[1] Classic Chinese sources stated he was modest and incorruptible, and adhered strictly to the teachings of Confucius despite living in abject poverty.
After the death of his master, Yuan Xian moved to the State of Wey, where he lived in obscurity and poverty.
[5] Zigong, who served as a high official and was a wealthy businessman, went to visit Yuan Xian's village in his quadriga.
According to these texts, Yuan lived in a tiny hut with a thatched roof, reached via alleys too narrow for a chariot.
[5][6] In Confucian temples, Yuan Xian's spirit tablet is placed in the outer court, beyond those of the Four Assessors and Twelve Wise Ones.