Collected Illustrations of the Three Realms: Humans, Volume 13

Page 5

The illustration shows a man dressed in the formal scholar-official attire of the Ming Dynasty, standing calmly between two tigers. This visual representation emphasizes the Confucian ideal that true virtue can tame even the most ferocious beasts.

The Kingdom of Gentlemen

The Kingdom of Gentlemen original: 君子國 (Junziguo) is located to the north of Shebi original: 奢比 (Shebi). In Chinese mythology, Shebi refers to a deity or a legendary land located in the east; here it serves as a geographic marker for this mythical nation..

Its people wear traditional caps and sashes original: 衣冠 (Yiguan). This term specifically refers to the formal dress of the Chinese gentry and scholar-officials, signifying a high level of civilization and adherence to ritual. and carry swords original: 帶劍 (Daijian) at their waists. Although they eat the flesh of beasts, they are accompanied by two large tigers original: 二大虎 (Er dahu) that constantly remain by their side.

These people are naturally fond of yielding and do not engage in conflict original: 好讓不爭 (Hao rang bu zheng). "Yielding" or "deferring" is a core Confucian virtue where one puts the needs and status of others before one's own to maintain social harmony.. Because of their profound virtue, they cause even the tigers and leopards to understand the principles of integrity and yielding Lianrang (廉讓): A compound of "Lian" (integrity/modesty) and "Rang" (yielding/deferring). It describes a person who is incorruptible and avoids self-assertion..