Moral stories

Author: China Children's Press
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2001-11-18
Features: This book is part of the "Zhonghua Jiaozi Series." It is a supplementary reading material for patriotism education among teenagers, consisting of five volumes: "Idiom Stories," "Allusion Stories," "Fable Stories," "Proverb Stories," and "Moral Instruction Stories." The book praises the traditional virtues of ancient Chinese laborers and highlights their wisdom. Many of the proverbs and teachings in the book still have a positive impact on today's teenagers. Illustrated with both text and images, the stories are short, vivid, and engaging. Reading this book not only imparts knowledge but also offers life lessons. This series will serve as an assistant for teachers and parents, as well as a good friend for teenage readers.
Excerpt: The great Tang Dynasty poets Li Bai and Du Fu were brilliant stars that shone simultaneously in China's literary history. Their sincere friendship was often praised by poets and scholars of later generations. Both Li Bai and Du Fu suffered greatly during the An Lushan Rebellion, enduring hardships and displacement in the social turmoil. On the day Du Fu returned home to visit his family, his son died of hunger, leaving him filled with grief and anger. Li Bai, who joined the army led by the Prince of Yong to fight the rebellion, was later arrested and sentenced to exile to the remote Yelang border region for the crime of "allegiance to the rebels." Upon learning of Li Bai's exile, Du Fu dreamed of him visiting him for three consecutive nights. Upon waking, he recalled their days together in Chang'an. Li Bai was then a renowned poet, with many nobles and officials in the capital vying to be his friend—truly a "crowded capital with countless connections." But now, he was "lonely and desolate." The next day, Du Fu wrote the famous poem "Dream of Li Bai in Two Poems."
Interpretation: True friendship is revealed in times of adversity; those who seek only profit are hypocritical. Su Qin, a native of Luoyang during the Eastern Zhou Dynasty, studied the popular (Zongheng) philosophy of his time. However, he felt his knowledge was insufficient and began to study the military strategy book 《》 (Tài Gōng Yīn Fú) by Jiang Taigong. Studying 《》 required a great deal of time and effort. Su Qin studied day and night, jotting down his insights. When tired, he devised every possible method to keep himself alert. Sometimes, when he felt drowsy, he would use a needle to (cì) his thigh, using the pain to force himself to stay awake and continue studying. After over a year of arduous study, Su Qin's knowledge soared. In 333 BC, through his own efforts, he became the prime minister of the six states—Yan, Zhao, Qi, Chu, Han, and Wei—and his years of hard work finally bore fruit.
Interpretation: A metaphor for diligent and painstaking study, striving to motivate oneself.