Han Feizi tells Yao offered his throne to Xu You, who fled and lodged with a commoner. The householder hid his leather cap fearing theft, failing to grasp Xu You scorned supreme power and cared nothing for trivial belongings.
Pi Qiu Gong (The Man in the Fur Coat) was a native of the state of Wu. When Yanling Jizi was traveling, he saw a piece of lost gold lying in the road. He looked at the Man in the Fur Coat and said, “Pick up that gold.”
The Farmer of Shihu was a man whose origins are unknown. He was a friend of Shun. When Shun offered to yield the world to him, the Farmer of Shihu remarked: “How tirelessly laborious the Lord is! He is indeed a man who exhausts his strength [for the sake of others].”
Zi Zhou Zhi Fu was a man from the time of Emperor Yao. When Yao offered to yield the throne to Xu You, Xu You declined. Yao then offered it to Zi Zhou Zhi Fu.
Shan Juan was a worthy man of antiquity. Emperor Yao heard that he had attained the Dao and thus faced north to study under him as a teacher. After Yao completed his reign, Shun also offered to yield the world to Shan Juan.
— Wang Wei Fresh rain washed the mountains bare, Autumn permeates evening air. Among pine trees bright moonbeams peer; Over crystal stones flows water clear. Bamboos whisper of washer-maids; Lotus stirs when fishing boat wades. Though fragrant spring may pass away, Still here’s the place for noble souls to stay.