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The Old Man of Pengcheng [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
The unnamed Daoist Old Man of Pengcheng lived secluded over ninety years. He mourned Gong Sheng, who starved himself rather than serve Wang Mang, lamenting fame brought the scholar’s premature death, seeing such martyrdom contradict Daoist self-preservation.
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Yan Zun [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
Daoist hermit Yan Zun earned a living by divination in Chengdu and declined official offers. He argued true wealth lies in inner peace rather than material gains, rejecting a rich man’s aid and claiming fortune and fame harm one’s spirit.
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Zhang Zhongwei [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
Zhang Zhongwei and Wei Jingqing studied Dao De Jing and lived in seclusion without official posts. Skilled in astronomy, nature studies and writing, he dwelt in a shabby grassy cottage, shunning fame. Only his friend Liu Gong appreciated his wisdom.
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Song Shengzhi [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
Orphaned Song Shengzhi was famed for filial piety and virtue. He learned the I Ching in Chang’an, declined his cousin’s and Chancellor Kong Guang’s official offers. He herded sheep with Xun Yue, enjoying qin and books, and died of illness in Taiyuan.
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Anqiu Wangzhi [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
Daoist hermit Anqiu Wangzhi mastered Laozi’s works and rejected Emperor Cheng’s audience request. He humbly worked as a folk healer, wrote a commentary on Dao De Jing and founded the Anqiu School. Many disciples studied under him while he stayed out of officialdom all his life.
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Chenggong [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
Anonymous Han sage Chenggong shunned fame and wealth. Confronted by Emperor Cheng’s threats of rank, fortune and death, he calmly argued his spiritual independence. The emperor yielded and sent officials to learn his twelve chapters on state governance.