Tang Yao was the master of the world, but he wanted to live in seclusion in Fenyang; Zi Jin was the prince (successor of the king) of the world, but he had the ambition to live in seclusion in Luobin.

Tang Yao was the master of the world, but he wanted to live in seclusion in Fenyang; Zi Jin was the prince (successor of the king) of the world, but he had the ambition to live in seclusion in Luobin. Giving up the throne is as easy as taking off your shoes, looking at the king is as light as a feather, not to mention other people? Therefore, smart people always hide their talents. Some people were received by the emperor with suicide notes in their arms, others wore coarse clothes and carried firewood to live, played drums on the Qingtan, gave up government affairs and enjoyed music. His interest does not lie in the political affairs of the people, but in his interest. Some people suspect that Tao Yuanming's poems contain wine. I think his intention was not to drink, but to place his interest in wine. His articles are outstanding, his words are wonderful, and his ups and downs are heroic, surpassing many articles, and there is no one that can compare with him. The artistic conception may be as quiet and graceful as the flowing water on a small bridge, or as majestic as the sky. When talking about current affairs, it is targeted and worth pondering; when talking about ambitions, it is far-reaching and true. Coupled with Tao Gong's unchanging ambition and unremitting efforts, Be content with morality, adhere to integrity, do not be ashamed of hard work, and do not consider poverty a concern. If you are not a sage and have unswerving ambitions, how can you reach this state? I like his poems very much and can't put them down. I admire his moral character and hate that I don't live in the same era as him. So I collected and corrected his works and made a simple collection. White jade also has flaws. The only flaw in his works is "Leisure". Yang Xiong said that the works should play a role in persuading hundreds of people to satirize one person. If it has no role in persuading the world, why write it? What a pity! It would have been better if Tao Yuanming had not written this article. I wrote a crude biography of him, which is included in this collection. I once said that for those who understand Tao Yuanming's articles, the pursuit of fame and wealth will dissipate, vulgar and stingy thoughts will be eliminated, greedy people will be honest, cowardly people will be able to be self-reliant, and people who do not force themselves will be able to pursue benevolence and righteousness, and their official salaries will be high. You can also give up the need to serve beside the emperor and pursue your name in history. This collection will also help educate the world.