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Chapter 344: Wise Saint Dongfang Shuo

During the Western Han Dynasty, there was a genius named Dongfang Shuo.

On the one hand, he is famous for his erudition and eloquence.

On the other hand, he left many legendary stories for future generations with his bizarre and exaggerated behavior.

Of course, these are not the complete Dongfang Shuo.

The real Dongfang Shuo is actually an aspiring young man who disguises himself as a comedian but only wants to do serious drama.

Unfortunately, his protective coloring was too conspicuous, which concealed his true nature.

Dongfang Shuo is known as a wise sage among the people. Because of Dongfang Shuo, there is a saying among the people that great hermits live in seclusion in the court.

"In the first year of Emperor Wu's reign, he recruited talents from all over the country and granted them special positions based on their abilities."

"Then scholars from all over the country wrote to the emperor to discuss the gains and losses of national politics, and there were thousands of people showing off their talents."

"Most of them were not worthy of being hired, so the court informed them that their petitions had been read and they could go home. The competition was very fierce."

“It is very difficult to stand out among so many competitors.”

"Many people can write brilliant articles, but it is completely different from actually doing things."

"Dongfang Shuo heard that Emperor Wu of Han was recruiting talents, so he came to the capital."

"In his memorial to Emperor Wu of Han, he strongly recommended himself."

"I, Dongfang Shuo, lost my parents when I was young and was raised by my brother and sister-in-law."

“I started learning to read and write at the age of thirteen, and in just three years I had mastered the writing of various fonts.”

“When I was fifteen, I learned fencing and there were few people who could rival me.”

"When I was sixteen, I started to study the Book of Songs and the Book of History, and memorized 220,000 characters."

"When I was 19, I studied the content of the "Sun Wu Art of War" about the arrangement of battle formations and the advance and retreat of troops during combat, and I memorized 220,000 words."

"I have memorized a total of 440,000 words of books and have memorized some of Confucius's sayings."

"I am twenty-two years old and nine feet three inches tall."

"My eyes are as bright as hanging pearls, and my teeth are as neat and white as woven shells. There are few people in the world more handsome than me."

"Someone as outstanding as me should be able to be your Majesty's minister."

"Dongfang Shuo was not polite and deliberately praised himself. The people who first judged him thought that Dongfang Shuo was too frivolous."

"But Emperor Wu of Han thought Dongfang Shuo was extraordinary and asked him to wait for further orders in the Public Vehicle Office."

"But the salary was meager, and he was not summoned by Emperor Wu of Han."

"If I don't get an audience with Emperor Wu of Han, it means I have no chance. Dongfang Shuo did not give up."

“It wasn’t long before I came up with a good way to stand out.”

"So he found the dwarfs who were raising horses for the emperor in the palace and lied to them that the emperor thought they were useless and was going to kill them."

"The dwarfs were so frightened that they burst into tears and kowtowed to beg for mercy on the road where Emperor Wu of Han was going to pass."

"After hearing this, Emperor Wu of Han angrily summoned Dongfang Shuo to question him, but he deftly resolved the issue with just a few words."

"In this way, Dongfang Shuo began to be appreciated by Emperor Wu of Han and was appointed as an official at the Jinma Gate."

Zhang Zhongjing: Dongfang Shuo spoke in a witty and humorous manner, so every time he advised Emperor Wu of Han, Emperor Wu of Han would listen to him.

Emperor Wu of Han was recruiting talents from all over the world. Dongfang Shuo aroused the interest of Emperor Wu with his exaggerated self-praise, which allowed him to take the first step towards realizing his dream.

Since Dongfang Shuo was summoned to be the Minister of Public Vehicles, he often gave advice to Emperor Wu of Han.

For example, they opposed Emperor Wu of Han's occupation of farmland to build hunting grounds, opposed indiscriminate rewards, and opposed the killing of innocent people out of anger.

Different from other ministers who dared to speak out for justice, Dongfang Shuo was very particular about the way of persuasion and remonstrance.

He always uses some unexpected tricks to achieve the purpose of successful persuasion without endangering himself.

For example, when Emperor Wu of Han's sister Princess Longli's son Zhaoping Jun was arrested for murder, Emperor Wu of Han fell into deep anxiety.

From the perspective of family affection, before Princess Longli died, Emperor Wu of Han promised her sister that he would use a thousand pounds of gold to spare the life of Lord Zhaoping.

From the perspective of justice, Emperor Wu of Han did not want to violate the law and tolerate this troublesome nephew to continue doing evil.

After careful consideration, Emperor Wu of Han decided to act impartially and hand the case over to relevant officials for trial.

But in a short period of time, Emperor Wu of Han could not get over this hurdle, and he looked at the table full of food and had no intention of picking up his chopsticks.

At this time, Dongfang Shuo had no tact and congratulated Emperor Wu of Han.

Dongfang Shuo calmly talked about the theory of Yin and Yang and the Five Elements. He said that sadness is not good for physical health. He was obviously doing the right thing and there was no need to be depressed.

My congratulations are an expression of my happiness that the country has an upright monarch.

Dongfang Shuo used a very humorous way to make Emperor Wu of Han firm up his mind and choose to severely punish his nephew.

After he finished speaking, Emperor Wu of Han not only felt relieved of his annoyance, but also rewarded Dongfang Shuo with a hundred pieces of cloth.

However, although Emperor Wu of Han valued Dongfang Shuo very much, he did not regard him as a capable minister of the country.

More often than not, Dongfang Shuo was regarded as a jester who made jokes to relieve their boredom.

Many times, when Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty questioned his ministers to no avail, he would think of Dongfang Shuo.

When faced with such difficult problems, Dongfang Shuo usually would not play by the rules, but would cleverly resolve the problem using his erudition and wit.

At the same time, he combined it with the political situation of the time and tried to explain some seemingly incredible truths, and then advised Emperor Wu of Han to consider the people more.

"At that time, Emperor Wu of Han was just a teenager of 17 or 18 years old. He was ambitious and playful, and he especially liked hunting."

"However, the solemnity of the imperial palace could not accommodate the young emperor's riding, so Emperor Wu of Han decided to expand Shanglin Garden on the north side of Zhongnan Mountain to create a luxurious hunting ground."

"This decision was opposed by Dongfang Shuo, who used the idea of ​​heaven and man's connection and people-centeredness to persuade Emperor Wu of Han not to waste people's money and resources."

"Emperor Wu of Han was deeply moved but refused to change his mind. He appointed Dongfang Shuo as the Grand Master of the Imperial Court and continued to build Shanglin Garden with great fanfare."

"There was a tradition in the early Han Dynasty that if the emperor favored someone, he would first appoint him as Taizhong Daifu."

"From Jia Yi during the reign of Emperor Wen, Tian Fen during the reign of Emperor Jing, Wei Qing during the reign of Emperor Wu, and Zhang Qian who returned from his mission to the Western Regions, all of them were highly valued in the position of Grand Secretary."

"I thought this would be the beginning of Dongfang Shuo's brilliant future, but unexpectedly, it would be his peak."

"Admonition had no effect, so Dongfang Shuo simply played along with Emperor Wu of Han."

"In addition to hunting, Emperor Wu of Han also liked to play the game of "shooting covers", in which participants used divination and other means to guess the object under the basin."

"Once Emperor Wu of Han put a gecko under a basin and asked everyone to guess what it was. None of the magic masters present could guess it."

"Only Dongfang Shuo predicted that this thing looked like a dragon but had no horns, and looked like a snake but had feet. It was good at climbing walls and was either a gecko or a lizard."

"Emperor Wu of Han Dynasty gave him several more guesses, and Dongfang Shuo always got them right, never missing a single one. He became a legend in the world of shooting the cover."

"Dongfang Shuo, who was in the limelight, aroused the jealousy of Guo Sheren, who was close to Emperor Wu."

"Guo Sheren thought that Dongfang Shuo had just guessed correctly by chance, so he challenged Dongfang Shuo again with a hundred whips as a stake, and the result was naturally humiliation for himself."

"Even after being whipped a hundred times, Sheren Guo still remained stubborn and started to make things difficult for him by asking riddles again."

"Dongfang Shuo also responded fluently, and his witty remarks amazed everyone in the room."

"Emperor Wu of Han liked him even more and appointed him as a constant attendant to keep him by his side."

Wu Cheng'en: Although Dongfang Shuo is very famous, he actually did not have much influence on history.

There are many legendary stories about Dongfang Shuo, such as advising Emperor Wu of Han not to expand the gardens. These stories are very interesting.

But at the same time, these stories are relatively independent and essentially don’t actually have much historical impact.

This is also why many people in later generations have heard of Dongfang Shuo's name, but do not know what he actually did.

Major events during the reign of Emperor Wu of Han, such as the implementation of the recommendation system, the fight against the Huns, the dismissal of all schools of thought, or the later witchcraft disaster.

All these things have nothing to do with Dongfang Shuo.

Dongfang Shuo did not play any role in those important historical events.

So, Dongfang Shuo is actually a very strange person.

On the one hand, Dongfang Shuo is very famous, many people have heard of his name, and everyone thinks he is a wise man.

But on the other hand, Dongfang Shuo did not do anything important and was an insignificant figure in history.

The reason why Dongfang Shuo became so famous in later generations is because of the word "interesting".

Although Dongfang Shuo did not participate in any particularly important historical events, there are many stories about him.

Moreover, Dongfang Shuo's own humorous style also set a precedent for later generations.

From then on, everyone realized that this was a way to give suggestions to the emperor.

Because Dongfang Shuo was humorous, those crosstalk performers later regarded him as their spiritual ancestor.

In addition, magicians and performers in later generations regarded him as the founder because of those legendary stories.

Because these people have a greater influence on ordinary people, and they regard Dongfang Shuo as their ancestor.

So after a long time, everyone naturally heard of Dongfang Shuo's name.

In addition, there are many stories about Dongfang Shuo in Taoist mythology.

According to later legend, after Dongfang Shuo died, he became a Taoist boy of Emperor Donghua.

Emperor Donghua holds a very high status in Taoism and was later worshipped as the founder of Quanzhen Sect. This also made Dongfang Shuo's name spread further from another perspective.

For example, he wrote in "Journey to the West" that when Sun Wukong went to visit Emperor Donghua, he met Dongfang Shuo, who called Sun Wukong "old thief".

As for Dongfang Shuo's wisdom, although it appears very noble in those stories.

But in fact, most of the wisdom of the real Dongfang Shuo can only be described as cleverness.

Including Emperor Wu of Han himself, the definition of Dongfang Shuo was actually just a censor who spoke nicely.

However, when Dongfang Shuo really put forward some suggestions on governing the country, Emperor Wu of Han was actually opposed and reluctant to adopt them.

However, it must be said that Dongfang Shuo earned himself a posthumous reputation with his humor and wit.

"As a close minister of the emperor, you will naturally receive benefits."

"One year during the dog days of summer, the emperor gave meat to his close ministers."

"The official who was supposed to distribute the meat was late, and the others were anxious but did not dare to act rashly."

"Only Dongfang Shuo didn't care about that. He drew his sword, cut off a small piece of meat, and then left in style."

"The next day, Emperor Wu of Han asked him to admit his mistake, but Dongfang Shuo was so dramatic that he had to sing instead of talking."

"Dongfang Shuo, oh Dongfang Shuo, you dare to cut the meat given by the emperor."

"It's nice to draw a sword, but don't be greedy. Take it home to your wife."

"Emperor Wu of Han was amused again and rewarded him with 100 kilograms of meat to give back to his wife."

"Dongfang Shuo was a well-known playboy in Chang'an City. He had to rely on the rewards given by the emperor to marry a new wife every year."

"Dongfang Shuo's absurdity did not stop there. He even urinated in the palace when he was drunk."

"This was a crime of great disrespect, and he was demoted to a commoner because of it."

"But Emperor Wu of Han could not leave this cheerful guy who always made people laugh, and he still kept him by his side."

"These absurd and funny words and deeds became his magic weapon to please Emperor Wu of Han, but they also put shackles on his official career."

"Because once a person is funny, everything he does will seem inappropriate."

"The emperor will like you, but he will not entrust state affairs to you."

"Dongfang Shuo did this for a purpose."

"In his masterpiece, On Mr. Feiyou, he transformed himself into Mr. Feiyou and told the King of Wu about the importance of the monarch to the rise and fall of a country."

"When a monarch is tyrannical, loyal ministers will inevitably be killed, wise ministers will retreat into seclusion, and the country will fall into ruin."

"Only when the monarch is wise can the whole nation unite and achieve great governance."

"And Emperor Wu of Han possessed both the attributes of a wise ruler and a tyrant."

"He is good at selecting people and appointing them to positions, but he is also tyrannical and capricious, and he kills people without blinking an eye."

"Dongfang Shuo witnessed the miserable end of Zhufu Yan and others over the past few decades, so his political ambition changed from actively entering the government to staying away from the government."

"Chao Yin is a higher level than Dayin who lives in seclusion in the city. It is a hermit who lives by the emperor's side."

"When the emperor is in a good mood, he will act like a loyal and honest man and give frank advice. When he is in a bad mood, he will act like a clown to make the emperor laugh."

"Emperor Wu of Han also understood Dongfang Shuo's thoughts."

"Many of his close ministers had called for Dongfang Shuo's dissolute behavior to be punished, but Emperor Wu of Han just smiled and ignored it."

"This is Dongfang Shuo's political wisdom. It seems to be self-defeating, but in fact it can be controlled freely."

Dongfang Shuo: In front of Emperor Wu of Han, I deliberately showed my unruly side.

Emperor Wu of Han was bold and ruthless in killing people and was brutal and cruel.

No matter whether they were royal relatives or wise ministers and famous generals, they were all killed at will.

So when Gongsun He heard that he was going to be appointed as prime minister, he was so scared that he kowtowed and cried, refusing to accept it.

Therefore, he clearly realized that under the monarchy, the fate of scholars was completely in the hands of the emperor alone.

Unlike the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, monarchs of various countries recruited talents everywhere in order to strive for hegemony.

But during the reign of Emperor Wu, the whole world was covered with yellow earth.

Under a monarchy, it is difficult to maintain one's independent personality and thoughts.

Therefore, he would rather be a hermit in the court, so that he could protect himself without violating his own will as a human being.

In order to survive in the court, a place full of gossips, and to protect himself in front of Emperor Wu, he had no choice but to deliberately show his humorous and funny side to others.

Whenever Emperor Wu ordered everyone to have a meal together, he would put the remaining meat in his arms and take it away, even if it got his clothes dirty.

When Emperor Wu rewarded him with silks and satins, he would just casually throw them over his shoulders.

He likes young and beautiful women, and when he sees a pretty woman, he will do everything he can to marry her.

He got tired of the old one and remarried in less than a year, and he was happy with the relationship and didn't care even if others laughed at him.

All these absurd things were just to make Emperor Wu know his thoughts clearly so that they could live in peace.

In order to preserve his independent personality and his life, he had to show his funny side to others.

"One year, a mythical beast suddenly appeared in the Jianzhang Palace. No one present knew what it was, so Emperor Wu of Han had no choice but to ask Dongfang Shuo for advice."

"Dongfang Shuo, however, started talking about conditions, saying he would not say anything until he had eaten good food and good wine."

"After having a good meal and a good drink, Dongfang Shuo continued to raise the stakes and asked the emperor to grant him some good farmland and fish ponds."

"Emperor Wu of Han also spoiled him and agreed to all his requests, which was how he finally opened Dongfang Shuo's mouth."

"The teeth of this animal are neatly arranged and of the same size. They are called fangs. They only appear when an enemy from afar surrenders."

"Sure enough, a year later, the Xiongnu Chanyu led his people to surrender to the Han Dynasty, and Emperor Wu of Han gave Dongfang Shuo a lot of money."

"In this way, Dongfang Shuo spent more than 40 years leisurely beside Emperor Wu of Han as an advisor, almost spanning the long reign of Emperor Wu of Han."

"Until one day, Emperor Wu of Han received Dongfang Shuo's letter."

"Speak earnestly and advise him not to listen to slander and stay away from villains."

"Emperor Wu of Han was very surprised. Why did he suddenly become serious?"

"Soon after, news came that Dongfang Shuo had passed away."

"Looking back on Dongfang Shuo's life, he not only pleaded for the people like a Confucian, but also had the unrestrained behavior of a Taoist, the eloquence of a famous scholar, and the magical powers of a Yin-Yang scholar."

"It was very unique and even out of place at the time."

"So even though Sima Qian lived in the same era as him, he was unwilling to record his story."

"But the brilliance of a wise man cannot be concealed. Less than a hundred years after Dongfang Shuo's death, he was listed in the Biographies of Immortals compiled by Liu Xiang and became a god-like figure."

"Influenced by Liu Xiang, Ban Gu also wrote a separate biography for him in the Book of Han, giving him enough respect."

"The world does not know Dongfang Shuo, the great hermit in Jinmen is a banished immortal."

"Being praised as a banished immortal by Li Bai, Dongfang Shuo's status was further elevated."

"Among the people, Dongfang Shuo has gradually become a symbol of wisdom, and his influence is growing."

Ouyang Xiu: Emperor Wu of Han's love for Dongfang Shuo had long gone beyond the friendship between a monarch and his subject.

Although Dongfang Shuo seemed to be unrestrained on the surface, he was able to give advice and offer good suggestions to Emperor Wu of Han.

Dongfang Shuo once wrote a letter to the emperor, suggesting that Emperor Wu of Han adopt a strategy of recuperation and not to trouble the common people.

At that time, the private lives of the royal aristocrats of the Western Han Dynasty were dissolute and unrestrained. Empress Dowager Dou, who was in her fifties, favored handsome young men, and Dongfang Shuo dared to speak frankly and accept their advice.

Emperor Wu of Han was a violent person, but he also had a true side, which was similar to Dongfang Shuo's.

Emperor Wu of Han asked Dongfang Shuo what the mythical beast that appeared was, and Dongfang Shuo only agreed to tell him after repeated requests.

In the court, only Dongfang Shuo dared to bargain with Emperor Wu of Han in this way. It was a joke and funny.

The two had a high degree of tacit understanding and lived in harmony for decades, so Emperor Wu of Han did not use Dongfang Shuo.

Emperor Wu of Han admired Dongfang Shuo in his heart, but was unwilling to use him.

Because any emperor sitting on the dragon throne would not want to have high-ranking ministers admonishing him every day.

Advice given in the court is authoritative. Sometimes, if a dispute arises, a death-defying advice may be given, with blood splattered on the spot. Isn't that embarrassing?

But Dongfang Shuo was of low status, and his advice.

If the emperor adopts the suggestion, he will gain a reputation for being respectful to the wise and humble. If he does not listen, it will not be a big deal.

Emperor Wu of Han was very pleased to have such a knowledgeable and humorous person by his side, who could also offer some good advice on governing the country, so the two of them could live in peace for decades.

Before his death, Dongfang Shuo advised Emperor Wu of Han to stay away from flatterers, making Emperor Wu of Han realize that he had lost a mentor, a helpful friend and a confidant.

Emperor Wu of Han and Dongfang Shuo had a relationship that went beyond the relationship between a monarch and his subjects, and they were both extremely intelligent people with distinct personalities.

The fact that the two of them could live in peace with each other for decades is really something that makes people think deeply.

Perhaps it contains both Dongfang Shuo's way of dealing with people and the special feelings that Emperor Wu of Han had for him.

Perhaps it was because Dongfang Shuo, this unique imperial idler, happened to meet Emperor Wu of Han, which led to such a strange and interesting relationship between the monarch and his subject.

(End of this chapter)