Fan Li

Fan Li (Chinese: ; pinyin: Fàn Lǐ) was an ancient Chinese advisor in the state of Yue in the Spring and Autumn period. He was born in 517 BC, it is unknown when he died. He is also known by the name Tao Zhu Gong which he took after victory over the state of Wu.

Fan Li went to the state of Wu as hostage together with King Goujian of Yue. Three years later they came back and he helped Goujian to carry on a reform. At last Yue was able to defeat the state of Wu. After the victory he resigned and renamed himself Tao Zhu Gong Chinese: ; pinyin: Táo Zhū Gōng). He became a businessman in his later years and became legendary for his success. In the legend, after the fall of Wu, Fan Li retired from his ministerial post and lived with Xi Shi on a fishing boat, roaming like immortals in the misty wilderness of Lake Tai He. Fan became one of the prototypes of the later Chinese money god Cai Shen.

Fan Li is an ancestor of Fan Zhongyan (范仲淹), one of the most prominent historical figures in the history of China who lived in the Song Dynasty.

Fan Li managed a pharmacy selling traditional Chinese medicine. The pharmacy originally included only two elderly employees, "Questioning Uncle" (, Hé Bó) and "Uncle Propriety" (, Dé Shū). The business began to expand only when Fan hired He Bo's youngest son, "Little Writing" (, Xiăo Wén).

Fan Li was unusual among tycoons for his view of money. He believed that one who understood money would be willing to abandon it if it became a burden. It is only a means to an end and should not be taken too seriously. Nonetheless, it must be handled and acquired according to principles. Fan Li also urged a somewhat loose construction of these principles, encouraging broad and flexible utilization in various situations.

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