Sayings · LT901

Idioms

Classical four-character idiomatic expressions derived from historical masterworks.

1231works

13dynasties

230authors

Zhou

244 works

1046–221 BCE

  1. Jingwei Fills the SeaAnonymousThe bird Jingwei carries twigs and pebbles to fill the sea; unshakable determination against overwhelming odds.
  2. Kuafu Chases the SunAnonymousThe giant Kuafu races the sun until he dies of thirst; boundless ambition, or overreaching one's strength.
  3. The Foolish Old Man Moves the MountainsLie Yukou (Liezi) (traditionally attributed)An old man digs away at two mountains, undeterred by mockery; perseverance can overcome any obstacle.
  4. Yu the Great Tames the FloodMenciusYu the Great channels the floods, passing his own door three times without entering; selfless public service.
  5. The Highest Good Is Like WaterLaoziSupreme goodness is like water, nourishing all things without contending; humble, selfless virtue.
  6. The Way Follows NatureLaoziThe Dao takes what is natural as its model; follow things as they are rather than forcing them.
  7. Governing by Non-ActionConfuciusRuling well without forceful intervention, through virtue and by letting things take their natural course.
  8. Great Virtue Carries All ThingsKing Wen of Zhou (traditionally attributed)Like the earth, a noble person bears all things with generous virtue; a classic motto of moral cultivation.
  9. Covering One's Ears to Steal a BellLu Buwei (comp.)A thief covers his own ears while stealing a bell; fooling oneself while fooling no one else.
  10. The Doctrine of the MeanConfuciusThe Confucian way of balance, avoiding excess and deficiency; today also a moderate, compromising attitude.
  11. Investigating Things to Extend KnowledgeZengzi (traditionally attributed)Probing the principles of things to attain true knowledge; the first step of Confucian self-cultivation.
  12. Sincere Intentions, Rectified HeartZengzi (traditionally attributed)Making one's intentions sincere and one's heart upright; core steps of Confucian self-cultivation.
  13. Striving Ceaselessly for Self-ImprovementKing Wen of Zhou (traditionally attributed)Like heaven's tireless motion, the noble person strives to improve himself without ever slackening.
  14. The Fox Borrows the Tiger's MightLiu Xiang (comp.)A fox walks ahead of a tiger so beasts flee; bullying others by borrowing someone else's power.
  15. Hair Tied to the Beam, Awl to the ThighLiu Xiang (comp.)Scholars tied their hair to a beam or jabbed their thighs to stay awake; studying with extreme diligence.
  16. The Frog at the Bottom of the WellZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)A frog in a well thinks the sky is as small as the well's mouth; a person of narrow vision.
  17. Pulling Up Seedlings to Help Them GrowMenciusA farmer tugs his seedlings upward to speed growth and kills them; haste that defies nature ruins everything.
  18. Tossing and TurningAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)Tossing and turning in bed; unable to sleep because of longing or worry.
  19. A Graceful and Virtuous MaidenAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)A lovely, gentle and virtuous young woman; an admirable lady worthy of courtship.
  20. The Spear and the Shield ContradictHan FeiziA man boasts his spear pierces anything and his shield stops everything; self-contradiction in words or deeds.
  21. The One I Long ForAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)That person of whom I speak; the beloved one longed for but out of reach.
  22. Reviewing the Old to Learn the NewConfuciusRevisiting what one has learned yields fresh understanding; also, learning from the past to grasp the present.
  23. Drawing Legs on a SnakeLiu Xiang (comp.)Adding legs to a drawn snake loses the wager; doing something superfluous that ruins the result.
  24. Learning Enough to Fill Five CartsZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)Having read enough books to fill five carts; exceptionally erudite and widely read.
  25. A Hundred Shots, a Hundred HitsLiu Xiang (comp.)Yang Youji hit a willow leaf from a hundred paces every time; perfect accuracy, or unfailing judgment.
  26. Giving Up HalfwayZisi (traditionally attributed)Stopping halfway along the road; abandoning a task before it is finished.
  27. Not Ashamed to Ask Those BelowConfuciusUnashamed to learn from those of lower status or learning; humble eagerness to learn.
  28. The Uninvited GuestKing Wen of Zhou (traditionally attributed)A guest who arrives without being invited.
  29. Self-Evident Without WordsMenciusUnderstood without being said; self-evident.
  30. Flying Away Without WingsGuan Zhong (traditionally attributed)Vanishing as if on invisible wings; something suddenly missing, or news spreading rapidly.
  31. Learning to Walk in HandanZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)A youth imitating Handan's gait forgets how to walk; blind imitation that loses one's own abilities.
  32. Marking the Boat to Find the SwordLu Buwei (comp.)Sticking rigidly to old methods without seeing that circumstances have changed.
  33. Standing Out from One's KindMenciusFar surpassing one's peers in character or ability; outstanding.
  34. Braving Life and DeathLaoziRepeatedly risking one's life; braving mortal danger without regard for oneself.
  35. Great Vessels Take Long to MakeLaoziGreat talents mature slowly; people of great ability often achieve success late.
  36. Many Talents and Many ArtsAnonymousGifted in many fields; versatile and accomplished.
  37. Supporting the Old, Leading the YoungLiu Xiang (comp.)Helping the elderly and leading the children; whole families turning out together.
  38. Buying the Casket, Returning the PearlHan FeiValuing outward packaging over real substance; making a foolish choice.
  39. Success Achieved, Fame WonMozi (Mo Di) (traditionally attributed)Having achieved one's goals and won renown.
  40. Driving North to Reach the SouthLiu Xiang (comp.)Acting in a way directly opposed to one's goal, so effort leads further away.
  41. Failing for Want of One BasketAnonymousFailing just short of success for lack of a final effort.
  42. The Man of Qi Fears the Sky Will FallLie Yukou (Liezi) (traditionally attributed)Needless or groundless worry.
  43. Work of Ghostly Axes and Divine CraftZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)Craftsmanship or natural scenery so marvelous it seems beyond human ability.
  44. The Horse That Harms the HerdZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)A person who harms or corrupts the group; a black sheep.
  45. Snipe and Clam Locked in StruggleLiu Xiang (comp.)When two sides fight to a stalemate, a third party reaps the benefit.
  46. The Man of Zheng Buys ShoesHan FeiTrusting rules and measurements rather than reality; rigid dogmatism.
  47. In Perfect OrderXunzi (Xun Kuang)Neatly organized and in perfect order.
  48. Waiting by the Stump for a HareHan FeiClinging to a lucky past experience instead of adapting; hoping for gain without effort.
  49. The Old Horse Knows the WayHan FeiAn experienced person knows the way and can guide others.
  50. A Mantis Blocking a ChariotZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)Overrating oneself and attempting the impossible; doomed resistance.
  51. Fearless in the Face of DangerZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)Unafraid when facing danger.
  52. So Enchanted One Forgets to ReturnMenciusSo captivated by a place or pleasure that one forgets to leave.
  53. Mending the Pen after Losing SheepLiu Xiang (comp.)Taking remedial action after a loss to prevent further damage.
  54. A Thousand Changes, Ten Thousand TransformationsLie Yukou (Liezi) (traditionally attributed)Endlessly changing; showing countless variations.
  55. Dong Shi Imitates the FrownZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)The plain Dong Shi copies Xi Shi's frown and looks worse; blind imitation that backfires.
  56. New Every Day, Different Every MonthDai Sheng (comp.)Changing day by day and month by month; rapid progress.
  57. Like Fire, Like Reed FlowersZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)Like red fire and white reed flowers; vigorous, spectacular, and in full swing.
  58. As If Treading on Thin IceAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)As if walking on thin ice; acting with the utmost caution.
  59. As If Relieved of a Heavy LoadGuliang Chi (traditionally attributed)As if a heavy burden were lifted; a feeling of great relief.
  60. Think Thrice Before ActingAnonymous (Confucius's disciples and their students)Think carefully, again and again, before taking action.
  61. The Law of Heaven and EarthZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)A principle as unalterable as heaven and earth; perfectly justified.
  62. Three Men Make a TigerLiu Xiang (comp.)If three people say there is a tiger in the market, it is believed; repeated rumor becomes truth.
  63. Driven to Desperate RiskZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)Driven by desperation to take a reckless risk.
  64. Nothing Can Be DoneLiu Xiang (comp.)Utterly helpless; there is nothing to be done.
  65. Joy, Anger, Sorrow, and DelightDai Sheng (comp.)Joy, anger, grief, and happiness; the full range of human emotions.
  66. With Careful ReverenceAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)Originally reverent and solemn; now, extremely careful and cautious.
  67. Vivid as LifeZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)So lifelike it seems alive; vividly true to life.
  68. Never Weary of LearningAnonymous (Confucius's disciples and their students)Never tiring of learning; always eager to learn more.
  69. Hesitant and UndecidedLiu Xiang (comp.)Hesitating and unable to make up one's mind.
  70. Orderly and MethodicalAnonymousWell-ordered and systematic; not the least bit confused.
  71. Know Yourself and Know Your EnemySunziKnowing both yourself and your opponent, the basis for sound action in any contest.
  72. United Wills Form a FortressZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)When many are of one mind they become a fortress; unity creates unbreakable strength.
  73. Victorious in a Hundred BattlesSunziWinning every battle; invincible in war, or consistently successful in any endeavor.
  74. Guests Feel at HomeZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)Guests feel as if they have come home; describes warm, attentive hospitality.
  75. Unable to Live under the Same SkyDai Sheng (comp.)Unwilling to share the same sky with an enemy; describes the deepest enmity.
  76. Beyond CureAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)Beyond the help of medicine; hopelessly incorrigible.
  77. CountlessMozi (Mo Di) (traditionally attributed)Too many to be counted; countless.
  78. Far from IsolatedGongyang Gao (traditionally attributed)Not just one but many; used when listing numerous similar instances.
  79. Sparing No EffortLiu Xiang (comp.)Sparing no effort; using every ounce of strength.
  80. Overrating OneselfZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)Overestimating one's own abilities and attempting the impossible.
  81. The Pillar in MidstreamAnonymousLike the rock standing firm amid the Yellow River's torrent; a person or force that holds steady in a crisis.
  82. Wholehearted ConcentrationMenciusDevoting one's whole mind and attention to a task.
  83. Trembling with AnxietyAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)Uneasy and fearful, full of anxious worry.
  84. Giving Up on OneselfMenciusAbandoning oneself to failure or degradation; giving up all effort to improve.
  85. Self-RighteousMenciusBelieving oneself always right and refusing others' views; self-righteous.
  86. Not Yielding in RighteousnessConfuciusTaking on what is right without deferring to anyone, even one's teacher.
  87. The Most Urgent TaskMenciusThe most pressing matter of the moment, to be dealt with first.
  88. Deep-Rooted and Firmly EstablishedLaoziDeeply rooted and firmly fixed; hard to shake or remove.
  89. Weighing on One's MindAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)Unable to let go of something troubling; brooding over it.
  90. Faking It in the Pipe BandHan FeiA man who couldn't play the yu hid among real players; posing as competent among experts.
  91. Too Much Is as Bad as Too LittleConfuciusOverdoing is as bad as underdoing; everything in moderation.
  92. Flowers Without FruitZuo QiumingAll blossom and no fruit; showy on the outside but empty within.
  93. The Benevolent See Benevolence, the Wise See WisdomKing Wen of Zhou (traditionally attributed)Different people see the same matter differently, each according to their own perspective.
  94. Changing One's Mind at Every New SightGuan Zhong (traditionally attributed)To want to change course whenever something new appears; fickle and lacking constancy.
  95. Three in the Morning, Four in the EveningZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)Originally a trick to fool others; now means being fickle and constantly changing.
  96. Keeping Oneself CleanMenciusTo keep oneself morally pure and aloof from wrongdoing; also, to avoid involvement for self-protection.
  97. Draining the Pond to Catch the FishLu Buwei (comp.)Draining a pond to get all the fish; sacrificing long-term interest for immediate gain.
  98. Fighting a Tiger Barehanded, Fording a River on FootAnonymous (Confucius's disciples and their students)Tackling a tiger barehanded and wading a river; reckless courage without judgment.
  99. Hearsay Picked Up on the RoadAnonymous (Confucius's disciples and their students)Rumors heard on the road and passed on; groundless hearsay.
  100. Mutual Deceit and DistrustZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)Each deceiving and distrusting the other; mutual scheming.
  101. A Bird Startled by the BowLiu Xiang (comp.)A bird once wounded that panics at the twang of a bow; someone easily frightened after a shock.
  102. Holding the Chess Piece UndecidedZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)Holding a chess piece without deciding where to place it; indecision.
  103. Cook Ding Carves the OxZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)Cook Ding carving an ox with masterly ease; skill that comes from grasping how things work.
  104. Lofty Songs Find Few to Join InSong YuThe loftier the tune, the fewer who can sing along; refined work appreciated by few.
  105. Half the Effort, Double the ResultMenciusHalf the effort for twice the result; highly efficient through the right method.
  106. Double the Effort, Half the ResultMenciusTwice the effort for half the result; inefficient because of a poor method.
  107. In the Same Boat Crossing TogetherSunziCrossing the river in the same boat; pulling together to overcome shared difficulties.
  108. Sighing Before the Vast OceanZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)Sighing at the vast sea; feeling small before greatness, now also powerless before a task.
  109. Not Plucking a Single HairMenciusUnwilling to pluck even one hair for others; extremely stingy and selfish.
  110. One Day's Sun, Ten Days' ColdMenciusOne day of sun followed by ten of cold; working in fits and starts without perseverance.
  111. Striking a Stone with an EggMozi (Mo Di) (traditionally attributed)Throwing an egg against a stone; overestimating oneself and courting defeat.
  112. Giving Up Eating for Fear of ChokingLu Buwei (comp.)Refusing to eat because one once choked; abandoning something useful over a minor setback.
  113. Ample Room for the BladeZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)The blade moves with room to spare; handling a task with effortless skill.
  114. Preparedness Averts PerilZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)Being prepared in advance prevents disaster.
  115. The More One Hides, the More It ShowsZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)Trying to cover something up only makes it more conspicuous.
  116. Leaving the Altar to Do the Cook's JobZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)The priest leaving the altar to take over the cook's work; overstepping one's role.
  117. Keep Carving Without StoppingXunzi (Xun Kuang)Carve without stopping, and even metal and stone can be engraved.
  118. At the First DrumrollZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)At the first drumroll, courage rises; at the second it flags; by the third it is spent.
  119. Know the Enemy and Know YourselfSun Wu (Sunzi)Hence it is said: know the enemy and know yourself, and in a hundred battles you will never be in peril;
  120. Songs of the Country FolkSong YuThere was a man who sang in Ying; at first he sang Xiali and Baren, and several thousand in the city joined in.
  121. Bright Spring and White SnowSong YuWhen he sang Yangchun and Baixue, those in the city who joined in were no more than a few dozen.
  122. Sought but Not WonAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)Seeking her and not winning her, waking and sleeping I think of her.
  123. Solemn Vows, Sincere and ClearAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)His vows were sworn so earnestly; I never thought he would go back on them.
  124. Quick-Witted and Eager to LearnAnonymous (Confucius's disciples and their students)The Master said: 'He was quick and fond of learning, and not ashamed to ask those below him; that is why he was called Wen.
  125. Teaching Others Without TiringAnonymous (Confucius's disciples and their students)The Master said: 'To store things up in silence, to learn without satiety, to teach others without weariness; what of these do I find hard?
  126. Think Thrice, Then ActAnonymous (Confucius's disciples and their students)Ji Wenzi thought three times before he acted.
  127. Flood-Like Vital EnergyMencius'May I ask what you mean by flood-like vital energy?'
  128. The Meat-Eaters Are ShortsightedZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)Gui said: 'The meat-eaters are shortsighted and cannot plan far ahead.
  129. Much Wrongdoing Brings Self-DestructionZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)The duke said: 'One who does much that is unjust will surely bring himself down; just wait for it.
  130. A Courtyard Like a MarketplaceLiu Xiang (comp.)As soon as the order was issued, ministers came to remonstrate, and the gate and courtyard were as crowded as a market;
  131. A Fit Match for a GentlemanAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)The modest, lovely maiden is a fine match for a gentleman.
  132. The Mirror for Yin Is Not FarAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)The mirror for Yin is not far: it lies in the age of the sovereigns of Xia!
  133. Pleased and Fully SatisfiedZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)He stood holding his knife, looked all around, lingered there fully satisfied, then wiped the blade clean and put it away.
  134. Stirring the Heart and Strengthening the NatureMenciusThus, when Heaven is about to place a great charge on a person, it first embitters their mind, wearies their sinews and bones, starves their body, leaves them in want and confounds their undertakings, so as to stir their heart, toughen their nature and add to what they could not do before.
  135. Speaking Only with the Eyes in the StreetZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)No one in the capital dared to speak; on the roads, people communicated only with their eyes.
  136. Resting in the Highest GoodZengzi (traditionally attributed)The way of great learning lies in making bright virtue shine, in renewing the people, and in resting in the highest good.
  137. The Peach Tree, Young and LovelyAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)The peach tree is young and lovely; bright, bright are its blossoms.
  138. Rising Early and Retiring LateAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)Rising early and retiring late, not a single morning was otherwise.
  139. Masters of the Great WayZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)Now that I see how hard you are to fathom, I know that had I not come to your gate I would have been in danger; I would forever have been laughed at by the masters of the great Way.
  140. Like Cooking a Small FishLaozi (traditionally attributed)Governing a great state is like cooking a small fish.
  141. Great Skill Seems ClumsyLaozi (traditionally attributed)Great straightness seems bent, great skill seems clumsy, great eloquence seems halting.
  142. One Cannot Have BothMenciusIf I cannot have both, I will give up fish and take bear's paw.
  143. Never Imperiled in a Hundred BattlesSun Wu (Sunzi)Hence it is said: know the other and know yourself, and in a hundred battles you will not be imperiled;
  144. A Host of Dragons Without a LeaderKing Wen of Zhou (traditionally attributed)Use of Nines: seeing a host of dragons with none at the head; good fortune.
  145. Ruler and Ranks of One DesireSun Wu (Sunzi)The side whose superiors and subordinates share the same desire will win.
  146. The Best Warfare Defeats the Enemy's PlansSun Wu (Sunzi)Thus the highest form of war is to attack the enemy's plans; next, his alliances; next, his army; and the lowest, his walled cities.
  147. Lingering Notes Circling the RaftersLie Yukou (Liezi) (traditionally attributed)After she left, the lingering notes circled the beams for three days, and those nearby thought she had not gone.
  148. Sons and Grandsons Without EndLieziSons and grandsons will go on without end, while the mountains will grow no higher; why fear they cannot be leveled?
  149. As Careful at the End as at the BeginningLaozi (traditionally attributed)People in their undertakings often fail when they are nearly done. Be as careful at the end as at the beginning, and nothing will fail.
  150. Soaring Straight Up on the WhirlwindZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)When the Peng travels to the southern sea, it strikes the water for three thousand li, beats upon the whirlwind and rises ninety thousand li, and departs on the winds of the sixth month.
  151. Without End and Without LimitLiezi (traditionally attributed)Generation upon generation without end, while the mountains will grow no higher; why worry that they cannot be leveled?
  152. Losing the Sheep Where the Roads ForkLie Yukou (Liezi) (traditionally attributed)On the great road sheep are lost because of the many forks; scholars lose their lives because of the many methods.
  153. A Hen Announcing the DawnAnonymous (records of court scribes of Yu, Xia, Shang and Zhou; traditionally edited by Confucius)The hen does not announce the morning; when the hen announces the morning, the household is ruined.
  154. Mystery Upon Mystery, the Gate of All WondersLaozi (traditionally attributed)Mystery upon mystery: the gateway to all wonders.
  155. Hesitant Undertakings Win No SuccessShang Yang (traditionally attributed)Hesitant action brings no success; hesitant undertakings bring no merit.
  156. Cook Ding Sees No Whole OxZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)When I first began carving oxen, all I saw was the ox; after three years I never saw a whole ox again.
  157. Laughed at by Those Who Know the WayZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)I would long have been laughed at by those of the great Way.
  158. Lofty Mountains, Flowing Water: Boya and ZiqiLie Yukou (Liezi) (traditionally attributed)Wonderful! Towering like Mount Tai! ... Wonderful! Vast like the great rivers!
  159. The Roc's Ten-Thousand-Li JourneyZhuangzi (traditionally attributed)When the roc journeys to the southern sea, it strikes the water for three thousand li and rides the whirlwind ninety thousand li up.
  160. Praise or Blame in a Single WordConfucius (Kongzi) (traditionally attributed)Although the Spring and Autumn Annals expresses praise or blame in a single word, it always needs several sentences to complete what it says.
  161. Three Corrupt Fashions and Ten TransgressionsAnonymous (records of court scribes of Yu, Xia, Shang and Zhou; traditionally edited by Confucius)Of these three fashions and ten faults, if a noble has even one in himself, his house will perish; if a ruler has even one in himself, his state will fall.
  162. Too Fierce to Approach, Like a Prairie FireAnonymous (records of court scribes of Yu, Xia, Shang and Zhou; traditionally edited by Confucius)It is like a fire blazing across the plain: one cannot even approach it, so how could it still be put out?
  163. Who Neither Sow Nor ReapAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)You neither sow nor reap; why do you take three hundred stores of grain?
  164. Too Busy Even to EatAnonymous (records of court scribes of Yu, Xia, Shang and Zhou; traditionally edited by Confucius)From morning until noon and on into the afternoon he had no leisure even to eat, so as to bring harmony to all the people.
  165. Though I Die Nine Times, I Shall Not RegretLiu Xiang (comp.)This is what my heart holds good; though I should die nine times, I would still not regret it!
  166. The Dragon That Soars Too High Will Have RegretsKing Wen of Zhou (traditionally attributed)Top nine: the dragon that soars too high will have regrets.
  167. Replacing the Ox With a SheepMenciusHow could it be abandoned? Exchange it for a sheep!
  168. Laying Out the Capital and Measuring the FieldsDuke of Zhou (traditionally attributed)Only the king founds the state: he distinguishes the directions and fixes the proper positions, lays out the capital and measures the fields, establishes offices and divides their duties, to serve as the standard for the people.
  169. Feeding the Lord a Half-Eaten PeachHan FeiThis man once drove my carriage on a forged order, and once fed me a half-eaten peach.
  170. Brothers Quarrelling Within the WallsAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)Brothers may quarrel within the walls, yet they join to repel insult from outside.
  171. Haughty Before, Humble After: Su Qin's Sister-in-LawLiu Xiang (comp.)Su Qin said: 'Sister, why were you so haughty before and so humble now?'
  172. Transforming Nature Through Deliberate EffortXunzi (Xun Kuang)Thus the sages transformed nature and built up deliberate effort; from that effort ritual and righteousness arose, and from ritual and righteousness laws were made.
  173. The Reckless Courage of a Lone ManZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)I do not want the courage of a lone man; I want you to advance together and retreat together.
  174. Ten Years of Building Up the PeopleZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)Yue will spend ten years growing its people and wealth and ten years teaching and training them; after twenty years, Wu will be a swamp!
  175. Humble Words and Lavish GiftsLiu Xiang (comp.)Once Chu and Zhao submit, Qi will surely be afraid, and in its fear it will serve Qin with humble words and lavish gifts.
  176. Joining North-South and Linking East-WestXunzi (Xun Kuang)It can join north to south, and it is good at linking east to west.
  177. An Auspicious Day and a Lucky HourLiu Xiang (comp.)On an auspicious day at a lucky hour, reverently we come to delight the high lord.
  178. United in Fury Against a Common FoeAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)We mend our spears and lances; with you I share one foe.
  179. When Misfortune Peaks, Fortune ReturnsKing Wen of Zhou (traditionally attributed)When the time has passed its term, stagnation ends and peace follows.
  180. Alas, Father and Mother, Who Toiled to Raise MeAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)Alas, my father and mother, how you toiled to give me life!
  181. When the Lips Are Gone, the Teeth Feel the ColdLiu Xiang (comp.)I have heard that when the lips are gone, the teeth grow cold.
  182. Clinging to Old Rules Like Mozi Holding a CityMozi (Mo Di) (traditionally attributed)Gongshu Ban's siege engines were exhausted, while Master Mozi's defences had more to spare.
  183. Filling a Seat and Eating for NothingAnonymous (comp.)That gentleman, oh, does not eat for nothing!
  184. Treading on Frost, Knowing Hard Ice Will FollowKing Wen of Zhou (traditionally attributed)Treading on frost: hard ice is coming.
  185. Morning Clouds and Evening Rain on Mount WuSong YuAt dawn I am the morning clouds, at dusk the passing rain, morning after morning, evening after evening, below the Yang terrace.
  186. Stabbing One's Thigh with an Awl to Stay AwakeLiu Xiang (comp.)When he grew sleepy over his books, he took an awl and stabbed his own thigh, and the blood flowed down to his feet.
  187. Their Spirit Spent, Ours at FullZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)The first drum rouses courage, the second weakens it, the third exhausts it. Their spirit was spent and ours was full, so we won.
  188. The Fish Has Found Its PlaceAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)Zichan said: It has found its place! It has found its place!
  189. Every Inch Gained Is an Inch KeptLiu Xiang (comp.)Befriend the distant and attack the near; then an inch gained is Your Majesty's inch, and a foot gained is Your Majesty's foot.
  190. Subtle Words Carrying Great PrinciplesConfucius (Kongzi) (traditionally attributed)When Zhongni died his subtle words were cut off; when the seventy disciples passed away the great principles went astray.
  191. Reverently Carrying Out Heaven's PunishmentAnonymous (records of court scribes of Yu, Xia, Shang and Zhou; traditionally edited by Confucius)Now I only reverently carry out Heaven's punishment.
  192. The Mouth Alone Invites DisgraceAnonymous (records of court scribes of Yu, Xia, Shang and Zhou; traditionally edited by Confucius)It is the mouth that brings shame, and armour that brings war.
  193. Clapping Hands in Lively TalkLiu Xiang (comp.)He saw and persuaded the King of Zhao beneath his splendid roof, clapping his hands as he talked.
  194. Putting Oneself in Others' ShoesAnonymous (Confucius's disciples and their students)What you do not want for yourself, do not impose on others.
  195. Scratching One's Head and PacingAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)She hides and does not appear; I scratch my head and pace about.
  196. Advancing and Retreating in Step With the RanksZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)I do not want the courage of a single man; I want you to advance together and retreat together.
  197. Without Partiality or FactionAnonymous (records of court scribes of Yu, Xia, Shang and Zhou; traditionally edited by Confucius)Without partiality or faction, the royal way is broad and wide; without faction or partiality, the royal way is level and smooth.
  198. When Will This Sun Perish?Anonymous (records of court scribes of Yu, Xia, Shang and Zhou; traditionally edited by Confucius)They say: 'When will this sun perish? We will perish together with you!'
  199. A Parents' Kindness as Boundless as HeavenAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)I long to repay their kindness, but it is as boundless as vast heaven!
  200. A Single Spark Can Set the Prairie AblazeAnonymous (records of court scribes of Yu, Xia, Shang and Zhou; traditionally edited by Confucius)It is like a fire sweeping across a plain: no one can come near it; could it still be beaten out?
  201. The Praise-and-Blame Brush of the Spring and Autumn AnnalsConfucius (Kongzi) (traditionally attributed)When it came to making the Spring and Autumn Annals, he wrote what should be written and cut what should be cut, and disciples like Zixia could not add a single word.
  202. Cliques and Factions Banding TogetherHan FeiThose who band together in cliques and factions to blind the ruler, and twist their words to serve private ends, are sure to be trusted by the powerful.
  203. Morning Clouds and Evening Rain of the Goddess of Mount WuSong YuAt dawn I am the morning cloud, at dusk I am the passing rain.
  204. Every Dawn and Every Dusk Below the Yang TerraceSong YuAt dawn I am the morning cloud, at dusk the passing rain; every dawn and every dusk, below the Yang Terrace.
  205. Binding the Windows Fast Before the RainAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)While the sky is not yet dark with rain, I strip the mulberry roots and bind the door and windows fast.
  206. Sealing One's Lips and Binding One's FeetLiu Xiang (comp.)That is why they will seal their lips and bind their feet, and no one will be willing to come to Qin.
  207. Willows Swaying Softly as the Soldier LeavesAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)When I went away, the willows swayed softly; now I come back, and rain and snow are falling thick.
  208. Evening Light on the Mulberry and ElmAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)My years now lie among the mulberry and elm; like shadow and echo, they cannot be pursued.
  209. Different Roads Leading to the Same DestinationKing Wen of Zhou (traditionally attributed)All under heaven arrive at the same place by different roads, and reach one end through a hundred lines of thought.
  210. A Thousand Li of Fertile PlainsLiu Xiang (comp.)Its fields are rich and its people prosperous; it has ten thousand chariots and a million fighting men, a thousand li of fertile plains and ample stores, and advantageous terrain. This is what is called a storehouse of heaven, the mightiest state under heaven.
  211. Ten Years to Grow, Ten Years to Train: Wu Zixu's WarningZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)Yue will grow and gather for ten years and teach and train for ten years; after twenty years, Wu will surely be a marsh!
  212. Hesitant Action Achieves Nothing: Shang Yang Urges ReformShang Yang (traditionally attributed)Hesitant action achieves nothing; doubtful undertakings win no merit.
  213. Climbing Hills and Facing Waters: Song Yu's Autumn FarewellSong YuClimbing hills and facing waters, I see off one going home.
  214. Knowing Is Easy, Doing Is Hard: Fu Yue's Counsel to Wu DingAnonymous (records of court scribes of Yu, Xia, Shang and Zhou; traditionally edited by Confucius)It is not knowing that is hard; it is doing that is hard.
  215. Short Blades Meet: The Hymn to the FallenLiu Xiang (comp.)Gripping halberds of Wu and wearing rhinoceros armour, chariot wheels lock and short blades meet.
  216. Ritual, Righteousness, Integrity and Shame: The Four Cords of the StateGuan Zhong (traditionally attributed)A state has four cords: break one and it tilts, two and it is in danger, three and it is overturned, four and it is destroyed.
  217. Senior by a Single Meal: Fuchai's Last Plea to GoujianZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)In courtesy I am ahead of you by a single meal.
  218. Heaped Earth Becomes a Mountain: Xunzi on LearningXunzi (Xun Kuang)Heap up earth into a mountain and wind and rain arise from it; gather water into a pool and dragons are born in it.
  219. Know the Toil of Sowing and Reaping: The Duke of Zhou's WarningAnonymous (records of court scribes of Yu, Xia, Shang and Zhou; traditionally edited by Confucius)First learn the hardship of sowing and reaping; then rest, and so know what the common people depend on.
  220. Endless Melon Vines: the Rise of the Zhou PeopleAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)On and on spread the melon vines. When our people first arose, they lived by the Ju and the Qi.
  221. The Fair One Growing Old: Qu Yuan's Fear of TimeLiu Xiang (comp.)Thinking how the plants and trees fall and fade, I fear that the fair one too will grow old.
  222. A Disease in the Belly and Heart: Wu Zixu Warns Against YueZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)Qi and Lu, compared to illness, are a skin rash; how could they cross the Yangtze and the Huai to contest this land with us?
  223. Tongues Worn Out and Ears Gone Deaf: Su Qin's Plea to QinLiu Xiang (comp.)Tongues are worn out and ears deafened, yet no success is seen.
  224. Giving Up Life for Righteousness: Mencius on Fish and Bear's PawMenciusIf I cannot have both, I will give up life and take righteousness.
  225. Talking and Laughing Happily: the Broken Vows of The PeasantAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)In the happy days of childhood we talked and laughed so gaily; your vows were sworn so earnestly, I never thought you would turn against them.
  226. The Modest, Modest Gentleman of the Qian HexagramKing Wen of Zhou (traditionally attributed)The modest, modest gentleman may use this to cross the great river: good fortune.
  227. Greed That Knows No Bounds: the Fall of the Zhi ClanLiu Xiang (comp.)Zhi Bo was killed, his house destroyed and his land divided, and he became the laughing stock of the world: this is greed that knows no bounds.
  228. Driving and Galloping Home in HasteAnonymous (compiled by Zhou court musicians)Driving, galloping, I go home to condole with the lord of Wei; I drive my horses on and on until I reach Cao.
  229. Ally with the Distant, Attack the NearLiu Xiang (comp.)Your Majesty would do better to befriend the distant and attack the near; then every inch you gain is Your Majesty's inch, and every foot is Your Majesty's foot.
  230. Distant Peoples Come and Neighbours Live in PeaceZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)Learning from the fate of Yi and governing by virtue and law, distant peoples will come and those near will be at peace; that is the fifth benefit.
  231. Drifting with the Waves and Following the CurrentLiu Xiang (comp.)If the world is muddy, why not stir up the mud and raise the waves?
  232. Blue Dye Bluer Than the Indigo PlantXunzi (Xun Kuang)Blue is taken from the indigo plant yet is bluer than the plant; ice is made from water yet is colder than water.
  233. Either Foolish or FalseHan FeiTo be certain without testing is foolishness; to rely on what cannot be made certain is deceit.
  234. Head and Body Parted on the BattlefieldLiu Xiang (comp.)With long swords at their belts and the bows of Qin in hand, though head and body are parted, their hearts do not regret.
  235. Fragrant Herbs and Fair Ones: Qu Yuan's AllegoryLiu Xiang (comp.)Fine birds and fragrant herbs are matched with the loyal and true; foul birds and stinking things are likened to slanderers; the divine one and the fair one stand for the ruler.
  236. A Slow Horse Gets There in Ten DaysXunzi (Xun Kuang)A fine steed cannot cover ten paces in one leap; a slow horse pulling for ten days gets there, its success lying in not stopping.
  237. Ripening Wheat and Drooping Millet: Lament for a Fallen StateJi Zi (traditionally attributed)The wheat is in ear with bristling awns; the grain grows glossy and lush. That crafty boy would not be friends with me!
  238. The Host on the Eastern RoadZuo Qiuming (traditionally attributed)If you spare Zheng and make it host on your eastern road, it will supply your envoys with whatever they lack as they come and go, and you will suffer no harm.
  239. Two of One Mind Can Cut Through MetalKing Wen of Zhou (traditionally attributed)When two people are of one mind, their sharpness can cut through metal; words spoken from one heart are as fragrant as orchids.
  240. Ice and Charcoal Cannot Share One VesselHan FeiIce and charcoal cannot long share one vessel; cold and heat do not come at the same season; contradictory doctrines cannot both stand and bring order.
  241. Right Season, Right Ground, United PeopleMenciusFavourable timing is not as good as favourable ground; favourable ground is not as good as harmony among people.
  242. A Just Cause Finds Many HelpersMenciusOne who has the Way will have many helpers; one who loses the Way will have few.
  243. Going to Every LengthZengzi (traditionally attributed)Therefore the gentleman in everything uses his utmost.
  244. The Great Bell Discarded, Clay Pots Thundering: Qu Yuan Consults the DivinerLiu Xiang (comp.)The world is muddy and unclear: a cicada's wing is thought heavy and a thousand catties light; the great yellow bell is smashed and cast away, while clay pots are beaten till they thunder; slanderers strut on high, and worthy men go unknown.

Han

250 works

202 BCE – 220 CE

  1. Chang'e Flies to the MoonLiu An (comp.)Chang'e swallows the elixir of immortality and flies to the moon; a myth evoking longing and the moon's beauty.
  2. Nüwa Mends the SkyLiu An (comp.)The 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 ShaoMistaking a bow reflected in a wine cup for a snake; needless fear born of groundless suspicion.
  4. The Cowherd and the Weaver GirlAnonymousLovers separated by the Milky Way who meet once a year; couples living apart who rarely reunite.
  5. Sleeping on Brushwood and Tasting GallSima QianKing 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 QianGeneral Lian Po carried thorny brambles on his back to apologize; sincerely admitting fault and asking forgiveness.
  7. Returning the Jade Intact to ZhaoSima QianLin Xiangru brought the precious jade back safely to Zhao; returning something intact to its rightful owner.
  8. Calling a Deer a HorseSima QianZhao Gao presented a deer as a horse to test officials' loyalty; deliberately distorting truth and falsehood.
  9. Songs of Chu on All SidesSima QianXiang Yu, besieged, heard Chu songs from every side; surrounded by enemies and utterly isolated.
  10. Fighting with One's Back to the RiverSima QianHan Xin deployed troops with a river behind them, cutting off retreat; a desperate all-or-nothing fight.
  11. Mao Sui Recommends HimselfSima QianMao 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 QianXiang Yu smashed cooking pots and sank his boats after crossing the river; total commitment with no retreat.
  13. Waging War on PaperSima QianZhao Kuo knew military texts but lost disastrously in battle; empty theorizing with no practical ability.
  14. Playing the Lute to a CowMou RongPlaying refined music to a cow; wasting words on an audience that cannot understand or appreciate them.
  15. The Old Frontiersman Loses His HorseLiu An (comp.)An old man's lost horse returns with a fine steed; misfortune may prove a blessing in disguise.
  16. A Promise Worth a Thousand GoldSima QianA 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 QianWords as weighty as the nine sacred tripods; speech that carries decisive authority.
  18. Living in Peace and Working in ContentmentBan GuLiving in security and working happily at one's trade; a peaceful, well-ordered society.
  19. Shivering Without ColdSima QianTrembling though not cold; gripped by fear or dread.
  20. Agreeing Without Prior ArrangementSima QianActing or speaking in unison without any prior agreement.
  21. The Great Task Is AccomplishedBan GuA great undertaking or important task has finally been completed.
  22. Brimming with Self-SatisfactionSima QianLooking very pleased with oneself; smug and complacent.
  23. The Swift-Footed Arrive FirstSima QianThe quickest to act gets there first and wins the prize.
  24. One Hair from Nine OxenSima QianA negligible fraction of a vast amount; a drop in the ocean.
  25. Seen So Often It Is Nothing NewSima QianSo common that it is no longer surprising.
  26. All Previous Effort WastedSima QianAll previous efforts and achievements come to nothing.
  27. Lord Ye Loves DragonsLiu XiangLord Ye professes to love dragons but flees a real one; professed love that is not genuine.
  28. Seek Truth from FactsBan GuTo base conclusions on facts and seek the truth from reality.
  29. First to Bear the BruntBan GuTo be the first to face an attack or bear the brunt of a disaster.
  30. Strike First to Gain ControlBan GuStrike first to gain the upper hand.
  31. Passing Fish Eyes Off as PearlsWei BoyangPassing off fish eyes as pearls; palming off fakes as genuine.
  32. Unbending after a Hundred SetbacksCai YongNever yielding however many setbacks one suffers; describes indomitable will.
  33. Clinging to the Broken and IncompleteLiu XinClinging to fragmentary old texts; stubbornly conservative and resistant to change.
  34. Without Learning or SkillBan GuHaving neither learning nor skill; ignorant and incompetent.
  35. Not Worth MentioningSima QianNot worth mentioning; often a modest reply to thanks or praise.
  36. Issuing Orders at Dawn, Changing Them at DuskChao CuoAn order given at dawn is changed by dusk; constantly shifting policies.
  37. Honest Advice Grates on the EarSima QianSincere advice is unpleasant to hear but good for one's conduct; urges accepting criticism.
  38. Weightier than Mount TaiSima QianHeavier than Mount Tai; of the utmost significance, especially a death for a worthy cause.
  39. Standing Out from the CrowdBan GuOf outstanding talent and virtue, far above the ordinary.
  40. Holding One Front AloneSima QianCapable of taking sole charge of one area or front.
  41. Mending One's WaysSima QianCorrecting one's mistakes and making a fresh start.
  42. Misfortunes Never Come SinglyLiu XiangMisfortunes tend to come one after another rather than alone.
  43. Many Littles Make a LotBan GuSmall amounts steadily accumulated add up to a great deal.
  44. Nothing but Four Bare WallsSima QianA home with nothing but four bare walls; utter poverty.
  45. Forgetting Righteousness at the Sight of GainBan GuTo abandon principle and loyalty at the sight of personal gain.
  46. Overcorrecting a WrongBan GuTo overcorrect an error so that one swings to the opposite extreme.
  47. Raising Bamboo Poles in RevoltJia YiTo raise bamboo poles as banners and rise in revolt; a popular uprising.
  48. Seeking a Steed by Its PictureBan GuLooking for a fine horse by a picture; rigidly following rules, or searching by clues.
  49. Birds Gone, the Bow Is Put AwaySima QianOnce the birds are shot, the bow is stored away; discarding loyal helpers after success.
  50. The Overturned Cart Ahead as a WarningBan GuThe cart ahead overturned serves as a warning; learning from others' past failures.
  51. The Spent Arrow of a Strong CrossbowSima QianAn arrow from a mighty crossbow at the end of its flight; once-great strength now spent.
  52. Little Seen, Much Marveled AtMou RongThose who have seen little marvel at the ordinary; mocks a lack of experience.
  53. A Rat Peering Both WaysSima QianLike a rat poking its head out and looking both ways; wavering and indecisive.
  54. Dead Ashes Flare Up AgainSima QianDead ashes rekindling; a fallen force regaining power, or a suppressed evil reviving.
  55. Hesitating to Throw at a Rat for Fear of the VaseBan GuWanting to hit the rat but fearing to break the vessel beside it; restrained by side concerns.
  56. The Hare Dead, the Hound Is CookedSima QianOnce the hare is caught, the hound is cooked; discarding or killing helpers after success.
  57. Precarious as Stacked EggsSima QianAs precarious as a stack of eggs; an extremely perilous situation.
  58. Amazing the World with a Single CrySima QianA bird silent for years whose first cry astonishes all; a sudden, remarkable achievement.
  59. Badgers from the Same HillBan GuBadgers of the same hill; people equally bad, birds of a feather.
  60. Putting Oneself to the Test of the LawBan GuTo test the law with one's own conduct; knowingly breaking the law.
  61. Devising Strategy Within the TentSima QianPlanning strategy inside the command tent; directing operations through careful planning.
  62. The Old Steed in the StableCao CaoAn old steed lying by the trough still sets its heart on a thousand li;
  63. Deep Plans and Far-Sighted ThoughtJia YiIn deep planning and far-sighted thought, and in the ways of marching and commanding troops, they were no match for the men of earlier times.
  64. A School of One's OwnSima QianI also wished to explore the boundary between Heaven and humanity, to understand the changes from past to present, and to complete a school of thought of my own.
  65. The World Belongs to AllDai Sheng (comp.)When the Great Way prevailed, the world was shared by all; the worthy and able were chosen, and trust and harmony were cultivated.
  66. Teaching and Learning Grow TogetherDai Sheng (comp.)Knowing one's difficulties, one can then strive to become stronger; hence it is said that teaching and learning advance each other.
  67. Friends unto DeathSima QianIn the end they were reconciled in joy and became friends who would die for each other.
  68. Peerless Among the Nation's TalentsSima QianBut as for Han Xin, he is a talent without equal in the whole nation.
  69. How Can Sparrows Know the Swan's Ambition?Sima QianHow could swallows and sparrows know the ambitions of the swan!
  70. The Boy Can Be TaughtSima QianThe old man went about a li, came back and said: 'The boy can be taught.'
  71. Rolling Up the Realm Like a MatJia YiDuke Xiao of Qin held the strongholds of Mount Xiao and the Hangu Pass and the lands of Yongzhou; ruler and ministers held firm and watched the house of Zhou, intending to roll up the realm like a mat, wrap up all within the universe and bag the four seas, with a heart set on swallowing the eight directions.
  72. Setting All Under Heaven to RightsSima QianDuke Huan of Qi became overlord, assembled the lords nine times and set all under heaven to rights; this was Guan Zhong's planning.
  73. The Whole Banquet Won Over by Sima XiangruSima QianXiangru had no choice but to go, and the whole company was captivated.
  74. The Whole Gathering Astonished by Li ShaojunSima QianThe old man had gone there with his grandfather as a child and recognized the place, and the whole gathering was astonished.
  75. One Destination, a Hundred Lines of ThoughtSima QianAll under heaven arrive at the same place by different roads, and reach one goal through a hundred lines of thought.
  76. A Thousand Gold for the Washerwoman's MealSima QianHan Xin was fishing below the city wall where women were rinsing silk; one saw that he was hungry and fed him, until the rinsing was done some dozens of days later.
  77. Three Obediences and Four Virtues for WomenBan ZhaoA woman has the principle of three obediences and no way of acting on her own: before marriage she follows her father, once married her husband, and when her husband dies her son.
  78. Bowing Lower With Each PromotionSima QianAt the first appointment I bent my back, at the second I bowed, at the third I bent low; I walk along the wall, and no one dares insult me.
  79. Too Many to Be ToldSima QianIf I truly reach them and return to Han, the gifts Han will send Your Majesty will be beyond telling.
  80. Not Destined to Die a Natural DeathSima QianA man like You, I fear, will not die a natural death.
  81. Unable to Grasp the Crux of the MatterSima QianZhang Qian went from the Yuezhi to Daxia, but in the end could not get the crux of the Yuezhi's intentions.
  82. Yan Hui Keeps His Joy in a Mean AlleySima QianA basket of rice, a gourd of water, in a mean alley: others could not bear the hardship, but Hui never changed his joy.
  83. Eight Hundred Lords Gathering Unbidden at MengjinSima QianAt this time, eight hundred lords came to Mengjin without any appointment.
  84. A Sovereign's Worry, His Servant's ShameSima QianI have heard that when the ruler is troubled, his servants are disgraced.
  85. Every Person Provided For, Every Household in PlentySima QianIn sum, strengthening the root and limiting spending is the way to make every person provided for and every household sufficient.
  86. The He Jade Worth Fifteen CitiesSima QianHearing of it, King Zhao of Qin sent a letter to the king of Zhao, offering fifteen cities in exchange for the jade.
  87. The Good Common People of All Under HeavenSima QianLet us join as brothers, so as to protect the good common people of all under heaven.
  88. Putting Others First and Oneself AfterBan ZhaoBe modest and respectful, put others first and yourself after; do not boast of good deeds nor deny your faults.
  89. Restraining the Self to Return to Ritual ProprietySima QianRestrain yourself and return to ritual, and all under heaven will turn to benevolence.
  90. Envoys' Caps and Canopies in an Endless StreamSima QianSo I sent envoys whose caps and canopies were always in sight of one another, their wheel tracks joined on the road, to convey my wishes to the Chanyu.
  91. Deciding Victory a Thousand Miles AwaySima QianDevising strategy within the tent and deciding victory a thousand li away: that was Zhang Liang's achievement.
  92. Haughty at First, Humble AfterwardSima QianSu Qin laughed and asked his sister-in-law: why were you haughty before and so humble now?
  93. The Vanguard Turns Its Weapons AroundSima QianThough King Zhou's troops were many, none had the heart to fight; they wished King Wu would come in quickly. They all turned their weapons and fought to open the way for King Wu.
  94. Great Hardship Borne, Great Merit WonSima QianHe toiled so hard and achieved so much, yet has no title as reward; instead you heed petty slander and want to kill a man of merit.
  95. Wearing Out the Body and Searing the MindSima QianGrieved that his father Gun had been executed for failing in his task, Yu wore out his body and racked his mind; he lived away for thirteen years and did not dare enter his home when he passed it.
  96. Rivals Whose Power Cannot Both StandSima QianQin fears no one more than Chu: if Chu is strong Qin is weak, and if Qin is strong Chu is weak; their power cannot both stand.
  97. A Son of a House Worth a Thousand in GoldSima QianThe proverb says: the son of a house worth a thousand in gold does not die in the marketplace. These are no empty words.
  98. Ascending the Hall and Entering the Inner ChamberSima QianZilu has ascended the hall, but has not yet entered the inner chamber.
  99. Broad in Learning but Short on EssentialsSima QianThe Confucians are broad but lack essentials, laboring much for little result, so their teachings are hard to follow fully.
  100. Too Troubled to Rest on One's MatSima QianI cannot rest on my mat or taste my food; my heart sways like a banner in the wind with nothing to settle on.
  101. More Perilous Than a Stack of EggsSima QianThe King of Qin's state is more perilous than a stack of eggs; with me it will be safe.
  102. Leaving the Old Home for a New PostBan ZhaoSo I left the old and went to the new, my heart heavy with sorrow!
  103. Fan Li Takes a New Name and Sails AwaySima QianHe sailed off in a small boat on the rivers and lakes, changed his name and surname, became Chiyi Zipi in Qi and Lord Zhu in Tao.
  104. Faces Blanch and Expressions ChangeSima QianThat day, of all the officials who watched Fan Ju's audience, there was none whose face did not blanch and change.
  105. Each Serving His Own Lord LoyallySima QianMinisters each serve their own lords. The land has not yet gone to Qin, and Qin sends Zhang Yi: it shows the greatest respect for Your Majesty.
  106. Mourning the Dead and Visiting the Sick of YueSima QianThe King of Yue eats only one dish and wears only one color, mourns the dead and visits the sick, because he means to make use of his people.
  107. Different Roads to the Same DestinationSima QianAll under heaven share one aim through a hundred thoughts, one destination by different roads.
  108. Spitting Out Food and Clutching Wet Hair to Greet the WorthySima QianIn one bath I clutch my wet hair three times, in one meal I spit out my food three times, to rise and receive scholars, still fearing to lose the worthy men of the world.
  109. Obeying Whatever One Is CommandedSima QianWe ask the ministers to enthrone the prince who rightly should succeed; we will obey whatever is commanded.
  110. A Heart Spoken Through the Zither at the BanquetSima QianZhuo Wangsun had a daughter, Wenjun, newly widowed, who loved music; so Xiangru, feigning deference to the magistrate, stirred her heart with his zither.
  111. Cutting Through Mountains and Filling Valleys for the Straight RoadSima QianI saw the walls and watchtowers Meng Tian built for Qin, cutting mountains and filling valleys to open the Straight Road; truly he made light of the people's strength.
  112. A Valiant Heart That Never Rests in Old AgeCao CaoThe old steed in its stall still dreams of a thousand li; the hero in his late years never lets his great heart rest.
  113. The More Troops, the Better for Han XinSima QianThe emperor asked: how many could I command? Xin said: no more than a hundred thousand. And you? He said: for me, the more the better.
  114. Of Many Talents and Many SkillsSima QianI, Dan, am clever and able, of many talents and many skills, and fit to serve the spirits.
  115. Treated Between the Ji and the MengSima QianAnother day Duke Jing detained Confucius and said: 'To honor you as the Ji clan is honored, I cannot.' He treated him at a level between the Ji and the Meng.
  116. The Palace Carriage Goes Out LateSima QianShould the emperor's carriage one day go out late, Kuai meant to use his troops to wipe out the Qi family and Ruyi, King of Zhao, and all their kin.
  117. Every Household Supplied, Every Person ContentSima QianAfter ten years of the new laws, the people of Qin were well pleased: no one picked up what others had dropped, the hills had no bandits, and every household had enough.
  118. Wealthy Merchants and Great TradersSima QianIn this way the wealthy merchants and great traders could make no great profits and would return to the root occupation of farming, and the prices of goods could not leap up.
  119. Holding Office and Keeping to the LawSima QianThese two kinds of men may be allowed to hold office and keep the law, but they are not the ones with whom to discuss what lies beyond the law.
  120. Shrewd Shots That Strike the MarkSima QianShaojun loved magical arts by nature and was good at clever remarks that unexpectedly hit the mark.
  121. Laying Down the Book With a SighSima QianWhenever I read the book of Mencius and come to King Hui of Liang asking how to profit his state, I never fail to put the book down and sigh.
  122. Strengthen Farming and Spend SparinglySima QianThe Mohists are frugal and hard to follow, so their teachings cannot be practiced in every respect; yet their strengthening of the root and economizing must not be discarded.
  123. Bearing Insult and Swallowing ShameBan ZhaoBe modest and respectful, put others first, claim no credit for good deeds and refuse no blame, bear insult and swallow shame, and always be cautious: this is called humility.
  124. An Old Steed's Heart Set on a Thousand LiCao CaoThe old thoroughbred lies by the trough, its heart still set on a thousand li; a man of spirit in his twilight years never loses his great ambition.
  125. Pleasing the Senses of the MomentSima QianNow you abandon the banging of jars and pots for the music of Zheng and Wei, and set aside the zither for the Shao and Yu; why so? Because it pleases the moment and suits the eye, nothing more.
  126. Flushing Red With IndignationSima QianZhai Huang's face changed with anger and he said: 'By all I have seen and heard, in what way do I fall short of Wei Chengzi?'
  127. Floods Embracing Mountains and Mounting the HillsSima QianIn the time of Emperor Yao, the floodwaters rose to the sky, vast and boundless, embracing the mountains and mounting the hills, and the people below were in distress.
  128. Gouged Eyes on the Wu City GateSima QianGouge out my eyes and set them on the east gate of Wu, so that I may watch Yue destroy Wu.
  129. Rejecting Remonstrance and Glossing Over FaultsSima QianReject advice and gloss over faults, be foolish and expect agreement from below, and the state is sure to meet disaster.
  130. Reining In to Ride Slowly at Xiliu CampSima QianBy the general's rule, no one may gallop within the camp. So the emperor held his reins and rode slowly.
  131. Holding Names Accountable to RealitySima QianAs for seeking realities by their names and cross-checking without error, this must not be overlooked.
  132. Clutching Wet Hair and Spitting Out Food to Greet the WorthySima QianYet I clutch my hair three times in one washing and spit out my food three times in one meal, and still I fear losing the worthy men of the world.
  133. Zhuo Wenjun, Newly WidowedSima QianAt that time Zhuo Wangsun had a daughter, Wenjun, newly widowed and fond of music, so Xiangru made a show of honoring the magistrate and used the feeling of his zither to court her.
  134. A Square Tenon for a Round MortiseSima QianA round mortise and a square tenon, I always knew they would clash and not fit.
  135. Transforming of Themselves Through Non-ActionSima QianLi Er held that through non-action the people transform of themselves, and through stillness they become upright of themselves.
  136. Jade from Mount KunlunSima QianNot one of these treasures is produced in Qin, yet Your Majesty delights in them; why is that?
  137. Exchanging Children for Food in a Besieged CitySima QianIn the city they hung up their pots to cook and exchanged children to eat.
  138. Executed in Court Robes at the Eastern MarketSima QianThe emperor ordered Chao Cuo, dressed in his court robes, to be beheaded at the Eastern Market.
  139. Hearing the Way at Dawn, Content to Die at DuskSima QianTo hear the Way at dawn and die at dusk, who could say that is wrong?
  140. Dying Unknown to the WorldSima QianTo die unknown to the world was what the ancients counted shameful.
  141. Steeped in Mud Yet Never BlackenedSima QianPure and white, he could be steeped in black dye yet never be blackened.
  142. A Good Merchant Hides His Goods as if He Had NoneSima QianI have heard that a good merchant stores his goods deep, as if he had none, and a gentleman of full virtue looks as though he were simple.
  143. Smelting Five-Coloured Stones to Mend the SkyAnonymousThen Nüwa smelted stones of five colours to mend the azure sky and cut off the turtle's legs to set up the four corners.
  144. Deciding a Lawsuit in a Few Words, as Zilu CouldSima QianIf anyone can settle a lawsuit with half a word, it is surely You.
  145. Wooing Zhuo Wenjun with the ZitherSima QianZhuo Wangsun had a daughter, Wenjun, newly widowed and fond of music, so Xiangru, while feigning respect for the magistrate, stirred her with the heart of his zither.
  146. Serve When Employed, Withdraw When Set AsideSima QianTo act when employed and to withdraw when set aside: only you and I can do this.
  147. White Bones Bleaching in the Open FieldsCao CaoWhite bones lie exposed in the fields; for a thousand li no cock crows.
  148. A White Fish Leaps into King Wu's BoatSima QianAs King Wu crossed the river, in midstream a white fish leapt into the king's boat; King Wu bent down, took it up and offered it in sacrifice.
  149. Three Years Without a Glance at the GardenSima QianFor three years he never looked at his garden, so intent was he on his studies.
  150. Not Touching So Much as an Autumn HairBan GuSince entering the pass I have not dared to touch so much as an autumn hair; I registered the officials and people and sealed the storehouses to await the general.
  151. Yan Hui's Basket of Rice and Gourd of WaterSima QianA basket of rice, a gourd of water, living in a mean alley: others could not bear the hardship, but Hui never let it change his joy.
  152. Plain Carriage and White Horse of Surrender and MourningBan GuZiying, king of Qin, in a plain carriage with white horses and a cord tied about his neck, sealed the emperor's seals and tallies and surrendered beside the Zhi road.
  153. Leaving the Net Open on One SideSima QianTang went out and saw nets spread on all four sides in the wilds, and a man praying: 'From all under heaven and the four quarters, may everything enter my net.'
  154. Removing Three Sides of Tang's NetSima QianTang said, 'Ah, that would take them all!' and had three sides of the net removed.
  155. Bare-Chested and Bound in SurrenderSima QianWhen King Wu of Zhou conquered Yin, Weizi came to the army gate with his sacrificial vessels, bared to the waist and bound, and advanced on his knees to make his plea.
  156. Han Xin's Humiliation Between a Butcher Boy's LegsSima QianIf you can face death, stab me; if not, crawl out between my legs.
  157. An Affliction at the Belly and Heart of the StateSima QianYue is a disease at your belly and heart, yet instead of dealing with it first you busy yourself with Qi; is that not a mistake?
  158. The Money-Making Strategies of JiranSima QianJiran's strategies were seven; Yue used five of them and achieved its aims.
  159. Ivory Chopsticks Lead to Jade CupsSima QianHaving made ivory chopsticks, he will surely make jade cups; having cups, he will surely long for rare things from far away.
  160. Noble Beyond Words: Liu Bang's Face ReadSima QianYour wife and children just now all resemble you; your face is noble beyond words.
  161. Zou Yan's Red Prefecture of the Divine LandSima QianChina is called the Red Prefecture of the Divine Land; within it are nine provinces of its own.
  162. Nothing Picked Up from the Roads of Shang Yang's QinSima QianAfter ten years the people of Qin were content; no one picked up what was dropped on the road, there were no bandits in the hills, and every household had enough.
  163. King Zhou's Pool of Wine and Forest of MeatSima QianHe made a pool of wine and hung meat like a forest, had naked men and women chase one another among them, and drank through the long night.
  164. King Zhou's All-Night Drinking FeastsSima QianHe made a pool of wine and hung meat like a forest, had naked men and women chase one another among them, and drank through the long night.
  165. Poised and Refined Like Sima Xiangru at LinqiongSima QianWhen Xiangru came to Linqiong with his carriage and riders, he was composed, refined and very handsome.
  166. The Hegemon-King's Farewell to Lady YuXiang YuMy strength could pull up mountains, my spirit overtopped the world; the times are against me, and Zhui will not run. If Zhui will not run, what can I do? Yu, oh Yu, what will become of you?
  167. The Decadent Music Made for King ZhouSima QianThen he had Shi Juan compose new licentious sounds, the dances of Beili, and soft, decadent music.
  168. Food Without Taste: The King of Chu's AnxietySima QianI lie down but cannot rest, I eat but cannot taste my food, and my heart sways like a hanging banner with nowhere to rest.
  169. Never Two Dishes at a Meal: Goujian's FrugalitySima QianKing Goujian of Yue never has two dishes at a meal or two colours in his clothes; he mourns the dead and asks after the sick, for he means to put his people to use.
  170. High Gates and Great Houses for the Jixia ScholarsSima QianHe built them residences on the broad avenues, with high gates and great houses, to honour and favour them.
  171. The Swan's Ambition: Chen She in the FieldsSima QianAlas! How can sparrows and swallows know the ambition of a swan!
  172. The Duke of Zhou Spits Out His Food Three TimesSima QianYet when I wash my hair I break off three times, and at one meal I spit out my food three times, to rise and receive men of ability, and still I fear losing the worthy men of the realm.
  173. Three Months Without Tasting Meat: Confucius Hears the ShaoSima QianHe heard the Shao and studied it; for three months he did not know the taste of meat, and the people of Qi praised him.
  174. They Are the Knife and Chopping Board, We the Fish and MeatSima QianRight now they are the knife and chopping board, and we are the fish and meat. Why take leave?
  175. Rivers and Seas Turn Away No Trickling StreamSima QianRivers and seas do not pick and choose among small streams, and so they achieve their depth.
  176. No Common Counsel Between Different PathsSima QianThose in the world who study Laozi disparage the Confucians, and the Confucians in turn disparage Laozi. Is this what is meant by those whose ways differ not making plans together?
  177. The Swan Flies a Thousand Li in One FlightLiu BangThe swan flies high; in one flight it covers a thousand li.
  178. A Plan Without a Single FlawChao CuoLet the two forces support each other inside and out, each using its own strength, and add the weight of numbers: this is a perfectly safe method.
  179. The Three Rivers and Five Lakes Dredged by YuLiu An (comp.)Shun then sent Yu to clear the three rivers and five lakes, open the Yi Gate, guide the Chan and Jian streams, level and connect channels and fields, and lead the waters into the Eastern Sea.
  180. The Three Bonds and Five Constant VirtuesDong Zhongshu (traditionally attributed)The three bonds of the kingly way can be sought in Heaven.
  181. More Than Can Be ReckonedBan GuIn the more than a hundred years since the frontier was built, not all of it was earthen wall: some follows mountain rock, some is fallen timber and brushwood, some water gates in valleys, gradually levelled, built and kept by soldiers and convicts, with labour and cost over so long a time that they cannot be reckoned.
  182. Duty Forbids Looking BackSima XiangruThey brave bare blades and flying arrows; bound by duty they do not look back, and their thoughts never turn on their heels; every man's heart is full of anger, as if avenging a personal wrong.
  183. Joy at Its Height Turns to SorrowEmperor Wu of Han (traditionally attributed)Flutes and drums sound and the boatmen raise their song; when joy is at its height, sorrow multiplies.
  184. Sturdy Carriages Drawn by Fat HorsesChao CuoThey roam a thousand li for pleasure, their caps and carriage canopies in sight of one another; they ride sturdy carriages behind fat horses, wear silk shoes and trail white silk.
  185. Given Teeth, Denied HornsBan GuHeaven too apportions its gifts: to those it gives teeth it takes away horns, and to those it gives wings it gives only two feet. This means that whoever receives the great may not take the small as well.
  186. The Northern Horse Leans Toward the Home WindBan ChaoI have heard that when Taigong was enfeoffed in Qi, five generations were buried back in Zhou; a dying fox turns its head toward its hill, and a horse of Dai leans toward the north wind.
  187. Arms Are Ill-Omened and War Is PerilousChao CuoWeapons are instruments of ill omen; battle is a perilous affair.
  188. Carving a Swan That Still Looks Like a DuckMa YuanIf you copy Bogao and fail, you will still be a careful, disciplined man: this is what is called carving a swan and failing, yet it still looks like a duck.
  189. Promote the Root, Restrain the BranchesBan GuAll answered that they wished to end the commanderies' salt, iron and liquor monopolies and equable transport, to promote the root and restrain the branches and not compete with the realm for profit; then moral transformation could flourish.
  190. Ten Suns Rising TogetherLiu An (comp.)In the time of Yao, ten suns rose together, scorching the crops and killing the plants, and the people had nothing to eat.
  191. Standing Third with Heaven and EarthSima XiangruSo he ranges over embracing all and accommodating everything, and labours in thought to stand third with Heaven and Earth.
  192. So Close at Hand, Yet Far as the HorizonAnonymous (Eastern Han literati)Heaven's majesty is not a foot away from my face.
  193. Food Offered with a Contemptuous CallDai Sheng (comp.)It is precisely because I would not eat food offered with a contemptuous call that I have come to this!
  194. Gathering the Four Seas into One BagJia YiHe had the intention to roll up the world like a mat, embrace all within the universe and gather the four seas into one bag, and the ambition to swallow the eight wildernesses.
  195. A Rich Man Never Sits Under the EavesSima XiangruA man with a thousand in gold does not sit by the edge of the hall.
  196. Doors Unbarred at Night in the Age of Great UnityDai Sheng (comp.)So outer doors were not closed. This was called the Great Unity.
  197. So Slow, So Late: Emperor Wu Waits for Lady Li's SpiritEmperor Wu of Han (Liu Che)Is it she, or is it not? I stand and gaze at her; why does she come so slowly, so late!
  198. Sir Fictitious and Master Nobody: Sima Xiangru's Invented DebatersSima XiangruAfter the hunt, Sir Fictitious went to boast to Master Nobody, and Lord Not-Such was there too.
  199. Filial Sons and Dutiful Grandsons: Emperor Wu's Edict on the AgedBan GuNow the filial sons and dutiful grandsons of the realm wish to give their all to their elders, but are pressed by public duties and lack means.
  200. Remember Danger in Times of Safety: Hou Ying Defends the FrontierBan GuThe ancients did not forget danger in times of safety; the defences cannot be abolished again. That is the second reason.
  201. A Gentle Carriage with Rush-Wrapped Wheels for Master ShenBan GuEnvoys were sent with a comfortable carriage on rush-wrapped wheels, silk and a jade disc, to summon Master Shen of Lu.
  202. So Near Her Room, So Far the Lady: The Phoenix Seeks His MateSima Xiangru (traditionally attributed)There is a lovely, virtuous lady here; her room is near, she is far, and my heart alone is wrung.
  203. Little Integrity, Less Shame: Sima Xiangru's Proclamation to Ba and ShuSima XiangruTheir elders did not teach them first, nor did the young follow carefully; they have little integrity and less shame, and their customs are not honest.
  204. Careful and Cautious: Huo Guang's Twenty Years at CourtBan GuHe went in and out of the forbidden gates for more than twenty years, careful and cautious, never making a mistake, and was greatly trusted.
  205. Lofty Counsel and Broad Vision: Sima Xiangru Answers the Elders of ShuSima XiangruHe must put forward lofty and far-reaching counsel, found great works and hand them down, setting a pattern for ten thousand generations.
  206. At the Hub of the AxleBan GuChancellor Che stood in the rank of Yi Yin and Lü Shang, at the hub of the axle, yet said nothing and only kept himself safe.
  207. Reciting What Has Been Handed DownSima XiangruIs he merely to be bound by statutes and custom, reciting what has been handed down and seeking his age's approval?
  208. In Fear and Trembling, as on Thin IceBan GuIn fear and trembling, as if at the edge of a deep abyss, as if treading on thin ice.
  209. Sleeping on Firewood with Fire BeneathJia YiTo set fire beneath a pile of firewood and sleep on top, and call it safe because the fire has not yet caught.
  210. Strength to Uproot Mountains, Spirit to Top the WorldXiang YuMy strength could uproot mountains, my spirit overtopped the world; the times are against me, and Zhui will not run.
  211. Everyone Stays Safely in Place as BeforeBan GuAll other Qin laws are abolished. Officials and people shall all stay safely in place as before.
  212. This Is a Matter of Great MomentSima XiangruYet this is a matter of great moment, which is certainly not something onlookers can see.
  213. Praising the Ancients to Condemn the PresentBan GuMoreover, common Confucians do not grasp what the times require; they love to praise the ancient and condemn the present, confusing people about names and realities so that they do not know what to hold to. How can they be entrusted with anything!
  214. Orders Issued at Dawn, Changed by DuskChao CuoUrgent government demands and harsh levies, taxes gathered at no fixed time, orders issued at dawn and changed by dusk.
  215. Deep Grace Overflowing from the Han ThroneSima XiangruIts martial might abundant, its deep grace overflowing, all living things are drenched and soaked, and it spills beyond our borders.
  216. A Leaking Cup Can Never Be FilledHuan KuanThe drip from the eaves is enough to fill a pot or jar, yet the great rivers cannot fill a leaking cup.
  217. The Dying Fox Turns Its Head to Its Home HillBan ChaoA fox dies facing its hill, and the horses of Dai lean toward the wind.
  218. A Prison Drawn on the Ground: Sima Qian on a Scholar's HonourBan GuSo a man of honour will not enter even a prison drawn on the ground, nor answer even a jailer carved of wood; he has made up his mind beforehand.
  219. Drawing a Tiger That Turns Out a Dog: Ma Yuan's AdviceMa YuanFail to become Jiliang and you will sink into a frivolous wastrel; this is what is meant by drawing a tiger and getting a dog.
  220. Only a Brimming Stream Between: The Herd Boy and the Weaver GirlAnonymous (Eastern Han literati)Across one brimming stream they gaze in longing and cannot speak.
  221. Upright Speech and Bold Remonstrance: Emperor Wu's Call for TalentBan GuRecommend worthy, upright men who will speak frankly and remonstrate to the utmost.
  222. Courtesy Demands a Return: The Rule of ReciprocityDai Sheng (comp.)Ritual values going and coming: to go and receive nothing back is not proper; to receive and give nothing back is not proper either.
  223. The Autumn Fan Laid Aside: Lady Ban's LamentLady Ban (Ban Jieyu) (traditionally attributed)I always fear the coming of autumn, when cool winds steal the heat; then I will be cast into a chest, and love broken off halfway.
  224. A Ceremonial Cap Laid Under Shoes: Jia Yi Mourns Qu YuanJia YiThe ceremonial cap is laid beneath the shoes; this cannot long endure.
  225. Liu Bang's Three-Article Compact with the Elders of QinBan GuI make a compact with you elders of only three laws: whoever kills shall die; whoever injures or steals shall be punished accordingly.
  226. Luofu Already Has a Husband: Rebuffing the GovernorAnonymous (Han folk yuefu)You have your own wife, and Luofu has her own husband.
  227. Dismissing the Hundred Schools to Honour ConfucianismBan GuIn my humble view, all that lies outside the Six Arts and the way of Confucius should be cut off and not allowed to advance alongside them.
  228. Silent Looks Full of Love Across the Milky WayAnonymous (Eastern Han literati)Between them only a clear, brimming stream; gazing silently, they cannot speak.
  229. As If Wading Through Deep Water: Emperor Wu Seeks Worthy MenBan GuI rise early to seek and lie down at night to ponder, as if wading through deep water, not knowing how to cross.
  230. At a Loss What to Do: Ni Kuan Drafts the MemorialBan GuThe clerks did not know what to do. Kuan explained its meaning to them, and so they had him write the memorial.
  231. Tousled Hair and a Grimy Face: Feng Gui on Dress and VirtueBan GuA gentleman straightens his clothes and cap and makes his bearing dignified; why must one have tousled hair and a grimy face before being counted worthy?
  232. Stored Away in a Famous Mountain: Sima Qian's Life WorkBan GuIf I can truly complete this book, store it in a famous mountain and pass it to the right people.
  233. Moth Brows and Gleaming Teeth: the Neighbour in Sima Xiangru's RhapsodySima Xiangru (traditionally attributed)My neighbour to the east was a girl with rich, lovely hair like clouds, moth brows and gleaming teeth.
  234. Accidents of Bit and Bridle: Sima Xiangru Remonstrates Against the HuntSima XiangruEven when the road is cleared and one drives along the middle, accidents of bit and bridle still happen at times.
  235. Facing Death as if It Were Life: Chao Cuo on Frontier SoldiersChao CuoThus they can make their people brave arrows and stones and go through boiling water and fire, regarding death as if it were life.
  236. Resolved Without Turning on One's Heel: Sima Xiangru's Proclamation to Ba and ShuSima XiangruDuty forbids them to look back, and once resolved they never turn on their heels; every man is filled with anger as if avenging a private wrong.
  237. Planning Deeply and Looking Far Ahead: Sima Xiangru on Loyal ServiceSima XiangruThey plan deeply and look far ahead, hasten to meet the nation's crisis, and gladly fulfil the duty of subjects.
  238. Keeping Faith and Cultivating Harmony: Confucius on the Great UnityDai Sheng (comp.)When the great Way prevailed, the world was shared by all; the worthy and able were chosen, good faith was valued and harmony cultivated.
  239. Worthy, Good, Square and Upright: the Han Recommendation ExaminationBan GuAn edict ordered the chancellor, the imperial counsellor, the nobles and senior officials to recommend men worthy, good, square and upright, who would speak frankly and remonstrate boldly.
  240. Lighter Than a Wild Goose's FeatherBan GuEveryone must die once; some deaths are weightier than Mount Tai and some lighter than a goose feather, because what they are used for differs.
  241. Turning Thoughts Over and ReconsideringSima XiangruThen he turned his thoughts over and reconsidered, gathered the opinions of the ministers, and inquired into the matter of the Feng and Shan sacrifices.
  242. Promoting Farming and Holding Back TradeHuan KuanWe ask that the salt, iron and liquor monopolies and balanced transport be abolished, in order to advance the root and hold back the branches and greatly benefit agriculture.
  243. Choosing the Worthy and Employing the AbleDai Sheng (comp.)When the great Way prevailed, the world belonged to all; the worthy and the able were chosen, and people kept faith and cultivated harmony.
  244. Thoroughfare Towns and Great CitiesBan GuIf I can truly complete this book, store it on a famous mountain and hand it to those who understand it, spreading it through the great cities, I will have repaid my disgrace; though I were killed ten thousand times, what regret would I have?
  245. Far and Near United as One BodySima XiangruFar and near will be one body, the central lands and the outer regions will share blessings; would that not be peace?
  246. Fleeing Drowning to a Mountain CornerSima Xiangru (traditionally attributed)It is like guarding against fire in the middle of water, or avoiding drowning in a mountain corner; they had never seen what might tempt them, so how could that prove they did not love beauty?
  247. Lasting Order and Enduring PeaceJia YiEstablish the conditions for lasting peace and achieve the work of enduring order.
  248. Xiang Zhuang Performs a Sword Dance at the FeastBan GuZhuang went in and offered a toast. When it was done, he said, 'There is nothing in camp for entertainment; allow me to dance with a sword.' He drew his sword and danced.
  249. Gathering Like Fish Swimming UpstreamSima XiangruAll four quarters were swayed by the wind of virtue, and the rulers of the two regions gathered like fish swimming upstream; those wishing to receive titles were counted in the hundreds of millions.
  250. A Rich Man Does Not Sit Beneath the EavesSima XiangruSo the common saying goes, a man with a thousand in gold at home does not sit beneath the eaves. The saying is small, but it can illustrate great things.

Three Kingdoms

43 works

220–280

  1. Separating Heaven and EarthXu ZhengFrom the myth of Pangu splitting heaven from earth; since the dawn of time, or an unprecedented feat.
  2. Three Visits to the Thatched CottageZhuge LiangLiu Bei visited Zhuge Liang's cottage three times to recruit him; sincerely and repeatedly seeking out talent.
  3. Bowing in Devotion Until ExhaustedZhuge LiangServing with reverent care and giving all one's strength; lifelong, wholehearted devotion to duty.
  4. Facing Wine, One Should SingCao CaoSing over your wine, for life is short; originally a lament on fleeting time, later carefree revelry.
  5. Through Boiling Water and FireJi KangBraving any danger; willing to go through fire and water for a cause.
  6. Pooling Wisdom for Greater BenefitZhuge LiangDrawing on collective wisdom and useful suggestions to achieve better results.
  7. Belittling Oneself Without CauseZhuge LiangTo underrate oneself without reason; undue self-deprecation.
  8. Looking Left and RightCao ZhiGlancing left and right; originally self-satisfied, now looking around or hesitating.
  9. Versed in Past and PresentAnonymousWell versed in both ancient and modern matters; broadly learned.
  10. Not Knowing What One Is SayingZhuge LiangOriginally humble; now for speech or writing so muddled one can't tell its point.
  11. Driving Straight InCao CaoDriving deep into enemy territory unopposed; an irresistible advance.
  12. A Time of Life-or-Death CrisisZhuge LiangThe late emperor passed away before his great work was half done; now the realm is split in three and Yi Province is worn out. This is truly a time when our survival hangs in the balance.
  13. Writers Belittle One AnotherCao PiMen of letters belittle one another; it has been so since ancient times.
  14. Bright Moon, Sparse StarsCao CaoThe moon is bright, the stars are few; crows and magpies fly southward.
  15. Light as a Startled SwanCao ZhiHer form: as light as a startled swan, as supple as a swimming dragon.
  16. Committing Crimes and Breaking the LawZhuge LiangIf there are any who do evil and break the law, or who are loyal and good, they should be handed to the proper officials to decide their punishment or reward, so as to show Your Majesty's fair and enlightened rule; there should be no partiality that makes the law differ inside and outside the palace.
  17. Between Elder and Younger BrotherCao PiFu Yi stood to Ban Gu as younger brother to elder, nearly equal, yet Ban Gu belittled him, writing to his brother Chao: 'Wuzhong became an archivist at the Orchid Terrace because he could write, but once he takes up the brush he cannot stop.'
  18. A Poem Composed Within Seven PacesCao ZhiEmperor Wen once ordered the Prince of Dong'e to compose a poem within seven paces, or suffer the full penalty of the law.
  19. Mournful Music of a Perishing StateJi KangThe music of an ordered age is calm and joyful; the music of a perishing state is mournful and brooding.
  20. The Duke of Zhou Pauses His Meal for the WorthyCao CaoMountains never tire of height, seas never tire of depth. The Duke of Zhou spat out his food, and all under heaven gave him their hearts.
  21. All Hearts Under Heaven Turn to HimCao CaoThe Duke of Zhou spat out his food to greet the worthy, and all under heaven gave him their hearts.
  22. Aspirations Spanning the Four SeasCao ZhiA true man's aims embrace the four seas; ten thousand li away is like next door.
  23. Burning Bean Stalks to Boil the BeansCao ZhiThe stalks burn beneath the pot; the beans weep inside it.
  24. Born of One Root, Why Torment Each Other SoCao ZhiWe grew from the same root; why are you so quick to boil me?
  25. Revival Close Enough to Count the DaysZhuge LiangI hope Your Majesty will draw close to them and trust them; then the revival of the house of Han can be awaited with the days counted.
  26. Talents No Bridle Could HoldXiang XiuI lived close to Ji Kang and Lü An, and both of them had talents that no bridle could hold.
  27. Joy Departs and Sorrow ArrivesCao PiA cool breeze rose in the night and the reed pipes played a mournful tune; joy departed and sorrow arrived, and my heart was stricken with grief.
  28. Things Turned Out Against My WishesJi KangThings went against my wishes, and so I have met with this detention.
  29. Longing Like Thirst and Hunger: Ji Kang Misses His BrotherJi KangI think of my good friend, longing as if thirsty, as if hungry.
  30. Catch the Hare and Forget the SnareWang BiThe snare is for the hare; get the hare and forget the snare.
  31. Grasp the Meaning and Forget the WordsWang BiWords are for meaning; get the meaning and forget the words.
  32. Grasp the Meaning and Forget the ImageWang BiThe image exists to preserve the meaning; get the meaning and forget the image.
  33. Catch the Fish and Forget the TrapJi KangI admire that old fisherman who caught the fish and forgot the trap.
  34. Kindred Spirits on a Shared PathCao ZhiThey were truly one in way and aim, their profound plans in perfect accord.
  35. Quaking as if Holding Ice to the HeartRuan JiHis heart is as if it held ice; he trembles with care.
  36. Ever More Careful With Each Passing DayRuan JiHis heart is as if it held ice, trembling with fear; he restrains himself and cultivates his conduct, growing more careful day by day.
  37. The Sun Sinking Toward the Abyss of YuXiang XiuAt that time the sun was sinking toward the Yu Abyss, the cold ice was bleak, and a neighbour was playing the flute, its notes clear and carrying.
  38. Floating Melons and Sinking Plums in Cool WaterCao PiWe floated sweet melons in the clear spring and sank red plums in the cold water.
  39. Literature as a Great Enterprise of Governing the StateCao PiLiterature is a great enterprise in governing the state, a splendid undertaking that never decays.
  40. Liver and Gall as Far Apart as Chu and YueRuan JiSeen from their differences, liver and gall are Chu and Yue; seen from their sameness, the myriad things are one body.
  41. Brilliance upon Brilliance, Prosperity upon ProsperityHe YanDown to the present emperor, light has been added to light and prosperity heaped upon prosperity.
  42. Swift as Wind, Gone Like LightningJi KangSwift as wind and gone like lightning, he treads on shadows and chases flying birds; he sweeps across the central plain, glancing about in splendid style.
  43. Drooping Millet and Ripening Wheat: Xiang Xiu Remembers Old FriendsXiang XiuI sigh with the Drooping Millet that mourned the Zhou, and grieve with the Ripening Wheat over the ruins of Yin.

Jin

75 works

265–420

  1. Too Happy to Miss ShuXi ZuochiThe captive Shu ruler Liu Shan said he was too content to miss home; so happy one forgets one's roots.
  2. Boring Through the Wall to Borrow LightGe Hong (traditionally attributed)Too poor for candles, Kuang Heng bored a hole to read by his neighbor's lamp; studying hard despite poverty.
  3. The Peach Blossom Land Beyond the WorldTao YuanmingFrom Tao Yuanming's hidden Peach Blossom Spring; an idyllic retreat untouched by the troubles of the world.
  4. Beyond Thought and WordsKumarajiva (trans.)Originally Buddhist: beyond conception or description; now, unimaginable or incomprehensible.
  5. Not Seeking Thorough UnderstandingTao YuanmingOriginally reading for the gist without pedantry; now, studying superficially without seeking deep understanding.
  6. From Ancient Times to the PresentPan YueThroughout all ages, from antiquity until now.
  7. Like a Fish Finding WaterChen ShouLike a fish in water; finding a congenial person or an ideal environment.
  8. Never Letting the Book Leave One's HandChen ShouAlways with a book in hand; diligent and devoted to study.
  9. Flourishing Toward ProsperityTao YuanmingPlants thriving; a cause flourishing and prospering.
  10. The One and Only Waytr. KumarajivaOriginally a Buddhist term for the gate of non-duality; now the one and only way.
  11. At a Loss What to DoChen ShouNot knowing what to do; at a complete loss.
  12. Not Sure of Surviving Till EveningLi MiUnsure in the morning of lasting till evening; in dire, precarious straits.
  13. Seeing Someone in a New LightChen ShouViewing someone with fresh eyes after they have markedly improved.
  14. Letting the Tiger Return to the MountainsChen ShouLetting a tiger back into the hills; releasing an enemy and inviting future trouble.
  15. Drawing Cakes to Allay HungerChen ShouDrawing a cake to satisfy hunger; empty names without substance, or consoling oneself with fantasy.
  16. The Blind Men and the ElephantAnonymousBlind men each touching part of an elephant; judging the whole from a partial view.
  17. Asking the Tiger for Its SkinFu LangAsking a tiger for its hide; negotiating with someone to give up their vital interests is futile.
  18. Looking with New EyesChen ShouLü Meng said: "When a scholar has been away for three days, you should look at him with fresh eyes.
  19. Lofty Mountains and Steep RidgesWang XizhiHere are lofty mountains and steep ridges, lush woods and tall bamboo;
  20. Free Beyond the Bounds of FormWang XizhiOthers, entrusting their feelings to what they cherish, let themselves roam free beyond the bounds of bodily form.
  21. Fallen Petals Swirling DownTao YuanmingSuddenly he came upon a peach grove lining both banks for several hundred paces, with no other trees among it; the fragrant grass was fresh and lovely, and fallen petals swirled down in profusion.
  22. Suddenly Opening UpTao YuanmingAfter a few dozen more paces, it suddenly opened up into a broad, bright space.
  23. The Old Ah Meng of WuChen ShouLu Su patted Lü Meng on the back and said: 'I thought my younger brother had only military skill; but now your learning is broad and brilliant, and you are no longer the Ah Meng of Wu.'
  24. Contented and HappyTao YuanmingThe white-haired elders and the children with hair hanging loose all lived at ease and content.
  25. A Gentle, Pleasant BreezeWang XizhiOn this day, the sky was clear and the air fresh, and a gentle breeze blew mild and pleasant.
  26. Clear Sky and Fresh AirWang XizhiOn this day, the sky was clear and the air fresh, and a gentle breeze blew mild and pleasant.
  27. Hearing the Neighbors' Hens and DogsTao YuanmingField paths crossed one another, and hens and dogs could be heard from farm to farm.
  28. Yellowed Hair and Hanging LocksTao YuanmingThe yellow-haired elders and the children with hanging locks were all at ease and content.
  29. Seven Captures and Seven Releases of Meng HuoChang QuZhuge Liang laughed and released him to fight again; seven times released and seven times captured, and still Zhuge Liang would send Meng Huo back.
  30. Seeing Today Right and Yesterday WrongTao YuanmingI truly went astray, but not too far; now I see that today is right and yesterday was wrong.
  31. Homeward Bound, Let Me ReturnTao YuanmingLet me go home! My fields and garden are turning to weeds; why should I not return?
  32. Feelings Shift as Circumstances ChangeWang XizhiWhen they tire of what they pursued, their feelings shift as circumstances change, and deep emotion follows.
  33. Nobody Asks the Way to the FordTao YuanmingAfter that, no one asked the way to the ford.
  34. Letting the Eyes Roam and the Heart Gallop FreeWang XizhiLooking up at the vastness of the universe and down at the abundance of living things, we let our eyes roam and our hearts run free, enough to enjoy every delight of sight and sound; truly it was a joy.
  35. Four Bare Walls of Master Five WillowsTao YuanmingNothing but bare walls all around, keeping out neither wind nor sun.
  36. Rice Basket and Water Gourd Often EmptyTao YuanmingHis coarse short coat was torn and patched, his rice basket and water gourd often empty, yet he was at ease.
  37. Lush Woods and Tall Bamboo at the Orchid PavilionWang XizhiHere are lofty mountains and steep ridges, dense woods and tall bamboo, and clear rushing streams that shine on either side.
  38. Returning to the Uncarved JadeTao YuanmingLong kept in a cage, I have returned to nature again.
  39. Essays Flow from the BrushChen ShouWhen I speak I make arguments, and when I write I produce essays. Just test me face to face; why would I hire someone?
  40. Careless of the Small ProprietiesChen ShouLooking at men of letters past and present, most were careless of the small proprieties and few could stand on their name and integrity.
  41. Living on Another's BreathChen ShouYuan Shao is a lone guest with a hungry army who lives on our breath, like a baby in the palm of a hand: cut off his milk and he will starve at once.
  42. Hold Sincerely to the Middle WayChen ShouThe succession ordained by Heaven rests on you; hold sincerely to the middle, or Heaven's blessings will end for ever.
  43. Rearing a Tiger Only to Invite DisasterChen ShouI said to Lord Cao: 'Handling the general is like keeping a tiger; you must feed it its fill of meat, or it will bite.'
  44. Dry Bones in the Grave: Kong Rong on Yuan ShuChen ShouIs Yuan Gonglu a man who cares for the state and forgets his own house? He is dry bones in a tomb; why give him a thought?
  45. Passing from Being into NonbeingSun ChuoRacing through divine transformations, suddenly I pass out of being into nonbeing.
  46. Scraping the Bone to Draw Out the PoisonChen ShouThe arrowhead was poisoned, and the poison has entered the bone. The arm must be opened and the poison scraped from the bone; only then will the trouble be gone.
  47. Power That Overshadowed the RealmChen ShouFrom Yuan An onward, four generations held the rank of the Three Excellencies, and so their power overshadowed the realm.
  48. Tracing Things from Origin to OutcomeDu YuIts style is leisurely and its meaning far-reaching, so that students may trace things from origin to outcome, follow the branches and leaves and pursue them to the end.
  49. The Young Deserve Our RespectChen ShouConfucius said the young are to be held in awe; with a man like this one can discuss the boundary between Heaven and humanity!
  50. Harmonious Without Mere ConformityYang HuLu Zhi, Grand Master of Splendid Happiness, keeps himself pure and has few desires; he is harmonious without mere conformity.
  51. Collapsing Like Earth, Shattering Like Tiles at YilingChen ShouLu Xun urged his armies to close in from all sides; the enemy collapsed like earth and shattered like tiles.
  52. A Brave Man Cuts Off His Bitten HandSun ChuoIt is like a viper biting the foot: cut it off to save the body.
  53. The Summer Insect Doubts There Is IceSun ChuoI laugh at the summer insect that doubts the ice, and preen my light wings, longing to soar.
  54. The Swordsmith Couple Gan Jiang and Mo YeGan Bao (comp.)Gan Jiang and Mo Ye of Chu made swords for the King of Chu; it took three years, and the angry king wished to kill him.
  55. Opening the Gate to Bow In the RobbersChen ShouThat is like opening the gate and bowing in the robbers, and cannot be called humane.
  56. Bearing Humiliation to Shoulder a Heavy ChargeChen ShouThe state has asked you to defer to me because I have some small merit: I can bear humiliation and carry a heavy charge.
  57. The Crime of Holding a Jade DiscChen ShouThe common man commits no crime; holding a jade disc is his crime.
  58. Tranquil and Free of CravingChen ShouOnly Weichang held both refinement and substance; tranquil and free of craving, with the aspiration of Mount Ji, he was a true gentleman.
  59. Every Stroke of the Blade Finds Empty SpaceSun ChuoEvery stroke of the blade finds empty space, and the eye no longer sees the ox whole.
  60. Bowing Low to Win Over Worthy MenChen ShouShao had an imposing presence and could humble himself before scholars, so many joined him.
  61. Taking Up the Brush and Finishing on the SpotChen ShouZhi took up his brush and finished at once, and it was well worth reading; Taizu was greatly impressed.
  62. Changing the Strings and Retuning the ZitherChen ShouHe could not promote men of talent or change the strings and retune; though he meant well and loved learning, what good was that against disorder?
  63. Times Shift and the World ChangesSun ChuoNow, as times shift and the world changes, things become thin or thick.
  64. Not Knowing at Dawn What the Evening Will BringChen ShouSo every official lived in dread, getting through each day as it came, unable at dawn to plan for the evening.
  65. Doubts Melting Like Ice: Du Yu on Reading the Zuo CommentaryDu YuLike the soaking of rivers and seas and the moistening of rich rain, doubts melt like ice and reason flows with ease; only then has one truly understood.
  66. A Wolf Cub's Wild Heart: Cao Cao on Lü BuChen ShouLü Bu has a wolf cub's wild heart and truly cannot be kept long.
  67. No Longer Seeing the Whole Ox: Sun Chuo on Mount TiantaiSun ChuoWherever I drive the blade there is empty space; I no longer see the whole ox.
  68. The Recluse's Resolve of Mount Ji: Cao Pi on Xu GanChen ShouWeichang alone combined grace with substance, was content and free of craving, and had the resolve of Mount Ji; he may be called a true gentleman.
  69. As Perilous as Stacked Eggs: Chen Gui Warns Lü BuChen ShouIf you now marry into Yuan Shu's house, you will bear a name for treachery throughout the realm and will surely face danger like a stack of eggs.
  70. Peerless Above the Crowd: Zhuge Liang Praises the Bearded Guan YuChen ShouHe may race neck and neck with Yide, but he does not yet reach the Beard, who is peerless and above the crowd.
  71. An Infant in the Palm of Our Hand: Han Fu's Officers on Yuan ShaoChen ShouLike an infant in the palm of our hand: cut off its milk and it will starve at once.
  72. Talking and Laughing as Usual: Guan Yu Has His Bone ScrapedChen ShouBlood streamed from his arm and filled the dishes, yet he carved the roast and drank his wine, talking and laughing as usual.
  73. Words Beyond His Real Worth: Liu Bei's Warning About Ma SuChen ShouMa Su's words exceed his real worth; he cannot be given great responsibility. Do watch him carefully!
  74. An Edge That None Can WithstandChen ShouGongsun leads the soldiers of Yan and Dai, and their edge cannot be withstood.
  75. Showing Neither Joy Nor Anger on One's FaceChen ShouHe spoke little, was modest toward others, and his joy and anger did not show on his face.

Northern and Southern

69 works

420–589

  1. Raising the Tray to Eyebrow LevelFan YeMeng Guang raised the food tray to her brows when serving her husband; mutual respect between spouses.
  2. Unconcerned with TriflesFan YeNot fussing over minor details or etiquette; easygoing and broad-minded in manner.
  3. Barely SatisfactoryFan YeOriginally, still able to rouse spirits; now, passable or more or less satisfactory.
  4. Spilled Water Cannot Be GatheredFan YeWhat is done cannot be undone, like spilled water that cannot be recovered.
  5. A Crane among ChickensLiu Yiqing (comp.)Standing out conspicuously from those around one in bearing or talent.
  6. A Rising TalentLiu Yiqing (comp.)A promising newcomer; an outstanding member of the younger generation.
  7. Old but Ever More VigorousFan YeGrowing more vigorous and determined with age.
  8. Strength Fails the WillFan YeWanting to do something but lacking the strength or ability.
  9. Too Much for the Eyes to Take InLiu Yiqing (comp.)So much to see that the eyes cannot keep up.
  10. Silent, Imperceptible TransformationYan ZhituiOne's thinking or character is gradually changed by unnoticed influence.
  11. Pleasing to Heart and EyeXie LingyunDelightful to the heart and pleasing to the eye.
  12. Quenching Thirst by Thinking of PlumsLiu YiqingCao Cao's thirsty troops cheered by imagined plums; consoling oneself with fantasies.
  13. Ten Thousand People, One HeartFan YeMillions united as one; complete solidarity.
  14. In High SpiritsLiu XieOriginally of lofty, brilliant writing; now, elated and in high spirits.
  15. Different Mouths, One VoiceShen YueMany people saying the same thing; unanimous.
  16. Leading into WonderlandLiu YiqingDrawing one into an enchanting realm; captivating scenery or works.
  17. Too Many to Take InLiu YiqingToo much beauty to take in at once; or too many matters to handle.
  18. A Hundred Feelings MingledLiu YiqingAll kinds of feelings welling up at once; describes deeply mixed emotions.
  19. Growing Worse and WorseXiao TongOriginally to develop further; now for something bad becoming even worse.
  20. Running Neck and NeckLiu XieHorses harnessed side by side galloping together; being on a par with one another.
  21. Crouching Tiger, Hidden DragonYu XinHidden dragons and crouching tigers; a place concealing undiscovered talent.
  22. Putting It Out of MindFan YeGiving no thought to something, especially one's own safety or life.
  23. Overbearingly AggressiveLiu YiqingAggressively overbearing; also, strikingly impressive in a way that puts others under pressure.
  24. Nipping Evil in the BudFan YeTo check wrongdoing at its first sign and prevent it from growing.
  25. Viewing a Leopard Through a TubeLiu YiqingSeeing only one spot of a leopard through a tube; a partial view, or inferring the whole from a part.
  26. Drawing a Tiger That Looks Like a DogFan YeTrying to draw a tiger but ending with a dog; overreaching ambition or clumsy imitation.
  27. Heartbroken at PartingJiang YanWhat dims the heart and melts the soul is parting, and parting alone!
  28. Layer upon Layer of CliffsLi DaoyuanCliffs piled on cliffs, peaks stacked on peaks, hiding the sky and screening the sun; unless it is noon or midnight, one sees neither sun nor moon.
  29. Hares Hard to Tell ApartAnonymous (Northern Dynasties folk song)The buck's feet kick, the doe's eyes squint; but when two hares run side by side along the ground, who can tell if I am male or female?
  30. Ambition Stilled at the Sight of the PeaksWu JunThose who soar to heaven like a hawk would still their hearts on seeing these peaks; those who manage the world's affairs would gaze into these valleys and forget to return.
  31. Each Soldier Worth a Hundred at KunyangFan YeHaving won victory upon victory, the officers grew ever bolder, and every one of them fought like a hundred.
  32. Spoils Beyond Counting at KunyangFan YeThey captured all the army's supplies and baggage; the chariots, armour and treasures were beyond counting, a month of hauling could not finish them, and some of the rest was burned.
  33. The Son-in-Law Lying on the East CouchLiu Yiqing (comp.)Only one young man lay on the east couch with his belly bare, as if he had heard nothing.
  34. Sunset Clouds Spread Like Patterned SilkXie TiaoThe lingering clouds spread out like patterned silk; the clear river lies still as white silk.
  35. Crumbling and Splitting ApartFan YeAll the realm is crumbling and splitting apart; the situation is plain to see.
  36. Shrike and Swallow Flying ApartXiao Yan (traditionally attributed)The shrike flies east, the swallow flies west; the Herdboy and the Weaver Girl meet only now and then.
  37. A Name Recorded on Bamboo and SilkFan YeI only wish that your virtue and might reach the four seas, and that I may render some small service and have my merit written on bamboo and silk.
  38. Belly Bare on the Eastern Couch: Wang Xizhi Chosen as Son-in-LawLiu Yiqing (comp.)Only one young man lay on the eastern couch with his belly bare, as if he had heard nothing.
  39. Rich in Springs and Autumns: Yuan Shao Defends the Young EmperorFan YeThe present emperor is rich in springs and autumns, and nothing bad about him has been made known to the realm.
  40. Biyu, the Girl from a Humble HouseXiao YiBiyu, a girl of a humble house, came to marry the Prince of Runan.
  41. Ladling Boiling Water to Stop the BoilFan YeLadling boiling water to stop it boiling is not as good as removing the firewood; lancing an abscess, though painful, beats letting it eat away within.
  42. Throwing Down the Brush to Take Up ArmsFan YeA real man should at least follow Fu Jiezi and Zhang Qian and win merit in foreign lands; how can he spend his days among brushes and inkstones?
  43. Laying Open One's Heart and SoulFan YeHow dare I not lay open my heart, to repay a ten-thousandth part?
  44. Late in the Day With the Road Still LongYu XinThe day is late and the road is long: what kind of world is this?
  45. Slender Wisdom, Grand DesignsXiao YiOnce a man of ritual vessels, now a soldier in armour; my wisdom slender and my designs grand, where then is my fame?
  46. Setting Out at Dawn and Arriving by DuskLi DaoyuanLeaving Baidi at dawn and reaching Jiangling by dusk, a distance of twelve hundred li; even riding a galloping horse or the wind would not be so fast.
  47. Not Turning on One's Heel Even Before DeathFan YeI truly know my guilt and will face death without turning on my heel; I beg only five more days to destroy the chief villain, and then I will go to the cauldron. That is my wish in life.
  48. Jiang Yan's Talent Run DryJiang YanJiang Yan reached into his robe, took out a five-coloured brush and gave it to him. After that his poems had no fine lines at all, and people of the time said his talent was spent.
  49. A Monkey Washed and Wearing a CapXiao GangIf you stood facing a wall, or were a monkey washed and wearing a cap, that I would not approve.
  50. As Distinct as the Clear Jing and the Muddy WeiXiao GangDistinguish the clear from the muddy, making them as plain as the Jing and the Wei.
  51. The Clear River Smooth as White SilkXie TiaoThe lingering clouds disperse like brocade; the clear river lies calm as white silk.
  52. Swallow's Chin and Tiger's Neck: Ban Chao's FortuneFan YeYou have a swallow's chin and a tiger's neck; you fly and eat meat. This is the face of a lord ten thousand li away.
  53. Repaying Every Angry Glare: Fan Ju's RevengeFan YeEvery meal of kindness he repaid; every angry glare he avenged.
  54. Disaster Before a Heel Can Turn: Chen Fan's MemorialFan YeIf I speak out fully, the villains will glare at me, and disaster will come before a heel can turn.
  55. A Tower Built in the AirSanghasenaBy the sea, the vapours of the clam-dragon look like towers and terraces; over the wide plains, vapours take the shape of palaces.
  56. Guan Ning Cuts the Mat in TwoLiu Yiqing (comp.)Guan Ning cut the mat and sat apart, saying: you are no friend of mine.
  57. Superb Words: Yang Xiu Solves the Riddle on the Cao E SteleLiu Yiqing (comp.)That is, 'superb and exquisite words'.
  58. Abandoning the Root to Chase the Branches: Jia Sixie on FarmingJia SixieAbandoning the root to chase the branches is condemned by the wise.
  59. Armoured and Armed in the Front Line: Liu Yu at GouzhangShen Yue (comp.)Gaozu always wore armour and bore sharp weapons, going ahead of his soldiers, and in every battle broke the enemy's front.
  60. Former Students and Old SubordinatesFan YeThe Yuan clan has bestowed favours for four generations, and its former students and old subordinates are found throughout the realm.
  61. Cliffs That Hide the Sky and Blot Out the SunLi DaoyuanLayered cliffs and piled peaks hide the sky and blot out the sun; unless it is noon or midnight one sees neither sun nor moon.
  62. Standing Face to the WallXiao GangTo stand with one's face to the wall, or to be a monkey wearing a hat, is what I will not accept.
  63. Bowing Low and Holding One's BreathFan YeFrom then on the eunuchs and palace attendants all bowed low and held their breath, and did not dare leave the palace even on their days of leave.
  64. Yellow Silk and Young Woman: The Riddle of Cao E's SteleLiu Yiqing (comp.)Yellow silk is coloured silk, which makes jue; young woman is a girl, which makes miao; daughter's son is woman and son, which makes hao; a mortar receives the pungent, which makes ci.
  65. Without Entering the Tiger's Den, How Can One Catch the CubFan YeWithout entering the tiger's den, one cannot catch the cub. Our only plan now is to attack the barbarians with fire under cover of night.
  66. Knowing a Fault, Be Sure to Mend ItZhou XingsiKnowing a fault, be sure to mend it; having gained an ability, do not forget it.
  67. Ceaseless as a Flowing RiverZhou XingsiLike a river flowing without rest, like a deep pool clear and reflecting.
  68. One Breath, Joined BranchesZhou XingsiBrothers care most deeply for one another, sharing one breath like joined branches.
  69. Isolated, Narrow and Ill-InformedZhou XingsiIsolated and ill-informed, I share the ridicule due to the ignorant.

Tang

183 works

618–907

  1. Rising to Practice Swordplay at CockcrowFang Xuanling et al. (comp.)Zu Ti rose at midnight cockcrow to practice swordsmanship; ambitious people seizing every moment to strive.
  2. Wielding an Axe at Lu Ban's DoorLiu ZongyuanShowing off axe skills before the master carpenter Lu Ban; displaying one's meager skill before an expert.
  3. A Dream While the Millet CooksShen JijiA scholar dreams a lifetime of glory before his millet finishes cooking; fleeting, illusory ambitions.
  4. Viewing Flowers on HorsebackMeng JiaoGlancing at flowers from a galloping horse; looking at things superficially without close examination.
  5. Proud in the Spring BreezeMeng JiaoMeng Jiao's joy after passing the imperial exam; elated pride at success in career or life.
  6. Green Plums and Bamboo HorsesLi BaiChildren playing with green plums and hobby horses; the innocent bond of a boy and girl who grew up together.
  7. Two Innocent ChildrenLi BaiA boy and girl playing together as children with no suspicion or self-consciousness; innocent childhood companionship.
  8. Having Once Seen the Vast SeaYuan ZhenOnce you have seen the ocean, other waters pale; broad experience, or devotion to a love beyond compare.
  9. Returning in a Cloud of DustDu MuCharging back amid swirling dust; staging a comeback after defeat with renewed strength.
  10. White Clouds Turn into Grey DogsDu FuClouds shaped like white robes suddenly become grey dogs; the unpredictable changeability of worldly affairs.
  11. The Broken Mirror Made WholeMeng QiA couple parted by war reunite by matching halves of a broken mirror; estranged spouses coming back together.
  12. The Ends of the EarthBai JuyiThe corners of the sea and edges of the sky; the remotest places, or people separated by great distance.
  13. Dotting the Eyes of the Painted DragonZhang YanyuanA painter dots a dragon's eyes and it flies away; the crucial finishing touch that brings a work to life.
  14. The Whole Room Roars with LaughterZhao LinEveryone in the room bursts out laughing at once.
  15. Not Even Chickens and Dogs Have PeaceLiu ZongyuanSuch severe disturbance that even the chickens and dogs have no peace.
  16. Shaking Heaven and EarthBai JuyiSo powerful or momentous that it shakes heaven and earth.
  17. A Thousand-Weight Hanging by a HairHan YuA great weight hanging by a single hair; a situation of extreme peril.
  18. Rare in a Thousand YearsHan YuSo rare it may not come once in a thousand years; a golden opportunity.
  19. Unable to Hold Back a SmileZhao LinCannot help laughing; unable to suppress a smile.
  20. Common Sight to the MinisterMeng QiSo familiar to the minister it causes no surprise; commonplace.
  21. One Arrow, Two EaglesLi YanshouHitting two eagles with one arrow; achieving two aims with one action.
  22. Ends of the Earth, Corners of the SeaHan YuThe remotest corners of the world; places very far apart.
  23. One Act, Two GainsFang Xuanling et al.Gaining two benefits from a single action.
  24. Treat All AlikeHan YuTo treat everyone equally without favoritism.
  25. Charge Again, Sharpen AgainHan Yu & Meng JiaoFighting cocks whet their beaks before each bout; keep up the effort again and again.
  26. All-EmbracingAnonymousEmbracing every phenomenon; all-inclusive and rich in content.
  27. Evenly MatchedLu GuimengHard to tell which is higher or lower; evenly matched.
  28. Pillowing on a Spear Awaiting DawnFang Xuanling et al. (comp.)Sleeping with head on a spear, awaiting dawn; ever vigilant and ready for battle.
  29. Clinging to Error Without AwakeningYao SilianStubbornly persisting in a mistaken course and refusing to see reason.
  30. Steeped by What One Sees and HearsHan YuUnconsciously influenced by what one constantly hears and sees.
  31. Failing on the Verge of SuccessFang Xuanling et al.Failing just when success was within reach.
  32. Living Under Another's RoofLi YanshouTo live in dependence on others; also, to imitate others without originality.
  33. Light Carriage on a Familiar RoadHan YuDriving a light carriage on a familiar road; doing something with ease through experience.
  34. A Moth Flying into the FlameYao SilianA moth darting into the flame; courting one's own destruction.
  35. A Dream of NankeLi GongzuoA dream of glory under a southern branch; an illusory fortune or empty joy.
  36. Hard to Dismount a TigerFang Xuanling et al. (comp.)Riding a tiger and unable to get off; caught in a course of action one cannot abandon.
  37. Penetrating Three Fen into the WoodZhang HuaiguanBrushstrokes biting deep into the wood; forceful calligraphy, or penetrating insight and description.
  38. Splitting Apart at the Blade's TouchFang Xuanling et al. (comp.)Like bamboo splitting at the blade; once the key issue is solved, the rest follows easily.
  39. Meeting Like Drifting DuckweedWang BoWe have met like duckweed drifting on the water, all of us guests far from home.
  40. Outstanding People, Inspired LandWang BoIts people are outstanding and its land inspired: Xu Ru was the guest for whom Chen Fan let down his special couch.
  41. A Life Full of MisfortuneWang BoThe times have not been kind, and the road of my fate has been full of mishaps.
  42. As Long as Heaven and EarthBai JuyiEven heaven and earth, long as they last, will one day end, but this regret will linger on forever without end.
  43. Natural BeautyBai JuyiHer natural beauty could not stay hidden; one day she was chosen to stand at the sovereign's side.
  44. Riding the Wind, Breaking the WavesLi BaiA day will come when I ride the long wind and break the waves, and hoist my sails straight across the vast sea.
  45. Climb One Storey HigherWang ZhihuanIf you wish to see a thousand li to the horizon, climb one more storey of the tower.
  46. The Silkworm Spins Until It DiesLi ShangyinThe spring silkworm spins its silk until it dies; the candle's tears dry only when it turns to ash.
  47. Hooked Hearts and Clashing HornsDu MuEach building embraced the lie of the land, their hearts hooked together and their corners locked like horns.
  48. Think of Danger in Times of PeaceWei ZhengNot to think of danger while living in safety, nor to restrain extravagance with thrift, nor to make one's virtue deep, nor to let reason master desire: this is like cutting a tree's roots and hoping it will flourish, or blocking a spring and wanting the stream to run far.
  49. Harsh Government Is Fiercer Than a TigerLiu ZongyuanConfucius said: 'Harsh government is fiercer than a tiger.'
  50. A Letter from Home Is Worth Ten Thousand in GoldDu FuThe beacon fires have burned for three months on end; a letter from home is worth ten thousand in gold.
  51. Earthly Treasures, Heavenly GemsWang BoThe finest things of this land are treasures of heaven; the dragon-light of its swords shoots up to the realm of the Ox and the Dipper;
  52. A Glance Back and a SmileBai JuyiWhen she turned her eyes back with a smile, a hundred charms were born; all the powdered and painted ladies of the six palaces lost their color.
  53. Called for a Thousand TimesBai JuyiOnly after a thousand calls and ten thousand pleas did she come out, still holding the pipa to hide half her face.
  54. Passing On the Way and Teaching LearningHan YuA teacher is one who passes on the Way, teaches learning and resolves doubts.
  55. Mastery Comes from DiligenceHan YuThe Master of the Academy entered the Imperial College at dawn, gathered the students below the hall and instructed them: 'Learning is perfected through diligence and wasted by play;
  56. Harder Than Climbing to the Blue SkyLi BaiThe hardship of the road to Shu is harder than climbing to the blue sky!
  57. The Face and the Peach BlossomsCui HuOn this day last year, within this gate, a face and the peach blossoms glowed red against each other.
  58. Swaying and Shifting With the SeasonsLiu ZongyuanSwaying and luxuriant, they shift and change with the seasons.
  59. Praised by Every Mouth in UnisonHan YuThe great ministers and men of power vied to have him come from their own gates, and praised and recommended him with one voice.
  60. Gathering and Storing Every Kind of RemedyHan YuJade, cinnabar and rare herbs, cow's urine, puffballs and old drum hide: to gather and store them all, so nothing is lacking when needed, is the mark of a good physician.
  61. A Thousand Villages and Ten Thousand Hamlets OvergrownDu FuHave you not heard that in the two hundred prefectures east of the mountains, a thousand villages and ten thousand hamlets are overgrown with thorns?
  62. Turning Away as if Never AcquaintedHan YuOnce faced with a petty conflict of interest, no bigger than a hair, they turn their eyes away as if they had never met.
  63. Explaining by Word and Pointing with the HandHan YuThose who learned to write under Zihou's spoken explanations and pointing hand all produced work of real discipline and merit.
  64. The Marshal's Blue Robe Soaked with TearsBai JuyiOf all who wept, who wept the most? The marshal of Jiangzhou, his blue robe soaked through.
  65. Savoring the Blossoms of Fine WritingHan YuSteeped in the rich and mellow, holding the blossoms and chewing the flowers, he writes until his works fill the house.
  66. A Thousand Li Within a Foot's SpanLiu ZongyuanThe rise and fall of the land, its deep hollows and low basins, looked like anthills and burrows; a thousand li lay within a foot's span, packed and layered, with nothing able to hide.
  67. Horns Beginning to ShowHan YuThough still a youth, he was already mature as a grown man; he passed the examination for presented scholars, and his horns stood out clearly.
  68. Night Rain in the Ba MountainsLi ShangyinYou ask when I will return, and I cannot say; night rain in the Ba Mountains swells the autumn pools. When shall we trim the candle by the west window, and talk of this night of rain in the Ba Mountains?
  69. Zhuang Zhou's Dream of the ButterflyLi ShangyinMaster Zhuang, in his dawn dream, was lost in the butterfly; King Wang entrusted his spring heart to the cuckoo.
  70. Mind Gathered, Body DissolvedLiu ZongyuanMy mind gathered, my body dissolved, and I merged silently with all creation.
  71. Touching the Shen and Jing Stars on the Shu RoadLi BaiTouching the Shen stars and passing the Jing, travelers look up and hold their breath, then sit with hand on chest and heave long sighs.
  72. Shelved in an Idle PostHan YuWhenever I act, I draw slander, and a name for it follows; to be put aside in an idle post is no more than my due.
  73. Broken Halberds Sunk in the SandDu MuA broken halberd sunk in the sand, its iron not yet worn away; I clean and polish it myself and know it for a relic of a former age.
  74. Cutting Flowing Water with a Drawn BladeLi BaiDraw a blade to cut the water, and the water flows on faster; raise a cup to drown sorrow, and sorrow grows deeper.
  75. Swearing by Heaven and the Sun with TearsHan YuThey point to heaven and the sun and weep, swearing never to betray each other in life or death, and seem entirely believable.
  76. Lowering the Brows and Bending the Waist to the PowerfulLi BaiHow could I lower my brows and bend my back to serve the mighty, and never be glad at heart?
  77. Zigzagging Like the Dipper, Winding Like a SnakeLiu ZongyuanLooking southwest from the pool, the stream bends like the Dipper and winds like a snake, now glinting, now hidden.
  78. Moon Setting and Crows Cawing by Maple BridgeZhang JiThe moon sets, crows caw, and frost fills the sky; riverside maples and fishing lights face my sleepless sorrow.
  79. Peach Blossom Pool a Thousand Feet DeepLi BaiPeach Blossom Pool is a thousand feet deep, but not as deep as Wang Lun's farewell to me.
  80. This Sorrow Lingers On Without EndBai JuyiHeaven and earth, however long they last, will someday end; but this sorrow goes on and on, with no end at all.
  81. River and Sky Merged in One ColorZhang RuoxuRiver and sky are one color, without a speck of dust; bright and clear in the air hangs a lone wheel of moon.
  82. Plantain and Puffball in the Physician's ChestHan YuPlantain and puffball, the skin of a broken drum, all gathered and stored so that nothing is missing when needed: that is the mark of a good physician.
  83. Firmer of Purpose the Poorer One GrowsWang BoIn poverty one should grow ever firmer, never letting one's ambitions that reach the blue clouds fall.
  84. Red Blossoms Scatter, Green Leaves Start in the WindLiu ZongyuanWhenever the wind comes down from the hills on every side, it shakes the great trees and bends the grasses; red blossoms toss, green leaves start, and a rich fragrance billows up.
  85. Fine Friends Gathered Like CloudsWang BoOn the day of rest, fine friends gather like clouds; welcomed from a thousand li, distinguished guests fill the seats.
  86. Throwing Stones on a Friend Fallen into the PitHan YuWhen a man falls into a pit, they do not lift a hand to save him but push him down and throw stones on him; such people are everywhere.
  87. Fine Jade Grows at LantianLi ShangyinLantian produces jade; it is true indeed.
  88. Deeds Are Accomplished Through Careful ThoughtHan YuLearning is perfected by diligence and ruined by play; conduct is accomplished through thought and ruined by carelessness.
  89. Trimming the Candle Together by the West WindowLi ShangyinWhen shall we trim the candle together by the west window, and talk of this night of rain in the Ba mountains?
  90. Soaring Spirit and Sweeping EloquenceHan YuIn argument he cited past and present, ranging through the classics, histories and philosophers, with soaring spirit and sweeping eloquence, and usually won over all present.
  91. Companions Only in Wine and FeastingHan YuNowadays people living in the same lanes admire and flatter one another, chase one another to food, drink and games, and force smiles to defer to one another.
  92. The Silver River Pours Down from HeavenLi BaiIt flies straight down three thousand feet, as if the Milky Way were falling from the ninth heaven.
  93. Stale Phrases Must Be Swept AwayHan YuOnly in removing stale words, how hard, how hard it is!
  94. The Bluebird Diligently Carries WordLi ShangyinFrom here to Mount Penglai the road is not long; bluebird, be diligent and go look in on her for me.
  95. A Hall Full of Distinguished Guests at Prince Teng's PavilionWang BoHosts came a thousand li to welcome us; distinguished friends filled every seat.
  96. The Yellow Crane Gone, Never to ReturnCui HaoThe yellow crane, once gone, never came back; for a thousand years white clouds have drifted on in vain.
  97. Laughing and Talking with Great ScholarsLiu YuxiThose I laugh and talk with are great scholars; none who come and go are unlettered.
  98. One Man Holds the Pass Against Ten ThousandFang Xuanling (comp.)The Sword Gate rises steep and towering; if one man holds the pass, ten thousand cannot force it open.
  99. Teacher of a Single WordQiji (Monk Qiji)In the deep snow of the village ahead, last night a single spray opened.
  100. One Saying Can Make a State FlourishWei ZhengOne saying can make a state flourish: this is what it means.
  101. Neither Arising nor CeasingXuanzang (trans.)All phenomena are marked by emptiness: they neither arise nor cease, are neither defiled nor pure, neither increase nor decrease.
  102. Rising Again from the Eastern HillsFang Xuanling (comp.)You defied the court's summons time and again and lay at ease in the Eastern Hills. People kept saying to one another: if Anshi will not come out, what will become of the common people? Now what will the common people make of you?
  103. Chasing the Deer Across the Central PlainWei ZhengWhen the chase for the deer first began on the central plain, I threw down my brush to serve in the war chariots.
  104. Practising Calligraphy Until the Pond Turned BlackFang Xuanling (comp.)Zhang Zhi practised calligraphy by the pond until its water was all black. If I could be so absorbed in it, I would not necessarily fall behind him.
  105. The Five Aggregates Are All EmptyXuanzang (trans.)When the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara was practising the profound perfection of wisdom, he saw clearly that the five aggregates are all empty, and passed beyond all suffering and distress.
  106. Immortal Dew and Bright PearlsLi Shimin (Emperor Taizong of Tang)Wind in the pines and the moon on the water cannot match his purity and brilliance; how could immortal dew and bright pearls compare with his luminous grace?
  107. Punishing So That Punishment May EndZhangsun Wuji, Yu Zhining (comp.)Therefore it is said: use punishment to end punishment, use killing to end killing.
  108. Killing So That Killing May EndZhangsun Wuji, Yu Zhining (comp.)Therefore it is said: use punishment to end punishment, use killing to end killing.
  109. Winning by Stratagem Instead of BattleFang Xuanling (comp.)So the soldiers made up a ditty about it: 'Using stratagem instead of battle, one is worth ten thousand.'
  110. In the Space of a Glance Down and UpYao ChongWang Yishao said, 'In the space of a glance down and up, it has already become a trace of the past.' How true these words are!
  111. Heeding Only One Side Leaves a Ruler in the DarkWu Jing (comp.)A ruler is clear-sighted because he listens to all sides; he is benighted because he trusts only one.
  112. He Yan, the Young Man Who Seemed PowderedSong Jing (traditionally attributed)He Pingshu was handsome and his face extremely white; Emperor Ming of Wei suspected he wore powder.
  113. All Eight Corners of the World on One TrackFang Xuanling (comp.)We have cleared Liang and Min and embraced Yang and Yue; the eight corners of the world share one track, and auspicious omens keep arriving.
  114. The Orphan Six Chi Tall: Luo Binwang's Call to ArmsLuo BinwangThe earth on the late emperor's grave is not yet dry; to whom is his six-chi orphan entrusted?
  115. Victory Without Blood on the BladesFang Xuanling (comp.)From the time Jun set out from Shu his weapons were never bloodied and no city held out; Xiakou and Wuchang offered no resistance.
  116. Unrivalled in His GenerationFang Xuanling (comp.)At fifteen he practised swordplay; long-armed and a fine archer, he drew a bow of three hundred jin, and in strength and agility he was unrivalled in his generation.
  117. Pure as Ice, Lustrous as JadeYao ChongThe wife's father has the bearing of clear ice; the son-in-law has the reputation of smooth jade.
  118. As Easily as Splitting BambooFang Xuanling (comp.)Now our army's might is roused; it is like splitting bamboo: after a few joints, the rest all split as they meet the blade.
  119. Humble Palaces and Frugal MealsWei Zheng (comp.)We wish humble palaces and frugal meals to be handed down to later ages.
  120. One Heart and One VirtueWu Zetian (Empress Wu)King Wu of Zhou had ten able ministers of one heart and one virtue; this is why he rose.
  121. Begin Well and End WellWei ZhengGood at youth and good at age, good at the beginning and good at the end.
  122. The Four Seas Boil Like a Cauldron: Liu Yuan's MomentFang Xuanling (comp.)Now the Sima clan is killing its own flesh and blood and the four seas are boiling like a cauldron; to raise our state and restore our heritage, the time is now.
  123. Crumbling Earth and Rotting Fish: The Fall of SuiWei Zheng (comp.)The realm crumbled like earth and rotted like fish; his evil was full and ripe, and all under heaven were his enemies.
  124. Ji Bu's Promise, Worth More than GoldWei ZhengJi Bu never gave a second promise; Hou Ying valued a single word.
  125. A Corpse with One Breath Left: Sima Yi Feigns IllnessFang Xuanling (comp.)Lord Sima is a corpse with a breath left; his body and spirit have parted. There is nothing to worry about.
  126. The Broken Clog Tooth: Xie An Hides His Joy at Fei RiverFang Xuanling (comp.)Crossing the threshold, so great was his joy that he did not notice his clog tooth break. Such was his self-mastery.
  127. Lofty Halls and Carved Walls: Taizong's Warning Against LuxuryLi ShiminAs for Qin's First Emperor and King Mu of Zhou, Emperor Wu of Han and Emperor Ming of Wei, they built lofty halls and carved walls, the height of extravagance.
  128. The Guangling Melody Is Heard No MoreFang Xuanling (comp.)Yuan Xiaoni once asked to learn the Guangling melody from me, and I always held it back. Now the Guangling melody ends today!
  129. Answers Flowing Like a StreamLinghu Defen (comp.)Su Chuo was a gifted speaker and answered as fluently as flowing water.
  130. Too Absorbed to Sleep or EatLi Shimin (Emperor Taizong of Tang)Whenever I think of this with worry, I never fail to forget sleep and food.
  131. A Mind Free of HindranceXuanzang (trans.)The mind has no hindrance; without hindrance there is no fear, and inverted dreams are left far behind.
  132. Overwhelmed by GriefFang Xuanling (comp.)The ministers wailed and clung to the cart, holding the emperor's hands, and the emperor too was overwhelmed with grief.
  133. Quelling Chaos to Rescue the AgeFang Xuanling (comp.)When the virtue of Han had declined, Emperor Wu of Wei quelled the chaos and rescued the age, supporting the Liu house.
  134. Choosing the Good and Following ItWei ZhengWhen three walk together, there is sure to be one who can teach me; I choose their good points and follow them, and correct their bad points in myself.
  135. Ringing Like Metal When Thrown to the GroundFang Xuanling (comp.)Try throwing it on the ground; it will ring like metal and stone.
  136. Beheading Generals and Seizing Their BannersFang Xuanling (comp.)When the troops advanced there was no barrier to stop them; they beheaded generals and seized banners, and tens of thousands lay dead.
  137. Exiles Weeping Together at Xinting PavilionFang Xuanling (comp.)Whenever there was a fine day, the gentlemen who had crossed the river would invite each other to feast at Xinting. Zhou Yi sighed in their midst: 'The scenery is no different, yet wherever we look the rivers have changed.' They all looked at one another and wept.
  138. Sun-Shaped Brow and Dragon CountenanceYao Silian (comp.)He stood seven chi five cun tall, with a sun-shaped brow and dragon countenance, and his hands hung down past his knees.
  139. Dining After Dark and Dressing Before DawnChen HongXuanzong had reigned for many years and grew weary of dining after dark and dressing before dawn; matters of state, great or small, he began to leave to his chief ministers.
  140. A Firm Root Makes a Peaceful StateWei Zheng (comp.)The people are the root of the state; when the root is firm, the state is at peace. If the people have enough, how can the ruler lack!
  141. Driving Six Horses With Rotten ReinsWei ZhengHow fearful it is, like driving six horses with rotten reins!
  142. Worn to Kindling and Bone by MourningWei Zheng (comp.)That year he left office to mourn his mother, and was worn to kindling and bone by grief.
  143. Facing Each Other Like Captives of ChuFang Xuanling (comp.)We should work together for the royal house and recover the divine land; why should we weep at each other like captives of Chu?
  144. Slender and Lovely as a Young PineFang Xuanling (comp.)The little tree is not without a fresh and lovely grace, but I fear it will never see the day it becomes a roof-beam.
  145. Resolve to Set the Realm in Order: Gao Huan's AmbitionLi Baiyao (comp.)From this time he had the resolve to set the realm in order.
  146. Talent Fit to Aid a King: Su Chuo and Yuwen TaiLinghu Defen (comp.)Huida named Su Chuo and praised him as having talent fit to aid a king.
  147. The Living Plunged into Mud and Fire: The Fall of SuiWei Zheng (comp.)Never has the world so fallen apart, never have the living been so plunged into mud and fire, never has a ruler's death and a state's ruin been so extreme.
  148. Sturdy Grass Revealed by a Fierce WindLi Shimin (Emperor Taizong of Tang)A fierce wind reveals the sturdy grass; turmoil reveals the loyal minister.
  149. The Way Seen at a Glance: Wenbo Xuezi and the Plum BlossomSong Jing (traditionally attributed)Half closed, half open, neither silent nor speaking, it is like Wenbo Xuezi, in whom the Way is seen at a glance.
  150. Seeing Red as Green: Wu Zetian's Love SongWu ZetianMy thoughts in turmoil, I see red as green; worn and wasted, I fall apart remembering you.
  151. Hiding Joy to Steady Others: Xie An's Broken ClogFang Xuanling (comp.)He was so delighted that he did not notice the tooth of his clog had broken; such was his mastery of feeling to steady others.
  152. Rats in the Shrine, Foxes in the WallWei Zheng (comp.)Rats of the shrine and foxes of the wall made white into black; by them loyal men were exiled and states brought to peril.
  153. Composure Unchanged: Wang Dun at Wang Kai's BanquetFang Xuanling (comp.)The whole company changed colour, but Wang Dun's composure was unchanged.
  154. Divided in Heart and Purpose: The Fall of King ZhouWu Zetian (Empress Wu)King Zhou of Yin had millions of subjects divided in heart and purpose, which is why he perished.
  155. Ruan Ji Weeping Where the Road EndsFang Xuanling (comp.)At times he drove out alone on a whim, following no path, and where the cart tracks ended he would weep bitterly and turn back.
  156. Establish Yourself and Honour Your Name: Xuanzong on Filial PietyLi LongjiTo establish oneself and walk the Way, making one's name known to later ages to bring glory to one's parents, is the culmination of filial piety.
  157. Ordering Heaven and Earth Like Warp and WeftLi Shimin (Emperor Taizong of Tang)Among rulers who ordered heaven and earth and lords who carried on the foundations, the way of rise and fall shines clear.
  158. Making Fish and Meat of One Another: the Sima Princes at WarFang Xuanling (comp.)Now the Sima fathers, sons and brothers make fish and meat of one another; this is heaven tiring of Jin's virtue and handing it to us.
  159. Orchids and Jade Trees in the Courtyard: Xie Xuan's AnswerFang Xuanling (comp.)It is like orchids and jade trees: one simply wants them to grow in one's own courtyard and by one's own steps.
  160. Every Bush and Tree a Soldier: Fu Jian at ShouyangFang Xuanling (comp.)Looking north at the grass and trees on Mount Bagong, all seemed to be men.
  161. Fleeing Through the Grass, Sleeping in the Dew: the Rout at the Fei RiverFang Xuanling (comp.)Hearing the wind and the cry of cranes, they all thought the imperial army had come; they went through the grass and slept in the dew, and with hunger and cold seven or eight in ten died.
  162. Wasp's Eyes and a Jackal's Voice: Prince Shangchen of ChuFang Xuanling (comp.)A wasp's eyes and a jackal's voice: he is a ruthless man.
  163. Caring for the People as for the Wounded: Wei Zheng's Ten WarningsWei ZhengAt the beginning of Zhenguan, Your Majesty regarded the people as if they were wounded, pitied their toil and loved them as your children.
  164. Bold and Unbridled: the Heroic Style in Poetry and LifeSikong Tu (traditionally attributed)The heavenly wind surges, sea and mountains stretch dark and vast; true strength fills everything, and all creation is at one's side.
  165. Corrupting Custom and Harming Moral Teaching: Yang Hu Judges Wang YanFang Xuanling (comp.)Wang Yifu now occupies high office on the strength of a great name; yet the one who corrupts custom and harms moral teaching will surely be this man.
  166. Bribery Done in the Open: the Reign of Emperor Hui of JinFang Xuanling (comp.)Order was ruined and bribes went about openly; families of power used their rank to override others.
  167. A String of Crimes Full, Evil Ripe for Harvest: the Fall of Emperor Yang of SuiWei Zheng (comp.)The state crumbled like earth and rotted like fish; the string of crimes was full and evil ripe; under all heaven there was none who was not his foe.
  168. Transcending Outward Forms: the Grand and Potent Mode of PoetrySikong Tu (traditionally attributed)Transcend outward forms and you reach the centre of the ring.
  169. Holding to Duty and Dying for Righteousness: the Prince of Langya Refuses the ThroneFang Xuanling (comp.)I am a guilty man; only by holding to my duty and dying for righteousness can I wipe away the shame of the realm.
  170. Donning Armour in Person to Lead the TroopsFang Xuanling (comp.)When the western capital was lost, the emperor led out his troops and camped in the open; he put on armour himself, summoned the soldiers of the realm and fixed a day to advance.
  171. Turning Back the Sun and Moving HeavenWei Zheng (comp.)There were great villains who could turn back the sun and move heaven, and rats in the altar and foxes in the wall who made white into black.
  172. Careless of Wealth and Fond of GivingLinghu Defen (comp.)As a youth he was large-minded and did not attend to the family's livelihood; he made light of wealth and was fond of giving, and so made friends with worthy gentlemen.
  173. The Water That Carries the Boat Can Overturn ItWei ZhengResentment is not dangerous for its size; what is to be feared is the people. The water that carries the boat can overturn it, and this deserves the deepest caution.
  174. Opening with Bells, Closing with ChimesWei Zheng (comp.)Those who established virtue and words, gave teachings and set examples, served as warp and weft of the world, sounded like bells and rang like jade, and spread their fruits and flowers abroad.
  175. A Golden Bowl Without a FlawYao Silian (comp.)My state is like a golden bowl without a single flaw.
  176. Carved Walls and Lofty HallsWei Zheng (comp.)In what is now being built, thrift must be the rule; let no carved walls and lofty halls rise again in our time.
  177. The Scenery Is No Different, but the Land Is LostFang Xuanling (comp.)The scenery is no different, but lift your eyes and the rivers have changed.
  178. A Worn-Out Nag Pining for Its Stable FeedFang Xuanling (comp.)Shuang is not close to Fan and is no match for him in wits; a worn-out nag pines for the beans in its stall, and he will surely not use him.
  179. Kin Slaughtering Their Own Flesh and BloodFang Xuanling (comp.)Now the Sima clan are destroying their own flesh and blood and the four seas are boiling; this is the time to revive our state and restore our heritage.
  180. Lying at Ease on the Eastern MountainFang Xuanling (comp.)You defied the court's commands again and again and lay at ease on the Eastern Mountain; everyone used to say, if Anshi will not come out, what will become of the people?
  181. Lofty Sentiments and Far-Reaching TasteFang Xuanling (comp.)In lofty sentiments and far-reaching taste, I your disciple have long bowed to him; but in chanting and composing, Xu would face north as my pupil.
  182. Petty Thieves Pilfering Like Rats and DogsWei Zheng (comp.)They still called the rebels petty thieves like rats and dogs, not worth worrying about; high and low deceived each other and no one would think about the disorder.
  183. In a Fierce Wind One Knows the Sturdy Grass: Taizong's Poem for Xiao YuLi Shimin (Emperor Taizong of Tang)In a fierce wind one knows the sturdy grass; in times of turmoil one recognises the loyal minister.

Five Dynasties and Ten Kingdoms

38 works

907–979

  1. Adapting to CircumstancesLiu Xu et al.To adapt flexibly and act as circumstances change.
  2. Seamless Heavenly RobeNiu QiaoA celestial robe with no seams; flawless and without a trace of imperfection.
  3. Opportunity Must Not Be MissedLiu Xu et al. (comp.)A rare opportunity must not be lost; urges prompt action.
  4. Too Painful to Look Back OnLi YuLast night the east wind blew again over the little tower; I cannot bear to look back toward my lost land in the bright moonlight.
  5. Ruffling a Pool of Spring WaterFeng YansiSuddenly the wind rises and ruffles a whole pool of spring water.
  6. As Far Apart as Heaven and the Human WorldLi YuFlowing water, fallen flowers, spring is gone: heaven above and the human world below.
  7. Shen Yue's Waist and Pan Yue's TemplesLi YuOnce I became a captive subject, my waist like Shen's and my temples like Pan's were worn away.
  8. Spring Gone with Flowing Water and Fallen BlossomsLi YuFlowing water, fallen blossoms: spring is gone, as far apart as heaven and the human world.
  9. Carved Balustrades and Jade Steps of a Lost PalaceLi YuThe carved railings and jade steps must still be there; only the rosy faces have changed.
  10. Room for a Single MatLiu Xu (comp.)A woman's understanding does not reach far, and she has offended Your Majesty; yet the consort has long enjoyed your favour. Why begrudge her room for a single mat in the palace? Let her meet death there; how could you bear to let her suffer disgrace outside?
  11. Facing Danger Without Shrinking BackLiu Xu (comp.)To keep the small feelings of kindness and forget the great plans of the state, to feel no fear as disaster comes and to sit at ease on the brink of ruin, failing a subject's duty not to shrink from danger and lacking the ancient worthies' readiness to put duty before kin: this is not what I have been taught.
  12. A Rabble Flocking Together Like CrowsLiu Xu (comp.)Li Guangbi had come through hard fighting in Hebei; his crack troops had all gone to Shuofang, and under his banner was only a rabble of fewer than ten thousand.
  13. Annex the Weak and Strike the BenightedLiu Xu (comp.)Xiao Yu said: 'Annex the weak and strike the benighted; attacking them is best.'
  14. Skin of Ice and Bones of JadeMeng Chang (traditionally attributed)Skin of ice and bones of jade, cool and free of sweat; wind comes to the water palace, and a hidden fragrance warms the air.
  15. Seize the Disordered, Crush the DoomedLiu Xu (comp.)If we now wish to seize the disordered and crush the doomed, we betray the duty of an ally.
  16. Too Troubled to Sit at Ease: Taizong and the TurksLiu Xu (comp.)Resolved to destroy the Xiongnu, I could not sit at ease on my mat, nor taste my food.
  17. Righteousness Above Kinship: From Shi Que to the Xuanwu GateLiu Xu (comp.)To lose a subject's resolve in danger and lack the former worthies' deed of putting righteousness above kin; I have never heard of such a course.
  18. Chaos Born of Hunger: Li Ji and the Liyang GranaryLiu Xu (comp.)The realm is in great chaos, and at bottom it is because of hunger; if we take the granary at Liyang, our cause will succeed.
  19. Guarding One's Integrity Like Jade: The Qian Family PreceptsQian Liu (traditionally attributed)Uphold the law like a mountain, guard yourself like jade, love the people like your children, and root out vermin like enemies.
  20. Furthering the Ruler's Good: Young Li Zhi on the Classic of Filial PietyLiu Xu (comp.)A gentleman serving his superior thinks of full loyalty at court and of mending faults in retirement; he furthers the good in him and corrects the bad.
  21. What Business Is It of Yours? The Ripple on a Spring PondFeng YansiIf the wind ruffles a pond of spring water, what business is it of yours?
  22. Falling at the Twang of the BowstringLiu Xu (comp.)Of the seventy arrows he shot, every one brought a man down at the twang of the string, and the bandits were routed.
  23. Failing to Decide When Decision Is DueLiu Xu (comp.)Fail to decide when you should, and disorder will come back on you.
  24. Upholding the Law Firm as a MountainQian Liu (traditionally attributed)Uphold the law like a mountain, guard your conduct like jade, love the people as your children, root out vermin as an enemy.
  25. Settling Disputes and Relieving DangerQian Liu (traditionally attributed)Relieve disaster and help the needy; remove danger and settle disputes.
  26. An Opportunity That Must Not Be Let SlipLiu Xu (comp.)This is the decisive moment of war; the opportunity must not be lost. It is how Han Xin defeated Qi.
  27. Wrung From the People's Fat and MarrowMeng ChangOur ranks and rewards are never delayed; your salaries and stipends are the people's fat and marrow.
  28. A Pearl Overlooked by the Divers of the Vast SeaLiu Xu (comp.)Confucius said: 'By observing a man's faults you can know his goodness.' You may truly be called a bright pearl of the sea's edge, a lost treasure of the southeast.
  29. Saving the Age and Bringing Peace to the PeopleLiu Xu (comp.)This boy has the bearing of dragon and phoenix and the countenance of heaven and sun; by the age of twenty he will surely save the age and bring peace to the people.
  30. Love the People as One's Own Children: The Qian Family RuleQian Liu (traditionally attributed)Uphold the law like a mountain, keep yourself pure as jade, love the people as your children, and root out the corrupt as you would a foe.
  31. Heartsick and Head-Aching: Taizong's Shame AvengedLiu Xu (comp.)I was never without heartache and headache, resolved to destroy the nomads, unable to sit at ease or taste my food.
  32. Di Renjie and the White Cloud over His Parents' HomeLiu Xu (comp.)My parents live beneath that cloud.
  33. Holding Nothing Back: Wei Zheng's Counsel to TaizongLiu Xu (comp.)Wei Zheng too rejoiced at meeting a ruler who understood him, and wishing to give all his abilities, he held back nothing he knew.
  34. Gluing the Bridges and Playing the Zither: Zhao Kuo's Book LearningLiu Xu (comp.)Your Majesty employs Kuo for his name, which is like gluing the bridges and then playing the zither.
  35. Knowing a Man's Goodness by His Faults: Yan Liben Recommends Di RenjieLiu Xu (comp.)You, sir, may be called a bright pearl of the coast and a treasure overlooked in the south-east.
  36. Turning Disaster into Good FortuneLiu Xu (comp.)To turn defeat into success is the high insight of the wise; to turn disaster into good fortune is the foresight of capable men.
  37. Withdrawing to Reflect and Make AmendsLiu Xu (comp.)In serving his superior, a gentleman thinks of being wholly loyal when he comes forward and of amending his faults when he withdraws; he follows his lord's good qualities and corrects his errors.
  38. United in Heart and Joining All Our StrengthLiu Xu (comp.)When in the past the locusts could not be eliminated, it was only because people did not exert themselves; if only they are united in heart and join their strength, they can surely be destroyed.

Song

111 works

960–1279

  1. Unity of Heaven and HumanityZhang ZaiThe philosophical ideal that heaven and humankind form one whole; harmony between people and nature.
  2. Grinding an Iron Pestle into a NeedleZhu MuAn old woman grinds an iron rod into a needle, inspiring young Li Bai; persistence achieves the impossible.
  3. A Wild Goose's Tracks in the SnowSu ShiClaw prints left by a wild goose on snowy mud; faint traces of the past, and life's wandering course.
  4. Mountains upon Mountains, Rivers upon RiversLu YouEndless ridges and winding streams; a tortuous path, or a predicament that seems to have no way out.
  5. Shady Willows and Bright FlowersLu YouDark willows and bright blossoms open onto a new village; a sudden turn for the better after hardship.
  6. A Red Apricot Branch Over the WallYe ShaowengOriginally a spring image of apricot blossoms spilling over a wall; later, a married woman's infidelity.
  7. Life Is But a DreamSu ShiLife is like a dream, brief and illusory; a sigh over the transience of human life.
  8. Flowers in a Mirror, Moon in the WaterYan YuFlowers in a mirror and the moon in water; illusions beyond grasp, or ethereal, suggestive poetic imagery.
  9. The Path Winds Round the PeaksOuyang XiuA trail winding around mountain peaks; a twisting path, or a situation taking a new and hopeful turn.
  10. When the Water Falls, the Rocks AppearSu ShiAs the river recedes the stones emerge; the truth finally comes to light.
  11. Having the Whole Bamboo in One's MindSu ShiBefore painting, the artist already sees the whole bamboo; having a well-thought-out plan and full confidence.
  12. Talent Worth Eight MeasuresAnonymousXie Lingyun said Cao Zhi alone held eight of the world's ten measures of talent; extraordinary literary gifts.
  13. Swallowing Dates WholeBai TingAccepting or learning something wholesale without understanding it.
  14. Adding Flowers to BrocadeWang AnshiMaking something already beautiful even better.
  15. Striving for Ever Greater PerfectionZhu XiNever satisfied with good; always striving to make it better.
  16. Practice Makes PerfectOuyang XiuSkill and ingenuity come from repeated practice.
  17. Opening the Door to See the MountainYan YuComing straight to the point from the very beginning.
  18. Unprecedented and UnrepeatableAnonymousNever seen before and never to be seen again; utterly unique.
  19. A Thousand Ways and a Hundred SchemesZhu XiTo try every possible means; to leave no stone unturned.
  20. Joy Beyond ExpectationSu ShiOverjoyed by an unexpected piece of good fortune.
  21. Heart at Ease, Spirit DelightedFan ZhongyanCarefree and joyful; a heart open and spirit refreshed.
  22. Cutting Nails and Slicing IronDaoyuanDecisive and resolute, like cutting through nails and iron.
  23. Never Tired of RereadingSu ShiNever tiresome even after a hundred readings; praises writing of lasting appeal.
  24. Showing No SignOuyang XiuBetraying no emotion in voice or face; calm and composed.
  25. A Grain of Millet in the Vast SeaSu ShiA single grain of millet in the vast sea; utterly insignificant in the scheme of things.
  26. Point Against PointShi DaoyuanNeedle point against needle point; sharply opposed positions or tit-for-tat response.
  27. Upright and OpenZhu XiUpright, honest and selfless in word and deed; acting openly without hidden schemes.
  28. Deceiving Oneself and OthersZhu XiFooling oneself as well as others with what one knows to be untrue.
  29. Just as One WishesZhu DunruEntirely to one's liking; perfectly satisfying.
  30. Head and Shoulders Above OthersOuyang XiuRising above others in talent or status; standing out from the crowd.
  31. Open and AboveboardZhu XiFrank, open-hearted and upright, with nothing to hide.
  32. Spitting Blood at OthersShi PujiSlandering others with fabricated accusations.
  33. Honeyed WordsZhu XiSweet but insincere talk, often used to deceive.
  34. Feet Firmly on the GroundShao BowenKeeping one's feet on solid ground; working in a practical, earnest way.
  35. Beating the Grass Startles the SnakeZheng WenbaoBeating the grass alerts the snake; a careless move that forewarns one's target.
  36. Great Talent Put to Petty UseLu YouUsing great timber for small purposes; wasting a talented person on minor work.
  37. Honey on the Lips, a Sword in the BellySima GuangSweet words with a dagger hidden within; outwardly friendly but inwardly treacherous.
  38. Name Falls Below Sun ShanFan GongchengOne's name falls below Sun Shan, last on the list; a tactful way to say one failed an exam.
  39. Please Step into the UrnSima GuangPlease get into the urn; turning a person's own cruel method against him.
  40. Dripping Water Wears Through StoneLuo DajingConstant dripping wears through stone; persistence overcomes great difficulty.
  41. Turning Pale at the Mention of TigersCheng BrothersBlanching at the mere mention of tigers; fear of something one has suffered from.
  42. Good Government, Contented PeopleFan ZhongyanBy the following year, government ran smoothly and the people lived in harmony, and all neglected works were revived; so he rebuilt Yueyang Tower, enlarged its old structure, carved on it poems and rhapsodies by Tang worthies and men of today, and asked me to write an account of it.
  43. Ten Thousand Changing ScenesFan ZhongyanBright at dawn and dim at dusk, its scenery changes in ten thousand ways;
  44. The Old Drunkard's Mind Is Not on the WineOuyang XiuThe Old Drunkard's mind is not on the wine, but on the hills and streams.
  45. Cups and Tallies CrisscrossingOuyang XiuThe joy of the feast lies not in strings or pipes: the pitch-pot thrower hits the mark, the chess player wins, cups and tallies crisscross, people rise and sit in noisy clamor — the guests are all delighted.
  46. Rising from the Mud UnstainedZhou DunyiI alone love the lotus: it rises from the mud yet stays unstained, is washed by clear ripples yet is not coquettish; hollow within and straight without, it neither sprawls nor branches; its fragrance grows purer the farther it travels; it stands tall and clean, to be admired from afar but never trifled with.
  47. Joys and Sorrows, Partings and ReunionsSu ShiPeople know sorrow and joy, parting and reunion; the moon is dim or bright, full or waning; such things have never been perfect since ancient times.
  48. Gone in Ash and SmokeSu ShiWith feather fan and silk headscarf, laughing and talking, he saw the enemy's masts and oars vanish in flying ash and smoke.
  49. A Landscape Like a PaintingSu ShiThe landscape is like a painting; how many heroes there were in that age!
  50. Hair Bristling Against the CapYue FeiMy hair bristles in fury against my cap; I lean on the railing where the pattering rain has stopped.
  51. Beyond Dark Willows, Bright Blossoms and Another VillageLu YouHills upon hills, streams upon streams, I fear there is no road; then past dark willows and bright blossoms, another village.
  52. Not Knowing Mount Lu's True FaceSu ShiI cannot know the true face of Mount Lu, only because I myself am within the mountain.
  53. Things Remain, People Are GoneLi QingzhaoThings remain as before, the people do not, and all is at an end; I would speak, but my tears flow first.
  54. As If Met BeforeYan ShuNothing can be done as the flowers fall away; the swallows return, as if I had met them before.
  55. Wind's Sound and Cranes' CrySima Guang (comp.)Those who fled, hearing the sound of the wind and the cry of cranes, all thought the Jin troops were about to arrive; day and night they dared not rest, moving through grass and sleeping in the dew, and with hunger and cold on top of it, seven or eight in ten died.
  56. No Place for a Hero to Use His ArmsSima Guang (comp.)A hero has no place to use his arms, and so Liu of Yuzhou has fled here; I hope you, general, will weigh your strength and act accordingly.
  57. Carrying Firewood to Fight a FireSu XunThe ancients said: 'Serving Qin with land is like carrying firewood to put out a fire: as long as the firewood is not used up, the fire will not go out.'
  58. Living Water from the SourceZhu XiBecause living water keeps flowing in from the source.
  59. Scratching an Itch Through the BootYan YuIn meaning, value thorough clarity; do not scratch the itch through the boot;
  60. Feather Fan and Silk KerchiefSu ShiFeather fan and silk kerchief, amid talk and laughter, the masts and oars turned to flying ash and vanishing smoke.
  61. The Great River Flows EastSu ShiThe great river flows east; its waves have washed away the brilliant figures of a thousand ages.
  62. Helplessly the Flowers FallYan ShuHelplessly the flowers fall away; swallows I seem to know come flying back.
  63. Mild Spring and Bright SunshineFan ZhongyanAnd when spring is mild and the sun is bright, the waves are still, the light of the sky above and below is one, a single sheet of green across ten thousand acres;
  64. Lingering Notes Curling in the AirSu ShiIts sound was sobbing, as if resentful, as if longing, as if weeping, as if confiding; the lingering notes curled on and on, unbroken like a silken thread.
  65. Jade Towers and Jasper HallsSu ShiI long to ride the wind back home, yet fear that in those jade towers and jasper halls the heights will be too cold to bear.
  66. Straightening the Robe and Sitting UprightSu ShiSu Zi grew solemn, straightened his robe, sat upright, and asked the guest: "Why does it sound like that?
  67. Trailing Mud and WaterYan YuLanguage prizes freedom and ease; it must not trail mud and water.
  68. Golden Spears and Armored HorsesXin QijiThink of those years: golden spears and armored horses, a spirit that swallowed ten thousand li like a tiger.
  69. Neither Sprawling Nor Branching Like the Lotus StemZhou DunyiHollow within and straight without, neither sprawling nor branching, its fragrance purer the farther it goes, it stands tall and clean, to be admired from afar but never trifled with.
  70. A Ruler Sharing His Pleasures With the PeopleOuyang XiuThere is no other reason: he shares his joy with the people.
  71. A Tryst Set for After DuskOuyang XiuThe moon rose to the willow tips; we met by appointment after dusk.
  72. Gathering a Living From Above and BelowLi QingzhaoLater we lived in retirement in the countryside for ten years, gathering a living from above and below, with food and clothing to spare.
  73. First to Worry, Last to Rejoice for the RealmFan ZhongyanWorry before the world worries, and rejoice only after the world rejoices.
  74. Song, Beauty, Hounds and HorsesLi QingzhaoOur desks were covered and our pillows surrounded by books; we understood each other without words, and our joy was greater than that of song, beauty, hounds and horses.
  75. As If Sobbing, As If PleadingSu ShiIts sound was low and sobbing, as if resentful, as if yearning, as if weeping, as if pleading; the lingering notes trailed on like an unbroken thread.
  76. Gaining Day by Day, Advancing Month by MonthLi QingzhaoGaining day by day and advancing month by month, the collection steadily grew.
  77. Cups and Plates Strewn About After the FeastSu ShiWhen the dishes and fruit were finished, cups and plates lay strewn about.
  78. Vast and Surging Waters of Dongting LakeFan ZhongyanIt holds the distant hills in its mouth and swallows the Yangtze, vast and surging, boundless on every side.
  79. Moonlight Leaping Like Gold on the LakeFan ZhongyanSometimes the long mist clears completely, the bright moon shines a thousand li, light floats and leaps like gold, and the still reflection sinks like a jade disc.
  80. Light or Rich Makeup, Always BecomingSu ShiI would liken West Lake to Xi Shi: in light makeup or rich, she is always lovely.
  81. Ox and Thoroughbred at One TroughWen TianxiangOx and thoroughbred share a single trough; the phoenix feeds in the chickens' roost.
  82. Every Neglected Task Taken Up AnewFan ZhongyanGovernment ran smoothly, the people lived in harmony, and every neglected undertaking was revived.
  83. Seeing and Hearing for Oneself at Stone Bell MountainSu ShiIf one has not seen a thing with one's own eyes or heard it with one's own ears, can one judge by guesswork whether it exists?
  84. Reds Fading and Greens Thinning in Late AutumnLiu YongEverywhere reds fade and greens grow thin; little by little the beauty of things comes to rest.
  85. Green Leaves Plump, Red Blossoms ThinLi QingzhaoDon't you know, don't you know? It must be green grown plump and red grown thin.
  86. Floating Free of the World at Red CliffSu ShiLight and free, as if leaving the world to stand alone, growing wings and rising as an immortal.
  87. Water That Takes the Shape of Whatever It MeetsSu ShiWhen it meets mountains and rocks, winding and turning, it takes the shape of whatever it meets, in ways that cannot be known.
  88. Moon's Still Reflection Like a Sunken Jade DiscFan ZhongyanFloating light leaps like gold; the still reflection sinks like a jade disc.
  89. Boiling Cauldrons Sweet as Malt SugarWen TianxiangThe boiling cauldron is as sweet as malt sugar to me; I seek it and cannot have it.
  90. Since Ancient Times, Who Has Escaped Death: Wen Tianxiang at LingdingWen TianxiangSince ancient times, who has escaped death? Let me leave a loyal heart to shine in the annals of history.
  91. The True Face of Mount LuSu ShiI cannot know the true face of Mount Lu, only because I am standing within this mountain.
  92. Ten Thousand Rivers and a Thousand MountainsZhao JiHeaven is far and the earth is wide; across ten thousand rivers and a thousand mountains, who knows where my old palace lies?
  93. Ten Thousand Purples and a Thousand RedsZhu XiEasily one recognises the face of the east wind: ten thousand purples and a thousand reds, all of it is spring.
  94. Serving as the Tiger's Ghostly AccompliceLi Fang et al. (comp.)The chang ghost is a person who was eaten by a tiger; it goes before the tiger, calling out to clear the way.
  95. Keep Faithfully to the Mean: The Khitan Investiture of Shi JingtangXue Juzheng (comp.)May you protect the people for ever, hold to one virtue, be careful in your position, and keep faithfully to the mean.
  96. Promote What Benefits, Abolish What HarmsWang AnshiTo revive the government of the former kings in order to promote what benefits and abolish what harms is not stirring up trouble.
  97. Educating the People to Form Good CustomsZhu XiYet for the state's aim of transforming the people and perfecting their customs, and for the scholar's way of cultivating himself and governing others, it may not be without some small help.
  98. Deluding the World and Deceiving the PeopleZhu XiThose that delude the world, deceive the people and block humaneness and righteousness sprang up in confusion among them.
  99. No Going Forth Without a ReturnZhu XiHeaven's course turns in cycles; there is no going forth without a return.
  100. Pared Away Day by Day, Month by MonthSu XunCoerced by Qin's accumulated might, they were pared away day by day and month by month, and so hastened to their ruin.
  101. Ten Thousand Cash a Day Spent on FoodSima GuangHe Zeng spent ten thousand cash a day on food, and by his grandsons' time the family was ruined by arrogance and excess.
  102. As Easy as Turning Over One's PalmXue Juzheng (comp.)This matter is as easy as turning over one's hand; success or failure lies in the hands of the Pacification Commissioner, Lord Yang.
  103. Darkened, Blinded and BlockedZhu XiDarkened, blinded and blocked, its ills turning ever more chronic, until with the decline of the Five Dynasties ruin and disorder reached their extreme!
  104. Walking the Straight Path: Sima Guang on Thrift and IntegritySima GuangA gentleman with few desires is not enslaved by things and can walk the straight path.
  105. The Antelope Hangs by Its Horns: Poetry Without a TraceYan YuLike an antelope hanging by its horns, they leave no trace to be found.
  106. Golden Wind and Jade Dew of the Double SeventhQin GuanOne meeting in the golden wind and jade dew outweighs countless meetings in the human world.
  107. Brocade Robes and Jade-Fine FoodSima GuangGoing from thrift to luxury is easy; going from luxury to thrift is hard.
  108. Clearing Away the Old to Lay Out the NewWang AnshiA comet is the means by which the old is swept away and the new laid out.
  109. Plum Blossoms Sent by Post RiderQin GuanPlum blossoms sent by post rider, silk letters carried by fish, pile up into sorrow beyond counting.
  110. A Silk Letter Carried in a FishQin GuanPlum blossoms sent by post rider, silk letters carried by fish, pile up into sorrow beyond counting.
  111. Words End, Meaning Goes On: Yan Yu on Tang PoetryYan YuLike a sound in the air, the colour of an appearance, the moon in water, an image in a mirror: the words come to an end, but the meaning has no end.

Yuan

48 works

1260–1368

  1. Calm and Self-PossessedToqto'a et al.Calm and composed, even in an emergency.
  2. Staking Everything on One ThrowToqto'a et al. (comp.)Betting everything on a single throw; a desperate all-or-nothing gamble.
  3. The Fox Mourns the Dead HareToqto'a et al. (comp.)The fox grieves over the dead hare; sorrow for the misfortune of one's own kind.
  4. Leaving Well and Home BehindMa ZhiyuanSuppose our founding emperor had sent your own maid off to leave her well and home behind, to lie in snow and sleep in frost.
  5. So Joyful as to Forget All CaresWang ShifuJoyful like this, forgetting all my cares, why should I hurry home?
  6. Going to the Parley with a Single BladeGuan HanqingLu Su invited Guan Yu to meet; each side halted its troops a hundred paces off, and only the commanders came together, each with a single blade.
  7. Guarded by Mountains Within and River WithoutZhang YanghaoThe peaks crowd together, the waves rage, and between mountain and river runs the road through Tongguan.
  8. Fearing the Hard, Bullying the SoftGuan HanqingHeaven and Earth! You too fear the hard and bully the soft; so you also just push the boat along with the current!
  9. Beauty That Downs Geese and Sinks FishWang ShifuHere I turn my head and suddenly glimpse a beauty; truly she could make geese fall and fish sink.
  10. The Four Vices of Wine, Lust, Wealth and TemperMa ZhiyuanBy the time he wakes, eighteen years will have passed, and he will have seen wine, lust, wealth and temper, self and others, right and wrong.
  11. Patching the Leak in Midstream Is Too LateGuan HanqingBy then it will be patching the leak in midstream; whom could you blame for your troubles? Think things through first and spare yourself regret.
  12. Ten Li of Land and Five Hundred MenToqto'a (comp.)He had one cheng of land and one lü of followers; he was able to spread his virtue and lay his plans, gather the people of Xia and restore their offices.
  13. Of One Mind Without ConferringToqto'a (comp.)When Lü Yihao was at Kuaiji he proposed this plan; Han Shizhong has reached the same idea without conferring.
  14. Reaching the Same Plan Without Prior ConsultationToqto'a (comp.)When Lü Yihao was at Kuaiji he proposed this plan; Han Shizhong has reached the same idea without conferring.
  15. Like a Stray Dog Without a HomeToqto'a (comp.)There is a man at the east gate whose forehead is like Yao's, whose neck is like Gao Yao's and whose shoulders are like Zichan's, but who is three inches short of Yu below the waist; weary and forlorn, he looks like a dog without a home.
  16. Giving One's Life for the NationToqto'a (comp.)Judging that there was no escape, Lu Xiufu drove his wife and children into the sea at sword point, then took the king on his back and died in the sea. He was forty-four.
  17. Entrusting Office to the Worthy and AbleToqto'a (comp.)I hope Your Majesty will decide by public principle, close the frontier and break off the treaty, entrust office to the worthy and able, establish order and discipline, and stir up good customs.
  18. Winning by the Unexpected StrokeToqto'a (comp.)And it is from here, too, that we may win by the unexpected stroke and strike at the enemy's flanks.
  19. A Rich State and a Strong Army: Zhu Xi's Plan Against JinToqto'a (comp.)After a few years, when the state is rich and the army strong, we will weigh our strength against their weaknesses and calmly rise to act.
  20. Ruling from Behind the Curtain: Empress Dowager Liu of SongToqto'a (comp.)The Empress Dowager sat with the emperor in the Chengming Hall and decided affairs from behind a curtain.
  21. A Treaty Signed Beneath the Walls: The Chanyuan SlanderToqto'a (comp.)A treaty under the walls is a shame recorded in the Spring and Autumn Annals; what happened at Chanyuan was such a treaty.
  22. Not Made by Heaven: Meng Gong Drains the Pool at CaizhouToqto'a (comp.)Chaitan was not made by Heaven and set by Earth; all they rely on is this water. Breach it and drain it, and it will dry up at once.
  23. Content in Poverty, Faithful to the Way: Zhu Xi Declines OfficeToqto'a (comp.)Zhu Xi is content in poverty and faithful to the Way; his integrity and modesty are admirable.
  24. Serve the Nation with Utmost Loyalty: The Words on Yue Fei's BackToqto'a (comp.)Yue Fei tore his robe and showed his back, which bore four large characters, 'serve the nation with utmost loyalty', cut deep into the skin.
  25. A Just Cause Makes an Army Strong: Shen Kuo at the Liao CourtToqto'a (comp.)An army in the right is strong; in the wrong, it is spent.
  26. Till the River Is a Sash and the Mountain a WhetstoneToqto'a (comp.)The Han favoured its meritorious officials and proclaimed the oath of the river as a sash; the Zhou honoured its elder statesmen and granted them states by the sea.
  27. Checking Titles Against Real PerformanceToqto'a (comp.)Technique means appointing to office according to ability, and holding the name to account against the reality.
  28. Fretting Over Gain and LossXu HengBefore he gets it, he worries about getting it; once he has it, he worries about losing it.
  29. Never Letting a Book Leave His HandsToqto'a (comp.)From then on he never let a book leave his hands, until he no longer noticed hunger, thirst, cold or heat.
  30. Placing One's True Heart in Another's BreastToqto'a (comp.)The King of Xiao has placed his true heart in our breasts; how could we not die for him!
  31. Braving Execution by the AxeToqto'a (comp.)I, Qin Hui, heedless of execution by the axe, set out the interests of both courts, and ask that the heir be restored to the throne to bring peace to the four quarters.
  32. In the Full Prime of One's YearsToqto'a (comp.)This must be some petty man telling Your Majesty that you are in the full prime of your years, so why hasten into an ill-omened matter.
  33. Pressing On Day and NightToqto'a (comp.)And so he pressed on day and night, reached the tombs with the two envoys, presented the imperial memorial, completed the rites and returned.
  34. The Common People in Mud and Ashes: Zhang Kejiu Looks BackZhang KejiuHeartbreak of Qin and Han: the common people in mud and ashes; a scholar can only sigh long.
  35. Afraid at the Head, Afraid at the Tail: Xu Heng on Using TalentXu HengYet one fears at the head and fears at the tail, worries over gain and loss, and watches the harm without promoting or dismissing them.
  36. August Heaven and Sovereign Earth Bear Witness: Yue Fei's VowToqto'a (comp.)August Heaven and Sovereign Earth can bear witness to my heart.
  37. To Reform the Age and Change Its Customs: Wang Anshi's AmbitionToqto'a (comp.)He was fired with the ambition to reform the age and change its customs.
  38. Serving the Country with Utmost Loyalty: The Words on Yue Fei's BackToqto'a (comp.)Yue Fei tore his robe and showed He Zhu his back, on which four large characters, serve the country with utmost loyalty, were cut deep into the skin.
  39. One Last Battle Beneath the Walls: Zhang Shijie at Lin'anToqto'a (comp.)Shijie asked that the three palaces be moved out to sea, and that he and Tianxiang join forces to fight one last battle beneath the walls.
  40. Gathering the Embers for a Last Stand: the Envoy of QiToqto'a (comp.)Let us gather our remaining embers and make a last stand beneath our walls.
  41. Unchanged Even unto Death: General Zhang Jingda at Jin'anToqto'a (comp.)Every subject ought to be like this!
  42. Orioles Sing and Swallows Dance in SpringBai PuCrying orioles, dancing swallows; a little bridge, flowing water, flying red petals.
  43. Watering the Warhorses in the YangziZhang HongfanSharpening our swords, we cracked the whetstones; watering our horses in the Yangzi, we drained the river dry.
  44. Entering One After Another Like a String of FishToqto'a (comp.)The Jin fought for the tower, and all the troops climbed up one after another like a string of fish.
  45. The Goose Lake Debate Between Zhu Xi and Lu JiuyuanToqto'a (comp.)Earlier, Jiuyuan had met Zhu Xi at Goose Lake, and in debating what they had learned they largely disagreed.
  46. Draped in the Yellow Robe at ChenqiaoToqto'a (comp.)Before he could answer, someone put a yellow garment on Taizu; all bowed around him crying 'Long live the emperor'.
  47. Taking the Whole Realm as One's Own ChargeToqto'a (comp.)Zhongyan took the realm as his own charge; he cut back undeserved appointments, examined officials, and planned day and night to bring about great peace.
  48. Perhaps There Was: The Baseless Charge Against Yue FeiToqto'a (comp.)Although the letter from Fei's son Yun to Zhang Xian is unclear, the matter perhaps there was.

Ming

64 works

1368–1644

  1. Unity of Knowledge and ActionWang YangmingWang Yangming's teaching that knowing and doing are inseparable; true knowledge shows itself in action.
  2. Wielding Broad AxesShi Nai'an (traditionally attributed)Acting boldly and decisively, sweeping aside obstacles with great resolve.
  3. Tearing Down the Bridge After CrossingSong Lian et al. (comp.)Abandoning those who helped you once you have got what you wanted.
  4. A Thousand Pieces All AlikeWang ShizhenMany works or things following one pattern; monotonous and lacking variety.
  5. A Sudden Surge of the HeartXu Zhonglin (traditionally attributed)A sudden impulse or whim that springs to mind.
  6. Hanging Lanterns and FestoonsShi Nai'an (traditionally attributed)Lanterns hung and silk festoons tied; describes the lively, joyful decorations of a festival or celebration.
  7. Neither Servile nor ArrogantZhu ZhiyuNeither humble nor haughty; poised and appropriately dignified in manner.
  8. Clinging to the Last BreathMa ZhongxiBarely hanging on to life; struggling to survive a little longer.
  9. Holding the Emperor to Command the LordsLuo GuanzhongCao Cao now commands a host of a million and holds the Son of Heaven in his grip to give orders to the lords; truly, he cannot be challenged head-on.
  10. Land of AbundanceLuo GuanzhongYi Province is guarded by strong passes and has a thousand li of fertile plain; it is a land of natural abundance, and on it the founding emperor of Han built his imperial cause.
  11. Weeds Suddenly Cleared from the MindLuo GuanzhongXuande, hearing this, rose from his mat, clasped his hands and thanked him: "Your words have suddenly cleared the weeds from my mind; it is as if clouds and mist were swept away and I could see the blue sky;
  12. Thirsting for TalentLuo GuanzhongGeneral, you are a descendant of the imperial house, famed for good faith throughout the land; you gather heroes about you and long for worthy men as the thirsty long for water. If you hold both Jing and Yi, guard their natural defenses, make peace with the Rong in the west, pacify the Yi and Yue in the south, ally with Sun Quan abroad and set your government in order at home;
  13. Brilliant Purples and Lovely RedsTang Xianzu[To the tune Zaoluopao] So everywhere brilliant purples and lovely reds are in bloom, and all of it given over to broken wells and crumbling walls.
  14. Fiery Eyes and Golden PupilsWu Cheng'en (traditionally attributed)Only the wind stirred up smoke that smoked his pair of eyes red, leaving him with a chronic eye ailment; hence he was called 'Fiery Eyes and Golden Pupils.'
  15. Like Thunder in the EarsLuo GuanzhongA distant scion of the Han house and a simple man of Zhuo, I have long heard your great name; it rings in my ears like thunder.
  16. A Shake and a TransformationWu Cheng'en (traditionally attributed)Seeing the thunder generals' swords, spears, halberds, whips, maces, hammers, axes and other weapons pressing in hard, he shook himself and transformed: he became three heads and six arms;
  17. Beaming with SmilesLuo GuanzhongIndeed he saw Kongming sitting in the tower above the city, his face full of smiles, burning incense and playing the zither.
  18. Three Heads and Six ArmsWu Cheng'en (traditionally attributed)Seeing the thunder generals pressing hard with swords, spears, halberds, whips, maces, axes, golden melons and crescent spades, he shook himself and changed: he became three heads and six arms;
  19. Divine Plans and Marvelous CalculationsLuo GuanzhongZhou Yu was astonished and sighed with feeling: "Kongming's plans are divine and his calculations marvelous; I am not his equal!
  20. A Fine Hour and a Lovely SceneTang XianzuA fine hour, a lovely scene, under a helpless sky; whose courtyard holds the joy of a happy heart!
  21. Tugging Ears and Scratching CheeksWu Cheng'en (traditionally attributed)The timid ones each craned their necks and shrank back, tugging their ears and scratching their cheeks, shouting loudly; after hanging back a while, they too all went in.
  22. Baskets of Rice and Pots of DrinkLuo GuanzhongWhen you yourself lead the forces of Yi Province out toward the Qin river valley, will any of the common people fail to bring baskets of rice and pots of drink to welcome you?
  23. Mind Like a Monkey, Will Like a HorseWu Cheng'en (traditionally attributed)When scheming ends, the mind-monkey lies down; when the spirit is at ease, the will-horse walks calmly.
  24. Upholding Justice on Heaven's Behalf at LiangshanShi Nai'an (traditionally attributed)The leaders on your mountain are all good men who carry out the Way on Heaven's behalf.
  25. Zhuge Liang Outargues the Scholars of WuLuo GuanzhongZhuge Liang debates the scholars with his tongue; Lu Zijing overrides the majority.
  26. Zhuge Liang Borrows Arrows with Straw BoatsLuo GuanzhongWith a clever plan Kongming borrows arrows; offering a secret scheme, Huang Gai is flogged.
  27. Lin Chong Is Driven to Mount LiangshanShi Nai'an (traditionally attributed)Zhu Gui shoots a signal arrow from the water pavilion; Lin Chong goes up Liangshan on a snowy night.
  28. Everything Ready but the East Wind at Red CliffsLuo GuanzhongTo defeat Lord Cao, use fire; all is ready, only the east wind is lacking.
  29. Long Divided, the Realm Must Unite; Long United, It Must DivideLuo GuanzhongNow, the general trend of the realm is this: what is long divided must unite, and what is long united must divide.
  30. A Hundred and Eight Thousand Li ApartWu Cheng'en (traditionally attributed)A monk asked: "What was the meaning of the coming from the west?" The master said: "A hundred and eight thousand li."
  31. Having Eyes Yet Failing to Recognize Mount TaiShi Nai'an (traditionally attributed)Master, with such great skill you must be an instructor. My boy had eyes but did not recognize Mount Tai.
  32. Zhuge Liang's Empty City StratagemLuo GuanzhongKongming put on his crane-feather cloak and silk kerchief, took two boy attendants carrying a zither, sat by the railing before the tower on the wall, burned incense and played.
  33. The Spell of the Tightening HeadbandWu Cheng'en (traditionally attributed)I have a spell as well, called the True Words for Settling the Mind, also known as the Spell of the Tightening Band.
  34. Quicker Than Words Can Tell ItShi Nai'an (traditionally attributed)Quicker than words can tell it, Wu Song saw the tiger spring, and with a single dodge he was behind it.
  35. Guan Yu Crosses Five Passes and Slays Six GeneralsLuo GuanzhongEven now, ten thousand generations on, who does not speak of the great hero who crossed five passes and slew six generals, turning heaven and earth upside down?
  36. Nothing in His Sleeves but a Clear BreezeYu QianWith only the clear breeze in my two sleeves I go to court, so the villagers will have nothing to gossip about.
  37. Study Hard and Love to AskWang ShourenFirm in purpose and earnest in practice, diligent in study and fond of asking questions.
  38. Meeting Hardship Calmly: Xu Heng's PovertySong Lian (comp.)When the millet failed he ate husks and greens, yet took it calmly, his recitation ringing out like bells and stones.
  39. Weighing the Times and the Tide: Zhang Juzheng on GoverningZhang JuzhengBut weighing the times and the trend, this is how government must be.
  40. Houses as Bare as Hanging Chime-Stones: Hai Rui's MemorialHai RuiYour Majesty spends ever more ruinously on worship, and homes are as bare as hanging chime-stones.
  41. Turning a Small Question into a Grand EssayAnonymous (Ming–Qing examination term)It gives form to the void through the concrete, making a small topic big and achieving the utmost breadth; marvellous invention.
  42. Perfect in Goodness and Beauty: Jie Jin on Zhong and WangJie JinThat is why the methods of Zhong Yao and Wang Xizhi are perfect in goodness and beauty.
  43. Unlocking the World's Secrets to Accomplish Its TasksJie Jin (comp.)The Changes opens up things and accomplishes affairs, and covers the way of all under heaven; that is all.
  44. The Heart That Feels for Others' SufferingWang ShourenThe heart of compassion is found in all people.
  45. Gripping One's Wrist and SighingZhang PuHow could they have made heroes bow, clasping their wrists at the tomb path and pouring out the grief of men of purpose?
  46. Restringing the Zither to Reform the GovernmentZhang JuzhengCompare it to a zither out of tune: in serious cases its strings must be taken off and restrung before it can be played.
  47. Mending One's Faults and Turning to GoodWang ShourenIf you can wash away your old stains at a stroke, then even if you were once a robber, today nothing stops you from being a gentleman!
  48. Clear-Sighted Wisdom That Keeps the Self WholeWang GenClear-sighted wisdom is innate moral knowing; keeping oneself whole by clear-sighted wisdom is innate knowing and innate ability.
  49. The People Have No Means to LiveHai RuiAcross the realm officials are greedy and generals weak, the people have no means to live, floods and droughts never cease, and banditry grows ever worse.
  50. Idling Away the Years: Wang Yangming's Charge to His StudentsWang ShourenToday's students are neglectful and lazy and idle away the years, achieving nothing at all, simply because they have not set their resolve.
  51. Reaching the Very Summit: Jie Jin on CalligraphyJie JinIn a whole piece, though every character should be good, one or two must reach the very summit.
  52. Too Heavy to Turn Back: Zhang Juzheng's Six ProposalsZhang JuzhengThere is a drift toward slackness and decline, and the beginnings of a weight too heavy to turn back.
  53. Ground to Powder Without Fear: Yu Qian's Ode to LimeYu QianEven if my bones are ground to powder I have no fear; I want only to leave my whiteness in the world.
  54. As If Wading Deep Water and Treading on Ice: the Accession Edict of 1333Song Lian (comp.)I tremble in fear, as if wading through deep water and treading on ice, not knowing how to cross.
  55. Putting Oneself in Another's Place: Gu Xiancheng's Letter to Li SancaiGu XianchengI beg you to put yourself in my place and decide for me.
  56. Suddenly Seeing It Whole: Xie Jin on Mastering CalligraphyJie JinWhen it is already fine, seek to make it finer still, and one day everything suddenly connects.
  57. Rotting Cash Strings and Stale Grain: Hai Rui Holds Up Emperor WenHai RuiThe cash strings rotted and the grain grew stale, the people enjoyed some comfort and plenty, and he was called a worthy ruler after the Three Dynasties.
  58. Trapped Whether Advancing or RetreatingGu XianchengAnd yet I look all around and pace back and forth, trapped whether I advance or retreat, and to this day I do not know what to decide. Why is that?
  59. Wind and Rain Dark as Night at the River CrossingSong Lian (comp.)At dawn on the yisi day they reached the riverbank; wind and rain made all dark as night, and the generals all thought the river could not be crossed, but the emperor would not agree.
  60. As If Entering a Land Without PeopleYi Sun-sinThe great enemy is rampant and none can withstand its spearhead; it drives forward on its victories, as if entering a land without people.
  61. Heroes Are Those Who Read the Times: From Sima Hui to Zhang JuzhengZhang JuzhengThus I know that ordinary people can hardly be engaged on matters beyond the common run; those who understand the times are called outstanding men.
  62. The Waterside Tower Gets the Moonlight FirstAnonymous (anonymous Ming and Qing compilers)The tower near the water gets the moonlight first; flowers and trees facing the sun meet the spring early.
  63. In the Yangtze the Waves Behind Drive On Those AheadAnonymous (anonymous Ming and Qing compilers)In the Yangtze the waves behind drive on those ahead; in the world new people chase the old.
  64. An Inch of Time Is an Inch of GoldAnonymous (anonymous Ming and Qing compilers)An inch of time is an inch of gold; an inch of gold cannot buy an inch of time.

Qing

103 works

1636–1912

  1. Not Bound by a Single PatternGong ZizhenNot confined to one standard or form; flexible and open, especially in choosing talent or creative methods.
  2. A Hundred Flowers BloomLi RuzhenA hundred flowers blooming together; varied artistic styles flourishing freely.
  3. Seize the DayMao ZedongMaking every moment count to reach a goal as quickly as possible.
  4. A Cornered Dog Leaps the WallCao XueqinEven a dog jumps the wall when desperate; a cornered person will do anything.
  5. Seeing the Tip of an Autumn HairShen FuI remember that as a child I could open my eyes wide to face the sun and see the finest autumn down clearly.
  6. A Huge Hulking ThingShen FuOne day I saw two insects fighting among the grass; as I watched with great interest, suddenly a huge hulking creature came on as if uprooting mountains and felling trees: it was a toad.
  7. Tastes like Chewing WaxLi YuShelled and eaten as you go, they have flavor; if someone else shells them and I eat them, not only do they taste like chewing wax, they no longer seem to be crab, melon seeds or water caltrops at all, but something else entirely.
  8. Many Days Lie AheadLiang QichaoThe road ahead is like the sea; many days still lie ahead.
  9. Regarding Death as a HomecomingZhang Tingyu (comp.)I regard death as going home, and now it has truly come.
  10. Pressing Ever Forward Without RetreatSun ZhongshanWherever my will was set, I pressed forward without retreat, growing bolder with every setback and striving again and again; thus I was able to stir up a movement and shape the times.
  11. Neither May Be Neglected for the OtherZeng GuofanWide reading is close to Zixia's 'learning each day what one did not know', and recitation is close to 'not forgetting what one has mastered'; neither may be neglected for the other.
  12. Neither Proud Nor Boastful of His MeritZhao Erxun (comp.)The prince was humble and did not puff himself up. Thanking the emperor, he said: 'It happened in a rush, and there was no one to fight the rebels; I had no choice, and the more I think of it afterwards, the more afraid I am.' Such was his freedom from pride and boasting.
  13. Vanished Without a Trace in the Palace FireZhang Tingyu (comp.)Fire broke out in the palace, and no one knew what became of the emperor.
  14. Ugliness Laid Bare in TimeKangxi EmperorOf the deceitful, whose deeds look well for a time, very many are later exposed in all their ugliness.
  15. Holding to One Point and Discarding a HundredDai ZhenBut they were wrong at the root, holding to one point and discarding a hundred; their intentions were not bad, yet their words could only harm the Way, and so Mencius could not refrain from arguing.
  16. Everything in Its Proper OrderZhang Tingyu (comp.)Though his duties piled up, his planning was orderly.
  17. Where the People's Hearts TurnPuyi (traditionally attributed)Where the people's hearts turn, the mandate of Heaven can be known.
  18. Talent Emerging Generation After GenerationGuangxu EmperorThose who wish to enter the school shall all be permitted to enrol and study, in the hope that talent will emerge generation after generation to help the country through its difficulties.
  19. Orders Obeyed and Prohibitions HeededZhao Erxun (comp.)In his five years in Zhejiang, Li Wei governed with quick intelligence; what he ordered was done and what he forbade stopped.
  20. Bearing Both Toil and BlameZeng JizeIf you do this kind of work for the state, these people will surely abuse you one day; but you must bear both the toil and the blame.
  21. Many Mouths Can Melt MetalSun ZhongshanLittle did I expect that as soon as the revolution succeeded, party members would raise objections, saying my proposals were too idealistic to suit China; many mouths melted metal, the view swept all before it, and even my comrades were all misled.
  22. Youmeng in the Late Minister's RobesKangxi Emperor (comp.)How could those who choose without discernment and seek only Youmeng's outward likeness be fit to discuss poetry?
  23. Not a Patch of Skin Left WholeZhang Tingyu (comp.)Once he was thrown into the imperial prison, Xu Xianchun interrogated him with cruel tortures until not a patch of his skin was whole.
  24. Siding with One's Faction and Attacking DissentersZhang Tingyu (comp.)In the fifth year his ally Xu Dahua, assistant of the Court of Judicature, impeached Lian and Guangdou for siding with their faction and attacking dissenters, grasping power and taking bribes, and Wang Wenyan was ordered arrested and interrogated.
  25. Selfless Loyalty and Devotion to the StateZeng JizeHer Majesty said: 'Zeng Guofan was truly a man of selfless loyalty to the state.'
  26. Open in Every Direction and Every SeasonKang YouweiGreat and small, fine and coarse, open in every direction and every season, there is nowhere it does not reach.
  27. Reviving Fallen States and Restoring Broken LinesDorgon (traditionally attributed)Only then will the court not betray its first intention of upholding justice against the rebels, reviving fallen states and restoring broken lines.
  28. Gathering and Storing Everything of UseJi Yun (Ji Xiaolan), Qianlong Emperor (comp.)Jade-root and cinnabar, red arrow and green fungus, plantain and puffball and the hide of a broken drum: to gather and store them all so that nothing is lacking when needed is the mark of a good physician.
  29. Settling Matters as Swiftly as Flowing WaterZhang Tingyu (comp.)When business began, he settled matters as swiftly as flowing water; the others stared, unable to utter a word, and began to give way.
  30. Thousands Upon Thousands of WordsZeng GuofanAs for the way of being a person, the sages' thousands upon thousands of words come down, by and large, to two: respect and empathy.
  31. Outspoken Words and Searching JudgementsZhang Tingyu (comp.)Guangdou worked in harmony with them, devoting himself to outspoken words and searching judgements and sorting officials by quality, and upright men all relied on him.
  32. Seek the Fault in OneselfZeng GuofanIf he shoots and misses, he does not resent those who beat him; he simply seeks the cause in himself.
  33. Vigorous as the Stamping Steps of the War DanceLu CiyunWhen Wu was flushed with wine, he would always draw his sword and dance, putting on the bold, stamping bearing of the war dance.
  34. Danger Arising at One's ElbowZhang Tingyu (comp.)Should disaster arise at the elbow, it would be cause for grave concern. This is the twenty-second great crime.
  35. Enemy Ramparts Round the Capital: Yu Qian Declines RewardZhang Tingyu (comp.)Enemy forts all around the capital are a disgrace to its ministers; how dare I seek reward?
  36. Teaching Each According to Their GiftsYongzheng EmperorThis was acting according to the person and teaching by measuring his capacity.
  37. Fortify the Walls, Strip the Fields: Qianlong and the Torghut Returnthe Qianlong Emperor (Hongli)Though some spoke of fortifying the walls and stripping the fields, at Ili the walls could not easily be made strong, nor the fields be cleared.
  38. Sturdy Armour and Sharp Weapons: The Reform Edict of 1898Guangxu EmperorCan we truly take up wooden staves and beat strong armour and sharp weapons?
  39. Wholly Public and Free of Self: The Last Qing EdictsZhao Erxun (comp.)So that all may clearly understand the court's intention to accord with Heaven and the people, wholly public and free of self.
  40. All Under Heaven One Family: Hong Xiuquan's HymnHong XiuquanGod the Heavenly Father is shared by all; all under heaven are one family, as handed down from of old.
  41. Granted by Heaven, Embraced by the People: The Torghut Come Homethe Qianlong Emperor (Hongli)But the return of the Torghut was truly granted by Heaven and embraced by the people, something that came about unsought.
  42. Darkness over Heaven and Earth: Zeng Jing's Charge Against the QingYongzheng EmperorHe went so far as to say that for more than eighty years heaven had been dark and earth gloomy, and the sun and moon had no light.
  43. Bending to Preserve the Whole: Zeng Guofan and the Tianjin CaseZeng JizeSo he bent and compromised to keep things whole, and preserved the peace.
  44. Dressed Before Dawn, Dining After Dark: Kangxi's Sixty YearsYongzheng EmperorFor sixty years he dressed before dawn and ate after dark, hoping only that all within the seas would cultivate kindness and courtesy.
  45. Known in Every Home: The Amplified Sacred EdictYongzheng EmperorSo that the multitudes of common people understand it in every family and know it in every household.
  46. Sung and Recited in Every Household: Qianlong's Call for BooksJi Yun (Ji Xiaolan) (comp.)The books that scholars should recite in every household and sing in every home have already been largely gathered.
  47. Wealth and Rank Like Drifting Clouds: Hong Xiuquan's HymnHong XiuquanThe good and upright of old cultivated Heaven's honours; wealth and rank are drifting clouds, nothing to marvel at.
  48. Not a Blade of Grass Left: Zeng Guofan's Proclamation Against the TaipingZeng GuofanBoats large and small, people rich and poor, all are plundered bare, and not an inch of grass is left.
  49. A Petty and Contemptible VillainZhang Tingyu (comp.)Why be held in check by a petty villain, so that everyone high and low fears for his life?
  50. In Accord with Heaven and the People's WillZhao Erxun (comp.)Let all clearly understand that the court acts in accord with Heaven and the people, with impartial and selfless intent.
  51. A Crime That Fills the SkyKang YouweiLater ages blamed the loss of the Six Classics on the Qin burning, so the First Emperor came to bear a crime that fills the sky; they did not know this was Liu Xin's false story.
  52. Strengthen the Trunk, Weaken the BranchesKang YouweiIn truth this was to raise the capital and suppress the provinces, a plan to strengthen the trunk and weaken the branches.
  53. Holding Nothing but an Empty TitleZhang Tingyu (comp.)But Lin'er had risen from banditry and had no great ambition; he did as Futong told him, holding only an empty title.
  54. Ever Present in One's Thoughtsthe Qianlong Emperor (Hongli)Thinking of him, he is in my mind; setting thought aside, he is there; naming him, he is there; praising sincerely, he is there.
  55. Earning Pardon Through MeritZhang Tingyu (comp.)Fight the bandits while under charge, and redeem yourselves by merit.
  56. Unstoppable Wherever It MarchesZhang Tingyu (comp.)His discipline was severe: the army only advanced, never retreated; offenders died even if they were his own kin, so it was unstoppable.
  57. Seize the Throat, Strike the VoidZhang Tingyu (comp.)Seize the throat and strike the void, block the position, and the knot loosens by itself.
  58. Enough Whips to Dam the RiverDorgon (traditionally attributed)With my host of troops, if we threw our whips into the river, it would be enough to stop its flow.
  59. Avenging Wrongs and Wiping Out DisgraceZeng JizeIt is by no means avenging wrongs and wiping out disgrace to destroy a church or kill a foreigner.
  60. Worn Bare from Crown to Heel for OthersTan SitongMozi loved all equally; if rubbing himself bare from crown to heel would benefit the world, he would do it.
  61. Storming Cities and Seizing TerritoryZeng GuofanLooking through books is storming cities and seizing territory; close reading is deep moats and strong ramparts that hold the land won.
  62. Winning Hearts Is the Highest StrategySun ZhongshanIn war, attacking the mind is best and attacking cities is worst; psychological war is best and battle is worst.
  63. Devoted to One's Work, Happy Among CompanionsLiang QichaoAfter one year, examine their punctuation of the classics and their aims; after three, their devotion to study and enjoyment of their fellows.
  64. Snapping Off a Stanza to Suit One's PurposeLiang QichaoMy title was made by taking, out of context, two sayings: 'respect your work and enjoy your companions' from the Book of Rites, and 'be content in your homes and happy in your work' from the Laozi.
  65. No Belief Without EvidenceLu CiyunThe saying goes, 'without evidence there is no belief.' Is there evidence for the story of Yuanyuan? There is.
  66. Well Fed All Day, With a Mind Set on NothingLiang QichaoConfucius said: 'Those who eat their fill all day and set their minds on nothing: how hard it is to do anything with them!'
  67. Sun and Moon Robbed of Their LightYongzheng EmperorThey went so far as to say that 'for more than eighty years, heaven has been dim and earth dark, and the sun and moon have had no light.'
  68. All Under Heaven to the Very Edge of the LandYongzheng EmperorFrom the corners of the sea where the sun rises to all the people under heaven to the edge of the land, none do not know that the great unity lies with our dynasty.
  69. Only Forward, Never BackZhang Tingyu (comp.)His laws were severe: when his army marched it only advanced and never retreated, and those who disobeyed were executed even if they were his sons or sons-in-law, so he was invincible wherever he went.
  70. Killing the Chicken to Scare the MonkeyAnonymousIn the old days, when people trained monkeys and a monkey would not obey, they killed a chicken in front of it.
  71. Killing the Hen to Get the EggsAesop (traditionally attributed)So he killed the hen, and found that there was not a single golden egg inside.
  72. Analysed Strand by Strand, Point by PointKangxi EmperorNow all the methods of calculation have been gathered into books and analysed strand by strand, so that later students find them easy; who knows how hard I laboured over them then!
  73. When the Ridgepole Snaps and the Rafters FallKang YouweiIf the ridgepole snaps and the rafters fall, we graduates will all be crushed beneath; therefore, braving execution by the axe and the crime of overstepping our place, we lay out the whole situation for Your Majesty.
  74. Implicating Others Like Spreading Roots and Creeping VinesZhang Tingyu (comp.)He then issued the Record of the Treacherous Faction to the whole realm. The implications spread like roots and vines, and for several years the matter was not settled.
  75. Withered Wood and Cold Dead AshesSun ZhongshanThe sincere heart I had kept for thirty years nearly melted away because of this, and my will, which had never yielded to a hundred setbacks, nearly turned to withered wood and dead ashes.
  76. Making Camp at Every Step of the AdvanceZhang Tingyu (comp.)The Japanese made camp at every step and rested in turns, and the imperial troops dared not attack.
  77. The Fisherman's Gain from the Snipe and the ClamDorgon (traditionally attributed)You wish to hold the south in strength and sit back to reap the fisherman's gain.
  78. Pulling Chestnuts from the FireJean de La FontaineThe monkey tricked the cat into taking chestnuts out of the fire; the monkey ate them, and the cat burned the fur off its paws.
  79. Jade and Stone Burned Together: Zeng Guofan's WarningZeng GuofanWhen the great army bears down, jade and stone will burn together, and no distinction can be made.
  80. Power of Life and Death: Yang Lian Indicts Wei ZhongxianZhang Tingyu (comp.)Your Majesty is in the prime of life; over life and death, giving and taking, can you not decide for yourself?
  81. Hating Evil as a Personal Foe: Zhou Shunchang of SuzhouZhang Tingyu (comp.)Shunchang was upright, square, steadfast and incorruptible, and hated evil as a personal foe.
  82. Unbowed After a Hundred Setbacks: Sun Yat-sen's PrefaceSun ZhongshanWholehearted and unbowed by a hundred setbacks, I could not be made to yield by the might of the Qing, nor bent by the hardships of a dead end.
  83. Of a Hundred Uses, a Scholar Has None: Huang Jingren's Bitter JestHuang JingrenNine in ten deserve only a scornful glance; of a hundred uses, the scholar has none.
  84. Knowing When to Stop Averts Danger: Qianlong on the Torghut Returnthe Qianlong Emperor (Hongli)One who knows contentment suffers no disgrace; one who knows when to stop meets no danger, and can long endure.
  85. Contentment Keeps Disgrace Away: Laozi's Maxim and the Torghut Stelethe Qianlong Emperor (Hongli)Knowing contentment avoids disgrace; knowing when to stop avoids danger.
  86. Blessings Overflow to the House That Stores Up GoodYongzheng EmperorA family that accumulates goodness will surely have blessings to spare; a family that accumulates evil will surely have calamities to spare.
  87. Attacked Front and Rear: Wang Shouren Strikes at NanchangZhang Tingyu (comp.)If we pass Nanchang to face them on the river, the troops of those two prefectures will cut off our rear, and we shall be attacked front and back.
  88. Fierce Outside, Faint Within: Confucius on the Hollow BullyZhang Tingyu (comp.)Stern in countenance but weak within: compared to petty men, he is like a thief who digs through walls!
  89. No Agreement on What Is Right: the Guangxu Edict of 1898Guangxu EmperorYet the climate of opinion is not yet open, and arguments reach no agreement.
  90. Listening with an Open Mind: the Yongle Emperor and His Grand SecretariesZhang Tingyu (comp.)If those who advise have nothing to fear and those who listen take no offence, why should the realm not be well governed?
  91. Inside and Outside in League for Evil: Wei Guangwei and Wei ZhongxianZhang Tingyu (comp.)The grand secretary Wei Guangwei allied himself with Zhongxian, the two in league for evil inside and outside, and Dazhong always wanted to impeach him.
  92. Hands in Sleeves, Looking On: Gao Panlong and the Red Pill CaseZhang Tingyu (comp.)When their sovereign is in peril, to stand by with hands in their sleeves is the road to great disorder.
  93. At His Wits' End: Shi Xing and the Japanese Invasion of KoreaZhang Tingyu (comp.)The minister of war Shi Xing was at his wits' end and sought men able to talk with the Japanese to spy on them.
  94. Memorising Whatever Passes Before One's EyesZhao Erxun (comp.)The Sage Ancestor saw him and loved him, and had him study in the palace under the scholar Fumin; whatever he read once he could recite.
  95. No Ground to Advance or Retreatthe Qianlong Emperor (Hongli)Having turned their backs on Russia and come, if they were also to harass the border of our great state, they would have no ground to advance or retreat; where could they go?
  96. Page upon Page of Lengthy WritingYongzheng EmperorI have gone over everything in full detail, page upon page; the main purpose is no more than this, and I have already exhausted my efforts on it.
  97. Striking Like a Whirlwind and a Lightning BoltZhang Tingyu (comp.)Dayou, the veteran, put steadiness first; Jiguang struck like a whirlwind and a lightning bolt, repeatedly crushing great bands of raiders, and his fame rose even above Dayou's.
  98. Arrogant, Overbearing and UnrestrainedZhang Tingyu (comp.)Jing has controlled Henan for fourteen years, and has always harboured wild, overbearing ambitions.
  99. The Flying Dragon in the HeavensZhang Tingyu (comp.)It is auspicious. The flying dragon is in the heavens, attended by wind and rain. The tiles have fallen because they will be changed to yellow.
  100. Full-Fed All Day with Nothing on One's MindLiang QichaoThose who eat their fill all day and use their minds on nothing, it is hard indeed for them!
  101. Coming to Pass Unlooked Forthe Qianlong Emperor (Hongli)The return of these Torghuts was truly a matter of Heaven granting and men turning to us; it came about without being sought, and so it must be recorded.
  102. Knowing One Thing but Not the Other: The Stone Beasts in the RiverJi YunSo in the affairs of the world, many know one thing but not the other; how can one judge arbitrarily from general principles?
  103. Doing What One Knows Cannot Be Done: Tan Sitong's Last DaysLiang QichaoEven so, in the affairs of the world one does what one knows cannot be done.