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The Elder of the River [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
The Elder of the River, an anonymous Daoist sage well-versed in Laozi’s thought, dwelt by the Yellow River and wrote a commentary on Dao De Jing. Amid chaotic Warring States strife, he lived in seclusion, kept his virtue intact, and passed his Daoist teachings to An Qisheng.
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An Qisheng [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
Daoist immortal An Qisheng sold herbs by the sea and never took office. He rejected Emperor Qin’s lavish treasures, leaving red jade shoes and an invitation to meet at Penglai. Later he also turned down noble rank offered by Xiang Yu.
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The Fisherman [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
A Daoist fisherman meets exiled Qu Yuan. He advises Qu to adapt to the corrupt world instead of clinging to uncompromising purity. After singing the Canglang ballad about timely seclusion, the hermit vanishes into remote mountains.
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Chen Zhongzi [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
Chen Zhongzi shunned his brother’s ill-gotten salary and endured extreme poverty. When Chu’s king offered him premiership, his wife warned of political perils. The couple declined the post and fled to earn a living watering gardens.
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Mr. Qianlou [Biographies of Noble Scholars]
Virtuous Daoist hermit Qianlou declined high official posts and generous grain/gold from rulers of Lu and Qi. He wrote the Daoist work Qianlouzi, upheld lifelong seclusion untouched by power and wealth, and peacefully died of old age.
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Ān Bù Dāng Chē (安步当车)
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 安步当车Pinyin: ān bù dāng chē Literal Meaning: Take leisurely slow walks as if riding a carriage. Figurative Meaning: Lead a simple, tranquil life without craving luxurious transportation or material comforts; walk unhurriedly and contentedly instead of taking a vehicle. It also embodies a calm, peaceful mindset that finds satisfaction in plain living.…