Yan Guang, Emperor Guangwu’s old classmate, hid as a fisherman after the emperor took power. He treated the emperor and ministers casually, rejecting the official post of remonstrator. He farmed and fished at Fuchun Mountain and declined later summons till his death at eighty.
This article tells the story of Emperor Guangwu and his friend Yan Ziling. After unifying the Han, Guangwu ruled with frugality and tax relief. He searched nationwide for his old classmate Yan, who chose a hermit’s life over high office. Their respectful friendship became a timeless model of virtue and humility.
— Wang Wei I follow the Blue Rill To the Stream of Yellow Blooms. It winds from hill to hill Till far away it looms. It roars amid pebbles white And calms down under pines green. Weeds float on ripples light, Reeds mirrored like a screen. Mind’s carefree, alone; The clear stream flows with…