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Xia Fu [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
Upright scholar Xia Fu was falsely framed as a partisan by corrupt eunuchs. To spare others from disaster, he cut his beard, disguised himself and labored as a metalworker in mountains. Even after amnesty, he stayed in exile until the governor fetched him after three attempts.
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Xu Zhi [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
Virtuous scholar Xu Zhi repeatedly turned down all official nominations and imperial summons. Yet he held deep gratitude to officials who valued him, once trekking three thousand Li on foot to mourn Huang Qiong, and attended all his patrons’ funerals till his death.
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The Old Man by the Han River [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
While crowds watched Emperor Huan’s lavish tour, an unnamed Han River elder kept plowing. He rebuked official Zhang Wen, criticizing the emperor’s wasteful travels that burdened folk, contrasting frugal ancient sage kings. He left without revealing his name.
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Fa Zhen [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
Great Confucian Fa Zhen taught hundreds of disciples yet shunned officialdom. He turned down repeated imperial summons, citing Xu You’s tale of washing ears to guard his purity. Honored as Master of Mysterious Virtue, he lived to eighty-nine in seclusion.
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Zhi Xun [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
Descendant of hermit Liang Hong, erudite Zhi Xun taught many scholars and wed his daughter to talented Ma Rong. Highly commended by ministers, he rejected multiple imperial summons and lived out his secluded life with an untainted reputation.
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Ren Tang [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
Recluse Ren Tang taught the Spring and Autumn Annals and refused official summons. He sent silent symbolic reminders of integrity, punishing tyrants and caring for youth and the old to Governor Pang Can. Villagers revered him with a portrait after his death.