Eternal talent, eternal match

Author: Niu Hongtai
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-04-01
Features: The art of Chinese couplets has a long history, and the works of couplets are vast as the sea. Therefore, books about couplets are also extremely numerous. Recently, I read A Thousand Years of Talent, Ten Thousand Pairs of Couplet by Niu Hongtai, published by Hubei People's Publishing House, and found it quite original. Through the stories of fifty famous figures, the author wrote a history of the essence of Chinese couplets, a history of Chinese literature and life, and a history of the wisdom of Chinese talents. , although this book only selects fifty famous figures as clues, the author uses annotations to clearly explain the legends and evolution of each couplet, making it easy for readers to understand at a glance. Especially the appendix at the end of the book collects a large number of "pearls," fully gathering the exquisite art of Chinese couplets. When writing, the author strives to place the creation of a great couplet in a specific atmosphere to highlight the significance of inspiration and environment in couplet writing. For example, as described in the book, Yu Qian was 14 years old when he took the imperial examination and happened to meet the chief examiner, who was also named Yu Qian. Before the examination, the list of names was called, and the chief examiner called "Yu Qian" three times, but Yu Qian did not respond. The chief examiner was displeased and asked why he did not answer. Yu Qian replied, "I share the same name as the chief examiner, so I dared not answer." The chief examiner was a magnanimous person and used half a couplet to comfort Yu Qian: "He is Wei Wuji, Wei Wuji, Changsun Wuji, he is not afraid, you are not afraid either." Upon hearing this, Yu Qian was deeply moved and calmly responded: "Zhang Xiangru, Lin Xiangru, Sima Xiangru, they are all xiangru, but in reality, they are not xiangru." This expresses his humility and respect for the chief examiner. In this story, the author also provides materials related to this couplet from Qidong Yeyu, Chibei Outan, and folk legends, making it detailed and substantial.
Second, the fifty famous figures selected by the author are all based on positive values. Their shared qualities include high moral character, integrity, and a love for their nation and people. For example, Mao Zedong and Sun Yat-sen were revolutionary leaders of their generation, Bao Zheng and Ji Xiaolan were upright officials, and Li and Zheng Banqiao were literary figures with unyielding spirits. On one hand, this shows their courage to uphold justice and truth in the face of right and wrong, using couplets as weapons to defend the beauty of humanity and condemn its ugliness. On the other hand, it also displays their ability to express emotions, build relationships, and engage in witty banter with friends and family through couplets. For instance, the Su siblings' playful exchange: "Where can I find your sharp words? Suddenly, I hear them in my hair. Before stepping into the court, just three or five steps, your forehead already reaches the hall. Last year, a single tear of longing didn’t reach your cheeks, but now it flows down. How many times have I wiped my eyes, but they remain full of tears." Although the words are sharp, they also reflect the deep bond between siblings.
This book tells stories to unfold its narrative, making it suitable for readers who can read. However, couplets are not only used in official circles but are also deeply loved by the common people.