The Confucian Analects

...the works of Mencius in his own studies. If he actually did this—which I find highly doubtful—his results have not survived for future generations. The task of giving our philosopher the scholarly treatment he deserved, and composing a commentary that would last for all time, fell to Zhao Qi original: Chaou K'e.

2. Zhao Qi was born in 108 CE. His father was a censor at the court of Emperor Xiao’an original: Heaou-gan Emperor Xiao’an: 孝安皇帝 and gave him the name Jia original: Këa. He later changed his name to Qi original: K'e to hide his identity, also changing his original style name from Taiqing original: T'ae-k'ing to Binqing original: Pin-k'ing Zhao Qi, style name Binqing, first name Jia, style name Taiqing; later changed his names to avoid trouble: 趙岐, 字邠卿, 初名嘉, 字臺卿, 後避難, 故自改名字. He proudly claimed descent from the legendary Emperor Zhuanxu original: Chuen Heuh Zhuanxu: 顓頊, who was said to have reigned in 2510 BCE.

In his youth, Qi was known for his intelligence and his diligent study of the classics. He married a niece of the famous scholar and statesman Ma Rong original: Ma Yung Ma Rong: 馬融, but he acted pridefully toward him and her other relatives. From the beginning, he was characterized by a stern independence and a hatred for the flattery and sycophancy common in those times, which became the source of many of his troubles.

When he was over thirty, Qi was struck by a severe and lingering illness that left him bedridden for seven years. Believing at one point that his end was near, he spoke to a nephew who was staying with him:

"Born a man into this world, I have not shown the principles of the recluses of Mount Ji original: Ke; Mount Ji is where Chaofu and Xu You, two ancient figures of high integrity, were said to have withdrawn when Emperor Yao tried to offer them high honors. Original note: 箕山之操 in my retirement, nor have I achieved the great deeds of Yi and Lü original: E and Leu; these refer to the famous ministers Yi Yin (伊尹) and Taigong Wang (太公望) in public office. Heaven has not granted me such distinction. What more can I say? Place a round stone before my grave and engrave it with this inscription: 'Here lies a hermit of the Han dynasty, surname Zhao, name Jia. He had the will, but not the opportunity. Such was his fate. Alas!'"

Contrary to everyone's expectations, Qi recovered. In 154 CE, we find him involved in public life again; however, within four years, he was forced into hiding under a false name to escape the anger of Tang Heng original: T'ang Hang Tang Heng: 唐衡, one of the primary ministers, and his supporters. While he saved his own life, his family and relatives were killed by the vengeance of