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Lushan was originally sparsely populated, with only a few farmers and woodcutters living at its base.
As the ancestral patriarch of the Pang family, Pang Degong, grew older, the dampness of his original residence in Yuliangzhou became detrimental to his health. Therefore, after obtaining Pang Degong's consent, a mountain path was forcibly carved out on Lushan, and the Feilong Pavilion and Yinlong Residence were constructed. Thus, although the Pang family seemed to have little presence in the official circles, their underlying influence was immeasurable.
Fei Qian, adhering to the etiquette of the scholar class, brought a pair of wild geese as a gift to meet Pang Degong. While one might be casual when meeting others, such a renowned figure demanded utmost respect.
It is said that when Confucius met Laozi, he also presented wild geese as a gift.
The symbolism of the wild geese as a gift has three meanings:
Firstly, wild geese are migratory birds, flying south in autumn and north in spring, always punctual, hence often symbolizing trustworthy and righteous individuals.
Secondly, wild geese fly in orderly formations during migration, with the strong leading and the young or weak following, never overstepping, thus often symbolizing those who adhere to propriety.
Thirdly, wild geese mate for life, never divorcing or abandoning their partners, hence often symbolizing loyalty and fidelity.
Moreover, it is rumored that Pang Degong favored the teachings of Huang-Lao, and presenting wild geese also carried a hint of respect for his connection to Laozi.
Pang Degong received Fei Qian at the Feilong Pavilion beside the waterfall.
"The waterfall plunges three thousand feet, as if the Milky Way were falling from the heavens."
Although the waterfall on Lushan was not as majestic as the one described by Li Bai, its location was exceptionally chosen. On one side was the cascading waterfall, on the other a towering peak, and the rock on which the small pavilion was built extended outward. Standing there, with the mountain breeze blowing, one felt as if they could soar into the sky.
Pang Degong stood with his back to Fei Qian, seemingly gazing at the sky in silence.
As the younger, Fei Qian naturally remained silent, standing respectfully with his hands clasped.
Perhaps it was the negative ion-rich mist from the waterfall or the serene mountain breeze, but Fei Qian's restless heart gradually calmed. Free from distractions and frustrations, he felt an unparalleled comfort, his mind and body fully relaxed, to the point of losing himself in the moment...
After an indeterminate amount of time, Fei Qian snapped out of his reverie to find Pang Degong facing him, smiling.
Fei Qian, sensing the moment, quickly bowed in gratitude.
Pang Degong nodded slightly, allowing Fei Qian to sit before speaking slowly, "Do not thank me; it is your own achievement. Observing your ascent, your spirit was too agitated, hence I intended to let you find tranquility. It is not that I am unaware of hospitality. Remember, the heart must be both moved and still."
Fei Qian bowed again.
Pang Degong waved his hand, indicating no need for further formalities, and continued in his measured tone, "I once sailed on Yuliang with your teacher, discussing ancient and modern times, refining scriptures, and enjoying music. Those memories remain vivid. How is your teacher now?"
Fei Qian was unsure how to respond. To say all was well would be inaccurate, as Cai Yong was still in a precarious situation, yet to say otherwise would also be misleading...
After some thought, Fei Qian recounted the events following Cao Cao's seizure of the emperor, his advice for Cai Yong to leave the capital, and concluded, "Now, I am at a loss, unsure if I did right or wrong..."
"Seeking fortune and avoiding calamity is human nature; there is no right or wrong," Pang Degong's soothing voice seemed to carry a calming power, "Each follows their own path. Your teacher has his path, hence he does not easily depart."
Indeed, Teacher Cai Yong was adhering to his own principles through his actions...
Pang Degong smiled kindly, "Your teacher once mentioned in a letter that you are intelligent, gentle, and adaptable, yet you have not found your own path, hence often feel lost and uncertain."
Fei Qian was startled. Old Cai Yong had such a precise understanding, yet why had he never mentioned these things to me?
"Your teacher said, his path is not yours, hence he cannot impart it. He recommended you to me, hoping I could guide you. Ziyuan, do you know what 'Dao' is?"
"This 'Dao'..." Fei Qian truly couldn't articulate it. Laozi said, "The Dao that can be spoken is not the eternal Dao." Perhaps in terms of objects, it refers to laws or rules, but Pang Degong's question wasn't about the physical 'Dao' but the 'Dao' in human behavior. How should one explain or describe that?
Pang Degong did not expect an immediate answer and instead asked, "What is the Dao of Heaven?"
This, Fei Qian knew, and replied, "The Dao of Heaven reduces the excessive and supplements the deficient."
Pang Degong nodded, "What is the Dao of Man?"
"The Dao of Man reduces the deficient to serve the excessive."
"Good. Why does the Dao of Heaven supplement the deficient while the Dao of Man reduces the deficient?" Pang Degong pressed further.
"...Because Heaven has no desires, while man has desires?" Fei Qian thought for a moment before answering.
Pang Degong smiled and nodded, "Thus, following Heaven, arising from emotion, and stopping at desire, that is the Dao."
This was Pang Degong's interpretation of the Dao of the human heart.
Following Heaven does not refer to the weather or the sky, but to the timing bestowed by Heaven, one's greatest advantage, aligning with the talents granted by Heaven rather than arbitrary choices.
Arising from emotion means one must be interested and emotionally accepting; otherwise, no matter how noble the Dao, if one does not accept or is unwilling to follow it, it cannot be adhered to.
Stopping at desire means controlling one's personal desires, not being swayed by them, maintaining a boundary to prevent endless expansion and sinking into depravity, losing sight of the Dao.
Pang Degong's teachings on the Dao encompassed three aspects: Heavenly timing, personal emotion, and restraint of desire. Heavenly timing as the bone, personal emotion as the flesh, and restraint of desire as the skin, together forming a complete Dao.
Fei Qian bowed in gratitude, but according to Pang Degong's words, while a general framework was now in place, it remained abstract and not yet a concrete discovery of his own "Dao."
Thus, Fei Qian sought further guidance from Pang Degong on this issue, only to be told, "The Dao of the heart differs for each; you must find it yourself."
So, it still came down to self-discovery.
However, Fei Qian couldn't simply give up and leave, as the previous discourse had greatly aided him, at least in understanding how to structure his own Dao. He felt that establishing his own Dao would be crucial for his future life.
The ancient saying, "Establish a long-term ambition, not constantly changing ambitions," encapsulates this principle.
Those who find their Dao and steadfastly follow it generally achieve great success, while those who change ideals today and dream anew tomorrow often find themselves accomplishing nothing.
At least in this aspect of education, Fei Qian felt that later generations fell short compared to the Han Dynasty.
Fei Qian believed that since he had this opportunity, he should seek as much wisdom and learning as possible from the wise elder Pang Degong. However, he was not yet qualified to reside on Lushan, so he settled for requesting to "build a hut and reside at the mountain's base, seeking frequent guidance." Pang Degong did not oppose this.
Since there was no opposition, it was permissible. Fei Qian thus bid farewell to Pang Degong, returned to Xiangyang City, sought skilled craftsmen, and began his "hut-building" life on Lushan...