At that time, it was well known that Si Mazhao had mastered the power of the imperial court and was determined to replace it, so North Korean ministers were afraid of Si Mazhao. Proud scholars like Ruan Ji were naturally unwilling to go along with Si Mazhao, so most of the Seven Sages of Bamboo Forest were persecuted by Si Mazhao at that time, but Ruan Ji was an accident. Because he is very smart and cautious, although he doesn't like Si Mazhao, he never talks about it. Even though he has been an official under Si Mazhao for many years, he has never been caught.
Si Mazhao knew that Ruan Ji was a thoughtful and talented person, so he personally or repeatedly sent someone to test Ruan Ji. Ruan Ji handled it well every time. Even if it is difficult to get rid of it, he is often put off by drunkenness, so that Si Mazhao never gets any useful information from him. Si Mazhao wanted to marry her daughter to Ruan Ji, but Ruan Ji would never accept it. But if she defies openly, she will be killed. Ruan Ji was drunk for more than two months, and finally made Si Mazhao give up the idea of getting married.
In Si Mazhao, a powerful and suspicious dignitary, I spent so many years safely. You can imagine how cautious I was when Ruan Ji spoke. Even Si Mazhao personally praised Ruan Ji's caution.