Chao Fu was a hermit from the time of Emperor Yao. He lived in the mountains, seeking no worldly profit. In his old age, he built a nest in a tree and slept upon it; thus, the people of his time called him “Father Nest” (Chao Fu).
When Yao offered to abdicate the throne to Xu You, Xu You told Chao Fu about it. Chao Fu said: “Why did you not hide your form and conceal your light? Since you did so, you are no friend of mine!” He pushed Xu You on the chest and drove him away. Xu You felt disappointed and lost.
He then went to the clear, cold water, washed his ears, and wiped his eyes, saying: “Just now I heard greedy words; I have betrayed my friend!” After this, he departed, and they never saw each other again for the rest of their lives.
Note
This passage is one of the most famous anecdotes in Chinese hermit literature, illustrating the extreme purity required of a true recluse. It appears in various texts, including Gao Shi Zhuan and commentaries on the Zhuangzi.
Chao Fu (Father Nest)
The archetype of the ultimate hermit. His name literally means “Nest Father,” derived from his lifestyle of sleeping in a tree nest like a bird. He represents a level of reclusion even higher than Xu You’s; while Xu You refused power, Chao Fu refuses even the knowledge ormention of power.
Xu You
The famous hermit who refused Emperor Yao’s throne. In this story, he acts as a middle ground: he rejected the throne (showing virtue), but by telling Chao Fu about the offer, he inadvertently polluted the conversation with “worldly affairs,” leading to his rejection by the stricter Chao Fu.
Emperor Yao
The Sage King whose offer of the throne serves as the catalyst. His act of offering the throne is seen as the highest honor in Confucianism, but in this Daoist context, the mere mention of it is considered “pollution.”
Building a Nest in a Tree
This depicts a life completely returned to nature, rejecting not just society but also human architecture (houses). It symbolizes total independence from human civilization and comfort.
Washing the Ears
- This story gave rise to the famous idiom “Washing the Ears.”
- Xu You washing his ears signifies that the mere sound of political ambition (Yao’s offer) was so dirty that it physically polluted his hearing organs. It is the ultimate gesture of cleansing oneself from the contamination of power and fame.
- The place where he supposedly washed his ears is often cited in Chinese geography (e.g., in Henan or Shanxi), and “Ear-Washing Creek” is a common poetic allusion.
“Hide your form, conceal your light”
A core Daoist principle. True wisdom and virtue should remain invisible. If one’s reputation is known enough for an Emperor to seek them out, they have already failed to be truly hidden. Chao Fu criticizes Xu You for having a reputation that reached Yao.
巢父者，尧时隐人也。山居不营世利，年老以树为巢，而寝其上，故时人号曰巢父。尧之让许由也，由以告巢父，巢父曰：“汝何不隐汝形，藏汝光，若非吾友也！”击其膺而下之，由怅然不自得。乃过清泠之水，洗其耳，拭其目，曰：“向闻贪言，负吾之友矣！”遂去，终身不相见。
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