| | The master's given name was Dan, courtesy name Shi Yun, and he was a native of Waihuang, Chenliu. He was a descendant of the Tao Tang clan. During the Zhou dynasty, there was a man named Shi Hui who served as an official of the Jin state and was granted the fief of Fan. Thus, his descendants took "Fan" as their surname. During the reigns of Emperor Wen and Emperor Jing of the Han dynasty, they moved from Nanyang to settle in Cheng'an. They had two sons, Mi and Yan. These ancestors held official positions up to that of Siniang Tingwei (Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Justice). The gentleman in question was a descendant of theirs. The gentleman inherited an upright nature, with lofty aspirations and pure conduct. Even in his youth, he already displayed a dignified bearing and a resolute moral character. At the time, few people recognized him; he was humbly employed as a county clerk and eagerly pursued official advancement, which was not his true preference. When he could not resign, he feigned death and fled away. His relatives were unaware of his plan, so he went into hiding in the mountains. He studied the Five Classics and perused historical texts, especially focusing on the Yijing (Book of Changes) and the Shangshu (Book of Documents). Having established a solid foundation in learning and attained insight into the Way, he returned after many years. While studying at Taixue (the Imperial Academy), he was discerning in his choice of friends and associates; if someone did not belong to the right kind, he would not tolerate or accept them. He upheld integrity wherever it was required, regardless of social status or rank. In his hometown, he treated the elderly with respect and cared for the young with affection; his words, actions, and behavior all served as a model to others. When the prefecture and county authorities invited him, he never compromised his principles. When officials came with proper courtesy to invite and welcome him, he also advised them diligently and gave loyal and upright counsel. Recommended as a chushi (recluse of virtue) for the title of Xiaolian, he was appointed as Langzhong and later as head of Laiwu. However, he had not yet left the capital. After his mother's death, he observed mourning rites. Following tradition, after completing the period of mourning, he resumed his position as Langzhong. The gentleman thus did not comply with the governance of the state and prefecture authorities. In all matters concerning his service to rulers, if there was an error, he would advise against it; if something was lacking, he would supplement it. He promoted clarity and fairness in governance while closing the doors to injustice and corruption. He recommended virtuous individuals without regard for their rank or status, and he punished the wicked without fear of powerful adversaries. His deeds were numerous and extensive; they cannot be fully recorded in detail. By nature, he was modest and frugal, physically hardworking and able to endure hardship. He did not enjoy relying on others or borrowing assistance; when traveling with his attendants carrying burdens on foot, people found the labor unbearable, but he never felt it as a burden. He was appointed to the Taiwei Fu (Office of the Grand General). Soon after, prominent officials with official ranks were all hated for forming factions and cliques at that time. As a result, they were banned from office; the gentleman suffered the same punishment. He closed his door and lived in quiet seclusion. Even relatives within the nine clans and collateral kin did not see him for a long time. Later, when restrictions were relaxed, he found himself in hardship due to repeated financial difficulties. Yet by nature he was disciplined and frugal, never seeking to acquire property or wealth. He believed that the art of divination could reveal auspicious or ominous signs, and through it one might understand governance and human conditions. Accepting only modest compensation for his services, he thus sold his divinations in the regions of Liang and Song. Those who were interested in such matters recognized him, but whenever they approached, he would leave immediately. After the ban was lifted, Grand General Zhang Gong and Siku Cui Gong successively invited him four times to serve in their offices, but he refused each time. He pursued office not for salary or wealth; therefore, he was never bound by official rank. His plans and actions were not based on opportunism or compromise; thus, he stood out as an individual of independent character in his time. This was the reason why the gentleman established a moral standard and demonstrated upright conduct, but it was also the cause of his falling out of step with the times and losing direction. He was seventy-four years old when he died in the fourth month of Zhongping 2nd year. Grand General Zhang Gong, Yuanzhou Liu Jun, Chenliu Taihou Chunyu Jun, and Waihuang Ling Liu Jun all issued commendations. They ordered the learned men to jointly examine the proper rites and composed a eulogy with an official posthumous title: "Master of Upright Virtue." This honored his achievements and moral conduct, recorded his deeds, documented them in historical records for future generations, inscribed them on stone tablets, and erected monuments to illuminate posterity. O illustrious Master of Upright Virtue! Heaven bestowed upon you noble disposition; born with wisdom and insight, you indeed guided virtue and honor. As clear as a deep spring, as pure as jade; no muddying could make it turbid, and no soot could stain its whiteness. When in action, he thought of loyalty; when retreating into seclusion, he considered steadfastness. He took Bo Yi as his teacher and Shi Qiu as his role model. He honored poverty, accepted low status, and did not begrudge hardship or adversity. He joyfully embraced death for the sake of righteousness, leaving behind a name through his virtue. Though his body perished, his reputation endured; his commendable fame was carried along the roads.
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