“Virtue and Fate in Ancient China”

And here’s the English translation of the given text:

The Way of Evil is long, particularly under the bright proof of great renown. If one reaches recent times, conducts oneself improperly, specially violating taboos, yet lives a life of ease, it accumulates wealth across generations. Some choose a place and settle there, avoiding serving corrupt rulers, not drinking from stolen springs, wrapping feet on mountain tops, and fleeing to the edge of the sea. Only then do they speak, following a non-direct path, not acting without justice, not stirring up fervor. Those who encounter misfortune are countless, with many officials acting justly not feeling fervor unless it concerns justice. Some offer honest advice, sacrifice their lives, and eventually face misfortune, many in number, including Long Feng, Bi Gan, Qu Ping, and Wu Xu. I am greatly perplexed: Is it the way of heaven, is it not? Too confused indeed. The Grand Historian was confused by being improper and living in ease, encountering disaster while being just, is this the way of heaven or is it not? Deeply confused. The way of heaven is far-reaching and profound, listening attentively, sometimes revealing hidden truths or the fate of those who follow good actions not necessarily resulting in blessings, and evil deeds not necessarily resulting in disaster. Therefore, the wise are still confused.

Confucius said, “Those who follow different paths cannot collaborate; they also follow their own ambitions.” Thus, it’s said, “If wealth and honor are sought, even if I were to hold the whip, I would pursue it. If it cannot be sought, I will follow what I like.” “Only after a cold year do you know the vitality of pine and cypress.” Huo Yan said, “In a year of great cold, all trees die, and only then do pine and cypress suffer a little damage; in a normal year, some trees also do not die, so you must wait until after a cold year to distinguish them. It is a metaphor for people living in a turbulent world, who can also refine themselves and stand out like a nobleman’s. Is it as heavy as that, or as light as this?

“The nobleman’s name is not mentioned in the next world.” From now on, even if Bo Yi is famous for getting Confucius, Yan Hui is famous for attaching to the tail of the horse, it is also the desire to see one’s own good writing, it is also the fear of being buried in the world and not mentioned, so he refers to Jia Zi as “greedy for wealth, brave for fame” is also the same. He also said, “Greed for wealth and power, warriors for fame, and boasters die for power, and the people rely on life.” “The same brightness reflects each other, the same kind seeks each other.” “Clouds follow dragons, wind follows tigers, and sages do so and all things are seen.” Ma Rong said, “Create, rise.” From now on, even if it is cited, it means that when the sage rises and holds a position, the sentiments of the world will be seen, so today I can also write and say the weight of the world. “From now on, even if Bo Yi and Shu Qi are virtuous, they get Confucius and their fame grows. Even though Yan Hui was diligent in his studies, he became famous for attaching to the horse’s tail. The man in the cave sometimes has a time like this, and his name is buried without being mentioned. Alas! Those in the alley who want to refine their names, if they do not attach to the top, how can they be bestowed with the title of marquis and be remembered in later generations?　The way of heaven is balanced, and the good are also said. The virtuous die of hunger, and the thieves gather crowds. Good and bad depend on the pros and cons, and the blessings are endless. Zi Han said life, getting from the previous one. Alas, those who are simple, don’t attach to the green clouds!