to speak sincerely. Without a good reputation, one will attract suspicion and slander; if one is not sociable, resentment will build. If these situations occur, it becomes difficult to avoid defamation. If one can reflect on oneself, not blame others, one will gain the appreciation of wise individuals, demonstrate one's noble character, and let others understand the truth. Reflect on yourself daily and review your aspirations monthly; be generous and reserved, and live a simple, content life. Your heart will find peace, so why worry about others' idle chatter?
As the saying goes, wealth leads to prosperity, poverty leads to decline. The pain of poverty goes beyond just a rough lifestyle; it can also lead to spiritual decline, causing one to lose friends and face blame from family members. How can one maintain their integrity without noble character and a broad perspective? Therefore, the best way to alleviate worries and hardships is to reflect on the past. This aspiration should be as clear-sighted as that of the ancient sages, reducing worries and diluting hatred. Once, there was a person who played music and sang in a humble thatched cottage, and he used this method.
Integrity will not be concealed; justice will eventually be revealed. Friends should help each other, and honest people illuminate one another. As long as there is a sincere understanding between each other, emotions will be as strong as mountains; as long as a word reaches the heart, thoughts will be as clear as deep springs. With such communication, even water and fire can coexist; even gold and stone can be worn down. Why wait until you've achieved success and fame to think about giving back with lavish gifts as a way to express your gratitude? If you can work with such people, you should think seriously and not slack off at all.
People who pursue salaries and benefits can easily obtain them, and things that are easily obtained are highly valued; those engaged in agriculture face difficulty in obtaining harvests, and things obtained with difficulty are easily despised. Difficulty and ease reflect hard work and comfort; wealth and poverty reflect people's inclinations. These two paths are opposite. Using hard work to stabilize the country and using your achievements to benefit the community means that even those who command the people can enjoy wealth and honor; if one is only focused on working hard and living for oneself, one can only urge one's wife and children to engage in farming and weaving. This can help avoid bullying and contempt, as well as admiration and longing. It allows both the wise and the foolish to find their place, and the rich and the poor to live in peace and contentment.
People, in order to appreciate things, do not rely on harsh laws to force it out; in order to stay committed, it is not for the pursuit of high positions and riches. Those who appreciate things treat them with care, preserving them wisely; those who stay committed can see things through to the end. Some people, once they lose their position, also lose their emotions, which doesn't truly reflect cherishing. And some people, once the task is done, their mindset shifts, which is not called perseverance.
But this is not all. Some people see others succeed and try to flatter them, wanting to build relationships with them. Once they hear unfavorable comments about themselves, they sow discord, even secretly causing trouble and creating conflicts. They praise others with a smiling face in the morning, but criticize them behind their backs in the evening. Their relationships were once good, but now they pretend not to know each other. These kinds of people are truly vile! Even more infuriating are those who rely on the favors and teachings of others to succeed, depend on others' comments and publicity to become famous, rely on others for everything, and are willing to be freeloaders. Once they fall out of favor, they become wary of others, avoid them, and even bite the hand that feeds them, unscrupulously defaming others, looking down on others' abilities, exaggerating their own abilities, being self-righteous, and despising those who are knowledgeable. These people are the real parasites of society, keeping everyone on their toes.
When encountering odd occurrences, it is best not to spread them casually; when facing sudden changes, think about where you might have gone wrong to find peace. If the odd occurrences are caused by yourself, but you turn around and accuse others, resisting when under pressure, you will only become more excessive. Only those who can calmly handle different opinions like Pei Kai, and remain calm under pressure like Pei Xia, can truly be called gentlemen!
It is normal for people to experience joy, anger, sorrow, and happiness; these emotions often stem from a narrow mind, and controlling them requires a broad mind. However, excessive joy is not dignified, and excessive anger is not dignified. If you can adopt a calm and indifferent attitude towards life, and a tolerant and joyful approach to handling things, then even if great joy impacts your heart, you can calm down with a little restraint; even if extreme anger disturbs your nature, you can calm it down with a little patience. Therefore, when actions are faultless and behavior consistent, things will naturally be resolved smoothly, and people will naturally get along harmoniously.
Oh, the impact of the environment on people is immense. It's not merely about altering your personality and behavior; it can even change your thoughts and judgment. Just as the ancients said: "Living with good people is like entering a room filled with fragrance; eventually, you’ll stop noticing the fragrance." If you spend a long time with good people, you will naturally be influenced by them. "Spending time with bad people is like being in a fish market; eventually, you won't even notice the stench." That's why the ancients were very careful in choosing who to associate with. Only those with noble character can avoid being tainted by the impurities of the world. Just like the saying: "Cinnabar can be destroyed but never loses its redness, and a stone can be shattered but never loses its hardness." If you don't have a steadfast character like cinnabar and stone, you must be cautious to steer clear of negative influences.
If you want to be a moral person, you must have a heart that follows reason. As long as you adhere to your moral principles and act according to reason, you shouldn't worry about wealth or poverty; just enjoy life. Some people may say, "How can there be happiness in poverty?" They fail to grasp the true essence of 'Dao.' The 'Dao' can help you maintain a peaceful mindset in both wealth and poverty, as reason is inherently equal. It's only when you lose this mindset that you feel unhappy; as long as you maintain this mindset, what is there to be unhappy about?
Some people say that having enough food and clothing is essential. Only with enough food and clothing can one live well. If one is hungry and cold, talking about following principles becomes meaningless. This represents a misunderstanding of principles. In fact, there are many methods of health preservation, and there are no absolute standards. Some people who eat delicacies may have a short life, while some who eat simple meals may live to be a hundred. Just as Ge Hong said, what is sufficient doesn't always have to come from outside. So, eat what you need; even in tough times, you won't go hungry; cook what you need; even if your family is well-off, you won't have too much left over. The key isn’t the quantity of food, but a balanced mindset. Moreover, if your inner self is fulfilled, physically and mentally healthy, with a clear mind and modest desires, and a remarkable disposition, even if you go hungry nine days out of ten, you won't feel it; even if the mat is thin, you won't feel cold. Doesn't that sound believable?
You can't understand others' thoughts by judging them through your own standards. The universe operates in cycles; this is the vastness of the natural order. Rivers flow and mountains stand tall; this represents the strength of the earthly realm. People's emotions and thoughts are interconnected; this is the brilliance of humanity. Those in ancient times who understood these principles didn't get caught up in trivial disputes. They likely had open minds, were fair, made friends easily, and held no grudges. Therefore, as long as they are friends worth having, righteous people will go out of their way to befriend them; as long as they are respected elders, benevolent and righteous individuals will treat them with respect. This fosters harmonious relationships and a positive social atmosphere, benefiting the upper class while also bringing peace to the lower class.
Although the world is constantly changing, the lessons of the past remain etched in memory. People should return to their authentic selves and find their place in life. Think about it: from birth to death, it's just a fleeting moment. Childhood and youth pass in the blink of an eye, and old age quickly approaches. The hardships and bitterness experienced in between are truly indescribable. Even if one is fortunate enough to live until the end, how much longer can one live? Our fragile bodies will soon return to dust, and even the most talented individuals will ultimately become mere dust. Looking back, even if one has lived for decades, what does it really mean?
All the glory and wealth cannot be retained; self-cultivation alone can't guarantee peace of mind. In my life, as I travel and see things, if I can find guidance from wise individuals, then I can understand the underlying principles. Grasping these principles opens the door to divine understanding. As long as there is goodness in the heart, one will naturally not do evil deeds. If one can believe in the ways of heaven, one will face no shame in the afterlife. To calm down and cultivate oneself, one’s aspirations should reflect those of the ancient sages. It might feel out of reach, but one must persevere every day.
Once this understanding is achieved, one can forget about aging. If one cannot achieve this, then who can we journey with? I'm sharing these thoughts with you all; if I tried to express everything I think, I'd never stop writing. The key to sustaining oneself is through farming and living simply; the path to a good life is found in peaceful living and hard work, fulfilling the responsibilities of being a child.
Liu Zhan initially served as a logistics officer for King Jun of Shixing and later became the Deputy Imperial Censor. During his tenure, he indulged himself and did not inquire or report on anything. He was later promoted to the position of Grand Sacrificial Official and Left Chief Historian. He was accused of secretly purchasing others' land and refusing to return the money. Xun Chisong, the Left Minister of Works, submitted a memorial stating, "Greed for land and houses is despised by the sages of the past. Liu Zhan is solely focused on his own interests, recklessly defying imperial orders, relying on the emperor's favor, and refusing to return the excess money for a year without resolution. He stops at nothing for personal gain. Liu Zhan was demoted for his mistakes in the past but was later reinstated. However, he showed no remorse, and his complaints and slanders never ceased. He associates with dubious characters and indulges in drink and debauchery, spreading mockery and slander far and wide, defaming the officials of the court. He feigns integrity and contentment, but in reality, he is filled with ambitions for power and profit, constantly seeking advancement and wealth, never satisfied. He even curses at people at banquets. The emperor is magnanimous and forgiving, valuing even the smallest talents, yet Liu Zhan remains arrogant and indulgent, and his behavior is worsening. I’ve heard that even Mencius deemed 'believing slander and failing to verify' as shameful, let alone that Liu Zhan’s words are not hearsay but his own. Although he is not very intelligent, he is self-righteous, boastful, and devoid of remorse. How can he serve the emperor and uphold the court's honor? I urge the emperor to dismiss Liu Zhan from his post due to the baselessness of his land purchases, attempting to deceive the emperor and take advantage of others." The emperor approved the request.
Later, he became Secretary to the Emperor, Grand Minister of Rites, and Minister of Ceremonies. At that time, there was a monk named Huilin, who was highly regarded by Emperor Taizu for his outstanding talent. Every time Huilin was summoned, he was always seated beside the Emperor. Liu Zhan harbored a deep resentment for Huilin. Once, in a drunken state, he boldly declared in front of the Emperor, "In the past, when we rode in the carriage together, Yuan Si was still serious. Now, how can a criminal occupy one of those three positions?" The Emperor's expression shifted dramatically upon hearing this. Liu Zhan was already impatient by nature, and being drunk made him speak without restraint, never shying away from expressing his thoughts. Therefore, many people dared not say much to him. He lived a simple life, not pursuing wealth, wearing coarse clothes, eating vegetarian food, drinking alone in the outskirts, finding joy in solitude as if no one else existed.
When he was twenty-nine, he submitted a memorial to the emperor saying, "I've heard the saying, 'Those who travel a hundred miles are only halfway when they reach ninety,' which means that the hardest part of any task comes at the end. I used to think that was just an exaggeration, but now I see it's true. I've enjoyed the emperor's favor, but I haven't really accomplished much. My reputation keeps growing while my health declines day by day. Even though my rank is going up, so are my troubles. I've wanted to retire and live out my days in peace for a long time, but the court's rules tie my hands, and I can't bear to leave. So, I'm risking mistakes by asking to retire. Recently, my health has really been failing. From last summer to autumn, I’ve been feeling dizzy and dealing with toothaches. My old ailments are flaring up again; my hands and feet are cold and numb, and my left shoulder is especially severe. I can’t eat; my appetite has dropped by half. I used to rely on medicine, but now I'm just getting weaker. I'm getting old, plagued by illness, and feel like my days are numbered. Even though I hold a high position, I feel unworthy. I can’t handle the affairs of the ancestral temple and the sacrifices anymore, let alone go to the palace to see the emperor in person. I'm limited in ability, serving as Prime Minister and governor of the capital's outskirts by imperial grace, but I am incompetent. I sincerely ask for the emperor's permission to resign, to retire at home and recuperate. I hope the emperor will grant my request so I can repay his kindness and spend my later years in peace. I long to return to my hometown, always grateful for the emperor's kindness." The emperor didn’t agree. The following year, he finally retired and returned home. Later, after a political upheaval, the usurper appointed him as the Grand Master of Splendor.
Before this, his son Jun had served as a military advisor for the Southern Zhonglang Emperor and participated in important military planning when the rebel army was being suppressed. He was also responsible for drafting documents. The regicide Sima Shao summoned Yan Zhi and showed him the proclamation, asking, "Who wrote this article?" Yan Zhi replied, "Jun wrote it." Sima Shao asked again, "How do you know?" Yan Zhi said, "I can recognize Jun's handwriting." Sima Shao asked, "Is this article written so passionately?" Yan Zhi replied, "Jun doesn't even care about his own father, so why would he care about Your Majesty?" After hearing this, Sima Shao cleared his doubts, and Yan Zhi was spared from disaster.
After the Emperor ascended the throne, he appointed Yan Zhi as the Grand Minister of the Golden Purple Light and also made him the teacher of the Prince of Xiangdong. Although Yan Zhi had a prominent status and power, he lived simply, never accepting any gifts, and dressing and living simply as before. He often rode a rickety cart pulled by a scrawny ox when traveling, and would quickly hide by the roadside if he encountered the prince's entourage. He enjoyed riding horses through the streets, stopping to drink wine with old friends, and would get really happy after a drink. He often told the prince, "I've never been fond of meeting high officials and nobles, but now that I'm in a tough spot, I have to meet you." The prince built him a house and said, "Live well and don't let future generations laugh at you for not knowing how to enjoy life!" He also freed him from his teaching duties and assigned him thirty loyal attendants.
In the third year of Xiaojian, Yan Zhi passed away at the age of seventy-three. The court posthumously appointed him as a Cavalier Attendant and a Specially Promoted Official, while his position as a Grand Master of Splendid Grace remained unchanged. He was posthumously given the title "Xianzi". Yan Zhi and Xie Lingyun of Chen County were both famous in literature, and no literati could surpass them after Pan Yue and Lu Ji. People in the Jiangnan region at that time all praised Yan Zhi and Xie Lingyun. Their works have been passed down to this day. There is also a biography of his eldest son, Jun. Yan Zhi's younger brother, Ce, was also famous for his writings and achieved the rank of Grand Minister of Justice and Army Recorder for King Fu Yigong of Jiangxia, but passed away at a young age. After Emperor Taizong took the throne, he issued a decree stating, "Yan Zhi had previously taught me and shared a deep bond with me. Former Secretary and Governor of Jiyang Furen Qinfan had old ties with Yan Zhi. He can be promoted to the position of Minister of the Central Secretariat." Furen Qinfan was Yan Zhi's third son. Historians noted that despite Yan Zhi's humble origins, he served the monarch faithfully. He might have set aside personal feelings for the sake of duty, but he struggled to balance his duties to the monarch and his parents. As a son and a subject, fulfilling their respective duties at different times would suffice. His success in literary and military affairs was not solely due to these factors. However, he angered the nobles with his writings that criticized others, mistreated his kind mother, and placed her in a precarious situation. In his misguided loyalty, he ignored prior warnings. If someone can mistreat their own family, they will likely mistreat others' families as well. His letting his son starve and releasing a deer serve as clear evidence. The Book of Rites states, "At the age of eighty, a son should not participate in political affairs; at the age of ninety, the whole family should refrain from political involvement." Isn't it due to old age and looming dangers that someone in court can resign? Moreover, in times of turmoil and uncertainty, dangers are unpredictable. If Yan Zhi's request to resign wasn't reasonable, how could he have escaped dismissal?
