On the afternoon of the seventeenth day of the second month, Kong Wang came to the Gu Residence to visit Chen Caozhi. Kong Wang had been appointed Attendant Gentleman to the Prince of the Eastern Sea and would soon leave to take up his post. He spent the entire afternoon talking freely with Chen Caozhi and Gu Kaizhi. Rather than merely debating abstruse philosophy in empty conversation, they exchanged learning and illuminated one another's understanding. The three appreciated one another's talents, and their friendship deepened.
Gu Kaizhi kept Kong Wang for dinner. Afterward, they sat in the study and resumed their discussion of Confucianism and Daoism. An attendant came to announce that Fan Ning of Nanyang had arrived.
Kong Wang smiled. "Fan Wuzi is here. Then I must take my leave."
Chen Caozhi thought there might be some ill feeling between Kong Wang and Fan Ning, but Kong Wang was not a narrow-minded man. He could not help feeling puzzled.
Kong Wang explained, "My name violates the taboo on speaking Fan Wuzi's father's name. Whenever Fan Wuzi sees me, he retreats three marches, and he never speaks to me."
Gu Kaizhi laughed. "So that was why! No wonder Fan Wuzi turned around and left the moment he saw you the other day. Ha ha!"
Kong Wang said, "I admire Fan Wuzi's character and learning, but I have no chance to sit down and talk with him. Still, today's long conversation with Zizhong and Chang Kang has benefited me greatly. What more could I regret? I shall make way for Fan Wuzi."
Kong Wang departed, and Fan Wuzi arrived. His brows were slightly furrowed as ever, his expression solemn. Kneeling perfectly upright, he said to Chen Caozhi, "The elder Minister Da Lu invited me the other day to attend tomorrow's Pure