This commentary on Zhuangzi ‑ Daozhi features three fictional dialogues. Robber Zhi and other figures assail conventional Confucian morality, exposing its hypocrisy and urging people to cherish their innate inborn nature.
3.8 Zixia asked, saying, “What is the meaning of Oh the sweet smile dimpling,The lovely eyes so black and white!Plain silk that you would take for coloured stuff.” The Master said, “The painting comes after the plain groundwork.” Zixia said, “Then ritual comes afterwards?” The Master said, “Shang it is who bears me up.…