Declination to Throne (6)

1 Lietse practiced all day, not building cause, not seeking glory, so that he was very destitute, with three meals insufficient. Owing to hunger, he was a bag of bones.

2 The Minister of Zheng-- Tseyoung was told that “Lietse was a publicly accepted man of perfect practice and he lived in your prefecture. However, Lietse couldn’t have all three meals everyday, which might make others think that you are a minister he does not treasure talents.”

3 Having heard that, Tseyoung dispatched an underling to send food and commodity to Lietse’s house.

4 Lietse received the messenger politely; however, he declined the donation. His members of family, who stood beside them, shook their heads and signed their unfortunate fate. Lietse’s wife said, “I heard that if a woman married an able man of wise, she would lead a rich and noble life. However, I am so miserable. I am so hungry and in rags. Now the minister of Zheng would like to help us and give us food and clothes, but you are too proud to accept them. Alas! What can I say? I have to blame my unfortunate fate.”

5 Hearing wife’s complaint, Lietse laughed and consoled. “You don’t know the real reason. The Ministry of Zheng doesn’t really appreciate me and treasure talents. He did this just because someone suggested him to do so. Rumor is dreadful. If now we accept his benefit, in the future, people would say that we have close connection with the Ministry, then, the consequence might be worse. Therefore, I don’t accept it and let all people know that I have nothing to do with him.”

6 After some time, people of Zheng rebelled and killed the Ministry. Since Lietse refused the donation, he wasn’t regarded as a man of the regime and avoided being killed.