Han Kang, whose courtesy name was Boxiu, was a native of Baling in Jingzhao. He frequently traveled to famous mountains to gather medicinal herbs, which he sold in the marketplace of Chang’an. For over thirty years, he steadfastly refused to bargain or offer any discounts. One day, a woman buying medicine from him grew angry at his insistence on a fixed price and exclaimed, “Are you Han Boxiu? Do you truly never bargain?” Han Kang sighed, “I have sought to avoid fame, yet now even an ordinary woman knows my name. What use is there left for me to sell medicine?” He then fled into the mountains of Baling to live in seclusion. The imperial court repeatedly summoned him through the Erudite and the Office of Public Carriages, but he never responded.
During the reign of Emperor Huan, the court prepared ceremonial dark and light-colored silk and an enclosed carriage an che) to formally recruit him. When the imperial envoy arrived bearing the edict, Han Kang, having no choice but to comply, feigned his acceptance. However, he declined the luxurious carriage and instead rode a humble cart drawn by an ox. Departing before dawn, he arrived at a local relay station ting). The station master, having heard that the newly recruited Hermit Han was expected to pass through, was busy dispatching men and oxen to repair the roads and bridges. Seeing Han Kang in his simple cart and commoner’s head wrap, the station master assumed he was merely an old farmer and ordered his men to confiscate his ox. Han Kang immediately unyoked the animal and handed it over without protest.
Shortly after, the imperial envoy arrived and discovered that the old man whose ox had been taken was, in fact, the esteemed recluse they were sent to fetch. Furious, the envoy intended to report the station master to have him executed. Han Kang intervened, saying, “I willingly gave the ox to him myself. What crime has the station master committed?” The envoy then dropped the matter. Taking advantage of the situation, Han Kang fled midway through his journey and eventually passed away in his old age.
Note
Herbalist Han Kang stuck to fixed prices for thirty years. Once recognized by a customer, he fled to mountains to shun fame. Summoned by the emperor, he took a plain ox cart, then escaped midway and lived out his days in seclusion.
Han Kang / Han Boxiu:
A famous physician and hermit of the Eastern Han dynasty. His story is a classic illustration of the Daoist ideal of wuwei (non-action) and ultimate detachment from worldly reputation. He is remembered not just for his refusal of office, but for his uncompromising integrity in everyday commerce.
No Bargaining / Fixed Price:
In ancient marketplaces, haggling was the norm. Han Kang’s strict adherence to a fixed price for over thirty years was a profound cultural statement. It demonstrated absolute honesty, fairness, and a complete lack of greed, elevating his commercial practice to a level of spiritual purity.
Fleeing Fame from a Commoner:
When a woman recognized him, Han Kang realized that his fame had breached his seclusion. In Daoist philosophy, fame is a corrupting force. His immediate decision to abandon his livelihood rather than be known highlights the extreme value placed on anonymity and spiritual freedom.
Ceremonial Silk and Enclosed Carriage:
These were the highest honors the Han emperor could bestow upon a scholar. The carriage was specifically designed for elderly or highly respected scholars so they wouldn’t have to stand in a regular carriage. Han Kang’s rejection of this ultimate political validation is the climax of his recluse narrative.
The Stolen Ox:
This incident is a legendary display of supreme humility and lack of ego. Rather than asserting his newly granted imperial status or getting angry at being mistaken for a peasant, Han Kang willingly surrendered his only means of transport. This act of radical non-attachment perfectly encapsulates his philosophy.
“I Gave It to Him”:
This quote has become a famous historical allusion representing ultimate magnanimity and the erasure of social hierarchy. It demonstrates that true nobility lies in treating everyone with equal compassion, regardless of their ignorance or one’s own exalted status.
韩康字伯休，京兆霸陵人也。常游名山采药，卖於长安市中。口不二价者三十余年。时有女子买药於康，怒康守价，乃曰：“公是韩伯休邪？乃不二价乎？”康叹曰：“我欲避名，今区区女子皆知有我，何用药为？”遂遁入霸陵山中，博士公车连徵不至。桓帝时，乃备玄纁安车以聘之，使者奉诏造康，康不得已，乃佯许诺。辞安车，自乘柴车，冒晨先发至亭。亭长以韩徵君当过，方发人牛修道桥。及见康柴车幅巾，以为田叟也，使夺其牛，康即释驾与之。有顷，使者至，夺牛翁乃徵君也。使者欲奏杀亭长，康曰：“此自老子与之，亭长何罪！”乃止。康因中路逃遁，以寿终。
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