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Han Fu [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
Han Fu, a virtuous Western Han recluse, was summoned to court by Emperor Zhao for his noble conduct. Falling ill, he could not have an audience. The emperor granted him silk and sent him home to guide villagers. He stayed out of officialdom until his death.
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Zhi Jun [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
Virtuous hermit Zhi Jun dwelled on Mount Qian and declined his friend Sima Qian’s letter urging him to serve. He foresaw political misfortune. Later Sima suffered castration for defending Li Ling, while Zhi preserved his integrity and died in seclusion, honored by locals.
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Tian He [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
Tian He inherited the unbroken I Ching lineage spared by Qin’s book ban. Resettled in Duling, he taught many distinguished pupils. Though old and poor under Emperor Hui, he clung to Dao and refused office; the emperor visited his cottage to learn, making him the ancestor of Han I Ching scholars.
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The Two Recluses of Lu [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
Two orthodox Lu Confucians rejected Shusun Tong’s summons to draft Han court rituals. They criticized him for pushing rites amid post-war chaos, arguing proper rituals need a century of virtue. Unwilling to compromise ancient principles, they sent him away to preserve their integrity.
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The Yellow Stone Sage [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
The hidden Yellow Stone Sage tested Zhang Liang’s humility three times on a bridge. Satisfied, he gave Zhang the military text Strategies of Tai Gong. The sage said he would appear as a yellow stone years later. Zhang treasured the stone and buried it with himself upon his death.