Zeyang (5)

1 On the way to the State of Chu, Confucius and his disciples arrived at Yiqiu.

2 They checked in a hotel. In room, Zilu noticed that many people, male and female, stayed on the roof of house opposite to the hotel, overlooking. Zilu bewared very much. He was afraid to confront the malicious mobs as in the place between Chen and Cai. So, he reminded Confucius, “Some people are staying on the opposite roof and pointing to something. Shall we report it to the local security staff and ask them to watch out. We should beware more. Don’t be tricked again.”

3 Confucius answered, “The people are not malicious. As I know, they are a local hermit’s family members. Don’t worry. They won’t do harm to us.

4 The family changed their names and lived in the place near forest, mountain or the river side. They don’t like sociality. They have no remark or opinion on the worldly affairs but their ambitions are great.

5 Zilu, do you know? They are determined to reach the Nirvana Sutra via practice. Their hearts are like stone. They just palter on the worldly affairs, never being moved and never trying to do something great. They despise the inaugurators like us who devote themselves to saving or rejuvenating a country. They are really hermit. I guess that they are from the family of Yiliao who lives in the south Yiqiu. ”

6 Zilu was still afraid of it. He told Confucius, “Now that we know they are from the family of Yiliao, live in south Yiqiu, it becomes simple. I will go to their house and take a look, so we know clearer about their intention. ”

7 Shaking his head, Confucius stopped him. “Forget it. Don’t go. He knows that I know him well. Therefore, he must think that when I have an audience with the king of Chu, I will recommend him and ask the King to appoint him as an official.”

8 Men of Yiliao are high-hearted guys who look down on the people like us. They always hold that we are flatterers around the king. They loathe talking with us, not to mentioning association. I guess that they have left Yiqiu and moved to other place temporarily to keep away from us.”

9 Zilu didn’t believe such things so he insisted to go to south Yiqiu to look for them. When he took a lot time and long way to find the house, he found the house was empty and nobody inside.