These balustrades are decorated with exquisite patterns. These steps are made of fine jade.(雕欄玉砌)

These balustrades are decorated with exquisite patterns. These steps are made of fine jade.(雕欄玉砌)

 

After the fall of the Tang Dynasty, China entered the era of Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms.

This was a chaotic period, with many warlords setting up their own kingdoms, but the kingdoms these warlords set up usually perished within a short period of time.

The Southern Tang Kingdom was one of these kingdoms.

 

The name of the third king of the Southern Tang Kingdom was (Li Yu). He was an unqualified king, but he was also one of the greatest poets in Chinese history.

 

Li Yu's grandfather founded the Southern Tang Kingdom in 937 AD, and Li Yu was born on 15 August of that year.

Li Yu was born in Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China. Nanjing was also the capital of the Southern Tang Kingdom.

 

Li Yu grew up in the city as a child and spent most of his life in the palace.

He doesn't have to worry about the trivialities of everyday life, he can do what he likes.

The things he uses are the best, the place he lives in is the most luxurious, his wife is beautiful, and he loves his wife very much.

He became king at the age of 24 and his wife became queen.

But his wife died of illness when he was 28, and he was so sad that he wanted to commit suicide.

 

In 975 AD, the army of the Song Kingdom defeated the Southern Tang Kingdom, and the territory of the Southern Tang Kingdom was incorporated into the territory of the Song Kingdom.

Li Yu was arrested and taken to the Song capital and put under house arrest.

He died in the capital of the Song Kingdom after three years of house arrest.

 

This is described in the fifth and sixth sentences of the last poem he wrote before his death.

The balustrades of my palace in Nanking are decorated with exquisite designs. The steps in my palace in Nanjing are made of fine jade. I suppose these buildings have not changed?

I'm not sure if the scenery is the same, because I've been away for a long time and I haven't heard anything about Nanjing for a long time.

But what I can be sure of is that the people in that palace have changed. The people who used to live in that palace no longer live in that palace.

 

The literal translation of this phrase is that these balustrades are decorated with exquisite patterns. These steps are made of fine jade.

This idiom is used to describe a very luxurious and beautiful building.

 

 

Dear friend, how do you feel or what do you think after listening to this story?

Have you ever returned to the place where you lived as a child? Which city have you lived in the longest?

I hope this story can give you some new insights.

 

                                圖片出自百度百科

 

The feeling of revisiting past experiences or situations is so sad that it feels unbearable.(不堪回首)

 

 

The feeling of revisiting past experiences or situations is so sad that it feels unbearable.(不堪回首)

 

After the fall of the Tang Dynasty, China entered the era of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms.

This was a chaotic period, with many warlords setting up their own kingdoms, but the kingdoms these warlords set up usually fell in a short period of time.

 

The Southern Tang Kingdom was one of these kingdoms.

 

The name of the third king of the Southern Tang Kingdom was (Li Yu). He was an unqualified king, but he was also one of the greatest poets in Chinese history.

 

Li Yu's grandfather founded the Southern Tang Kingdom in 937 AD, and Li Yu was born on 15 August of that year.

In 943 AD, Li Yu's grandfather died and Li Yu's father succeeded him as king.

Li Yu's father has six children, and Li Yu is the youngest.

 

Li Yu doesn't like politics. He likes literature and art. His calligraphy is very good, and he is also good at writing poetry. He doesn't have to worry about not having any money. He does what he likes every day, and he lives happily every day.

 

The time he lived in was a very chaotic time. His four brothers died while he was still a child. His eldest brother was originally the heir to the throne, but his eldest brother fell ill and died in 859 AD. He became the heir to the throne of the Southern Tang Kingdom.

 

In 961 AD, Li Yu's father died and Li Yu succeeded him as king.

In 975 AD, the army of the Song Kingdom defeated the Southern Tang Kingdom, and the territory of the Southern Tang Kingdom was incorporated into the territory of the Song Kingdom.

Li Yu was arrested and taken to the Song capital and put under house arrest.

He died in the Song capital after three years of house arrest.

 

This is described in the third and fourth sentences of the last poem he wrote before his death.

 

I felt the warm spring wind last night, and it suddenly occurred to me that another year had passed since I lived alone in this house in the capital of the Song Kingdom.

 

I looked at the bright moon alone and remembered the extinct Southern Tang Kingdom where I had lived since my childhood.

The contrast between the joy of the past and the pain of the present is especially strong at night. The feeling of remembering past experiences or situations is so sad that it feels unbearable.

 

The direct translation of this saying is that the feeling of remembering a past experience or situation is so sad that it is unbearable.

 

Dear friend, how do you feel or what do you think after listening to this story?

What things that happened in the past do you remember the most? When you look back on your life, do you feel sad or happy?

I hope this story can give you some new insights.

 

                                    圖片出處為百度百科

Spring Flowers and Autumn Moon (春花秋月)

 

Spring Flowers and Autumn Moon (春花秋月)

 

After the fall of the Tang Dynasty, China entered the era of the Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms.

This was a chaotic period, with many warlords setting up their own kingdoms, but the kingdoms these warlords set up usually perished within a short period of time.

 

The Southern Tang Kingdom was one of these kingdoms.

The name of the third king of the Southern Tang Kingdom was (Li Yu). He was an unqualified king, but he was also one of the greatest poets in Chinese history.

 

In 975 AD, the army of the Song Kingdom defeated the Southern Tang Kingdom, and the territory of the Southern Tang Kingdom was incorporated into the territory of the Song Kingdom.

Li Yu was arrested and taken to the Song capital.

 

The Song king did not kill Li Yu. The King of the Song Kingdom put Li Yu under house arrest. From then on, Li Yu lived a life of material wealth but no physical freedom.

 

He is an emotional person, he likes literature and art, and he is ideal, but he does not have the ability to be a good king.

 

After being placed under house arrest, he became very depressed.

He died in the capital of the Song Kingdom after three years of house arrest.

This is described in the first and second sentences of the last poem he wrote before the end of his life.

 

The flowers of spring bloom freely every year, and the moon of autumn appears at its brightest every year.

As time passes from year to year, when will the world as we humans perceive it come to an end?

Recently, many events and memories from my past have come to my mind.

 

The literal translation of this proverb is spring flowers and autumn moon.

It is used to describe beautiful times and scenery.

 

 

Dear friend, how do you feel or what do you think after listening to this story?

Is your life free now? Do you think about your past life all the time?

I hope this story can give you some new insights.

 

                                        圖片出處為百度百科

Unexpected Changes(不虞之變)

 

Unexpected Changes(不虞之變)

 

The name of the founding king of China's Song Dynasty was Zhao Kuangyin, and a story about him is recorded in history books.

 

After he founded the Song Dynasty, he still kept his old habits. He would dress in civilian clothes and walk around the capital alone. He used this method to understand the lives of ordinary people.

 

Several ministers told him.

You have just founded the Song Dynasty, and the foundation of the Song Dynasty has not yet been fully consolidated.

For the past few decades, China has been in a state of division, so people's emotions are very impetuous.

Therefore, we recommend that you do not walk around alone.

If something unexpected happens to you, it will be too late for you to regret it.

 

He smiled and said to these ministers.

I can be a king, and I don't think it depends on personal ability alone.

I think the main reason I can be a king is because God favours me.

 

I can be a king. I think this is God's will. It is not the result of my own efforts, and it is not something I can refuse.

From this point of view, I believe that unexpected changes in life are all arranged by God in advance.

So I have absolutely no worries about accidents happening to me.

 

If God wants me to have an accident, then I will be in danger even if I hide in the palace.

If God does not allow any accident to happen to me, then I will be safe anywhere.

 

Zhao Kuangyin did not change his habits, and because of his habits he understood the difficulties of the people and their lives very well, and he became a very caring king who was good at taking care of the people.

 

The literal translation of this saying means unexpected change.

 

Dear friend, how do you feel or what do you think after listening to this story?

Do you agree with Zhao Kuangyin's point of view? Do you think the leaders of your current country have thought about how to make the society you live in better from the people's point of view?

I hope this story can give you some new insights.

 

                               圖片出處為百度百科

His face was as black as a piece of iron.(面如鐵色)

 

His face was as black as a piece of iron.(面如鐵色)

 

The name of the founding king of China's Song Dynasty was Zhao Kuangyin, and a story about him is recorded in history books.

 

In the more than 50 years between the fall of the Tang Dynasty and the Song Dynasty, China was divided.

Northern China experienced a total of five dynasties in those 50 years. These five dynasties are the Late Liang Dynasty, the Late Tang Dynasty, the Late Jin Dynasty, the Late Han Dynasty and the Late Zhou Dynasty.

 

When he was 21 years old, he joined the army of a famous general named (Guo Wei) in the Later Han Dynasty as a mid-level officer.

In 951 AD, Guo Wei founded the Later Zhou Dynasty. In that year, Zhao Kuangyin was 24 years old, and Zhao Kuangyin became a high-ranking military general in the Later Zhou Dynasty.

 

 

 

Guo Wei died in 954 AD. Guo Wei's adopted son became the second king of the Later Zhou Dynasty.

In 959 AD, the second king of the Later Zhou Dynasty died, and the successor king of the Later Zhou Dynasty was only seven years old.

 

During the eight years from 951 AD to 959 AD, Zhao Kuangyin showed his military talent and leadership skills. He led the army to victory in many battles. His soldiers all trusted and respected him. He The Later Zhou Dynasty became very powerful, and he became the person with the greatest military power in the Later Zhou Dynasty.

 

In 959 AD, after the seven-year-old King of the Later Zhou Dynasty took the throne, the central government of the Later Zhou Dynasty fell into a state of chaos. Many wealthy people in the capital of the Later Zhou Dynasty left the capital with their money and their families.

 

Zhao Kuangyin heard that some of his generals and officers wanted to help him set up a new kingdom.

When Zhao Kuangyin heard the news, he was very worried.

If this was true, should he rebel against the Later Zhou Dynasty and establish a new kingdom of his own?

If he rebelled against the Later Zhou Dynasty, would the people look down on him for his disloyalty?

If his men really want to help him found a new kingdom, how will he treat the royal members of the Later Zhou Dynasty?

He thought about these problems and became very worried.

 

Zhao Kuangyin decided to talk to his sister. When he arrived at his sister's house, she was cooking in the kitchen.

After Zhao Kuangyin told his sister about his troubles, his sister's expression became very serious, and her face looked as black as a piece of iron.

Zhao Kuangyin's sister suddenly lifted the rolling pin she was holding and hit Zhao Kuangyin on the head.

Zhao Kuangyin's sister said to Zhao Kuangyin

This is a very important occasion. You are a grown man. I think what you should do now is to calm down and think carefully. I think you will make the best decision.

 

Zhao Kuangyin's sister said to Zhao Kuangyin again.

What you said frightens me so much that I don't think I can give you any objective advice.

 

The literal translation of this phrase is that his face feels as black as a piece of iron.

This idiom is used to describe a person who is feeling angry, frightened or ill.

 

 

Dear friend, how do you feel or what do you think after listening to this story?

Have you ever been worried because you didn't know what decision to make? When you feel anxious, how do you calm yourself down and return to rational thinking?

I hope this story can give you some new insights.

 

                                   圖片出處為維基百科

 

I can't have a loud snorer sleeping next to my bed. (臥榻之側豈容他人鼾睡)

 

I can't have a loud snorer sleeping next to my bed. (臥榻之側豈容他人鼾睡)

 

The name of the founding king of China's Song Dynasty was Zhao Kuangyin, and a story about him is recorded in history books.

When he founded the Song Dynasty, China was divided into several kingdoms.

 

His goal was to unify all of China, so in 971 AD he sent an army to attack the Southern Tang Kingdom.

 

The king of the Southern Tang Kingdom at that time was called (Li Yu).

Li Yu sent two special envoys to the capital of the Song Dynasty. The names of these two special envoys were (Xu Xuan) and (Zhou Weijian).

 

(Xu Xuan) is a very smart man, he has a lot of knowledge, and his eloquence is also very good. He thinks that he can definitely persuade Zhao Kuangyin not to attack the Southern Tang Kingdom.

(Zhou Weijian) was a scholar who had studied the Book of Changes. Li Yu thought he was very farsighted, so he sent him as a special envoy.

 

After (Xu Xuan) and (Zhou Weijian) met with Zhao Kuangyin, they tried to persuade Zhao Kuangyin not to send troops, but Zhao Kuangyin did not agree to their request. The two of them returned to the Southern Tang Kingdom in despair.

 

(Xu Xuan) and (Zhou Weijian) reflected on this failure. They felt that they should not give up so easily, so a few weeks later they returned to the capital of the Song Dynasty. They asked to see Zhao Kuangyin again. Zhao Kuangyin met with them again.

 

This time, unlike the first time, when Xu Xuan spoke to Zhao Kuangyin in a very positive and strong manner, Xu Xuan spoke to Zhao Kuangyin in a soft manner.

Li Yu respects you very much, but he has been seriously ill recently, so he asked two of us to act as special envoys to see you.

We hope that you will not attack the Southern Tang Kingdom. If you agree to our request, we will be very grateful to you. We are willing to obey your orders as long as you are willing to order the army to stop attacking the Southern Tang Kingdom

 

Zhao Kuangyin's attitude was still very firm, and he still refused to agree to Xu Xuan's request.

The conversation between Xu Xuan and Zhao Kuangyin never reached a consensus, so the atmosphere of the conversation gradually changed from peaceful to tense

 

Xu Xuan accidentally said something rude, which made Zhao Kuangyin angry.

Zhao Kuangyin suddenly stood up and put his right hand on the sword handle hanging on his left side.

Zhao Kuangyin said to (Xu Xuan) and (Zhou Weijian) in a very stern tone.

Don't try to convince me anymore. I think China must be unified.

China is one whole country, and we should not be divided into many kingdoms.

I think the existence of the Southern Tang Kingdom gave me the same feeling as if someone was snoring loudly next to my bed.

This loud snorer kept me awake all night, so I had to change this uncomfortable situation.

 

The direct translation of this idiom is that I cannot tolerate a person who snores loudly sleeping next to my bed.

This phrase has been extended to describe a person who cannot tolerate his or her sphere of influence being infringed upon by others.

 

Dear friend, how do you feel or what do you think after listening to this story?

Do you snore when you sleep? Have you ever had the experience of being influenced by someone who snores, leading to insomnia?

I hope this story will give you some new insights.

 

                                   圖片來自百度百科

There is no justification for starting this war(師出無名)

There is no justification for starting this war(師出無名)

 

The name of the founding king of China's Song Dynasty was Zhao Kuangyin, and a story about him is recorded in history books.

When he founded the Song Dynasty, China was divided into several kingdoms.

 

He wanted to unify all of China. He knew that this was a very difficult goal, but he had faith in himself. He believed that he could accomplish this difficult task.

 

At that time there were the Hou Shu Kingdom, the Southern Han Kingdom, the Southern Tang Kingdom and several other kingdoms in the south of the Song Dynasty.

In 971 AD, the Song Dynasty army defeated the Southern Han Kingdom, and Zhao Kuangyin's next target was the Southern Tang Kingdom.

 

The king of the Southern Tang Kingdom at that time was called (Li Yu).

Li Yu was a failed king. He believed in Buddhism and had no intention of ruling the Southern Tang Kingdom.

The Southern Tang Kingdom became corrupt and weak under his rule.

But Li Yu was also the most literary king in Chinese history. He was recognised as the best poet of his time.

 

In 971 AD, Zhao Kuangyin ordered an attack on the southern Tang Kingdom. Li Yu sent two special envoys to the Song capital. The names of these two special envoys were (Xu Xuan) and (Zhou Weijian).

 

After these two special envoys met with Zhao Kuangyin, (Xu Xuan) said to Zhao Kuangyin

I think you should not attack the Southern Tang Kingdom at this time. There is no conflict between you and the Southern Tang Kingdom. The Southern Tang Kingdom has not taken the initiative to send troops to attack you, and the King of the Southern Tang Kingdom has no intention of replacing you.

So I don't think you have the right to start this war.

 

Zhao Kuangyin did not agree with Xu Xuan's view because his ideal was to unify all of China, so he believed that he had to defeat the Southern Tang Kingdom and incorporate the territory of the Southern Tang Kingdom into the territory of the Song Dynasty.

 

Zhao Kuangyin was silent after hearing Xu Xuan's words. Xu Xuan wanted to persuade Zhao Kuangyin, so Xu Xuan said to Zhao Kuangyin again.

Li Yu has respected you a lot over the years. He is like your son and dares not disobey you. So you should not start this unjust war.

 

After hearing these words, Zhao Kuangyin smiled and said to Xu Xuan

I agree with you.

The relationship between our two kingdoms is indeed that of father and son, but just because we are a family, we should eat and live together and not be separated.

I started this war to bring our family from division to unity, so I felt it was very legitimate to start this war.

 

The meaning of this idiom is that there is no justification for starting this war.

This idiom has been extended to describe a person who does something without a legitimate reason.

 

Dear friend, how do you feel or what do you think after listening to this story?

Who do you think is the greatest contemporary poet? Do you think Li Yu's status as a king will make him feel pain or happiness?

I hope this story can give you some new insights.

 

                                    圖片出處為百度百科度百科

We are all loyal to our respective masters(各為其主)

We are all loyal to our respective masters(各為其主)

 

The name of the founding king of China's Song Dynasty was Zhao Kuangyin, and a story about him is recorded in history books.

 

Before founding the Song Dynasty, he was an important general in the later Zhou Kingdom.

In 954 AD, when he was 27 years old, he was only a mid-ranking officer in the Later Zhou Kingdom.

In that year, the combined armies of the Northern Han Kingdom and the Liao Kingdom launched an attack on the Later Zhou Kingdom. During this battle, he was shot in the arm by an arrow, but he did not flinch and continued to fight bravely.

 

Due to his bravery and very clever army management, he led the army of the Later Zhou Kingdom to reverse the initial defeat and finally achieve victory.

Because he performed so well in this battle, the king of the Later Zhou Kingdom was deeply impressed by him. He became a high-ranking officer.

 

In 956 AD, the king ordered Zhao Kuangyin to lead an army to attack the Southern Tang Kingdom.

Because the army led by Zhao Kuangyin was very well trained, the army of the Southern Tang Kingdom was unable to resist his attack. The Southern Tang army was besieged in a city.

 

A famous general of the Southern Tang Kingdom sent an envoy to inform Zhao Kuangyin.

We both belong to different kingdoms, and we are both loyal to our king.

The current war situation between our two kingdoms has reached a stalemate.

You won't be able to conquer our city in a short time.

We won't be able to break your siege in the short term.

I have a proposal. You and I will fight a duel on behalf of our two kingdoms.

The army led by the person who loses the duel will surrender unconditionally.

 

Zhao Kuangyin said to the envoy.

I agree with your proposal.

 

Zhao Kuangyin later defeated the generals of the Southern Tang Kingdom in a short time with his excellent fighting skills in this duel and led the army to victory.

Because of this victory, the king of the Later Zhou Kingdom paid more and more attention to him, and he was promoted to general.

 

The literal translation of this saying is that each of us is loyal to our respective masters.

 

Dear friend, how do you feel or what do you think after listening to this story?

Are there any famous military generals in your country? If you were Zhao Kuangyin, would you accept the proposal of a duel between two people if the war situation was favourable to you?

I hope this story can give you some new insights.

 

                              圖片出處為百度百科

Like a small ball of mud or a small black mole(彈丸黑子)

 

Like a small ball of mud or a small black mole(彈丸黑子)

 

The name of the founding king of China's Song Dynasty was Zhao Kuangyin, and a story about him is recorded in history books.

 

When he founded the Song Dynasty, China was still divided.

He had a habit of dressing in civilian clothes and wandering around the capital.

He used this method to understand the lives of civilians and also to change his irritable mood.

 

One snowy winter night, he dressed in civilian clothes and went with his younger brother to the house of a minister named Zhao Pu.

 

After seeing Zhao Pu, he said to Zhao Pu

I really want to unify the whole of China, which is a very difficult goal. I have come to your house with my brother because we want to discuss with you how to achieve this difficult task.

 

That night, the three of them discussed how to achieve this goal.

 

At that time there was a small Northern Han Kingdom and a huge Liao Kingdom in the north of the Song Dynasty. In the south of the Song Dynasty there were the Hou Shu Kingdom, the Southern Han Kingdom, the Southern Tang Kingdom and several other kingdoms.

 

Zhao Pu expressed his opinion, and Zhao Pu said to Zhao Kuangyin

I think we should attack the southern kingdoms of the Song Dynasty first and try our best to unite all the southern kingdoms of China.

The small Northern Han Kingdom is like a small mud pill or a small black mole, but if we attack the Northern Han Kingdom first, we will immediately face a frontal threat from the powerful Liao Kingdom. The result was not good for us.

 

Zhao Pu's opinion was recognised by Zhao Kuangyin. The three of them reached a consensus that night and implemented the strategic plan accordingly.

 

After Zhao Kuangyin's death in 976 AD, his younger brother continued the strategic plan.

His younger brother unified all the kingdoms in southern China in 979 AD.

Two kingdoms, the Liao Kingdom in the north and the Song Kingdom in the south, were in conflict on the territory of China.

 

 

The literal translation of this phrase is like a small mud pill or a small black mole.

It is used to describe a small place.

 

Dear friend, how do you feel or what do you think after listening to this story?

What is your ultimate goal in life? Do you have a dream that has been in your heart for a long time but has not yet been fulfilled?

I hope this story can give you some new insights.

 

                                        圖片出處為百度百科

Strong armour and sharp weapons(堅甲利兵)

 

Strong armour and sharp weapons(堅甲利兵)

 

The name of the founding king of China's Song Dynasty was Zhao Kuangyin, and a story about him is recorded in history books.

 

Before founding the Song Dynasty, he was an important general in the Later Zhou Kingdom.

 

One day, the king of the Later Zhou Kingdom heard news that was unfavourable to Zhao Kuangyin.

The news was that Zhao Kuangyin had used his position to commit corruption. Zhao Kuangyin accumulated a lot of treasure in the military camp.

Zhao Kuangyin was preparing to secretly transport some of the treasures back to his home.

 

When the king heard about this, he ordered an investigation.

The king and the soldiers arrived at the military camp, and the king ordered the soldiers to search the tent where Zhao Kuangyin lived.

The soldiers searched carefully and reported back to the king.

We didn't find any treasures, just a lot of books.

 

The king asked Zhao Kuangyin: "Your position is that of a general. Your most important duty is to prepare and maintain strong armour and sharp weapons. Your most important task is to train soldiers in martial arts and skills."

You are not a scholar, why do you have so many books?

 

Zhao Kuangyin replied.

I don't want to be just a general who knows a lot of war techniques and how to train soldiers. I want to be a very good general, so I think I need to enrich my common sense and knowledge, so I use my spare time to study.

 

I read so many books because I hope I can give you more professional and comprehensive advice when our country needs it. I hope I can help you make more correct decisions.

I read so many books because I want to be the best at my job.

 

The king was very moved when he heard Zhao Kuangyin's answer.

You are a very good general, I think your ideas are very positive, and I want to praise you publicly.

 

The literal translation of this phrase is strong armour and sharp weapons.

This idiom is used to describe being well armed.

 

Dear friend, how do you feel or what do you think after listening to this story?

What kind of professional knowledge does your job require? Do you read in your spare time?

I hope this story can give you some new insights.

 

                                    圖片出處為百度百科

You should allow those ministers who are upright and kind to hold important positions, and you should remove those who are treacherous and evil.(舉直措枉)

 

You should allow those ministers who are upright and kind to hold important positions, and you should remove those who are treacherous and evil.(舉直措枉)

 

During the Spring and Autumn Period in China, there was a king named (Ji Jiang) in the Kingdom of Lu.

There is a story about him recorded in the history books.

 

One day Ji Jiang went to visit Confucius, who was about seventy years old at that time.

 

Ji said to Confucius.

If there are many talented people working in the central government of the Kingdom of Lu, then the economy and governance of the Kingdom of Lu will definitely be better.

What kind of qualities do you think we should allow people to have to work in the central government of the Kingdom of Lu?

I want to change the image of our central government so that the people can have more confidence in our central government.

 

Confucius replied.

I think you should let those ministers who are upright and kind hold important positions, and you should remove those who are treacherous and evil. If you work in this direction, the people will naturally trust our central government more and more.

 

Ji Jiang asked Confucius.

Who should we keep out of important positions in the central government?

 

Confucius replied.

I think that if a person is very competitive and always thinks that he is better than others, then we should not let such people hold important positions, because such people will often do whatever it takes to get what they want.

I think that if a person will use his or her power to force others to submit, then we should not let such people hold important positions, because such people will often destroy order within the organisation to achieve their own goals.

I think that if a person speaks very eloquently and never has any objections, then we should not let such people hold important positions, because such people often say some false and dishonest things to benefit themselves.

 

The literal translation of this saying is to allow those upright and kind ministers to hold important positions and to remove those who are treacherous and evil.

 

 

Dear friend, what inspirations or thoughts do you have after listening to this story?

What kind of people do you like to work with? In addition to the three types of people mentioned by Confucius, do you think there are other people with these qualities who can cause harm to the company?

I hope this story can give you some new insights.

 

                                     圖片出處為百度百科

He obtained the military power he wanted in a peaceful way during a banquet.(杯酒釋兵權)

 

He obtained the military power he wanted in a peaceful way during a banquet.(杯酒釋兵權)

 

The name of the founding king of China's Song Dynasty was Zhao Kuangyin, and a story about him is recorded in history books.

 

On 3 February 960 AD, Zhao Kuangyin founded the Song Dynasty with the support of the army he led.

After founding the Song Dynasty, he began to think about a problem. This problem was that after the fall of the Tang Dynasty, the whole of China was in a state of division. The northern part of China, where he lived, had seen five dynasties in the past 50 years. These five dynasties were the Late Liang Dynasty, the Late Tang Dynasty, the Late Jin Dynasty, the Late Han Dynasty and the Late Zhou Dynasty.

He believed that the main reason for the fall of the Tang Dynasty and the change of these five dynasties in a short period of time was that the central governments of these six dynasties did not have absolute military power, so these six dynasties perished.

 

One day in 961 AD, Zhao Kuangyin held a banquet to which he invited all the generals of the Song Dynasty.

In the middle of the banquet, he said to the generals

A year ago, I founded the Song Dynasty with your support, but in the year since I became king, I have had insomnia almost every night.

 

These generals asked Zhao Kuangyin.

Why do you have insomnia? What is troubling you?

 

Zhao Kuangyin replied to these generals.

I'm worried that some of you want to take my place. Some of you want to be the king, so you betray me?

 

These generals told Zhao Kuangyin after hearing his words.

Don't worry, we respect you very much and have no intention of replacing you as king.

 

Zhao Kuangyin replied to these generals.

A year ago, I was forced to become king with your support.

If your subordinates fully support you in killing me and replacing me as king, can you guarantee that you will never rebel?

 

These generals told Zhao Kuangyin after hearing his words.

You must not doubt us, we are absolutely loyal to you. What do you think we should do to make you trust us not to betray you?

There was fear in the generals' voices, for they knew that if Zhao Kuangyin could not trust them, none of them would be able to leave that banquet hall alive.

 

Zhao Kuangyin sensed the fear in the generals' voices and answered them with a smile.

How short a man's life is. If a person is very wealthy, has his family with him, and lives with the people he loves every day without any worries, then I think that person will definitely be very happy.

I think it's too hard for you to lead the army every day. You should retire and go back to your hometown to live such a happy life.

 

These generals told Zhao Kuangyin after hearing his words.

Thank you for thinking of us. Your proposal is great, and we are willing to do it.

 

The day after the banquet, the generals left their respective armies.

Zhao Kuangyin directly led these armies himself. Since then, the military power of the Song Dynasty has been firmly controlled by the central government.

 

The literal translation of this idiom is that he obtained the military power he wanted in a peaceful way during a banquet.

This idiom is used to describe a person who uses very peaceful means to get the power he wants.

 

Dear friend, how do you feel or what do you think after listening to this story?

Do you think Zhao Kuangyin's approach is wise? Do you think Zhao Kuangyin's approach can really make the Song Dynasty stronger and less likely to fall?

I hope this story can give you some new insights.

 

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