Hermits cultivate their bodies and minds and concentrate on their studies, just to improve their bodies and minds. They don't want to be known by the world, and the world doesn't know them. There may be such people everywhere. I often regret that these hermits have no biographies. Previously obtained biographies of Shang, Yu, Li and Meng told the stories of four people, so they were recorded respectfully.
The first person is Jiang from Cixi. During the reign of Xuanhe (1119-125), Jiang despised Wang Zhi's theory, did not take part in the imperial examination, studied behind closed doors and did not associate with people casually. Gao Wei lives in Mingzhou and goes to Jiang's thatched cottage four or five times a year. As soon as Jiang heard that he was coming, he would rush out to meet him and sit in the hut opposite him, enjoying himself with him from morning till night, almost forgetting to eat or sleep. When Gao Lv says goodbye to him, he will send him several miles away, and they get along well. Someone asked Gao Yichong, "Mr. Jiang doesn't like to associate with people, but only cares about you. You have admired him for a long time. Can I know the reason? " Yi Chong (estimated to be a technical term, as its name suggests) said: "I have been studying outside all the year round, and I have doubts every time, either I don't understand clearly or I don't fully understand. Problems often pile up to dozens, and Jiang interprets them one by one, all of which are solved. " However, Jiang's expertise is not necessarily known to others. Is this what the world calls a "bosom friend"?
The second man, Wang Maogang, lives in a deep ditch in Lincun, Mingzhou. He has a younger brother who doesn't like reading and studying. Wang Maogang asked him to learn how to make a living in order to survive, but he only concentrated on reading and never went out casually, especially proficient in Zhouyi. Shen Huan was in charge of state affairs and had visited him. His interest in knowledge goes far beyond books and classic records. Wang Maogang's academic momentum is solemn, and it seems that he has just gained something by studying academic achievements, and the learning process is not over yet.
The third person is Gu Zhuben. I don't know who he is. After crossing the Yangtze River in the south, he lived in Cixi (Southern Song Dynasty). Be honest and trustworthy, be content with poverty and lowliness, be unknown to the world but not pessimistic. But for daily life, even small things are meticulous. Usually get up in the morning, wait for the person who buys food to pass by the door, ask how much a bundle of vegetables is worth, and give money according to what the vegetable vendor says. Others buy food, drinks and clothes. For a long time, people believed in him, admired him and didn't have the heart to deceive him. If you have enough time in one day, you can read ancient books quietly and not associate with others. People who are restless in the neighborhood arbitrarily impose their wishes on others. Everyone laughed at him and said, "Are you the administrator?" Who are you when such a respected person keeps his position as a customer?
The fourth person is Zhou Tianzhang, from Yongfeng, Xinzhou. Honest behavior is stubborn and honest, and is respected by neighbors. Zhou opened a school to teach apprentices, and only collected enough for his own use, and did not collect any illegal money. The Zhou family is very poor. They often have no food all day. Sometimes their neighbors give them something. Gifts often can't meet the expenses of his family. After all, Zhou would rather starve with his wife than ask others. Dressed in paper at the end of winter, please come in when guests visit. Looking at his face and expression and listening to his comments, everyone was surprised. Mr. Xie, the county magistrate, gave him a dress and said to him, "You didn't ask for help. I wish to pay my respects to you personally. Just accept it. " Zhou smiled and replied: "A dress and 10,000 grain are the same concept. If I accept a gift for no reason, it is not clear about etiquette. " Finally declined. I also know his virtue and think that Zhou is like the so-called "loner" in ancient times.
These four people really should be written in the history books.