| | Dongfang Shuo was a native of Pingyuan Yanci. He had long lived in Wu Zhong, serving as a calligraphy teacher for several decades. During the reign of Emperor Wu, he submitted a memorial discussing policies beneficial to state affairs and was appointed as an Attendant Officer (Lang). By the time of Emperor Zhao, some people in his era regarded him as a sage, while others considered him an ordinary man. He performed actions that were profound or shallow, open or reserved; he spoke either earnestly or humorously, and no one could discern his true intent. At the beginning of Emperor Xuan's reign, he abandoned his post as an Attendant Officer to avoid the chaotic times, left behind his official cap and residence, and departed like a drifting wind. Later, he was seen in Kuaiji, selling medicine around the Five Lakes. Wise men suspected that he was a spirit of Jupiter (the planet).
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