In the long river of history, there is a wise man shining like a bright star. He is Zhuangzi. Zhuangzi lived in a turbulent era when the feudal lords were in conflict and the world was in chaos. However, in this chaotic world, Zhuangzi left endless spiritual wealth for future generations with his unique thoughts and actions.

It was a sunny day. Zhuangzi was sitting by the river fishing leisurely. The river was flowing murmuringly, and the breeze was gently blowing on his face. He was immersed in this peaceful atmosphere and forgot the hustle and bustle of the world. At this time, the envoys of King Wei of Chu were coming in a hurry. They were shouldering an important mission to invite Zhuangzi to come out of the mountains and assist King Wei of Chu in governing the state affairs.

The envoys came to Zhuangzi and respectfully bowed and said, "Sir, we are here on the order of King Wei of Chu to specially invite you to come out of the mountains and assist the king in governing the state affairs. The king has admired your talent for a long time. If you can agree, you will surely be treated with the position of prime minister." Zhuangzi slightly raised his head, looked at the envoys, and a faint smile appeared on his face. He didn't answer the envoys' words immediately but continued to focus on the float on the water.

After a while, Zhuangzi slowly said, "I heard that there is a divine turtle in the State of Chu. It has been dead for three thousand years. The king of Chu treasures it in the temple. Do you think it is more noble to be enshrined in the temple after death or to crawl in the mud with its tail dragging while alive?" The envoys looked at each other and didn't know how to answer for a moment. After a while, one of the envoys carefully said, "Sir, in my opinion, naturally it is more comfortable to crawl in the mud with its tail dragging while alive."

Zhuangzi nodded and said with a smile, "Well said. You go back and tell the king of Chu that I am willing to crawl in the mud with my tail dragging." When the envoys heard Zhuangzi's words, they were very surprised and puzzled. They didn't understand why Zhuangzi would give up such a rare opportunity and resist the temptation of fame and fortune. In their opinion, becoming the prime minister and enjoying wealth and honor is something that many people dream of. However, Zhuangzi refused without hesitation.

The envoys left helplessly, and Zhuangzi was immersed in his own world again. He knew that his choice might seem incredible to others, but for him, this was the inevitable result of adhering to his nature. Zhuangzi pursued freedom and ease all his life. He didn't like to be bound by worldly fame and fortune. In his opinion, those so-called wealth and honor are just passing clouds that disappear in an instant. And the real happiness lies in inner peace and freedom.

Zhuangzi thought of the road he had traveled. He had traveled to various countries and witnessed the feudal lords start wars at all costs to compete for land and power, bringing endless pain and disaster to the people. He saw those people who chased after fame and fortune and resorted to all means to achieve their goals, even selling their souls. Zhuangzi deeply felt how empty and boring this worldly pursuit was.

He decided to stay away from all this, return to nature, and live a simple and free life. He discussed the meaning of life with his friends and became one with nature. He fished by the river, walked in the mountains and forests, and worked in the fields. He enjoyed every ordinary and beautiful moment and felt the true meaning of life.

Zhuangzi knew that his choice might be misunderstood and ridiculed by many people. But he didn't care because he knew that his life belonged to him and didn't need to explain to others. He believed that as long as he adhered to his inner beliefs, he would definitely find true happiness.

As time went by, Zhuangzi's story spread all over the world. People began to admire his choice. They realized that in this complex world, there is a different way of life, a free life not influenced by fame and fortune. Zhuangzi's thoughts also gradually influenced more and more people and became a bright pearl in Chinese traditional culture.

Today, we can still draw wisdom and strength from Zhuangzi's story. In this materialistic society, we are often tempted by fame and fortune and forget our original intentions and natures. In order to pursue material enjoyment, we don't hesitate to sacrifice our time and health and even give up our dreams and pursuits. However, when we really have these so-called wealth and status, we find that we are not happy.

Zhuangzi tells us that the real happiness does not lie in external material wealth but in inner peace and freedom. We should learn to put down those unnecessary desires and pursuits, return to our inner world, and find the happiness that truly belongs to us. We can be like Zhuangzi and choose a simple and free lifestyle, become one with nature, and enjoy the beauty of life.

On the road of life, we will face various choices. Sometimes, we need to bravely refuse those seemingly tempting opportunities and adhere to our beliefs and natures. Only in this way can we find our own sky in this complex world and realize our life value.