Through the Dynasties · LD5

Han

Imperial consolidation and Silk Road diplomacy

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Classical Poetry

Orthodox classical Chinese poetry spanning archaic ballads to Tang regulated verse.18 works
  1. Song of White HairZhuo Wenjun · Yuefu BalladsMay I win a person's steadfast heart, never to part till our hair turns white.
  2. Song of Lament (Zhaojun's Lament)Wang Zhaojun · Yuefu BalladsAutumn trees are lush, their leaves wither to yellow. A bird resides in the mountains, resting upon bushy mulberries.
  3. Han Yuefu · Southeast the Peacocks FlyAnonymous (Han Folk Yuefu) · Yuefu BalladsYou should be as the solid rock, I as the supple reed; the reed is tough as silk, the rock shall never move.
  4. Han Yuefu · Long Song (Time Flees Like Rivers)Anonymous (Han Dynasty) · Yuefu BalladsA hundred rivers flow east to the sea, when will they return west? If you strive not in youth, you will grieve in vain in age.
  5. Han Yuefu · Jiangnan (Gathering Lotus)Anonymous (Han Dynasty) · Yuefu BalladsJiangnan is ripe for gathering lotus, how lush are the lily pads! Fish play among the lotus leaves.
  6. Nineteen Ancient Poems · Walking and WalkingAnonymous (Eastern Han) · Old-Style SongsSeparation stretches longer day by day, robe-sashes grow ever looser. Longing makes one age, the years have swiftly turned late.
  7. Nineteen Ancient Poems · Faraway the Cowherd StarAnonymous (Eastern Han) · Old-Style SongsAcross a single pool of clear water, gazing in deep affection, unable to speak.
  8. Han Yuefu · Mulberries by the PathAnonymous (Han Folk Ballad) · Yuefu BalladsThe Prefect asked Luofu: 'Would you care to ride with me?' Luofu stepped forward and replied: 'How foolish is my Lord! You have your own wife, and Luofu has her own husband!'
  9. Han Yuefu · At Fifteen Conscripted into the ArmyAnonymous (Han Veteran) · Yuefu BalladsConscripted at fifteen to campaign, at eighty I finally return. On the road I meet a villager: 'Who remains in my household?' 'Look yonder where your home stands—graves beneath pines and cypresses cluster row upon row.'
  10. Han Yuefu · By HeavenAnonymous (Han Woman) · Yuefu BalladsBy Heaven! I yearn to love you and be your soulmate, for a lifetime without end or waning. When mountains flatten into plains, when great rivers run dry, when winter roars with thunder, when summer falls with snow, when Heaven and Earth unite as one—only then would I dare part from you!
  11. Han Yuefu · One I Yearn ForAnonymous (Han Woman) · Yuefu BalladsThere is one I yearn for, far beyond the southern sea. What gift shall I send him? A tortoiseshell hairpin with twin pearls, wrapped with fine jade cords. Hearing you have turned your heart to another, I shatter and burn it to ash. Shatter and burn it, casting its ashes into the wind!
  12. Han Yuefu · Battle South of the CityAnonymous (Han Military Yuefu) · Yuefu BalladsBattling south of city walls, dying north of ramparts; dying untended in the wilds, for ravens to feast upon. Pray tell the ravens for me: 'Weep first for the fallen traveler! Left unburied in the wilderness, how could my rotten flesh flee from your beak?'
  13. Nineteen Ancient Poems · Wading the River to Pluck LotusAnonymous (Eastern Han Poet) · Old-Style SongsWading across the river to pluck lotus blossoms, the orchid marsh is filled with fragrant herbs. Whom do I wish to send them to? The one I yearn for is far away on the road. United in heart yet dwelling apart, we shall grow old in sorrow.
  14. Nineteen Ancient Poems · In the Northwest Stands a Lofty TowerAnonymous (Eastern Han Poet) · Old-Style SongsIn the northwest stands a lofty tower, its summit rising level with drifting clouds. Patterned latticework graces delicate windows, multi-tiered terraces rise three flights high. From above comes the sound of stringed music and song, how sorrowful the melody rings! I grieve not for the singer's bitter toil, but mourn that true soulmates are so rare. Would that we were a pair of calling cranes, spreading wings to soar high into the sky.
  15. Nineteen Ancient Poems · Bright Moon How RadiantAnonymous (Eastern Han Poet) · Old-Style SongsThe bright moon shines how radiant, illuminating the curtains of my silk bed. Beset with grief I cannot sleep, gathering my robes I rise and pace. Though traveling afar is said to be joyous, nothing equals returning early home. Stepping outside the door in solitary wandering, to whom can I utter my sorrowful thoughts?
  16. Nineteen Ancient Poems · In the Courtyard Grows a Rare TreeAnonymous (Eastern Han Poet) · Old-Style SongsIn the courtyard grows a wondrous tree, green leaves blossoming rich and flourishing. Climbing branches I pluck its blossoms, intending to send them to the one I cherish. Sweet fragrance fills my sleeves and bosom, yet the road is too distant to deliver. How could this blossom be precious in itself? I am merely moved by how long we have been parted.
  17. Song of Harmonious AccordZhang Heng · Yuefu BalladsBy chance meeting in a fleeting hour, binding hair to serve the one I cherish. Joyful love not yet fully unveiled, secluded in the quiet depth of inner rooms. Layered curtains tied with golden ribbons, intersecting blinds woven of cloud-silk. I long to be a pair of flying swallows, bearing mud to build a nest beneath your roof.
  18. Ballad of Resentment · The Round FanLady Ban (Ban Jieyu) · Yuefu BalladsFreshly sheared fine white silk from Qi, spotless and pure as frost and snow, tailored into an joined fan shaped round as the full moon. Carried in my lord's sleeves to stir gentle breezes; yet ever fearing the arrival of autumn chill, discarded into the chest when love is severed halfway.

Rhapsody & Parallel Prose

Grand rhapsodies and parallel prose showcasing acoustic symmetry and ornate eloquence.11 works
  1. Rhapsody Mourning Qu YuanJia Yi · Grand Han RhapsodiesPhoenixes hide in concealment while horned owls soar triumphant. Vulgar fools attain noble honors while flatterers achieve their aims; sages are dragged backward while rectitude is upended.
  2. Rhapsody on the OwlJia Yi · Grand Han RhapsodiesHeaven and Earth are the great furnace, Nature the master smith; Yin and Yang the burning charcoal, and all myriad creatures the molten bronze. Assembling, dispersing, waning, waxing—where is there any rigid constant!
  3. Rhapsody of Master VoidSima Xiangru · Grand Han RhapsodiesChu sent Master Void on an embassy to Qi, where the King of Qi mobilized all kingdom hunters in his honor. Master Void boasted of his hunt to Master Nowhere, with Lord Nonexistent present.
  4. Rhapsody on the Imperial Shanglin ParkSima Xiangru · Grand Han RhapsodiesVast and majestic the Eight Rivers diverge in multifaceted beauty. Its five palaces and outlying lodges span mountains and valleys, with lofty colonnades and tiered pavilions.
  5. Rhapsody on the Long Gate PalaceSima Xiangru · Grand Han RhapsodiesSuddenly drifting into slumber and dream, in spirit my Lord seemed beside me. Startling awake in trembling fright, the endless night stretched boundless without limit.
  6. Rhapsody on Returning to the FieldsZhang Heng · Short RhapsodiesIn the auspicious second month of spring, the weather is mild and air pristine; plains and wetlands burst in luxuriant bloom. Inspired by Laozi's admonition, I steer my carriage toward my thatched cottage.
  7. Rhapsody on the Feathered Hunt · ExcerptYang Xiong · Grand Han RhapsodiesThereupon the Son of Heaven rode a chariot carved of jade, drawn by four azure dragons and flanked by white deer, raising canopies of feathers and unfurling cloud-banners. Moving like a god, shaking Heaven and Earth.
  8. Rhapsody on Expelling PovertyYang Xiong · Short RhapsodiesMaster Yang devoted his mind to the Changes and Mystery, with nothing but four bare walls, composing this 'Rhapsody on Expelling Poverty'. Poverty replied: 'Only you and I have kept each other company into old age. Though you wish to drive me out, I alone cannot bear to abandon you!'
  9. Two Capitals · Western Capital Rhapsody · ExcerptBan Gu · Grand Han RhapsodiesThe Western Capital of Han lay in Yongzhou, truly named Chang'an. To its left rose the formidable hazards of Xiaohan and Taolin Pass; to its right the steep escarpments of Long and Shu. The Great River flowed along its south, the Yellow River circled its north. This is truly the thousand-li impregnable fortress, the Celestial Empire's Land of Abundance.
  10. Two Capitals · Eastern Capital Rhapsody · ExcerptBan Gu · Grand Han RhapsodiesThe Eastern Capital of Luoyi sits at the harmony of Heaven and Earth, the intersection of Yin and Yang. Built by the Duke of Zhou, revived by Emperor Guangwu. Cultivating rituals and music to govern the realm, exalting moral transformation to bring peace to the people.
  11. Two Metropolises · Eastern Metropolis Rhapsody · ExcerptZhang Heng · Grand Han RhapsodiesSeeing that Sima Xiangru and Yang Xiong had not fully exhausted the glory of the Eastern Capital, Zhang Heng composed the Rhapsodies on the Two Metropolises. Great is the virtue of the Han, rituals and music shine bright, all nations live in tranquility and all life thrives in peace.

Classical Prose

Authoritative classical prose from Pre-Qin philosophers to Tang-Song prose masters.27 works
  1. Records of the Grand Historian: Basic Annals of Xiang Yu (Siege of Gaixia)Sima Qian · Historical NarrativeMy strength uprooted mountains, my spirit covered the world. But time favors me not, and Dapple gallops no more. When Dapple gallops no more, what can I do? Oh Yu, oh Yu, what fate awaits you!
  2. Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of Assassins (Jing Ke Attempts on King of Qin)Sima Qian · Historical NarrativeThe wind howls bleak and the Yi River chills; once the warrior departs, he shall return no more!
  3. Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of Lian Po and Lin XiangruSima Qian · Historical NarrativeXiangru judged that the King of Qin was deceitful and had no intention of giving up the cities, saying: 'If the cities are yielded, the jade stays; if not, permit me to return the jade intact to Zhao.'
  4. Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of the Marquis of HuaiyinSima Qian · Historical NarrativeDoes not the Art of War state: 'Plunge them into mortal danger and they will survive; put them on fatal ground and they will live'?
  5. Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of Guan Zhong and Yan YingSima Qian · Historical NarrativeThose who gave me life are my parents; the one who truly knows me is Master Bao.
  6. Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of Qu Yuan and Master JiaSima Qian · Historical NarrativeQu Ping grieved that the King was undiscerning, that slander blinded enlightenment, that wickedness harmed justice, and that rectitude was barred; thus in sorrow and deep meditation he composed Li Sao.
  7. Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of the Lord of Wei (Lord Xinling)Sima Qian · Historical NarrativeThe reason I allied myself with you through marriage was for your noble honor in rescuing others in distress. Now Handan faces surrender while Wei relief comes not—where is your honor in aiding the desperate!
  8. Records of the Grand Historian: Hereditary House of Chen SheSima Qian · Historical NarrativeHow could swallows and sparrows know the ambition of the great swan! Are kings, nobles, generals, and chancellors born of special blood?
  9. Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of General LiSima Qian · Historical NarrativePeaches and plums speak not, yet beneath them paths naturally form. Though a humble saying, it illustrates profound truth.
  10. Records of the Grand Historian: Hereditary House of Marquis of LiuSima Qian · Historical NarrativeDevising strategies within the command tent to secure victory a thousand leagues away—that is the achievement of Master Zifang.
  11. Letter in Reply to Ren AnSima Qian · Letters & PrefacesAll mortals must die; some deaths are heavier than Mount Tai, while others are lighter than a swan's down, according to how one directs one's purpose.
  12. Book of Han: Biography of Su WuBan Gu · Historical NarrativeHerding sheep clasping the imperial Han staff, holding it waking and sleeping until its yak-tail tassels wore bare; unyielding for nineteen years until his glorious return.
  13. Book of Han: Biography of Dongfang ShuoBan Gu · Historical NarrativeSubmerged within the mundane world, hermit at the Golden Horse Gate. One can achieve seclusion and self-preservation inside imperial palaces; why hide beneath thatched roofs in deep mountains!
  14. Book of Han: Biography of Zhang Qian (Opening the Western Regions)Ban Gu · Historical NarrativeZhang Qian broke virgin ground, opening the Western Regions for the first time—the monumental deeds of the Marquis of Bowang are inscribed forever in history.
  15. Faults of QinJia Yi · Essays & MemorialsA single commoner rebelled and the imperial ancestral shrines collapsed, their dynastic line exterminated to become the laughingstock of the realm—why? Because benevolence and righteousness were not practiced, and the strategy of taking power differs from preserving it.
  16. Memorial on Security and StatecraftJia Yi · Essays & MemorialsCarrying a torch, placing it beneath a mountain of dried firewood, and sleeping peacefully on top, claiming all is safe before flames burst out—how does our empire's present situation differ from this!
  17. Memorial on Elevating the Value of GrainChao Cuo · Essays & MemorialsThe people are guided by their ruler, seeking profit like water rushing downhill without hesitation. Pearls, jade, gold, and silver cannot be eaten when starving nor worn when freezing; yet people value them because the ruler cherishes them.
  18. Reply to a Guest's ObjectionDongfang Shuo · Essays & MemorialsThat was one era, this is another—how could they be compared! Employed, one becomes a tiger; unemployed, one is deemed a mouse.
  19. Letter of FarewellZhuo Wenjun · Letters & PrefacesSpring blooms compete in radiant color, outshining plain silk; the zither is still in the hall, yet new melodies displace old tunes! The Jin River flows torrentially; I bid you farewell forever!
  20. Memorial Submitted from Prison to the Prince of LiangZou Yang · Essays & MemorialsIn ancient times Jing Ke embraced Prince Dan's righteousness until a white halo pierced the sun, yet the Crown Prince doubted him. Sincere devotion touches heaven and earth, yet mundane mortals fail to perceive—how tragic indeed!
  21. Letter in Reply to Sun HuizongYang Yun · Letters & PrefacesTilling fields brings bitter toil; yet at festival seasons we boil mutton and roast lamb, pouring flagons of wine in celebration. My household is Qin, skilled at Qin songs; my wife is from Zhao, graceful at the zither. Servants dance, rolling sleeves and slapping thighs in roaring chorus. At such moments, we know nothing of imperial majesty!
  22. Letter Admonishing Nephews Yan and DunMa Yuan · Letters & PrefacesI desire you all, upon hearing others' faults, to treat it as hearing your parents' names: ears may listen, but mouths must never utter them. Emulating Bogao imperfectly still yields a prudent gentleman—carving a swan that resembles a duck; emulating Jiliang imperfectly degrades into frivolous insolence—drawing a tiger that ends up looking like a dog.
  23. Records of the Grand Historian · The House of Goujian, King of Yue (Excerpt)Sima Qian · Historical NarrativeHe placed a gall bladder by his seat, looked up at it sitting or lying, and tasted it at every meal.
  24. Records of the Grand Historian · Biographies of Lord Pingyuan and Yu Qing (Excerpt)Sima Qian · Historical NarrativeAmong his retainers was one Mao Sui, who stepped forward and recommended himself to Lord Pingyuan.
  25. Records of the Grand Historian · Biography of Han Changru (Excerpt)Sima Qian · Historical NarrativeCan dead ashes never flare up again?
  26. Book of Han · Biography of Jia Yi (Excerpt)Ban Gu · Historical NarrativeWhen the front cart overturns, the cart behind takes warning.
  27. Huainanzi · Surveying the Obscure (Excerpt)Liu An · Pre-Qin MastersThen Nüwa smelted stones of five colors to patch the azure sky.

Fables & Lore

Philosophical fables, historical allusion narratives, and primordial mythology.19 works
  1. The Bow's Reflection in the CupYing Shao · Historical AllusionsSuspicion breeds phantoms; once the truth is examined, the fear disappears.
  2. Playing the Lute to a CowMouzi · Satirical ParablesKnow your audience; speak in a way the listener can understand.
  3. The Old Man at the Frontier Loses His HorseLiu An · Philosophers' FablesFortune and misfortune turn into each other; don't overreact to a single gain or loss.
  4. Lord She Loves DragonsLiu Xiang · Satirical ParablesA professed love may not survive meeting the real thing.
  5. When the Birds Are Gone, the Bow Is Stored AwaySima Qian · Historical AllusionsKnowing when to withdraw after success protects you from a jealous ruler.
  6. The Overturned Cart Ahead as a WarningBan Gu · Satirical ParablesOthers' failures are a mirror; ignore their lesson and you repeat their fall.
  7. An Arrow at the End of Its FlightSima Qian · Historical AllusionsEven great strength runs out; act while your force is at its peak.
  8. Little Seen, Much Marveled AtMouzi · Satirical ParablesOnly the inexperienced are easily astonished; the unfamiliar is not the impossible.
  9. Poking Its Head Out Both Ways Like a RatSima Qian · Historical AllusionsSitting on the fence at a critical moment usually pleases neither side.
  10. Dead Ashes Flaring Up AgainSima Qian · Historical AllusionsDon't bully the fallen while you are on top; fortunes can reverse at any time.
  11. Hesitating to Hit the Rat for Fear of Breaking the VaseBan Gu · Satirical ParablesWeigh collateral damage when striking wrongdoers, but don't use it as an excuse for inaction.
  12. When the Hare Is Dead, the Hound Is CookedSima Qian · Historical AllusionsA ruler who shares only hardship often turns on his helpers once victory comes.
  13. As Precarious as Stacked EggsSima Qian · Historical AllusionsA situation without a stable base collapses at the slightest shock.
  14. Xiang Zhuang's Sword Dance Aims at the Lord of PeiSima Qian · Historical AllusionsBeneath an innocent-looking act often lies a hidden aim.
  15. A Single Cry That Astonishes the WorldSima Qian · Historical AllusionsSilence is not weakness; gathered strength can burst forth to astonish all.
  16. Badgers from the Same HillBan Gu · Satirical ParablesBlunt truths feel satisfying, but timing and discretion still matter.
  17. Testing the Law with One's Own BodyBan Gu · Satirical ParablesKnowingly breaking the law means knowingly accepting its consequences.
  18. Devising Strategy Within the TentSima Qian · Historical AllusionsA true leader need not excel at everything, but must know how to use others' talents.
  19. Kindred Spirits on a Shared PathBan Gu · Satirical ParablesTrue companionship lies in shared aims, not in constant company.

Sayings & Idioms

Living Chinese linguistic heritage comprising idioms, proverbs, aphorisms, and couplets.63 works
  1. Chang'e Flies to the MoonHuainanzi · IdiomsChang'e swallows the elixir of immortality and flies to the moon; a myth evoking longing and the moon's beauty.
  2. Nüwa Mends the SkyHuainanzi · IdiomsThe goddess Nüwa smelts five-colored stones to repair the broken sky; heroic effort to set a collapsing world right.
  3. A Bow's Reflection Mistaken for a SnakeYing Shao · IdiomsMistaking a bow reflected in a wine cup for a snake; needless fear born of groundless suspicion.
  4. The Cowherd and the Weaver GirlNineteen Old Poems · IdiomsLovers separated by the Milky Way who meet once a year; couples living apart who rarely reunite.
  5. Sleeping on Brushwood and Tasting GallSima Qian · IdiomsKing Goujian slept on brushwood and tasted gall to remember his humiliation; enduring hardship to prepare for revenge or success.
  6. Bearing Brambles to Beg ForgivenessSima Qian · IdiomsGeneral Lian Po carried thorny brambles on his back to apologize; sincerely admitting fault and asking forgiveness.
  7. Returning the Jade Intact to ZhaoSima Qian · IdiomsLin Xiangru brought the precious jade back safely to Zhao; returning something intact to its rightful owner.
  8. Calling a Deer a HorseSima Qian · IdiomsZhao Gao presented a deer as a horse to test officials' loyalty; deliberately distorting truth and falsehood.
  9. Songs of Chu on All SidesSima Qian · IdiomsXiang Yu, besieged, heard Chu songs from every side; surrounded by enemies and utterly isolated.
  10. Fighting with One's Back to the RiverSima Qian · IdiomsHan Xin deployed troops with a river behind them, cutting off retreat; a desperate all-or-nothing fight.
  11. Mao Sui Recommends HimselfSima Qian · IdiomsMao Sui volunteered to join his lord's mission to Chu; stepping forward to recommend oneself for a task.
  12. Breaking the Cauldrons and Sinking the BoatsSima Qian · IdiomsXiang Yu smashed cooking pots and sank his boats after crossing the river; total commitment with no retreat.
  13. Waging War on PaperSima Qian · IdiomsZhao Kuo knew military texts but lost disastrously in battle; empty theorizing with no practical ability.
  14. Playing the Lute to a CowMou Rong · IdiomsPlaying refined music to a cow; wasting words on an audience that cannot understand or appreciate them.
  15. The Old Frontiersman Loses His HorseHuainanzi · IdiomsAn old man's lost horse returns with a fine steed; misfortune may prove a blessing in disguise.
  16. A Promise Worth a Thousand GoldSima Qian · IdiomsA single promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold; absolute trustworthiness in keeping one's word.
  17. One Word Weighs as Much as Nine TripodsSima Qian · IdiomsWords as weighty as the nine sacred tripods; speech that carries decisive authority.
  18. Living in Peace and Working in ContentmentBan Gu · IdiomsLiving in security and working happily at one's trade; a peaceful, well-ordered society.
  19. Shivering Without ColdSima Qian · IdiomsTrembling though not cold; gripped by fear or dread.
  20. Agreeing Without Prior ArrangementSima Qian · IdiomsActing or speaking in unison without any prior agreement.
  21. The Great Task Is AccomplishedBook of Han · IdiomsA great undertaking or important task has finally been completed.
  22. Brimming with Self-SatisfactionRecords of the Grand Historian · IdiomsLooking very pleased with oneself; smug and complacent.
  23. The Swift-Footed Arrive FirstRecords of the Grand Historian · IdiomsThe quickest to act gets there first and wins the prize.
  24. One Hair from Nine OxenSima Qian · IdiomsA negligible fraction of a vast amount; a drop in the ocean.
  25. Seen So Often It Is Nothing NewRecords of the Grand Historian · IdiomsSo common that it is no longer surprising.
  26. All Previous Effort WastedSima Qian · IdiomsAll previous efforts and achievements come to nothing.
  27. Lord Ye Loves DragonsLiu Xiang · IdiomsLord Ye professes to love dragons but flees a real one; professed love that is not genuine.
  28. Seek Truth from FactsBan Gu · IdiomsTo base conclusions on facts and seek the truth from reality.
  29. First to Bear the BruntBan Gu · IdiomsTo be the first to face an attack or bear the brunt of a disaster.
  30. Strike First to Gain ControlBan Gu · IdiomsStrike first to gain the upper hand.
  31. Passing Fish Eyes Off as PearlsWei Boyang · IdiomsPassing off fish eyes as pearls; palming off fakes as genuine.
  32. Unbending after a Hundred SetbacksCai Yong · IdiomsNever yielding however many setbacks one suffers; describes indomitable will.
  33. Clinging to the Broken and IncompleteLiu Xin · IdiomsClinging to fragmentary old texts; stubbornly conservative and resistant to change.
  34. Without Learning or SkillBan Gu · IdiomsHaving neither learning nor skill; ignorant and incompetent.
  35. Not Worth MentioningSima Qian · IdiomsNot worth mentioning; often a modest reply to thanks or praise.
  36. Issuing Orders at Dawn, Changing Them at DuskChao Cuo · IdiomsAn order given at dawn is changed by dusk; constantly shifting policies.
  37. Honest Advice Grates on the EarSima Qian · IdiomsSincere advice is unpleasant to hear but good for one's conduct; urges accepting criticism.
  38. Weightier than Mount TaiSima Qian · IdiomsHeavier than Mount Tai; of the utmost significance, especially a death for a worthy cause.
  39. Standing Out from the CrowdBan Gu · IdiomsOf outstanding talent and virtue, far above the ordinary.
  40. Holding One Front AloneSima Qian · IdiomsCapable of taking sole charge of one area or front.
  41. Mending One's WaysSima Qian · IdiomsCorrecting one's mistakes and making a fresh start.
  42. Misfortunes Never Come SinglyLiu Xiang · IdiomsMisfortunes tend to come one after another rather than alone.
  43. Many Littles Make a LotBan Gu · IdiomsSmall amounts steadily accumulated add up to a great deal.
  44. Nothing but Four Bare WallsSima Qian · IdiomsA home with nothing but four bare walls; utter poverty.
  45. Forgetting Righteousness at the Sight of GainBan Gu · IdiomsTo abandon principle and loyalty at the sight of personal gain.
  46. Overcorrecting a WrongBan Gu · IdiomsTo overcorrect an error so that one swings to the opposite extreme.
  47. Raising Bamboo Poles in RevoltJia Yi · IdiomsTo raise bamboo poles as banners and rise in revolt; a popular uprising.
  48. Seeking a Steed by Its PictureBan Gu · IdiomsLooking for a fine horse by a picture; rigidly following rules, or searching by clues.
  49. Birds Gone, the Bow Is Put AwaySima Qian · IdiomsOnce the birds are shot, the bow is stored away; discarding loyal helpers after success.
  50. The Overturned Cart Ahead as a WarningBan Gu · IdiomsThe cart ahead overturned serves as a warning; learning from others' past failures.
  51. The Spent Arrow of a Strong CrossbowSima Qian · IdiomsAn arrow from a mighty crossbow at the end of its flight; once-great strength now spent.
  52. Little Seen, Much Marveled AtMou Rong · IdiomsThose who have seen little marvel at the ordinary; mocks a lack of experience.
  53. A Rat Peering Both WaysSima Qian · IdiomsLike a rat poking its head out and looking both ways; wavering and indecisive.
  54. Dead Ashes Flare Up AgainSima Qian · IdiomsDead ashes rekindling; a fallen force regaining power, or a suppressed evil reviving.
  55. The Mantis Stalks the Cicada, Unaware of the Oriole BehindLiu Xiang · ProverbsThe mantis stalks the cicada while an oriole waits behind; eyeing gain while blind to danger.
  56. Hesitating to Throw at a Rat for Fear of the VaseBan Gu · IdiomsWanting to hit the rat but fearing to break the vessel beside it; restrained by side concerns.
  57. The Hare Dead, the Hound Is CookedSima Qian · IdiomsOnce the hare is caught, the hound is cooked; discarding or killing helpers after success.
  58. Precarious as Stacked EggsSima Qian · IdiomsAs precarious as a stack of eggs; an extremely perilous situation.
  59. Xiang Zhuang's Sword Dance Aims at the Duke of PeiSima Qian · ProverbsXiang Zhuang's sword dance was aimed at Liu Bang; an act whose real purpose is hidden.
  60. Amazing the World with a Single CrySima Qian · IdiomsA bird silent for years whose first cry astonishes all; a sudden, remarkable achievement.
  61. Badgers from the Same HillBan Gu · IdiomsBadgers of the same hill; people equally bad, birds of a feather.
  62. Putting Oneself to the Test of the LawBan Gu · IdiomsTo test the law with one's own conduct; knowingly breaking the law.
  63. Devising Strategy Within the TentSima Qian · IdiomsPlanning strategy inside the command tent; directing operations through careful planning.