韓詩外傳

Set in the restless courts of the Spring‑and‑Autumn period, the story opens with a wandering sage who’s just returned from a humble harvest, his thoughts torn between the lure of rank and the weight of personal virtue. In lively exchanges with Confucius, his disciple Zi Gong, and a sharp‑tongued village woman, the narrative weaves together witty debates on honor, filial piety, and the true cost of ambition. These early encounters paint a vivid portrait of a world where scholars grapple with the tension between public office and inner integrity.

Beyond the dialogue, the work explores timeless questions about how one should live when riches are scarce and power is fleeting. It examines the delicate balance of ritual, compassion, and self‑discipline, using historical anecdotes and poetic allusions to illustrate the consequences of neglecting either duty or conscience. Listeners are invited to reflect on the ancient wisdom that still resonates today, while following the characters on their first steps toward a deeper understanding of moral life.