The I Ching states: "The conduct of a noble person sometimes involves serving as an official, and at other times living in seclusion; sometimes being silent and reserved, and other times speaking boldly and openly." Confucius also said, "When the country is well-governed, a noble person will serve as an official; when the country is in chaos, they will pack up and leave." However, the key to whether one serves as an official or retires is that a noble person always maintains their integrity. Therefore, when they serve as officials, they will not hesitate to work hard, even if they endure hardship for the good of the country; and when they live in seclusion, even if they are poor, they will maintain their integrity and not be swayed by fame and fortune.
There was a man in Taiyuan named Min Zhongshu, who was praised by everyone for his high moral character; even the renowned incorruptible man Zhou Dang regarded himself as inferior to him. Zhou Dang saw him eating plain food and sent him some fresh garlic shoots, but he declined to eat them. During the Jianwu period, the Minister of Works, Hou Ba, summoned him to serve as an official. When he arrived, Hou Ba completely neglected state affairs and made him work hard for nothing. Zhongshu was very angry and said, "At first, when I received the appointment, I was both happy and afraid; now that I have seen you, I am neither happy nor afraid. Do you think I am not worthy of being valued and should not have been summoned? Summoning me but not valuing me is a waste of talent!" So he resigned from his post and threw away his official seal. Later, he was summoned to be a scholar, but he did not go. He settled in Anyi. In his old age and weak health, and being poor, he could not afford meat, so he would only buy a piece of pig liver every day; sometimes the butcher would not even sell it to him. When the county magistrate of Anyi found out about this, he ordered his officials to deliver a piece of pig liver to him every day. Zhongshu was surprised and inquired about the reason, then sighed and said, "Does Min Zhongshu want to burden Anyi because of food and drink?" So he left Anyi and went to Pei County, where he passed away peacefully.
Zhong Shu's fellow villager, Xun Ren, whose courtesy name was Jun Da, was also known for his integrity when he was young. He was wealthy, but after his father passed away, he divided all of his family's wealth among his relatives. He then withdrew to the mountains to pursue his ideals. In the final years of Wang Mang's reign, the Xiongnu invaded his hometown of Guangwu County. Upon hearing of Xun Ren's reputation, they all agreed to leave the Xun clan undisturbed. Emperor Guangwu summoned him to serve as an official, but he did not go due to illness. In the early years of the Yongping era, Duke Cang of Dongping, who was the General of the Cavalry, recruited talents widely at Dongge. Xun Ren was summoned, and he accepted the call. Later, when he attended court, Emperor Ming of Han jokingly asked him, "The late emperor summoned you, but you did not go; the Duke of Cavalry summoned you, and you came. Why is that?" Xun Ren replied, "The late emperor won people's loyalty through virtue, so I felt no obligation to go. The Duke of Cavalry enforces the law strictly, so I dare not not go." A month later, he resigned and returned home, eventually dying at home.
During the reign of Emperor Huan, there was a man named Wei Huan in Anyang, styled Zhong Ying, who was summoned to serve as an official several times. People from his hometown advised him to go. Wei Huan said, "To serve as an official and seek promotion is to fulfill one's ambitions. But now there are thousands of beauties in the harem, can they be reduced? There are ten thousand fine horses in the palace stables, can they be reduced? There are many nobles around, can they all be dismissed?" Everyone said, "No." Wei Huan sighed and said, "Alas, should Wei Huan spend his life in officialdom only to meet his end, or should he return home? What about my descendants?" Thus, he firmly resolved not to take up an official position.
Wei Huan, like a few of you, knew when to take action and when to hold back. However, this doesn’t mean they lived their lives in a bleak and resigned way! They all, based on the situation at the time, examined their own circumstances and thus achieved their own paths. I have deliberately documented their stories and categorized them for future generations.
Zhou Xie, courtesy name Yanzu, was a native of Ancheng in Runan and a descendant of the great general Yan Wang of Cao Wei. When Zhou Xie was born, his chin and neck were crooked, making him terrifyingly ugly. His mother wanted to abandon him, but his father objected, saying, "I have heard that many wise and virtuous sages have unique appearances. This child is destined to bring prosperity to our family!" So he raised him.
Zhou Xie grasped the concepts of integrity and humility from an early age; at the age of ten, he could already read the Classic of Poetry and the Analects. As he grew older, he focused on studying the Book of Rites and the Book of Changes. He avoided reading books that did not align with the standards of sages, nor did he associate with flatterers. His ancestral thatched cottage stood on a hillside overlooking paddy fields, and he often worked hard to be self-sufficient. He would not eat anything that he did not grow or catch himself. His neighbors rarely saw him.
Some recommended him for being filial, virtuous, righteous, and outstanding, but he declined on the grounds of illness. In the second year of the Yan Guang era, Emperor An invited Zhou Xie and Feng Liang of Nanyang with precious silk and sacrificial lambs, sending officials from two counties to deliver gifts. His relatives advised him, "Your cultivation of virtue is for the country. Starting from your ancestors, merits and glory have been passed down through generations. Why do you insist on staying by the hillside paddy fields?" Zhou Xie replied, "Since I cannot hide in a cave like a hermit, following in the footsteps of ancient hermits while clearly not far from my parents' country, would that not be causing a stir and going with the flow? Those who pursue the Way must act in accordance with the times. If actions do not align with the timing, how can they succeed?" So he traveled to Yangcheng in Yingchuan by carriage, sent gifts through his students, and then resigned from his position and returned home due to illness. Feng Liang also used illness as an excuse, traveled to a nearby county by carriage, sent gifts, and returned. The court issued an edict requiring the two counties to supply them with sheep and wine annually for their illnesses.
Liang, also known as Junlang, came from a poor background and worked as a county official when he was young. At the age of thirty, he became the deputy to a captain. Ordered to meet the provincial governor, he felt indignant, feeling it was akin to being a servant, so he smashed the carriage, killed the horse, and tore his clothes, then escaped to Jianwei to study with Du Fu. His wife searched for him everywhere but couldn't find any trace of him. Later, people discovered a broken carriage, a dead horse, and some decayed clothes in the grass, assuming he was killed by wild animals or bandits, so they held a funeral and conducted his affairs according to the rites. He didn’t return to his hometown for over ten years. He was upright, with high moral character, never acted contrary to etiquette. He treated his wife with respect, like a lord to his subject, and the villagers regarded him as a role model. Liang and his wife Xie both lived to be over seventy years old before they passed away. Huang Xian, known as Shudu, hailed from Shenyang in Runan. His family had lived in poverty for generations, and his father worked as a veterinarian.
Xun Shu from Yingchuan met the fourteen-year-old Huang Xian on his way to Shen Yang. Xun Shu admired him very much and talked to him, finding it hard to part ways all day. Xun Shu said to Huang Xian, "You are my role model!" Later, when Xun Shu visited Yuan Lang, before he could even greet him, Yuan Lang asked him, "Is there anyone like Yan Hui in your hometown? Do you know him?" Xun Shu replied, "I have met my uncle!" At that time, Dai Liang from the same county was talented but somewhat arrogant. However, he never dared to be disrespectful to Huang Xian. After Dai Liang returned home, he felt a sense of emptiness, as if he had lost something significant. His mother asked him, "Did you come back from that kid who’s a vet again?" Dai Liang replied, "Before I met my uncle, I didn't think much of myself. But after meeting him, I felt that he was profound and unattainable, simply out of reach!" Chen Fan and Zhou Ju from the same county often said to each other, "If we don't see Huang Sheng (Huang Xian) for a while, we will develop some petty and stingy thoughts." Later, Chen Fan became a high official and sighed during court, "If my uncle were still here, I wouldn't dare to be the first to wear the official sash!" During his term, Governor Wang Gong respected many talented individuals, but ultimately could not win Huang Xian's submission. Guo Linzong traveled to Runan when he was young, first visited Yuan Lang, but didn't stay long before leaving, then went to visit Huang Xian and stayed for several days before returning. When asked why, Guo Linzong said, "People like Feng Gao are akin to small puddles, clear but easily dried up. But my uncle is like a vast lake, clear yet not losing its depth, murky yet still retaining its clarity, unfathomable!" Huang Xian was initially recommended as a filial and incorrupt official and was summoned to serve in the government office. Friends advised him to take up an official position, and Huang Xian did not refuse, but only briefly went to the capital before returning, ultimately not achieving much in his career. He passed away at the age of forty-eight, and people everywhere referred to him as "Zheng Jun."
It is said that Huang Xian, in his words and deeds, did not leave behind any specific records, but those who knew him all felt that he was profound and lofty, and not at all small-minded or miserly. Is this virtue innate, allowing him to reach such a level without any cultivation? My great-grandfather, Marquis Mu, believed that Huang Xian's demeanor was effortless, as profound as the Dao, making it hard to grasp his true nature and assess his character. If he could study under Confucius, that would have been truly extraordinary! So my great-grandfather also wrote articles discussing this matter.
Xu Ji, known by his courtesy name Ruzi, was from Nanchang. Coming from a poor family, he supported himself through farming, where every bit of effort yielded a harvest. He was respectful, frugal, loyal, and always eager to lend a hand, earning the respect of the villagers. Many times, officials invited him to take up a government position, but he always declined.
At that time, Chen Fan served as the prefect, and he extended a polite invitation to Xu Ji to take on a magistrate's role. Xu Ji declined, and after visiting Chen Fan, he left. During his time as prefect, Chen Fan generally did not receive visitors, but specifically prepared a bed for Xu Ji when he visited, putting it away after Xu Ji's departure. Later, when the court put forward recommendations for virtuous individuals, Xu Ji was nominated to serve as the prefect of Taiyuan, but he still turned it down.
In the second year of Yanxi, Shangshu Ling Chen Fan and Puyi Hu Guang submitted a memorial recommending Xu Ji and others, stating: "It is said that good people are like the natural laws of heaven and earth; they are the foundation of good governance. The Book of Songs states: 'Thinking of the many talents, they are born in this kingdom.' Heaven selects talents for Your Majesty to employ, and they should assist Your Majesty in effectively governing the country and achieving great accomplishments. It is said that Xu Ji from Yuzhang, Jiang Gong from Pengcheng, Yuan Hong from Runan, Wei Zhuo from Jingzhao, and Li Tan from Yingchuan all possess exemplary moral character and a stellar reputation. If they can be appointed to participate in state affairs, they can cooperate with heaven to benefit the people and make the country more prosperous." Emperor Huan of Han sent people to invite them in luxurious carriages, but none of them accepted the invitation. The emperor asked Chen Fan, "Among Xu Ji, Yuan Hong, and Wei Zhuo, who is the most outstanding?" Chen Fan replied, "Yuan Hong hails from a prestigious family and has received a good education since childhood. Wei Zhuo grew up in the Sannai area, where etiquette is highly regarded. He is like an uncut jade, naturally exceptional. As for Xu Ji, he hails from a remote area in Jiangnan, yet he has distinguished himself and accomplished remarkable feats, so he should be ranked first."
Xu Ruzi was once invited by General Huang Qiong to take an official position, but he declined the offer. Later, when Huang Qiong passed away and wanted to be buried in his hometown, Xu Ruzi carried grain and walked to Jiangxia to mourn. He prepared a simple offering of chicken and wine, cried, and then left without leaving his name. At that time, there were many scholars from various places, such as Guo Linzong and others, around a dozen people. When they heard about this, they suspected that it was Xu Ruzi, so they sent an eloquent person who resembled Mao Rong to chase after him. Once they caught up, the person prepared a meal for Xu Ruzi, and they chatted about farming. Before they parted, Xu Ruzi said to him, "Thank Guo Linzong for me. A big tree can't be held up by just one rope when it's about to fall. Why are you always so restless?" Later, when Guo Linzong's mother passed away, Xu Ruzi went to pay his respects, leaving only a handful of grass at Guo Linzong's doorstep before leaving. Everyone was puzzled and couldn't grasp its meaning. Guo Linzong said, "This must be Xu Ruzi, the esteemed scholar from Nanzhou. Isn't it said in the Classic of Poetry, 'He gathers a bundle of grass, and his person is like jade.' I lack the virtue to deserve such a generous gesture."
When Emperor Ling ascended the throne, he wanted to use grand ceremonies to appoint Xu Ruzi as an official. However, before this could take place, Xu Ruzi passed away at the age of seventy-two. His son, Xu Yin, styled Jideng, was known for his filial piety and friendliness, yet he chose to live in seclusion and avoid official positions. The prefect Hua Xin respected him and wanted to meet him, but Xu Yin firmly declined, saying he was unwell. During the end of the Han Dynasty, with banditry rampant, everyone respected Xu Yin's conduct and agreed not to disturb his household. Xu Yin passed away in the Jian'an period.
Xu Ruzi's relative Li Tan, styled Yun, lost his father when he was young and had a strict stepmother. However, he showed even greater filial piety towards his stepmother, and the villagers regarded him as a model. He devoted himself to serving his parents and never held an official position in his life.
Jiang Gong, courtesy name Bo Huai, was from the prominent Guangqi clan of Pengcheng, and his family had been prestigious for generations. Jiang Gong and his two younger brothers, Zhong Hai and Ji Jiang, were all famous for their devotion to filial piety. The three brothers had a very close relationship, often sleeping and waking up together. Even after marrying, their bond as brothers remained strong, and they were reluctant to sleep apart. To ensure their descendants' inheritance, they took turns staying with their respective wives.
Jiang Gong was proficient in the Five Classics and also studied astronomy and astrology, drawing in over three thousand students from far and wide. Many high-ranking officials sought to recruit him, but he consistently declined. His two brothers also had good reputations and declined official appointments. People at that time greatly admired them.
Once, Shen Tu Gong and Ji Jiang went to visit the county magistrate and were ambushed by bandits on the way. The bandits intended to kill them, but the brothers insisted on taking the risk for each other, which touched the bandits. In the end, the bandits did not kill them but only robbed them of their clothes and money. When they arrived at the county, the magistrate was surprised to see Shen Tu Gong without clothes and asked what had happened. Shen Tu Gong casually fabricated an excuse and never mentioned the robbery.
Later, overcome by guilt, the bandits went to Shen Tu Gong's home to apologize and return the stolen items. Shen Tu Gong forgave them, hosted them for a meal, and then sent them on their way.
The court later summoned Shen Tu Gong and Xu Ji to serve as officials, but Shen Tu Gong declined. Emperor Huan of Han then commissioned a portrait of Shen Tu Gong from the artists of Pengcheng. Shen Tu Gong lay in a dimly lit place with a blanket covering his face, claiming to feel dizzy and not wanting to be exposed to the wind. As a result, the portrait artist never had the chance to see him.
At that time, the eunuch Cao Jie and others were in control of the court, who had just killed the Grand Tutor Chen Fan and the Grand General Dou Wu. They wanted to calm the people's grievances by promoting virtuous and moral individuals, so they submitted a memorial to the court, recommending Shentu Gong to be appointed as the governor. After receiving the imperial edict, Shentu Gong privately told his friends, "I have acquired this reputation out of nowhere, and my worth has doubled as a result. I should still stay true to myself, especially since the current political power is in the hands of eunuchs. What else can I do?" So he assumed a false identity and vanished, fleeing to the seaside. The court sent people twice with precious gifts to invite him, but he did not agree. The court then appointed him as the Grand Master of the Palace, with the edict delivered to his doorstep. Shentu Gong had his family tell them he was "long ill and seeing a doctor," then he secretly slipped away in tattered clothes, hiding in the Qingzhou area, earning a living as a fortune-teller. The court's summons were ultimately ignored, and his family did not know where he had gone. Several years later, he returned home. When he was seventy-seven years old, in the second year of Xiping, he died at home. His student, Liu Cao from Chenliu, held Shentu Gong's character in high regard and together they carved stones to praise him. Shentu Pan, styled Zilong, was from Waihuang, Chenliu. When he was nine years old, his father passed away, and he grieved excessively, surpassing the requirements of mourning rituals. After completing the mourning period, he abstained from alcohol and meat for over ten years. On his father's death anniversary, he would observe a fast for three consecutive days.
In the same county, there was a girl named Yu from the Gou family, who killed the murderer of her father in order to avenge him. The official arrested Yu and reported it to Liang Pei, the magistrate of Waihuang County, who intended to sentence Yu to death. At that time, Shen Tupo was just fifteen and still a student. He spoke up, saying, "Yu's loyalty and righteousness can inspire even the shameless. Even in troubled times, her loyalty deserves recognition, and she should be honored with a tomb, especially now, during the Qingming court; she should be shown mercy!" Liang Pei listened to his words, found them reasonable, and therefore sentenced Yu to a reduced sentence, sparing her from the death penalty. The villagers praised Shen Tupo. Born into a poor family, he had done odd jobs as a painter. Guo Linzong noticed him and thought he was quite remarkable. Cai Yong, also from the same county, held him in high regard. Later, the state summoned him to serve as an official, but he politely declined, saying, "Shen Tupo is exceptionally talented, quick-witted, and perceptive. After his parents passed away, he performed the funeral rites, nearly to the point of breaking down. His noble character and virtuous deeds are rare. He is content with his poverty, enjoys solitude, and upholds his noble character, not compromising his principles for wealth or status. Compared to Cai Yong, Shen Tupo is younger, but in terms of virtue, he is superior." Later, the county summoned him to serve as a registrar, but he refused once again. So he withdrew to focus on his studies, studying the Five Classics extensively and also mastering astronomy and calendars. He began studying alongside the Prince of Jiyin at the Imperial College. Before the prince passed away, he entrusted his final affairs to Shen Tupo, who personally pushed the cart to return him to his hometown. On the way, he met a censor who offered him an official position and an escort, but Shen Tupo refused, throwing the official seal to the ground before walking away. After completing the task, he returned to the Imperial College to resume his studies.
General Huang Qiong summoned him for an official position, but he declined. After Huang Qiong's death, Shentu Pan returned to attend his funeral. At that time, several thousand scholars and notable figures from various regions gathered in Jiangxia. They all talked to each other, but no one could hold a candle to Shentu Pan. Only a friend from Nanjun engaged in a back-and-forth with him. When they parted, the friend held his hand and said, "If you are not summoned by the court, you will definitely be hired by the court; then we can meet in the capital." Shentu Pan's expression darkened, and he replied, "I thought you could discuss serious matters with me, but I didn’t expect you to be just like those who pursue fame and fortune!" With that, he turned on his heel and never spoke to him again. Later, when the court summoned virtuous people again, he still did not accept it.
Earlier, scholars in the capital, including Fan Pang from Runan, openly criticized the government. From high-ranking officials to regular bureaucrats, they all treated them with respect. The students of the Imperial Academy all tried to emulate their style, believing that literature would thrive and recluses would be appreciated. However, Shentu Pan sighed, "Back in the Warring States period, recluses freely commented on court affairs, and even the rulers of various states personally welcomed them, which led to the tragic events of killing scholars and burning books. The current situation is similar to that time!" So he secluded himself in the area between Liangdi and Dangdi, built a simple house from trees, and lived like a common laborer. Two years later, Fan Pang and the others were indeed persecuted for political reasons, resulting in hundreds of casualties. Shentu Pan, however, remained unharmed and was not implicated. Later, Shentu Pan's friend Feng Yong from Chenjun was imprisoned for committing a crime, and the Governor of Yuzhou, Huang Wan, wanted to kill him. Some urged Shentu Pan to rescue Feng Yong, but he declined, saying, "Huang Ziyan and I have a good relationship, but whether Feng Yong is really guilty is still uncertain. If my words won't make a difference, what good would it do for me to go?" When Huang Wan heard this, he pardoned Feng Yong.
General He Jin tried several times to send people to invite Huang Zhong, but Huang Zhong chose not to go. Insistent on inviting him, He Jin had a fellow countyman of Huang Zhong go persuade him. Huang Zhong wrote to him, saying, "When you were first appointed as an official, the mansion treated you exceptionally well, giving you generous treatment, but without a formal title. They even wrote to you personally and prepared a seat and a walking stick for you. Two years have passed, and you have grown increasingly aloof, with firmer aspirations. Privately, I feel that your noble character is excessive for the current times and not suitable for the situation. Now, Mr. Xun Shuang is rushing to his post with an illness, and Mr. Zheng Xuan has accepted an official position in the north. Do they enjoy being constrained? They just know that now is not a time for comfort and pleasure! Ancients secluded themselves, coming out to serve the country when the time was right, or hiding their names, living a poor life, even in rags, laughing loudly, wild and unrestrained. And you now live in Pyongyang, living in luxury, composing poetry, wearing gorgeous clothes. Your situation is entirely different from that of the ancients, but you want to emulate their ways, which is rather unrealistic! Just study the thoughts of Confucius; why must you emulate Bo Yi and Shu Qi on Mount Shouyang?" After writing the letter, Huang Zhong did not receive a reply.
In the fifth year of Zhongping, the court summoned once more Huang Zhong, Xun Shuang, Zheng Xuan, Han Rong, Chen Ji, and fourteen others as scholars, but Huang Zhong still did not go. The following year, Dong Zhuo seized power, and the court once again summoned Huang Zhong, Xun Shuang, Han Rong, Chen Ji, and others, but only Huang Zhong chose not to go. Everyone advised him, but he merely smiled and declined. Not long after, Xun Shuang and the others were coerced by Dong Zhuo to go to Chang'an, and the capital descended into chaos. When the court relocated westward, many court officials suffered from war and famine, as families were torn apart and lives were lost. Han Rong and the others barely managed to save their lives. Only Huang Zhong, amidst the chaos, remained steadfast in his noble aspirations, and eventually passed away peacefully at the age of seventy-four years.
It is said: Treasures like Chen Bao are worth cherishing; the time of virtue is hard to come by. If the Way goes against fortune, then principles are disregarded. Rather than dwelling in isolation, wouldn't it be better to embrace the mess? The talented yet unfortunate individuals retreat like impoverished hills. Hide your brilliance and willingly embrace obscurity.
