King Xuan was an outstanding king of Qi during the early Warring States period (475-221 B.C.). He often gathered knowledgeable celebrities with noble characters around him and loved to listen to them discussing his policies in his capital, Linzi. Although he did not necessarily adopt their political ideas, he was willing to pay them well to keep them around.
On one occasion, King Xuan summoned Yan Chu and said: “Yan Chu, come forward!” Yan replied: “Your Majesty, come forward!” King Xuan was very unhappy. The people around the King said to Yan: “The King is a ruler, and you are a subject, yet you tell the king to come forward. Is it all right for you to say this?”
Yan Chu said: “In the eyes of the public, my advancement might be perceived as a thirst for power. However, if the King were to step forward, it would signify a noble acknowledgment of talent and respect. The King should be celebrated for his reverence toward virtuous and honorable individuals rather than for me to be branded as power-hungry.”
Upon hearing Yan Chu’s response, King Xuan’s countenance darkened with anger. He demanded: “Who holds the greater honor, the king or the scholar?” Yan Chu calmly asserted: “The scholar embodies honor, whereas the king does not.”
He elaborated with a historical anecdote. “Once upon a time, during the Qin State’s attack on the Qi State, they issued an edict: ‘Anyone found gathering firewood within fifty paces of the scholar Liu Xiahui’s grave will face death without pardon!’
“Another decree proclaimed: ‘Whoever captures the head of the King of Qi shall be granted the title of Marquis of Ten Thousand Houses, along with a reward of a thousand dollars.’ This illustrates that the head of a living king holds less value than the grave of a deceased scholar!”
Arguing for the importance of scholars
When King Xuan heard Yan Chu’s words, he was left speechless and visibly upset. His ministers attempted to reassure him, pointing out the kingdom’s prosperity and the loyalty of its people. They emphasized that scholars from far and wide were drawn to Qi by the King’s virtues and that the kingdom possessed abundant resources, while scholars dwelling in rural areas were of low status compared to the King’s grandeur.
Yan Chu replied: “That is not true. In the ancient time of Dayu, there were ten thousand feudal lords. Why was this so? It was because they had mastered a set of methods that emphasized education, governance, and love for the people, and they valued scholars and made good use of their talents. Therefore, Emperor Shun, born as a farmer and starting his career in a remote area, eventually became the son of Heaven.”
He continued: “During the Shang and Tang Dynasties, there were 3,000 feudal lords. But now, there are only 24 of them. Is this not due to the policies of employing or deserting scholars? Therefore, a ruler should not be ashamed of asking for advice, nor should he be ashamed of learning from others. Yao passed the throne to Shun, Shun to Yu, and the King of Zhou appointed Zhou Gongdan, who has been praised as a wise ruler for generations. This is precisely because they understood the value of the scholars.”
King Xuan offers to employ Yan
Now regretting his words and behavior, King Xuan expressed his earnest desire for Yan Chu to join him. He acknowledged his mistake in underestimating the importance of scholars and humbly said: “Alas! How can a gentleman like yourself be casually insulted? I am making a fool of myself.
Now, I understand the wisdom of a gentleman and realize that not respecting a scholar is the behavior of a villain. I hope you will accept me as your student and interact with me. I will treat you to a fine banquet and provide a high-quality carriage and horses when you go out, and I will dress your wife and children in the finest clothes.”
Yan replied: “King Xuan, imagine a piece of jade nestled in the mountains, obscured by rough stone. When a skilled artisan reveals the jade’s beauty by carving away the stone, its value remains, but its original form is lost. Similarly, a scholar, plucked from humble origins and elevated to a high office may gain prestige, but risks losing their essence. I long to return to my hometown, where I can live, enjoying the quiet pleasures of life. Here, I stand before you, not as a mere subject, but as an honest advisor, speaking frankly for your benefit. My message is clear: Permit me to return home in peace.”
Yan respectfully bowed twice and took his leave, leaving King Xuan to ponder his words.
Yan Chu is an example of someone untouched by the allure of fame and wealth. Sacrificing success, prestige, and material gain, he relinquished his royal post and returned to his hometown, embracing the simplicity of ordinary life. In his departure, Yan sought to preserve his integrity and inner peace, free from the trappings of power and ambition.
King Xuan was enlightened to humility and simplicity through Yan Chu’s wisdom and integrity. His reverence for intellect and equitable treatment of all under his rule reflected a newfound wisdom and benevolence, placing him among the ranks of enlightened monarchs.
Translated by Audrey Wang and edited by Tatiana Denning
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