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Gongsun Teng

Eastern Wu official Gongsun Teng became known for diligently studying Zhao Da’s numerology and obtaining the Plain Book.

History Records, vol. 63 · Not in the Romance

Zhao DaTeacher

In the sources

Where the books name Gongsun Teng

History · vol. 63Records of the Three Kingdoms
達寶惜其術，自闞澤、殷禮皆名儒善士，親屈節就學，達祕而不告，太史丞公孫滕少師事達，勤苦累年，達許敎之者有年數矣，臨當喻語而輒復止。…
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達寶惜其術，自闞澤、殷禮皆名儒善士，親屈節就學，達祕而不告，太史丞公孫滕少師事達，勤苦累年，達許敎之者有年數矣，臨當喻語而輒復止。滕他日齎酒具，候顏色，拜跪而請。達曰：「吾先人得此術，欲圖爲帝王師，至仕來三世，不過太史郎，誠不欲復傳之。且此術微妙，頭乘尾除，一算之法，父子不相語。然以子篤好不倦，今真以相授矣。」飲酒數行，達起取素書兩眷，大如手指，達曰：「當寫讀此，則自解也。吾久廢，不復省之。今欲思論一過，數日當以相與。」滕如期往，至乃陽求索書，驚言失之，云：「女婿昨來，必是渠所竊。」遂從此絕。

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Where this person ranks on each board.

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Gongsun Teng was an assistant director of the Grand Astrologer’s Office in Eastern Wu and once studied under Zhao Da. He does not appear in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms.

Deeds

Gongsun Teng studied occult arts under Zhao Da for many years with great diligence. Zhao Da had promised to teach him, but repeatedly stopped just as he was about to begin explaining. Later, Gongsun Teng brought wine, knelt, and pleaded with him. Zhao Da finally gave him a book of esoteric writings and agreed to explain it a few days later. When Gongsun Teng arrived as arranged, Zhao Da said the book had been lost and suspected his son-in-law had stolen it. After that, the teacher and student ceased all contact (according to historical records).