Okay, here is the translation according to your instructions: Yan Family Precepts

Author: Yan Zhipu
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-05-01
Features: The Family Precepts of Yan consists of twenty chapters, covering a wide range of topics such as self-cultivation, nurturing one's nature, managing the household, pursuing knowledge, and navigating social interactions. Written in the form of family precepts, it not only offers earnest guidance to the younger generation but also includes Yan Zhipu's unique insights on social politics, intellectual culture, ethics, and customs. Many of his views, even today, retain positive significance. This book selects sixteen chapters from the Family Precepts of Yan, provides translations and annotations, and includes brief commentaries to facilitate reading. The books of ancient sages and virtuous men teach people to be loyal and filial, speak cautiously, restrain themselves, and avoid indulgence. If one does so, the conditions for establishing oneself and gaining renown are already met. Since the Wei and Jin dynasties, numerous works explaining Confucian doctrine have emerged, with the same principles as those of the ancients, covering little new content—only imitation. It is like building another house on a well-constructed one or placing another bed on an already good one—merely a waste. Today, I am revisiting this topic not to set an example for others to follow in their conduct and life, but only to uphold my family's traditions and guide my descendants. Even the same words, when spoken by different people, are believed by different individuals. Those who believe what they say are likely those who are close to them, like them, and thus trust them. If someone follows a command without question, it shows that the person giving the command has earned their trust. To curb a child's mischief, the words of a teacher are less effective than those of a maid; to stop disputes between brothers, the teachings of the ancient sage Yao and Shun are less persuasive than the advice of their own wives. I hope you can understand the principles in this book, which will surpass the influence of maids and wives in daily life. Our family's teachings have always been strict and meticulous. Even at a very young age, I received guidance from my elders. Every day, I accompanied my two older brothers to serve my parents twice a day—once in the morning and once in the evening. In winter, I warmed the bedding to keep warm, and in summer, I fanned the mats to stay cool. When serving my parents, every action was measured and proper: walking with dignity, maintaining a calm demeanor, speaking gently, and behaving with respect, as if attending an audience with a formidable king. My parents often encouraged and comforted us, asking about our preferences and urging us to develop our strengths while avoiding weaknesses. Their attitude was always sincere, kind, and approachable. However, when I was just nine years old, our family suffered a great misfortune—my parents, and our household fell into hardship. The family's fortune declined, and the once vibrant, large family of a hundred mouths seemed lifeless and desolate. My kind elder brothers raised me with great effort, showing more kindness but less sternness, and their guidance was not strict enough. Although I had studied the Book of Rites and had a slight interest in writing, interacting with others inevitably exposed me to influences and temptations, leading me to indulge in desires and speak recklessly without refinement. By the time I was eighteen or nineteen, I began to realize the need to temper my character, but habits had become second nature, and it was difficult to change them quickly. After twenty, I rarely made major mistakes, but I often said one thing and meant another, with my reason and emotions in conflict. By night, I would realize the mistakes of the morning, and today I would regret yesterday's errors. Regrettably, I did not receive proper guidance, leading to this state. Now, when I reflect on those past lessons, they are etched in my mind, far deeper than the mere perusal of ancient texts. Therefore, I have left these twenty chapters of precepts, hoping that you will not repeat the same mistakes. P4-5