Xu You, a famous sage in ancient times- Famous Historical and Cultural Figures of the Tang Dynasty (II)

Statue of Xu Yu

Xu You

Xu You, also spelled Wu Zhong, was a famous sage of the Tang Yao period, who lived in Xu You Village, present-day Shangshang Township.

According to ancient texts such as "Gao Shi Biography" and "Zhuangzi", when Emperor Yao was old, he deeply felt that he was physically and mentally tired of governing the world, and he heard that Xu You's character and conduct were good, so he was located in Xu You, and after Xu You heard about it, he thought that Emperor Yao was in charge of the government, and his prestige was not as good as Yao's, and he was afraid of misleading the people's livelihood after taking the throne, so he insisted on not resigning. Later, Emperor Yao wanted to grant him the post of "Pastor of Kyushu", and the premier of the world, Xu You, again refused, and washed his ears in Yingshui to show his refusal, so he lived in seclusion on Jishan Mountain, cultivating and self-sufficiency for the rest of his life.

Xu You, who does not still have fame and fortune, does not seek prosperity, opens up the wind of seclusion throughout the ages, and has many poems praising his high style and bright festivals throughout the ages, and is an important historical figure with an important influence in the ancient period of our country.

In the current Tang Dynasty, Xu You Village, Yingshui River, Jishan Mountain, Xu You Ancestral Hall, Xu Youzuka and other sites exist. Excerpt from "Introduction to the Statue of Xu You"