Chapter 41 Thirty-eight, the death of Yan Hui

Confucius beat his chest and stamped his feet, feeling extremely sad, even more than the death of his own son, lamented: "Heaven lost me, heaven lost me!" In the suburban mountains in late autumn, the maples are red, the persimmons are yellow, and the ears of grain in the fields are yellow, showing a golden color. Ran Geng's illness and Yan Hui's illness made Confucius feel very sad. In addition, he was writing "Spring and Autumn" at his desk all day long, and Confucius' health deteriorated... Zeng Shen, Zixia, Shang Qu, and Zigong saw that Confucius was not looking well and was overtired, so he became hard. Drag Confucius out of the study for an outing at Wuyu Mountain.

This is the place where Confucius teachers and students often go, because Confucius likes to teach in the field. On the other hand, standing on the dance stage can climb up and look out, which is Confucius' favorite. After the first frost, the maple forests on Wuyu Mountain are all dyed, and the red hawthorn trees are hanging on the trees. The red and yellow are like wipes, and the eyes are full of colors. On a hill platform overcast with pines and cypresses, Confucius and his disciples sat down to rest. Confucius didn't care to watch the scenery, and without Yan Hui's company, he seemed to have an ominous premonition. Yan Hui had been following him on picnics since he was fifteen years old, and sighed:

"Oh, Yan Hui's illness has been seen by so many doctors, why hasn't it improved yet!" Seeing that the teacher was in a hurry, Zi Gong comforted him, "Teacher, don't worry, Yan Hui will get better." "May heaven bless you!" Confucius prayed to heaven with his palms together.The disciples were very moved when they saw this. Zeng Shen put a futon on Confucius and helped the teacher to sit down. Confucius said: "Zi Xia, give me the piano. I want to play a piece for the teacher." Zixia handed the qin to the teacher, and Confucius took the qin and played it while singing, and the disciples also sang along:

The teacher sang very sadly, and his emotions infected everyone, making the singing on the hillside sad and sad... A carriage drove down the hillside, and a person jumped out of the carriage and ran up the hill... "Teacher, it's not good. Yan Hui coughed up blood and is about to die." "Ah!" Confucius stood up abruptly, "Go back to the city." The carriage drove quickly to Qufu. When they arrived at the alley where Yan Hui lived, Confucius got out of the car, leaned on a cane, and ran to Yan Hui's house with the support of Zi Gong and others. Yan Hui lay unconscious on the bed, and there were vomited blood stains beside the bed and on the pillow...

"Go back, my good student, you have to hold on!" Confucius stroked Yan Hui's pale face with his hands, and called out sadly. Hearing the teacher's call, Yan Hui miraculously opened his eyes, but he was speechless. I shed two tears... "Hui, you can't leave. I remember when you were besieged in Song Dynasty, you said: How dare the students leave when the teacher is still alive. Are you going to break your promise now?" Confucius said heartbroken. Yan Hui was still speechless, staring blankly at Confucius's eyes gradually becoming dull... His face also gradually turned gray, then he tilted his head and closed his eyes...

"Go back! Wake up!... How can you bear to leave the teacher..." Confucius beat his chest and stomped his feet, feeling extremely sad, even worse than the death of his own son. His disciples also burst into tears. Confucius cried: "God wants my life, God wants my life..." Gong Liangru and Nangong Jingshu saw that Confucius was crying too sadly, fearing that something would happen to Confucius, they forced Confucius into the outhouse. Zigong persuaded with tears, "Teacher, please take care, I have never seen you so sad." Confucius said: "If such an outstanding person is gone, I don't cry for him. For whom?"

Yan Lu walked up to Confucius, bowed, and said sadly: "The teacher knows that Yan Lu's family is not prosperous. My father and son have followed Confucius all their lives. Especially Yan Hui has never left a step since he was with the teacher. Now Huier has gone. , the dead cannot be brought back to life, can the teacher sell the car and buy an outer coffin for Yan Hui to bury him, so as to comfort Hui's spirit in heaven?" Confucius felt very embarrassed when he heard Yan Lu's words.Do you agree? It’s really a bit against the etiquette, because according to the ancient system, only the first-level officials and ministers are allowed to add outer shells; do you disagree? It’s my favorite student. Besides, I’m a doctor, and it’s not proper to walk without a car, so Politely said:

"Lu! It's not that I'm being stingy with my teacher. It's really because it's not proper etiquette. My son Kong Li died, and didn't I add an outer shell? Besides, I can't do it even if I sell the car. What should I do if I go in and out? I think it's still the same. Just use the inner coffin, it’s mainly for mourning people!” After hearing this, Zigong hurried over and said, "Brother Yan Lu, the teacher is old and cannot go in and out without a car, so let me prepare for Yan Hui's coffin!" So Zigong and Nangong Jingshu, some of the more wealthy and right disciples, paid for Yan Hui's inner coffin and outer outer coffin.At the funeral, almost all the disciples of Confucius attended, plus neighbors, neighbors, and people who usually admired Yan Hui, there were indeed quite a few mourners.Blowing and beating all the way, weeping to the burial place.

After the burial, Confucius took a piece of loess and sprinkled it on Yan Hui's coffin and said, "Hui, rest in peace. You see so many people have come to see you off. Hui, you and I have been called teachers and students for decades. It's like a father and son, you regard me as a father, but I can't sell the car to buy you a coffin, because I don't want to be more polite, I want you to have the same funeral as my son Boyu, I think only you can understand me. " After burying Yan Hui, Confucius tremblingly left the cemetery with the support of Zi Gong. Just as he was about to get into the car, Zeng Xi rushed to tell Confucius, "Teacher, Ran Geng has passed away and was buried by his family."

"Ah, it's worse." Confucius' heart was about to break, and tears dripped down again. He asked, "Where is the burial? Go and see." "Teacher, it's too late today, let's go another day!" Confucius just nodded. Yan Hui's death dealt a fatal blow to Confucius. Confucius fell ill and was exhausted, while his disciples stood by. Yuan Xian brought medicine to Confucius. He helped Confucius to sit up and said, "Teacher, please drink the medicine." Confucius took the bowl and drank the medicine, and asked, "What did the doctor say just now?"

"The doctor said that the sadness is too much, you should pay attention to recuperating, and don't be sad anymore." Zigong brought Confucius broth from home, saying it was game from his family, and he would feel refreshed after eating it. Confucius drank a few sips and lay down again. Confucius looked at his disciples and said: "You all go back, I am much better, thank you." Then he said to Zixia: "Yan has gone back, after you have tidied up, then Yan Hui will finish the Book of Books. " "is teacher." "You all go your own way. You don't have to guard me anymore. The teacher can't leave yet. The 'Six Classics' are finished, and I still have to make a final decision. The 'Spring and Autumn' is not yet finished, and I still have to live." The disciples had to leave. Confucius was lying on the bed alone, and when he closed his eyes, everything about Yan Hui appeared in front of him... The first time I saw Yan Hui, he was standing in the back row listening to a lecture, his hair was withered and yellow, his face was pale, but his big eyes were shining brightly... When Xingtan was challenged by Shaozhengmao's official school, many students left, but every time I gave a lecture, I saw you sitting in the middle from a long distance, no matter how many students ran away, you would sit upright... back!In order to understand my will, you are willing to suffer poverty with me, not to become an official, but to travel around the world with me, sharing weal and woe.Follow me to sort out the "Six Classics", the "Six Classics" are almost finished, and you have gone too... back!I would also like to discuss some issues in "Spring and Autumn" with you, but unfortunately, it is no longer possible. You leave the teacher and leave, so that the teacher will not be sad. After Yan Hui's death, Confucius was always depressed. He often read books and sighed, and he became much thinner. On this day, Confucius sat at his desk in his study and wrote "Spring and Autumn".In the past, Yan Hui always sat on the sidelines, asking Confucius questions from time to time, or Confucius answering them, or discussing with him; but now, without Yan Hui by his side, Confucius felt indescribably lonely. Confucius wrote for a while, and found a problem. He turned his head and said to Yan Hui habitually: "Hui, in the history of Lu State, there were ministers who killed their kings, and sons who killed their fathers. We must write down these problems as a warning. Hereafter." Why didn't you answer... Ah, Yan Hui is no longer alive, and I can't hear my words anymore... Confucius put down the slips and sat there... Shang Qu came in with Zeng Shen, Zi Zhang, and Zi Xia. The disciples were very sad to see the teacher sitting alone in a daze. Zeng Shen asked, "Is the teacher missing brother Yan Hui again?" Confucius turned around and saw some disciples had come in, so he told them to sit down, "Yes, Yan Hui left, as if my arm was broken, I feel very uncomfortable!" Zeng Shen said: "Teacher, Yan Hui is gone, but the teacher is not alone, there are us!" "Teacher, Zeng Shen is right, and there are us!" Zizhang said. Zixia also said: "Teacher, we will always be by the teacher's side just like Yan Hui." "Okay, okay, my good disciples..." Confucius was moved to tears. Zixia said again: "Teacher, the "Book of Songs Fen" and "Book of Books" have been sorted out. We are willing to assist the teacher to write "Spring and Autumn". "Okay, that's great." Confucius said happily, "I wanted you to rest for a few days. If this is the case, it will be too hard for you." Zixia hurriedly said: "Teacher, we don't work hard, we take pleasure in it." "Okay, we all enjoy revising the 'Six Classics' and writing the "Spring and Autumn Annals." The lamps and candles in the Confucius School were always on in the middle of the night. Confucius and his disciples were fighting day and night with the lights on. The tables and tables were full of bamboo slips and books. Confucius felt that his energy had declined so much that he couldn't write anymore, but he still persisted. Ziyou went to Guanwu City in the south to become an official, and he lost a pen, but I heard that he did a good job there. Both Zixia and Zeng Shen were sitting at the table, looking through the historical materials borrowed from the Lu State History Museum. Confucius felt that his eyes were dazzled, so he put down his pen and leaned over the desk to close his eyes.Zeng Shen said with concern: "Teacher, go to rest, it's late at night, your body..." Zixia also said: "Teacher, go to rest quickly, it's late at night." Confucius shook his head and said, "I don't have much time. I must finish writing the Spring and Autumn Annals." "No, teacher, if you continue like this, your body will collapse." Zeng Shen and Zi Xia forcibly helped Confucius back home, and put Confucius on the bed before returning to school. Duke Ai of Lu learned that Confucius was in a bad mood after Yan Hui's death, so he invited Confucius to the palace to have a talk. In the pavilion in the Prince's Garden, Duke Ai of Lu and Confucius sat talking about the sky. Duke Ai of Lu looked at Confucius' haggard and aging face, and said with concern: "Birth, old age, sickness and death are human nature, Master, you don't have to worry too much." He also said, "Master has trained so many people for the country, I should be very pleased." Confucius nodded and said, "Your Majesty Meng praised you." Duke Ai of Lu asked again, "Among the disciples of Master, who is the best?" Confucius said: "Among my disciples, Yan Hui was the best learner. He never vented his anger on others, and never repeated the same mistakes. Unfortunately, he died short-lived. Alas, there is no one like Yan Hui anymore. Such studious people will never be seen again." Duke Ai of Lu also sighed, expressing his sympathy. Ai Gong asked again: "Has the 'Six Classics' compiled by the master and his disciples been completed?" "Yes, it is nearing the end. The library of the National History Museum has given me a lot of support, and I am grateful." Lu Jun smiled and said: "It should be, after so many years of hard work, it's time for you to rest for a while after the revision." "yes." Confucius was reluctant to mention the writing of "Spring and Autumn" for fear of causing trouble. Seeing that Confucius was getting weaker and weaker, Zeng Shen and Zixia were very anxious, and they discussed together. Zeng Shen said: "Brother Zixia, the teacher is getting weaker and weaker, and the mood is getting worse and worse. We still try to get the teacher to go out for a walk. What do you think?" "I think so too. I see that Ziyou is doing well in Wucheng, so let's accompany the teacher to have a look!" "Okay, let's persuade the teacher to go." The two came to Confucius' house, and Confucius was writing "Spring and Autumn" at his desk. Zeng Shen said: "Teacher, your complexion is not very good. You are too tired. You should go for a walk. I heard that Ziyou did a good job in Wucheng. Let's go with the teacher to have a look, shall we?" Confucius put down his pen, raised his head, and said, "Well, go and see Ziyou, I miss him too." So Confucius, Zixia, Zizhang, Zeng Shen, Gong Liangru and other disciples took a car out of the city gate and headed south. When Ziyou heard that the teacher was coming, he led all the officials to meet him in the suburbs. "The teacher is here, and the disciple is very honored." Ziyou bowed and saluted. Confucius smiled and helped him up. Ziyou turned around and introduced to everyone: "This is my teacher, Confucius." Everyone has admired the name of the sage Confucius for a long time, and everyone has already bowed to the ground. "My minister has seen the master." "My humble minister is sipping to see Master." Confucius helped them up one by one. Zizhang, Zixia and Ziyou happily shook hands and talked happily. Ziyou helped Confucius into his chariot and drove towards the city gate. After entering the city gate, Confucius saw that the streets were tidy, people waved to Confucius politely, and the sound of piano and reading books could be heard from the windows of the houses.Confucius was very surprised, and said: "How come this border city, famous for its military strength, has suddenly become a city of ritual and music? Didn't Ziyou kill chickens with a sledgehammer?" Ziyou said: "The teacher said that people who occupy the position of rulers and ministers will love others if they learn benevolence and etiquette, and the common people will become civilized if they learn it. No matter where and everyone, they should understand benevolence and etiquette. Isn't this what the teacher wants? " Confucius praised and said: "Ziyou is right. Ziyou never forgets his teacher's training wherever he goes. With good disciples like you, I don't have to worry about successors. It was just a joke." When Confucius went to the official office of Wucheng, he saw that Ziyou's government affairs were done in an orderly manner, and he especially saw that he implemented ritual and music civilization on the basis of martial arts in Wucheng, highlighting the characteristics of the border city without losing the civilization of Zhou etiquette. Strong, Confucius was very pleased. Ziyou hosted a banquet for Confucius and his party at his own residence. The brothers and sisters were reunited after a period of separation. Naturally, they were very happy, and everyone toasted and respected each other. During the dinner, Confucius asked: "What is the goal of Ziyou's struggle in politics?" Ziyou left the table and replied: "Teacher, strive for great harmony and well-off." Confucius praised: "Good, Datong means that the government is harmonious, the country is unified, and the world is one for the public. Small means that every family lives a civilized life of ritual and music. Good, that's great." Ziyou introduced to Confucius: "Teacher, I recommend a talented man to you." So a short, ugly young man left the table and saluted Confucius: "Teacher, I have been polite in my younger life." "Young master, please get up." Confucius helped him up. Ziyou said, "His surname is Tantai, his name is Mieming, and his surname is Ziyu. He is from Lu." Confucius saw that he was only twenty-one or twelve years old, so he asked Ziyou, "Is he good at literature or martial arts?" Ziyou said: "Students value Ziyu the most, because although he is young, he knows how to respect himself. He can't move in his own way. He always only takes the big road and never takes the small road when doing things. Moreover, he never comes to me when he has no business." Tantai Mieming bowed down to Confucius and said: "Teacher, please accept me. I have long admired my master's sage name, and Ziyu is willing to worship my teacher as a teacher." Confucius took him up with both hands and said, "Okay, I will accept you as my disciple." "Thank you teacher." Tantai Mieming bowed to Confucius again. Thus, Tantai Mieming became the last disciple of Confucius.Of course, Confucius did not expect that this unattractive student would spread his teacher's thoughts to the south of the Yangtze River after Confucius' death, and become a great disciple whose reputation was almost equal to that of Zixia in the north. That night, Confucius and his disciples had a rest in Yishu. The next day, Ziyou said: "Teacher will stay here for a few more days. The teacher is too tired, so I should take a rest." Confucius said: "No, I will leave in two days. I plan to go to Shanfu to see Mizijianzhi. Not long ago, I asked Wumashi to investigate. He disguised himself as a farmer and passed by a river. He saw a fisherman. The old man finally caught a fish and put it into the river again. It was very strange, so he asked the reason. The old man replied: "Mi Zijian is forbidden to catch small fish that haven't matured yet, so I let it go back." Wu Ziqi saw that the whole city is well governed, so I want to go and see." Ziyou said, "I've also heard that Mi Zijian is very good at managing Shanfu." Niuzi said, "You and Mi Zijian Zhiyi have both been well received. I'm really happy." Confucius and his disciples went to Shanfu to visit Zijian.Zijian heard that the teacher was coming, and happily greeted him out of the suburbs. "The teacher is here, and the disciple is very honored." Confucius helped Mi Zijian up with both hands, so the master and apprentice rode together in the same car.Along the way, Confucius was very happy to see that the fields were tidy and the crops were healthy. When he arrived in the city, he heard the common people calling him Xianyi magistrate, and he was even more satisfied with Zijian in his heart. The next day, Zijian accompanied Confucius and his brothers to visit. Everyone saw that in the town, men farmed and women weaved, and the people lived and worked in peace and contentment. Confucius asked, "What is Zijian's experience?" Zijian said humbly: "The father of the common people is the father, and the son of the common people is the son." Confucius sighed: "This is where the parents and officials are. Zijian, you have done a good job. No wonder everyone calls you Xianyizai." Confucius asked again: "I heard that once, when the people of Qi crossed the border, you didn't let the people plunder the crops in the field, but closed the city gates to protect the people. Later, you were misunderstood by Ji Xiangguo." Zijian said, "Yes, although the Qi people plundered all the wheat, the common people did not suffer any casualties. The wheat can be replanted next year, but the dead cannot be revived." Confucius said: "Zijian, you did the right thing. Caring for the lives of the people is above all else." Confucius said again: "Zijian, you have been famous all over the country in just three years after you governed Shanfu, which shows that it is correct to govern the country with benevolence and virtue. You are doing the right thing. It seems that you are not only a talent for governing a small city, but also You are a great talent who can rule the world, don't worry, teacher, you can do it well." "Thank you teacher for your encouragement." After Confucius and his disciples bid farewell to Mi Zijian, they planned to go to Feiyi of Min Ziqian, but on the way Confucius suddenly felt flustered and out of breath. Zixia and Zizhang hurriedly asked, "Teacher, what's the matter with you?" Confucius gasped for a while and said, "It's nothing, I just feel short of breath and weak all over." The disciples hurriedly said: "Teacher, let's go back to Qufu. The teacher is not in good health, so don't be too tired." "Well, it's just that I miss Min Ziqian very much and want to visit him. I heard that he manages well there." "Teacher, wait until you feel better before going!" "Oh, I have no choice but to do this, I can't do what I want."