Zhuangzi was sitting by Pushui Rievr, fishing leisurely¹.

 

Chu Weiwang, king of the state of Chu, sent two ministers to come to persuade him accepting the position of Prime Minister.

 

Zhuangzi asked, "It is heard that a holy tortoise which has been dead for three thousand years is treated as the national treasure and put in the holy temple. So, ministers, do you think the tortoise would rather to live in the slush, pulling its tail; than to enjoy the afterlife honor?"

 

"We think it would rather to be alive!" the ministers answered. "Then, you could leave now. I prefer living freely." Zhuangzi said.

 

庄子悠闲地坐在濮水河边钓鱼。

 

楚威王派二位大臣游说庄子，希望他接受楚国相国的职位。

 

庄子问道：“听说贵国有只神龟，已死三千年，楚王将它作为镇国之宝，珍藏在庙堂之中。两位认为这乌龟愿意享有死后的尊荣还是宁肯拖着尾巴在烂泥里活着？”

 

楚国使丞回答说：“我们认为他愿意活着！”庄子听了这话，对二人说：“好了，两位走吧。我也愿意拖着尾巴在这烂泥中自由自在地活着。”

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