The Daoist and the Prime Minister
Liu Qian and Liu Zhan were brothers, yet from childhood their hearts were set on entirely different roads. The younger brother, Liu Zhan, devoted himself to the Confucian classics. He dreamed of passing the imperial examinations, bringing honor to his family, and making a name for himself. His older brother, Liu Qian — affectionately called Yige, “Brother Yi” — studied as well, but his nature was free and unbound. He cared little for fame, rank, or wealth. Instead, he was fascinated by the mysterious arts of Daoist cultivation. Their family was poor, sometimes barely able to afford food. Yet Liu Qian seemed perfectly content.
One day, an old Daoist priest passed by their home. He glanced at Liu Qian and immediately noticed the boy’s unusual bone structure and clear, bright eyes. The priest stopped and asked, “Young man, you have an extraordinary bearing. Do you know anything about Daoist cultivation?” Liu Qian smiled shyly. “I know a little. But I’m still an ordinary mortal, full of worldly habits and shortcomings. My sins have not been cleansed. Is it too late for me to begin learning?” The Daoist burst out laughing. “If that is how you see yourself, then perhaps you and I should learn from each other!” Liu Qian bowed deeply. “Master, you flatter me. How could someone like me dare speak of ‘learning from each other’?”
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