The Book of Changes says: "When heaven and earth are in turmoil, the virtuous person retreats." It also says: "In retreating from the world, one finds freedom from worry." It further states: "Noble in their aspirations and endeavors." And "Those who dwell in seclusion are virtuous, upright, and auspicious." The Analects records the "Seven Wise Men" as a term for reclusive individuals. It also mentions: "Zilu encountered an old man carrying a hoe on his shoulder; Confucius said, 'This is a recluse!'" Additionally: "The wise avoid chaotic times and, subsequently, gossip and rumors." And "Yuzhong and Yiyi, who live in seclusion yet voice lofty ideals." These statements are not entirely consistent, and the terms used are also varied. Let’s explore this further.
The meaning of seclusion is to act in obscurity, with one's morals concealed from others. If the world enjoys peace for hundreds of years without sages emerging, then those great virtuous individuals will conceal their talents, downplay their status, and blend in with the common people. They only seek to preserve themselves, avoid disasters, and not necessarily live in caves and grottos. Although they hide their identities, even their close friends and relatives find it difficult to trace their whereabouts; they still remain in the world. How could such individuals willingly wash their ears in the Ying River like Boyi and Shuqi, openly expressing aspirations that set them apart from the world? Retreating from the world is the behavior of the wise. Why do they choose to retreat from the world? This suggests that true self-preservation comes from concealing one's morals, not merely from hiding.
People like Chao Fu, although they have a title and are called "Qiu Gong," this is due to the deeds they have left behind that can be passed down. However, this belongs to the seclusion of a farmer, not the seclusion of a wise person. The essence of a wise person’s seclusion lies in concealing their talents, while the seclusion of a farmer is only to avoid the world. Their actions are different, and their original intentions are also very different. Recluses are elusive, but they may also invite friends to their homes like Tao Yuanming, showing noble character. Because they seclude themselves due to turbulent times, their whereabouts are unknown; because they seek to avoid the world, they draw attention. Recluses are called hermits, while those who truly embody their principles are called wise people.
Some may ask, "What distinguishes a hermit from a recluse? Since we have already heard of the term hermit, what is the difference between a wise person and a sage?" My answer is: "While hiding and concealing morals share a name, their meanings differ; wise people and sages behave like semi-sages. By clarifying this, we might be able to distinguish between them more clearly. As for noble aspirations and those authors, recluses, seclusionists, and recluses, these are all terms for individuals who walk their own paths. Even if the Han Yin clan remains obscure and the reputation of the hermit by the river is not well-known, they all abhor the greed of the secular world, preserving a distinctive demeanor, like raising the sun and moon, beating the war drum, and advancing bravely." Yuan Shu from Chen County collected biographies of nameless high-ranking scholars from various dynasties and wrote "True Hermit Biography," but its content is far from that of true hermits.
When wise people are alive, their actions will not be distorted. Today, I am writing this "Evasion Chapter" merely to delineate the roles of wise people and hermits. Those who appear noble on the surface are merely recluses, not true hermits.
Dai Yong, courtesy name Zhongruo, was from Bozhou, Anhui. His father, Dai Kui, and his brother, Dai Bo, both lived in seclusion in the mountains and were well-known. When Dai Yong was sixteen, his father passed away, and he was heartbroken, struggling with his health ever since. Because his father had never held an official position, Dai Yong took over his father's pursuits. His father was skilled in playing musical instruments, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and Dai Yong inherited all of these talents. There are many famous mountains in Shanyin County, so their family lived there. Dai Yong and his brother Dai Bo both learned to play the zither from their father. After their father's death, they couldn't bring themselves to play the songs their father taught them anymore, so they each composed new music. Dai Bo composed five pieces, while Dai Yong composed fifteen. Dai Yong also composed a long piece of music, and these pieces have been passed down through generations.
The Minister of the Central Secretariat, Wang Sui, often took guests to visit the brothers. Once, while Dai Bo and Dai Yong were eating a simple meal, Wang Sui said, "I heard that you brothers are skilled in playing the zither and would like to hear you play." The brothers ignored him, which upset Wang Sui, prompting him to leave. There are also many famous mountains in Tonglu County, and the brothers went there to play and ended up settling down. Later, when Dai Bo fell ill, he couldn't afford treatment. Dai Yong said to him, "I chose to live in seclusion with my brother, not out of arrogance. Now that my brother is seriously ill and I can't do anything, I have to find an official position to support myself." So he applied to be the magistrate of Haiyu County, but just as he was about to take office, Dai Bo passed away, and he decided to forgo it. Tonglu was too remote and inconvenient for medical treatment, so he moved to Suzhou. The literati and scholars of Suzhou constructed a home for him, brought in stones and water, planted trees, and dug ditches, creating a stunning natural environment.
Later, Dai Yong wrote a book explaining the thoughts of Zhuangzi, called "Xiaoyaolun," and also annotated a chapter of "The Book of Rites · Doctrine of the Mean." Officials and scholars in the Jiangnan region invited him to socialize, and he went if he felt it was appropriate, never pretending to be aloof, which everyone appreciated about him. Emperor Gaozu appointed him as an acting military officer under the Grand Marshal, and Prince Langye Sima Shu also invited him to serve as an official, but he declined. When the Song Dynasty was newly established, the court decreed, "Former military officers of the Grand Marshal Dai Yong and the recluse Wei Xuan have noble character, live in seclusion without seeking official positions, and remain consistent. They should be honored to promote their spirit of detachment from fame and fortune. They are appointed as Cavalry Attendants." Dai Yong declined again.
In the second year of Song Yuanjia, the court decreed, "The newly appointed Cavalry Attendant Dai Yong and the Prince's Attendant Zong Bing both aspire to a pastoral life and pursue simplicity. Their moral integrity of indifference to fame and fortune has not changed for a long time. Dai Yong was appointed as a doctor of the National University, and Zong Bing was appointed as a Cavalry Attendant." When the Eastern Palace was just completed, the court summoned him once more to serve as the Prince's Attendant. In the fifteenth year of Yuanjia, the court summoned him again to be a Cavalry Attendant, but he still did not accept.
Prince Yiji of Hengyang was an official in Jingkou, and his chief secretary Zhang Shao and Dai Yong were in-laws, so he invited him to Huanghushan. North of Huanghushan was a hermitage in a bamboo forest, with stunning scenery of mountains, bamboo groves, and streams. Dai Yong rested by the stream, and Yiji quickly followed to play. Dai Yong was dressed in ordinary clothes, without pretense. He even played the zither for Yiji, performing some newly composed pieces such as "You Xian," "Guangling," and "Zhixi," which were different from others.
The Emperor Taizu especially wanted to meet Dai Yong, and once said to the Yellow Gate Attendant Zhang Fu, "When I go on my eastern tour, I must visit Dai Gong Mountain." Because Dai Yong was skilled in music, the Emperor specially assigned a professional band to him. Dai Yong merged the two pieces "He Chang" and "Bai Hu" into a new tune, which had a particularly serene and expansive sound. Buddhist statues have existed since the Han Dynasty, but the sculpting techniques were still rudimentary at that time. Dai Kui was especially skilled in sculpting Buddha statues, and Dai Yong also learned a lot from him. The Crown Prince of the Song Dynasty cast a six-foot tall bronze Buddha statue at the Wagon Monastery. After it was completed, everyone felt that the face of the Buddha was too thin, and the craftsmen were unable to resolve this issue. So they invited Dai Yong to take a look. Dai Yong said, "It's not that the face is thin, but the arms and shoulders are too fat." They then followed Dai Yong's advice and trimmed the arms and shoulders, addressing the issue of the thinness. Everyone admired him greatly.
Dai Yong passed away at the age of 64 in the 18th year of his reign; he did not have any sons. Jingyang Mountain was completed, but Dai Yong had already passed. The Emperor sighed, "It's a pity that he couldn't see Jingyang Mountain!"
Zong Bing, styled Shaowen, was from the Shi family in Nanyang. His grandfather was the Prefect of Yidu, and his father was the Magistrate of Xiangxiang County. His mother was a local from the Shi family in Nanyang, intelligent and knowledgeable, who also taught the children how to read. Zong Bing displayed remarkable filial piety during his mourning period, and the villagers praised him. At that time, the Governor Yin Zhongkan and Huan Xuan both invited him to be a registrar and recommended him to take the imperial examination, but he declined both offers.
Later, Emperor Gaozu defeated Liu Yi, took control of Jingzhou, and asked Shen Yong, an advisor in Liu Yi's court: "How can we stabilize the situation now?" Shen Yong replied, "Eliminate past hatred, extend kindness, streamline the bureaucratic system, promote talented individuals; that should suffice." Emperor Gaozu accepted his advice and invited Zong Bing to serve as the registrar, but Zong Bing declined. When asked why, Zong Bing replied, "I have been living a secluded life in the countryside for over thirty years." Emperor Gaozu admired his response. Zong Bing was skilled in music, chess, calligraphy, and painting, and well-versed in various philosophies. Every time he went out to enjoy the mountains and water, he often lost track of time, sometimes forgetting to return home. Chief Historian Wang Jinghong often accompanied him, and they would spend several days enjoying themselves. He even went deep into Lushan to visit the Buddhist master Huiyuan, engaging in discussions about Buddhist scriptures and their interpretations.
His brother Zong Zang became the Prefect of Nanping and urged him to come back. So Zong Bing built a house by the Three Lakes in Jiangling, leading a leisurely life, unconcerned with worldly matters. Emperor Gaozu again summoned him to be a military advisor, but he declined once again. Both of his brothers had passed away early, which left the family with a heavy burden and in poverty. He had no option but to tend to his own fields. Emperor Gaozu sent him provisions and supplies on several occasions, and later his children and nephews also received some official positions and salaries, but he consistently refused to accept any of it.
After the founding of the Emperor's court, he issued another decree stating, "Although I am fortunate to have obtained great power, I wish to attract talented individuals. However, like the hermits mentioned in 'Tu Zhi', many talents are hidden and undiscovered. They stay in the countryside, which fills me with regret. Zong Bing from Nanyang and Zhou Xuzhi from Yanmen are both very principled and live in seclusion in the mountains and forests, unmoved by fame and fortune. I should issue a decree inviting them to serve as officials, using proper etiquette to persuade them." So both were invited to serve as Grand Commandant's Assistant, but both declined. After the establishment of the Song Dynasty, he was again summoned to serve as a Prince's Attendant; in the early years of Yuanjia, he was again summoned to serve as a Palace Gentleman; after the completion of the Eastern Palace, he was again summoned to be a Prince's Attendant and a Junior Scholar, but he still declined. His wife, Lady Luo, was also quite insightful and shared similar interests with Zong Bing. After Lady Luo passed away, Zong Bing was deeply mournful. Later, he gradually emerged from his grief, began to reflect on the meaning of life, and his sadness gradually subsided. He told Monk Huijian, "There is no difference between life and death, which can be hard to grasp. Only by studying Buddhist scriptures repeatedly can one truly let go of grief." When Prince Yi Ji of Hengyang was in Jingzhou, he personally visited Zong Bing's home, drank and ate with him, and invited him to be a military advisor, but Zong Bing declined once again.
I love mountains and rivers, and I love to travel. I once traveled to Jing and Wu Mountains in the west and climbed Heng Mountain and Yue Mountain in the south. That's why I built a house at Heng Mountain, hoping to follow in Mr. Shangping's footsteps of seclusion. Later, when I fell ill, I returned to Jiangling and sighed, saying, "I am old now, and illness is plaguing me. I am afraid I won't be able to see all the famous mountains and rivers. I can only settle my mind and ponder the ways of heaven, lying in bed and imagining wandering through the famous mountains and rivers." I have painted the places I’ve visited in my room, and I tell people, "When I play my qin, I want all the mountains to resonate with my music!" In ancient times, there was a piece titled "Playing with Gold and Stone," which was cherished by the Huan family. After the Huan family perished, this piece was lost, but my ancestors were the only ones who kept it. Emperor Taizu even sent the musician Yang Guan to learn this piece from me.
My nephew, Shi Jue, is also musically talented, enjoying playing the qin and reading. Prince Liu Yiqing of Linchuan once invited him to serve as a sacrificial official and registrar, but he declined and recommended others instead. Sadly, Shi Jue passed away. In the twentieth year of Yuanjia, I also passed away, at the age of sixty-nine. Prince Liu Yiji of Hengyang wrote to Prince Liu Yigong of Jiangxia, saying, "Master Zongbing did not receive timely treatment, but he was honest and frugal, with a noble character throughout his life, which is a great loss and deeply saddening." My son Shuo serves as a cavalry officer under Prince Liu Yixuan of Nanqiao; my son Qi is the registrar for the Minister of Works under Prince Liu Yigong of Jiangxia; my son Zhao serves as a magistrate in Yingzhou; and my son Shuo is a regular officer.
Zhou Xuzhi, courtesy name Daozu, was a native of Guangwu County in Yanmen Commandery. His ancestors migrated to Jiangnan and settled in Jianchang County, Yuzhang Commandery. Zhou Xuzhi lost his mother at the age of eight, and his grief was so intense that it was greater than that of most adults. He served his elder brother as if he were serving his father. The Prefect of Yuzhang, Fan Ning, established a school in the commandery and recruited students from afar. At the age of twelve, Zhou Xuzhi went to study under Fan Ning. After studying at the school for several years, he became well-versed in the "Five Classics" and astrology, ranking at the top among his peers. People called him "Yanzi." Later, he lived a quiet life at home, reading Laozi and the Book of Changes, and studied Buddhism with the monk Huiyuan at Mount Lu. At that time, Liu Yimin from Pengcheng was also living in seclusion at Mount Lu, while Tao Yuanming refused the court's summons. They became known as the "Three Recluses of Xunyang." Zhou Xuzhi believed that he could not change the ways of the world and decided to sever all other ties. He remained unmarried for life, wore plain clothes, and ate a vegetarian diet. Liu Yi offered him a position as a military advisor in Gushu and even invited him to serve as a doctor at the Imperial University, but he declined. The Inspector of Jiangzhou frequently invited him, and Zhou Xuzhi, being easygoing, often socialized with the inspector. He often discussed moral principles from Ji Kang's "Biographies of Exemplary Persons" and provided commentary on it.
When the founding emperor marched north to conduct a military campaign, the crown prince remained in the capital and sent someone to invite Zhou Xuzhi to stay at Anle Temple, requesting that he give lectures. After a month, Zhou Xuzhi returned to his mountain retreat. The governor of Jiangzhou, Liu Liu, recommended Zhou Xuzhi to the founding emperor, saying: "I have heard that to strengthen a nation, we need treasures as solid as city walls; to revitalize the nation's foundation, we must revere those reclusive scholars. Therefore, Jiang Shang assisted King Wen of Zhou on the banks of the Wei River, spreading virtue throughout the land and bringing peace to the realm; Zhang Liang assisted Han Gaozu on the mountains of Shangluo, achieving the great accomplishments of the Han Dynasty. Your Majesty, your righteousness exceeds that of the ancient emperors, inheriting the mandate of heaven and governing the country, your virtues spread far and wide—indeed, even great ministers like Guo Ziyi of Fenyang were dismissed during national crises; yet your wise intentions can reach even the most remote valleys. I firmly believe that Zhou Xuzhi from Yanmen is an upright and noble character, diligent in learning, and pursued scholarly pursuits from a young age, seeking seclusion in the mountains, accompanied only by music and books. He is kind-hearted, upright, loves and cares for plants and trees, and is beloved by the people. If he were appointed to an important position in the court, he would undoubtedly bring integrity to the government; even in the role of an ordinary Confucian official, he could enhance the reputation of the royal family. Zang Wenzhong makes the mistake of belittling the virtuous; Yan Yan understands talent and succeeds in promoting it. I hope Your Majesty can recognize his sincerity and refrain from rejecting him for personal reasons." Not long after, the court summoned Zhou Xuzhi to serve as a Clerk of the Grand Marshal, but he ultimately declined.
Emperor Gaozu returned from his northern expedition and set up camp in Pengcheng. He sent people to invite Zhou Xuzhi, honoring him greatly. Every time the Emperor mentioned him, he would say, "He is truly a magnanimous person!" Soon after, Emperor Gaozu set out south again. After Emperor Gaozu ascended to the throne, he summoned Zhou Xuzhi again, and Zhou Xuzhi brought his whole family to the capital. The Emperor constructed a residence for him just outside Dongguo City and gathered students for him. The Emperor took the time to meet all the students himself and asked Zhou Xuzhi about the meanings behind the three phrases "Pride should not be allowed to linger," "With me at nine years," and "Archery in the Juepu." Zhou Xuzhi's interpretations of these three phrases were insightful and comprehensive, and the Emperor praised his extensive knowledge. Zhou Xuzhi suffered from chronic arthritis and could no longer teach, so he returned to Zhongshan because of his condition. In the first year of the Jingping era, Zhou Xuzhi passed away at the age of forty-seven. He was knowledgeable about the six principles of the "Book of Songs" and was also familiar with the "Book of Rites" and the "Gongyang Commentary," which have been preserved throughout history. He did not have any children, and his nephew Zhou Jingyuan carried on his legacy, serving as the Interior Minister of Jin'an during the Taizong Taishi era, but unfortunately died before he could take up the position.
Wang Hongzhi, styled Fangping, hails from Langye in Linyi. He is the younger brother of Wang Zhen, the Xuanxun Weiwei. When he was young, his family was poor, and he was raised by his maternal grandfather, He Zhun. His uncle Wang Xianzhi and Taiyuan Wang Gong both held him in high regard. During the Long'an period of Emperor Jin An, he became a military advisor to the Wang of Langye and was later promoted to the position of Minister of Personnel. Despite his poor family background, he had a deep appreciation for nature, so he requested a transfer to become the magistrate of Wucheng County, but soon fell ill and returned home. Later, when Huan Xuan was in power as a regent for the Jin Dynasty, Huan Qian invited him to serve as a military advisor. At that time, when the people of Langye sent off Yin Zhongwen back to Gushu, many courtiers came to bid him farewell. Huan Qian also invited Wang Hongzhi to accompany them, but Wang Hongzhi replied, "Farewells are typically reserved for personal connections; I have no ties to Yin Zhongwen, so I don’t see the need to go." Huan Qian appreciated his candor. Whenever his brother Wang Zhen traveled to Ancheng County, Wang Hongzhi would resign from his post to accompany him. The Governor of Jingzhou, Huan Wei, even offered him the position of Historiographer for the Southern Barbarians.
During the Yixi period, He Wuji was recommended to be the Right General. The emperor originally wanted him to serve as the historian in charge of Xuzhou and also promoted him to be a cavalry attendant. However, he declined both offers. He lived in Shangyu, Kuaiji. His elder brother Wang Jinghong became the Minister of Personnel and submitted a memorial to the throne, praising the emperor's virtues and emphasizing the importance of recognizing those unknown individuals and promoting those who lived in seclusion. He mentioned that the former cavalry attendant, Wang Hongzhi of Langye, was content with a pastoral life and unconcerned with fame and fortune, while the former General of the Guards and Army Advisor, Guo Xilin of Wuchang, was upright and inherited his ancestors' excellent qualities. Despite their loyalty to the court, they had not been properly utilized. Wang Jinghong suggested that they be given official positions to recognize their noble virtues and relieve them from the fatigue of seeking official positions. He proposed that Wang Hongzhi be appointed as a son to the Prince and Guo Xilin as a Compiler. The emperor then summoned Wang Hongzhi to serve as a son to the Prince, but he still declined. After the emperor ascended the throne, Wang Jinghong became the Left Deputy Director. He once again submitted a memorial, praising Wang Hongzhi's noble virtues that had been evident since his youth, his frugality and simplicity throughout his life, and suggested that during peaceful times, talented individuals should be widely recruited and those who were honest and unworldly should be commended. In the fourth year of Yuanjia, the emperor again summoned him to be a cavalry attendant, but he declined once more. Wang Jinghong once gave him his sable coat, which he wore when gathering herbs. Wang Hongzhi had a particular fondness for fishing, often fished at a spot known as San Shitou along the Shangyu River. Passersby did not recognize him and would sometimes ask if he had caught any fish to sell. He would reply that he hadn't caught any fish, and even if he had, he wouldn't sell them. Every evening, he would bring back the fish he caught to Shangyu City and would drop one or two fish at the doorsteps of friends before leaving.
Later, he found a stunning place nestled by the mountains and waters in Taichuan, Ningbo, and built a house to live in. Xie Lingyun and Yan Yanzhi both admired him greatly. Xie Lingyun even wrote a letter to Prince Lu of Luling, Wang Yizhen, saying, "The scenery in Taichuan is so good that many people in the Jiangzuo region who want to seclude themselves tend to live here. But in the current world, everyone is pursuing fame and profit, and very few people truly seclude themselves. Even talented individuals often cannot realize their ideals due to the harsh realities of life. Like Mr. Wang Hongzhi, who returned to the countryside and secluded himself for over thirty years; Kong Chenzhi has been secluded in the deep mountains from the beginning until now; Ruan Wanling, who resigned from office to live a secluded life, inherited and carried forward the family tradition; and those who have secluded themselves beyond the Zhejiang River are all similar. They stay away from the worldly pursuits of fame and profit, which is truly commendable! Your Highness has always valued simplicity and frugality, often reminiscing about the stories of these recluses and imagining their secluded life in the mountains and forests. It would be a wonderful story if someone could visit them and offer some help!" Mr. Wang Hongzhi passed away at the age of sixty-three. Yan Yanzhi wanted to honor him with a eulogy, so he wrote a letter to Hongzhi's son Tansheng, saying, "Your ancestors for several generations have had noble character, and scholars have always respected your family, so it should be well documented. Moreover, I admire the high integrity of your family, and I want to express my admiration for your father through writing a eulogy, but unfortunately my writing skills are limited and cannot fully express all the good things about him." In the end, this eulogy was not completed. Hongzhi's son Tansheng was also very talented, humble, and kind. He later became a senior official, serving as the Minister of Personnel and the Minister of Ceremonies. In the late Ming Dynasty, he became the Governor of Wuxing. During the reign of Emperor Taizong, the nation was thrown into turmoil, and after the failure of the war, he fled to Kuaiji, surrendered, was pardoned, and ultimately rose to the position of Senior Attendant.
Ruan Wanling, from Weishi County in Chenliu, had a grandfather, Ruan Sikuang, who held the title of Left Guanglu Daifu, and a father, Ruan Ning, who served as Huangmen Shilang. Ruan Wanling was well-known when he was young, rising from a junior official to the Chief Historian under Meng Chang. At that time, Yuan Bao and Jiang Yi both served as Sima under Meng Chang, and people said that Meng Chang's mansion had three esteemed ministers. Ruan Wanling's family was in Yanzheng County, Kuaiji, a place he was familiar with. Towards the end of the Yongchu era, he resigned from his position as a courtier and returned to his hometown. Later, the court summoned him to serve as the Secretariat Supervisor, and he was promoted to the position of Attendant Censor, but he declined both offers. He was then appointed as the Left Minister of the Ministry of Works, and this time he accepted the appointment. He was later promoted to the position of Taichang, then exiled as the Governor of Xiangzhou, with no significant achievements during his tenure. He was later transferred back to the court to serve as the Prefect of Dongyang, but was later dismissed. Finally, he became the Cavalier In Regular Attendance and the Golden Purple Guanglu Daifu. He passed away in the twenty-fifth year of Yuanjia, at the age of seventy-two.
Kong Chuzhi, style name Yanshen, was from Lu County in the region of Lu. His grandfather Kong Tan served as the Minister of Rites, and his father Kong Can was summoned to serve as the Secretariat Supervisor, but he did not go. Kong Chuzhi was ambitious from a young age, had a passion for reading various books, and was greatly admired by Wang Gong of Taiyuan. He lived in Yanzheng County, Kuaiji, and especially enjoyed the mountains and rivers. Every time he went out to play, he would explore the hidden depths of the mountains, sometimes staying away from home for more than ten days. Once, while he was out on a mountain excursion, he met the monk Shifa Chong and stayed with him for three years. Shifa Chong sighed and said, "I have been yearning for a life detached from the world for thirty years. Today, I would meet someone as enlightened as you. I never thought I would be so old." When Kong Chuzhi left, he didn’t even share his surname with Shifa Chong. Later, the court appointed him as an Assistant in the Imperial Library and a General under the Grand Commandant, but he turned down both positions.
He was extremely devoted to filial piety, living next to the cemetery. After the mourning period was over, he went out with like-minded friends for leisure, such as Dai Yong, Wang Hongzhi, and Wang Jinghong. Wang Jinghong married his daughter off to Kong Chuzhi's son. The governor of Kuaiji, Xie Fangming, invited him several times to come to the county to serve as an official, but he always refused. The house he lived in was very simple, with a thatched roof, tattered doors, overgrown grass in the yard, neglected paths, and only a few scrolls of books on the bed. In the early years of Yuanjia, the court summoned him to be a cavalier attendant, but he ended up fleeing to the border of Shangyu County, and his family had no idea where he had gone. His brother, Kong Mozi, became the governor of Guangzhou and said goodbye to him when he left the capital. Minister Wang Hong wanted to invite Kong Chuzhi to Yecheng, so he sent someone to fetch him that very day, but Kong Chuzhi still ignored the invitation. In the seventh year of Yuanjia, Kong Chuzhi passed away at fifty-nine. Kong Mozi was well-versed in Confucianism and had annotated the "Gu Liang Chunqiu." The accomplishments of Kong Xixian, Kong Mozi's son, are recorded in the "Biography of Fan Ye."
Liu Ningzhi, styled Zhi'an, with the nickname Changnian, was from Zhijiang, Hubei. His father, Liu Qi, served as the governor of Hengyang. His brother, Liu Sheng, was a man of integrity who chose not to hold an official position. Liu Ningzhi greatly admired the lifestyle of Lao Lai Zi and Yan Ziling, who were not interested in fame and wealth. He divided all the family property among his younger brother and nephew, then built a small house in the wilderness and lived off his own labor. The villagers held him in high regard for his character. The county government invited him three times to serve as the chief clerk of the West Court and even recommended him for a scholarly position, but he turned them down.
His wife was the daughter of the Governor of Liangzhou, Guo Quan, with a lavish dowry, but he gave it all to his relatives. His wife was just like him, not greedy for wealth and gladly embraced a simple life with him. They would ride in a dilapidated ox cart together to the market to buy and sell things, giving away everything but the essentials. Some people in the village falsely accused him and demanded taxes three times a year, and he paid without hesitation. Once someone recognized the shoes he was wearing and said with a smile, "My shoes are all worn out, so I specially found a new pair for you at home." This person later found his lost shoes in the fields, returned them to him, but Liu Ningzhi adamantly refused them.
In the early years of Yuanjia, the court summoned him to be a secretary, but he declined the offer. Princes Liu Yiqing of Linchuan and Liu Yiji of Hengyang, both officials in Jiangling Province, sent messengers to inquire about him. When Liu Ningzhi replied, he referred to himself as a "servant," without observing the formalities between ruler and subject, which drew some criticism. Liu Ningzhi said, "In the past, Lao Laizi referred to himself as a 'servant' to the King of Chu, Yan Ziling also did not show excessive humility to Emperor Guangwu, but have you ever heard of Chao Fu or Xu You referring to themselves as subjects of Yao and Shun?" At that time, Dai Yong wrote a letter to Prince Liu Yiji, also referring to himself as a "servant." During a famine in Jingzhou Province, Liu Yiji was worried that Liu Ningzhi would starve to death, so he gifted him one hundred thousand coins. Liu Ningzhi was very happy, took the money to the market gate, and gave it to those who were hungry, distributing it all in no time. He loved the mountains and rivers, and one day he took his wife and kids out on the river, seeking refuge on the southern slopes of Hengshan. They climbed high mountain ridges, far from human habitation, built a small home, foraged for herbs to eat, and his wife and children supported him. In the twenty-fifth year of Yuanjia, Liu Ningzhi passed away at the age of fifty-nine years.
Gong Qi, styled Mengdao, was a native of Hanshou, Hunan. Neither his grandfather nor his father held official positions. When Gong Qi was fourteen years old, the village recommended him to serve as a county official, but he turned it down. When Xie Hui became the county governor, he asked Gong Qi to be the chief clerk, but he again declined. Prince Yikang of Pengcheng recommended him as a scholar to serve at court, but he still declined. Prince Yiqing of Linyuan wanted him to be a military aide, but he still did not agree. He was exceptionally handsome and had a noble demeanor. The imperial secretary Fan Shu remarked after seeing him, "This is an immortal from Jingchu!" When Prince Yiji of Hengyang was serving in Jingzhou, he ordered the conscription of Gong Qi, Liu Ningzhi, and Shi Jue, but all three refused to go. Later, he was summoned to serve as a junior official for the crown prince, but he still refused. He occasionally wrote poetry, but never touched on worldly matters in his poetry. Gong Qi passed away in the 17th year of the Yuanjia era at the age of forty-two.
Zhai Faci is from Chaisang, Xunyang in Hubei. His great-grandfather was named Tang, Tang's son was named Zhuang, and Zhuang's son was named Jiao. For three generations, they were ambitious and chose not to serve as officials, evading government conscription. Zhai Faci is the son of Jiao, his grandfather. When he was young, he took care of the family business and built a house atop Lushan, and he never returned home after his parents passed away. He did not eat grains and wore clothes made of animal skins, rarely meeting even relatives and friends. The county wanted him to be a registrar, recommended him as a scholar, and appointed him as a right-hand officer, a writing assistant, and an external cavalry attendant, but he turned them all down. Later, when his family came looking for him in his stone room, he had already moved, always evading government conscription and living in seclusion deep in the mountains. Deng Wenzi, the prefect of Xunyang, reported: "By decree, Zhai Faci from Nanyang, who has been living in hiding on Lushan for four generations, is appointed as an external cavalry attendant. Faci has lived in the deep mountains, rarely seen by anyone. If forced to do so, using severe laws, searching for him everywhere on the mountain, could drive him to death, harming the court's reputation." As a result, they decided against it. Eventually, Zhai Faci died in the mountains, and no one knows when.
Tao Qian, whose courtesy name was Yuanming and was also known as Yuanliang, is a Chaisang person from Xunyang, Hubei. His great-grandfather was Tao Kan, the Grand Marshal of the Jin Dynasty. Tao Qian showed great interest from a young age and once wrote The Biography of Mr. Five Willows to express his aspirations, writing:
This gentleman, I’m not sure where he’s from, and I don't even know his name, which is quite unusual. Next to his house, there are five willow trees planted, so he has taken on the nickname "Mr. Five Willows." He is a very quiet person, not very talkative and doesn’t chase after fame or fortune; he just likes to read. But he's not the type to just study to death; once he understands the meaning, he gets so happy that he forgets to eat. He loves to drink, but his family is poor and he can't afford to buy alcohol regularly. His friends who know him often invite him to drink. Every time he drinks, he drinks heartily and won't stop until he's had his fill, then goes home, never caring whether others invite him or not. His living conditions are quite simple, barely keeping out the wind and sun; his clothes are old and torn, and he often goes without meals, but he doesn't care at all and lives quite contentedly. He enjoys writing for his own amusement, expressing his thoughts without worrying about gains or losses, and lived his life like this. His self-written autobiography was regarded as very genuine by his contemporaries. His parents were old and poor, so he took a position as a county wine officer, but he couldn't tolerate the politics of officialdom, so he resigned and went home shortly after. Later, the county asked him to be the chief secretary, but he refused. He farmed and fed himself, and eventually got sick from exhaustion. Later, he later served as a town military officer and then as a Jianwei military officer. He told his relatives and friends, "I want to earn some money to fix up the three small roads near my home. What do you think?" When the higher authorities caught wind of this, they arranged for him to be the county magistrate in Pengze. He had the officials cultivate sorghum and rice on public land. His wife and children urged him to plant higher-quality rice, so he arranged for two and a half acres for sorghum and fifty acres for quality rice. One day, the county sent a post inspector to inspect, and the county officials said they needed to dress neatly to meet him. Mr. Five Willows sighed and muttered to himself, "I can't bow to those small officials in the countryside just for that measly salary!" That day, he resigned and returned home, and wrote a poem titled "Returning Home," in which he expressed:
Oh, to return home! Why not return to the overgrown garden and fields? Having allowed his mind to enslave him, why feel so desolate and sorrowful? Realizing the futility of past advice, understanding the potential of what lies ahead. Truly lost, yet not far from the path, realizing today is different from yesterday. The boat glides gently, the wind blows softly against his clothes. Asking the wayfarer about the road ahead, mourning the dim morning light.
He returned home, saw his house, and was overjoyed, running towards it. Servants came out to greet him, and the children waited for him at the door. All three paths were overgrown, but the pine trees and chrysanthemums remained. He led the children inside, where the table was already laid with wine. Pouring himself a glass, he looked at the trees in the courtyard, feeling content. Leaning against the southern window, he felt relaxed and at ease, realizing how cozy the small house was. Strolling through the garden each day was quite enjoyable, as the door was always open, yet few visitors ever came. He walked slowly with a cane, occasionally looking up at the distance, the clouds freely drifting, birds flying back when tired. The sun was about to set; he held the lonely pine tree and slowly walked around.
Ah, I've made up my mind to go home! Sever ties with those friends; the world and I are growing more and more out of sync. Why go out? Chat with relatives and friends, play the piano, read a book, unwind a bit. A farmer told me that spring is coming, and the fields to the west will be busy. Sometimes I ride in a carriage, other times I row a boat, crossing deep valleys and rugged hills. Trees flourishing, springs flowing gently, everything in its own time; I feel it's time for my life to take a pause.
Alas, how long do we really have in this life? Why get caught up in gains and losses, honor and shame? Why be so flustered? Where are you trying to go? I do not yearn for wealth and glory, nor do I aspire to the realm of immortals. I'll just keep moving forward, cherishing the beautiful moments on my own, whether tilling the land with a cane, climbing the eastern hillside to howl, or composing poetry by the clear stream. Let's just go with the flow towards the end of life, happily accepting the arrangements of heaven; what else is there to doubt?
As the Yixi era was coming to an end, the court called on Tao Yuanming to take up a junior writer position, but he turned it down. Wang Hong, the governor of Jiangzhou, wanted to meet him but never had the chance. Once, when Tao Yuanming went to Lushan, Wang Hong asked Tao Yuanming's old friend Pang Tong to bring food and wine to wait for him halfway to Lili. Tao Yuanming had a foot problem, so he had a student carry him on two small makeshift stretchers. When they arrived, they enjoyed a joyful drink together. Soon after, Wang Hong also arrived, and everyone got along very well.
Previously, Yan Yanzhi was the deputy military officer of Liu Liu's rear army in Xunyang and had a good relationship with Tao Yuanming. Later, Yan Yanzhi became the governor of Shi'an County. Whenever he passed by Tao Yuanming's house, he'd stop by daily and always end up getting drunk. When he left, he left Tao Yuanming twenty thousand coins, which Tao Yuanming spent on wine, savoring each sip. I remember one year on the Double Ninth Festival in September, Tao Yuanming's house ran out of wine, so he sat in the chrysanthemum bushes in front of the door for a long time. Just then, Wang Hong showed up with some wine, and Tao Yuanming immediately started drinking, only returning home after getting drunk. Tao Yuanming did not understand music, but he kept a plain qin with broken strings. Whenever he drank, he'd strum the qin to express his feelings. Whoever came, as long as there was wine, Tao Yuanming would bring it out to drink together. If he got tipsy first, he'd tell the guests, "I'm drunk and want to sleep; you can leave." That's just how he was.
Officials in the county filtered the wine that Tao Yuanming had brewed using his Ge cloth, and after filtering, they put the Ge cloth back on his head. When I was young, my official position was low, and I was unwilling to flatter for promotion. Because my great-grandfather was a prime minister in the Jin Dynasty, I felt I couldn't bring shame to my ancestors, so I have refrained from taking an official position since my ancestors established the dynasty. In the articles I wrote, I dated my writings. Before the Yixi year of the Jin Dynasty, I used the year of the Jin Dynasty; after the Yongchu year, I only used the traditional stem-branch calendar.
I'm writing to share my aspirations and offer you some advice. In this world, everything goes through birth, aging, sickness, and death. From ancient times to the present, even the wisest among us can't escape it. Zixia once said, "Life and death are predestined, you can't force wealth or status." Several of my friends have heard me say this in person, and they understand that the length of life is beyond human control. I am over fifty years old, always poor and destitute, and my family is very poor. I am straightforward and not good at socializing. I know that someone like me will definitely cause trouble to society, so I've often wished to pass away, so you won't have to suffer from hunger and cold from a young age. I've always been touched by the saying, "A wise wife may wear tattered clothes but feels no shame for her son." This is one of my regrets as well. It's just a pity that I don't have a wise wife like Erzhong, or a hardworking daughter-in-law like Laifu. I feel helpless and troubled.
I have loved reading since I was young, and I also love the peace and quiet. Seeing the lush branches and leaves of trees and hearing the melodious songs of birds makes me very happy. I once said that in May and June, lying under the northern window and feeling the cool breeze blowing in, I felt like I was from the time of Emperor Xi Huang. Unfortunately, I have been naive; as time goes by, looking back at the past, I feel deeply moved. Since I got sick, my health has deteriorated, but my family and friends haven't forgotten about me. They often come to visit me and bring me medicine. I also feel that my days are numbered. I am very worried that you are still young, the family is poor, and you’re struggling to keep up with chores like chopping wood, cooking, and fetching water. When will you get a chance to take it easy? Thinking about these things really weighs on my heart; I don't know what to say. But even if we can't be together, we should remember that all brothers are like one family. Uncle Bao Ya and Guan Zhong shared their wealth openly; Gui Sheng and Wu Ju set up a banquet on thorny ground to catch up, and in the end, they were able to turn their grief into something meaningful because of a funeral. If others can manage it, why can't we do the same as a family? Han Yuanchang from Yingchuan, a well-known scholar of the late Han Dynasty, served as an official, lived to be eighty years old, and his brothers lived together until his death. Fan Zhichun from Jibei, a man of noble character from the Jin Dynasty, shared wealth for seven generations, and his family had no complaints. The Book of Songs says, "Look up to the high mountains and tread carefully." What more can I say?
My grandfather, our ancestors have belonged to a prestigious family since the time of Yao, Shun, and Yu, illustrious for generations. Many high-ranking officials, such as Ministers of Works, have come from our family, and as a result, our family has always thrived. Later, during the Warring States period, the Zhou Dynasty declined; some of our ancestors chose to live in seclusion in the mountains, while others retreated to the countryside, like a vigorous dragon soaring through the clouds, or a mighty whale rolling in the waves, full of strength and vitality. After the establishment of the Han Dynasty, blessed by imperial favor, my great-grandfather, Min Hou, seized the opportunity and rose to prominence.
Great-grandfather Min Hou was lucky, rose through the ranks, ambitious from a young age, and with outstanding martial arts, achieved remarkable military accomplishments. He once made an oath between the mountains and rivers, expanded the territory and established a fief. My grandfather, who served as Prime Minister, inherited the admirable qualities of his forebears. Our family resembles a towering tree, with flourishing branches and abundant leaves, and numerous descendants, like countless rivers flowing into the sea, and numerous branches merging into a majestic tree. Of course, the family's rise and fall, along with its honors and disgraces, have gone through various phases. During our Jin Dynasty, the family's influence was primarily in Changsha. My father, the King of Changsha, who was highly meritorious and of noble character, was greatly valued by the emperor and sent to conquer the south. After quelling the rebellion, he resigned and retired; in the face of wealth and glory, he always maintained a clear mind, never losing sight of himself. Who can claim that such temperament is easily attained?
My ancestors have always been careful and steadfast. They were honest and upright officials who benefited the local people. My father was unconcerned with fame and fortune, possessing a generous spirit. Although he experienced the ups and downs of life, he always maintained a calm attitude. As for me, I am not nearly as accomplished as they were. Looking at my white hair, I can't help but feel a deep sense of regret for having wasted precious moments. I have made countless mistakes, but I hope they will not cause trouble for future generations. I constantly think of you and hear your cries. I chose an auspicious day to name you "Yan," with the courtesy name "Qiusi," hoping you will grow to embody humility and always remember the significance of this name. I hope you will be talented and successful like Confucius. On the night you were born, I hurried to get fire, afraid that you would catch a cold. Actually, the feelings of parenthood are hard to put into words. Upon your birth, all I wished for was your health and happiness. People often say that this sentiment is genuine, not mere platitudes. As time passes, you will gradually grow up and outgrow your childhood. Fortune doesn’t just come out of thin air, and misfortune can strike at any time. I hope you’ll rise early, study diligently, and achieve great things in the future. But even if you don’t achieve great success, that’s alright. In 424 AD, my father passed away at the age of 63.
Zong Yu Zhi, courtesy name Shu Can, was from Nieyang, Nanyang, and was the cousin of Zong Bing. He lost his father at a young age and served his older brother with great respect. Although the family was poor, he was diligent in his studies. Although he wasn't as talented in literature as Zong Bing, his simple and humble character was even greater. The local government once summoned him to be a registrar and recommended him to take the imperial examination, but he declined both offers. He turned down gifts from both the government and individuals. Even after the emperor abdicated, when he was summoned to serve as an assistant in the Imperial Academy, he did not go. In the early years of the Yuanjia era, the envoy Lu Zizhen came to observe the customs and manners of the people, but Zong Yu Zhi refused to meet him three times, claiming he was ill. He told others, "I'm just an ordinary commoner who has worked in the fields all my life. How can I lower myself to be a lackey for those high-ranking officials?" After Lu Zizhen returned, he put in a good word for Zong Yu Zhi, but he still declined the court's summons to serve as an attendant in the Ministry of Works. Zong Yu Zhi passed away at the age of fifty in the eighth year of the Yuanjia era.
Shen Dao Qian was a native of Wukang in Wuxing. He was kind and benevolent from a young age and loved reading the Tao Te Ching and the I Ching. He lived below Stone Mountain to the north of the county. During a famine caused by the Sun En rebellion, the county magistrate Yu Suzhi welcomed him to a small house in the abandoned village to the south of the county, overlooking a beautiful stream. Sometimes he would return to his simple dwelling on Stone Mountain to share meager food with a few orphans and widows, never compromising his virtues despite his hardships. He once learned to play the zither from Dai Kui and earned great respect from Wang Jinghong. He was summoned twelve times by the county, prefecture, and government to take up official positions, but he refused every time.
Someone stole his family's vegetables, and later, Dao Qian encountered the thief and hid, waiting until the thief had taken enough before coming out. Someone dug up the bamboo shoots behind his house, and Dao Qian sent someone to stop them, saying, "I want to let these shoots grow into a bamboo forest. In the future, we will have better bamboo shoots to share." Then he had someone buy large bamboo shoots to gift to the thief. The thief was very embarrassed and did not dare to accept them, so Dao Qian had someone put the shoots in front of the thief's door and then come back. Dao Qian usually made ends meet by scavenging. Once, he picked things up with others, and there was a dispute over harvesting wheat. Dao Qian advised them, but they could not be persuaded. In the end, he gave them everything he had collected, and the people involved in the dispute felt very ashamed. From then on, whenever a dispute arose, everyone would say, "Don't let the monk know!" In winter, Dao Qian didn't even have any clothes to wear. When Dai Yong heard, he hurried over to make clothes for him and gave him ten thousand coins. Dao Qian shared the clothes and money with his brothers and nephews who were in need. Many young people in the village came to him to learn, and Dao Qian often struggled to afford food and support his students. Kong Xinzhi, the magistrate of Wukang County, generously supported him, and his students all achieved success. When Song Dynasty Emperor Taizu learned of this, he sent someone to comfort him and rewarded him with thirty thousand coins and two hundred bushels of rice, which Dao Qian used to arrange a wedding for his widowed brother's son. The court summoned him as a junior attendant, but he did not accept. Dao Qian's family had practiced Buddhism for generations, and he converted his ancestors' old house into a temple. Every year on April 8th, the Buddha's birthday, he held a ceremony to offer incense to the Buddha, and every time the whole family was moved to tears. In his old age, he ate only vegetarian food, often not even having money for a day's meal, but he found joy in music and was diligent in his studies, never slacking off. Emperor Taizu of the Song Dynasty ordered local officials to assist him at any time. In the twenty-sixth year of the Yuanjia era, Dao Qian passed away at eighty-two. His son, Huifeng, continued his legacy, and the court also summoned him for an official position, but he declined.
Guo Xilin was from Wuchang. His great-grandfather Guo Fan was known for his integrity during the Jin Dynasty and did not take official positions. Guo Xilin worked in agriculture when he was young and refused the imperial summons to serve as a county scribe, scholar, or military officer. In the early years of Yuanjia, the Minister of Personnel, Wang Jinghong, recommended Wang Hongzhi as a candidate for the Crown Prince's son and recommended Guo Xilin for the position of junior assistant in the Imperial Library. Later, he was summoned to serve as an attendant cavalier, but he declined the offer. Guo Xilin passed away at the age of forty-seven in the tenth year of Yuanjia. His son Guo Meng also chose a life of seclusion and did not pursue an official career. During the Taishi period, Cai Xingzong, the Inspector of Yingzhou, summoned him to serve as a scribe, but he also did not accept.
Lei Cizong, styled Zhonglun, was from Nanchang, Yuzhang. When he was young, he went to Lushan and practiced under the Buddhist monk Shi Huiyuan, dedicating himself to study, particularly excelling in the "Three Rites" and the "Book of Songs." He lived in seclusion and did not engage in worldly affairs, being summoned to serve as an assistant in his native province and as an attendant cavalier by the court, but he refused. He wrote letters to his relatives, articulating his life philosophy, saying: "I have lived for so long, and the length of life is predetermined. No matter how hard one tries, it cannot be changed. Therefore, one should accept things as they come and not force outcomes. I have suffered from poor health since childhood, often sick, and have a lazy personality, liking to daydream. So, even as a child, I envisioned a future of seclusion. When I reached adulthood, I went to Lushan and became a disciple of the monk. During that time, I had many teachers and friends with whom I studied Buddhism, learned various knowledge, and improved my own cultivation. I focused on studying the classics and worked tirelessly, day and night. I especially liked mountains and rivers, and discussing knowledge with friends enriched my personal development, allowing me to achieve success and happily forget my troubles, unconsciously reaching daytime."
I have been living freely on Mount Lu for over twenty years. Unfortunately, many of my like-minded friends have passed away over the years. I have also experienced many setbacks and hardships; my earlier dreams have all come to nothing, which has left me feeling empty and detached. Therefore, I have returned to a pastoral life with you all, living in seclusion, cut off from the secular world for quite some time.
Time flies, and before I knew it, another ten years have gone by. I have reached the age of understanding my fate. As I enter the twilight years of my life, time is limited. I have always wanted to travel to famous mountains and rivers like Shang Zi did, but now I only want to stay away from the trivialities of the world. Though I may be old, I’m not senile yet, and my body is not so weak that I cannot move. I still want to fulfill some of my dreams, do what I enjoy, and prepare for what comes next. I want to take care of my health, cherish the good times, and enjoy my later years. That's all I wish for. You have all grown up, started families and careers, and your lives are stable. What more do I have to worry about? Just stay true to your dreams and enjoy your later years in peace. From now on, do not ask me about anything big or small at home; you can take Ziping's opinions as a reference.
In the fifteenth year of the Yuanjia era, I was summoned to the capital, where I started a school on Jilong Mountain, enrolling over a hundred students. Zhu Yingzhi from Kuaiji and Yu Weizhi from Yingchuan, two Confucian masters, served as school supervisors. Back then, the Imperial College hadn’t been established yet, and the emperor valued diverse academic fields, so he allowed He Shangzhi of Danyang to establish metaphysics. The Crown Prince even ordered He Chengtian to establish historical studies, and Situ's army officer Xie Yuan to establish literature, establishing a total of four colleges. The emperor visited my school several times and offered us generous support. Later, the court appointed me to an official position, but I declined. After some time, I returned to Mount Lu, where court officials came to bid me farewell.
Lei Cizong, at the age of twenty-five, received a holy decree from the emperor, stating: "The newly appointed Cavalier Attendant Lei Cizong is upright, respects ancient rituals, acts with integrity and maintains his purity, adheres to his own aspirations, and lives in seclusion to avoid the world. He should be promoted in his official position and commended for his noble character. Appoint him as a Cavalier Attendant!" Later, the emperor summoned him back to the capital and had a house built for him at the Western Rock of Zhongshan, called *Zhaoyin Hall*, to instruct the Crown Prince and other princes in the "Funeral Attire" classics. Lei Cizong was unwilling to work in the court, so the emperor permitted him to enter Yanxiantang through the east gate of Hualin to carry out his duties. Twenty-five years after his promotion, Lei Cizong passed away on Zhongshan at the age of sixty-three. Emperor Taizu wrote a letter to Prince Yigong of Jiangxia, informing him of Lei Cizong's death. Yigong replied, "Lei Cizong did not seek timely treatment for his illness, which is indeed heartbreaking. He lived in seclusion in the mountains, yet he earned the emperor's appreciation through his self-discipline and steadfastness. I hope heaven will have mercy on him." Lei Cizong's son, Lei Suzhi, followed in his father's footsteps and eventually became the magistrate of Yuzhang County.
Zhu Bainian was a man from Shanyin in Kuaiji. His grandfather Zhu Kaizhi was the Right Guard General during the Jin Dynasty, and his father Zhu Tao was the registrar of Yangzhou. Zhu Bainian had noble sentiments from a young age. After his parents passed away, he brought his wife Kong Shi to the southern mountains of Kuaiji to make a living by cutting firewood and selling bamboo leaves. Every day, he would place the cut firewood and bamboo leaves by the roadside for passersby to take as they pleased, and the next day he would do the same. People were initially puzzled, but later learned that it was Zhu the recluse selling them, taking what they needed and leaving money behind. Sometimes, when it snowed and he couldn't sell his firewood and bamboo, he had no money to live, so he would row a small boat to take his wife back to her parents' home and bring her back when the weather cleared. Sometimes he would go down to the city to buy a few feet of cloth for his wife, and he had a fondness for drinking, sometimes being forgetful when drunk. He was very reasonable and often wrote poetry, often containing profound insights. The county wanted him to be an official, the province wanted him to take a position as an official, and they recommended him to take the imperial examination, but he declined all offers. He secluded himself, keeping to himself, and had a very good relationship with Kong Ji, a fellow villager. Kong Ji also loved drinking, and the two of them would drink heartily when they met. Zhu Bainian's family was very poor; his mother passed away in winter, and they didn't even have cotton clothes at home. Since then, he never wore cotton clothes again. One winter, he stayed at Kong Ji's house, wearing just a thin jacket, and passed out from drinking. Kong Ji covered him with a blanket, and Zhu Bainian was completely unaware. When he woke up, he tossed the blanket aside and said to Kong Ji, "The quilt is really warm!" and then he started to cry, which made Kong Ji emotional too.
Zhu Bainian refused the position of the Crown Prince's Attendant, but he declined it. When he was the Governor of Dongyangzhou, someone sent him 500 bushels of grain, accumulated over a century, intended for public funds, but he did not accept it. At that time, there was a poor scholar named Yao Yin in Shanyin, who was also known for his integrity and was respected by the literati. When Prince Yiyang Chang took office in the region, he wanted to hire Yao Yin as a literary officer, but Yao Yin also refused. Zhu Bainian sent Yao Yin 200 bushels of rice, but Yao Yin declined that as well. Zhu Bainian passed away in the first year of Xiaojian, dying in the mountains, and lived to be 87 years old. While Cai Xingzong served as the Prefect of Kuaiji, he sent 100 bushels of rice to Zhu Bainian's wife, but Zhu Bainian's wife sent a maid to the county office to politely refuse, and the people praised her, likening her to Liang Hong's wife.
Wang Su, with the courtesy name Xiuye, was from Linyi in Langye. His father, Wang Qiao, was a Grand Master of Ceremonies in the Jin Dynasty. Wang Su had aspirations and integrity from a young age, but his family was impoverished and his mother was elderly. Initially, he served as an Attendant in the Luling State, but he resigned from his official position to observe the mourning period for his mother after she passed away. Upon completing the mourning period, Wang Su turned down the suggestions of relatives and friends to renovate his ancestral home, instead choosing to go to Dongyang with just a few belongings, preferring to live in seclusion and cultivate a small plot of land for self-sufficiency. He had a passion for literature and was free from worldly concerns. When Emperor Wen of the Song Dynasty ascended the throne, he sought out virtuous hermits and issued a decree stating: "To govern the world and achieve great accomplishments, we must discover reclusive talents, regulate customs, promote humility, and commend pure and upright conduct. I have been searching for virtuous talents day and night, aiming to promote a culture of frugality. Wang Su from Langye and Zhu Bai Nian from Kuaiji are both known for their integrity and purity, unconcerned with worldly affairs, living off their own land with unwavering aspirations. They should be honored and promoted for their character of shunning wealth and fame. They shall be appointed as Junior Attendants to the Crown Prince." During the reign of Emperor Taizong of the Song Dynasty, Grand Preceptor Wang Yigong established his office and summoned Wang Su to serve as an official in the granary department. In the sixth year of the Taishi era, he was once more summoned to serve as a Junior Attendant to the Crown Prince, but he declined both times. Wang Su was well-respected and often called upon. In the mountains, there's a type of cicada known for its clear and melodious song, that one never tires of listening to, but its appearance is rather unattractive. Wang Su wrote a piece called "Ode to the Cicada" to draw a comparison to himself. In the seventh year of the Taishi era, Wang Su passed away at the age of fifty-four years.
At that time, there were also Song Ping and Liu Muzhi, Shao from Shaonan Prefecture, and Chu Boyu, all living in seclusion and pursuing their own aspirations. Liu Muzhi lived in Jiaozhou and was appointed as the Governor of Wuping, but he declined. Shao, styled Bohe, was the son of the Yellow Gate Attendant Wen Sun. He built a house in Fangshan, Hushu, and was summoned by the court to serve as an Attendant Cavalry Officer and a military officer for the Northern Expedition, both of which he refused. Chu Boyu lived in the Pufu Mountain area of Shan County for more than thirty years, and when Yangzhou summoned him to serve as a Censorial Assistant in the government, he also refused.
Guan Kangzhi, styled Boyu, was from Yang County in Hedong and had lived in Jingkou for generations before moving to Nanping Chang. He was diligent in his studies from a young age, and he was tall and strong. Zhao Yi from Xiapi was famous for his writings and scholarship, and Guan Kangzhi befriended him. The Senior Scholar Yan Yanzhi recognized his talent when he met him. Gu Yuezhi from Jinling once raised more than forty questions regarding Wang Bi's interpretation of the Book of Changes, and Guan Kangzhi refuted Gu Yuezhi on behalf of Wang Bi with reasonable arguments. He also wrote "Interpretation of the Book of Songs" and offered numerous explanations for challenging passages in the classics. He studied under the monk Zhi Seng Na and mastered all of his skills. When Prince Yixuan of Jingkou relocated to Jiangling for his command, he wanted Guan Kangzhi to go with him, but Guan Kangzhi refused. During the Yuanjia period, Emperor Wu of Song heard of Guan Kangzhi's scholarship and appointed him as the General of the Wuchang Guozhong Army, exempting him from taxes. When Prince Yigong of Jiangxia and Prince Dan of Guangling served in Nanxu Prefecture, they both invited him to serve as an assistant or in the Western Bureau, but he declined. He distanced himself from the world, maintaining a life of leisure.
His younger brother Guan Shuang served as the cavalry commander under Zang Zhi and went to war with him. He fell ill and passed away in Zheqi, and was buried by the water. Guan Kangzhi fell seriously ill in the spring of the following year, and after his condition slightly improved, he rushed to meet his brother's coffin, only to collapse again, remaining bedridden for over twenty years. Even in his leisure days, he lay in bed engaging in discussions about literature and scholarship. After Emperor Shizu of Song ascended the throne, he sent the envoy Lu Zizhen to inspect the country. Lu Zizhen recommended Guan Kangzhi upon his return, saying that he "has consistently demonstrated integrity, is honest and firm in character, trustworthy, well-known, noble in aspirations, unchangeable in conduct, and should be called upon to restore social order." However, the court ignored his recommendation. In the early years of Emperor Taizong of Song's Taishi reign, he and the monk Shao from Pingyuan were summoned as straight officials, but he declined, citing illness as the reason. In the first year of the Shengming reign of Emperor Shundi of Song, he passed away at the age of sixty-three. Historical accounts note: those who are solitary and proud are mostly unable to compromise their ideals or alter their paths, hoping to advance through fame. If they can encounter a wise ruler and seize a good opportunity, how could they allow themselves to become lost in nature, seeking a reclusive life? All of this is done out of necessity. Moreover, the serene valleys and picturesque landscapes, even the grand mansions and towering cities, all need to tap into mountain springs and create an environment similar to forests and marshes. Therefore, we know that the pine-clad mountains and osmanthus-laden hills are more than mere tourist attractions; the clear streams and ponds can also soothe the soul. What difficulties could one face in choosing to retire from public office?
