《抱朴子外篇》Vol. 8

This passage explores the dilemma of virtuous talents struggling to find enlightened rulers in turbulent times. Ge Hong (Baopuzi) observes that outspoken ministers who dare offer candid advice often face perilous situations, as crafty sycophants systematically marginalize the worthy. Consumed by jealousy toward their betters, these petty men deceive superiors and subordinates alike, loathe upright individuals, and fear impartial justice—thus constantly scheming to eliminate those who surpass them.

Enlightened sovereigns are rare, while foolish rulers cannot distinguish right from wrong. Either they fail to heed loyal counsel, or they inadvertently leak crucial proposals. History records treacherous ministers like Hong Gong and Shi Xian, who skillfully framed loyal officials with honeyed words, masking self-interest beneath pretenses of fairness. Consequently, those presenting longevity techniques faced execution, while architects of statecraft met swift demise. The difficulty lies not in offering advice itself, but in choosing the opportune moment.

Even when worthy ministers counsel sage kings, acceptance isn't guaranteed. Yi Yin (renowned Shang dynasty statesman) had to petition Tang of Shang seventy times before succeeding; King Wen of Zhou's admonishments to King Zhou of Shang were consistently ignored. These examples pale against tragedies like Li Si orchestrating Han Fei's death, Pang Juan maiming Sun Bin, Grandee Shangguan slandering Qu Yuan, or Yuan Ang framing Chao Cuo—countless such cases fill historical records. A minister's path is fraught with perpetual hazards.

Loyal officials who perish unheeded often gain posthumous recognition, while unrecognized talents may never encounter enlightened rulers in their lifetime. Ministers achieving monumental feats emerge perhaps once in generations, yet historical annals overflow with ill-fated worthies. Thus we understand how figures like Jiang Ziya (Lü Shang) fishing by the Wei River or Fu Yue laboring as a mason at Fuyan—though possessing world-governing abilities—could grow old and die among mediocrities, having never met rulers like King Wen of Zhou or Emperor Gaozong of Shang. Such unfulfilled destinies must have been countless.