法苑珠林 49.43

49.43

Furthermore, Xiao Gu, whose courtesy name was Jiyi, was a man of Lanling in Donghai. He was a fourteenth-generation descendant of [Xiao] He. The family formerly lived in Pei; because Xiao He was buried in Changling, they settled in Guanzhong. From youth he possessed filial piety and prudence, and observed mourning for six years. Pheasants and magpies frolicked familiarly in his courtyard, and roe deer entered his gates and walls. Though summoned to office, he did not take up the post. Gu's son Zhi, whose courtesy name was Yingmao, was of the purest and utmost filial devotion. He was appointed gentleman of the imperial secretariat. Several dozen pheasants pecked and roosted above him; whenever he went up to court, they escorted him right to the road, flying and crying beside his carriage. (The above two verifications are taken from Zheng Jizhi's biography.)