Declination to Throne (8)

1 Yuan Xian lived in the State of Lu, his house was very shabby. The roof was made by couch grass; a reed curtain as its door; a branch of mulberry tree was the door axis; the window was a broken jar. The house is made up of two rooms, with the broken window covered by rag. Once it rained, water dripped inside and the ground became muddy. In such a shabby place Yuan Xian didn’t think it was hard. He could play music in heartsease without revealing any feeling of fidget.

2 One day, Zigong visited Yuan Xian, taking the carriage drawn by steed and wearing grand toilette inside and white dust coat outside. His carriage was too broad to enter the small lane. Yuan Xian himself had to step out to receive the distinguished guest.

3 Comparing to Zigong, Yuan Xian was much shabby. Supported with a stick, he walked up in crookback, sackcloth on shoulders, slippers under feet. His down-and-out situation was obvious.

4 Seeing the old friend like this, Zigong couldn’t help asking, “What’s the matter? Are you sick?”

5 Zigong’s care triggered out Yuan Xian’s sour temper that was like the stone in cesspit, it was rigid and stinking. He shouted, “No money is poverty; knowing truth but not practicing is suffering. Though I am poor, I absolutely practice in light of Tao.

6 Zigong came here excitedly with a purpose to show his achievement in front of his friend. When hearing Yuan Xian saying so, he, however, felt as if it were guilt to seek fame and interest. Hence, he followed Yuan Xian in a little of embarrassment, with head drooping.

7 Yuan Xian also felt sorry for his words hurting this old friend. So, he saved face for him. “Actually I have many shortcomings too.”

8 Hearing this, Zigong was consoled to some extent. Hence, he raised his head and face relaxed.

9 Yuan Xian watched the complete change of Zigong’s countenance. He changed the idea and didn’t want to relax the atmosphere, so he kept his tart words. “I would not do something to cater for other’s joy; I wouldn’t form a clique to pursue selfish interest. Reading purely is my interest. Teaching is done for student’s future. I would not do evils for the sake of benefit and righteousness. I would not do evils for winning vanity and luxurious life, such as the luxurious carriage.”

10 Zigong’s beaming face became dark again. He thought that I come far to visit you, and perhaps I should not wear so flamboyance clothes but you shouldn’t rip up my scar like this.