Literary anecdotes

Author: Mi Jinlong / Country: Mainland China
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-01-01
Features: Can the "Seven-Step Poem" Save Cao Zhi's Life?
Cao Pi and Cao Zhi were both sons of Cao Cao. They engaged in fierce rivalry for the throne of succession even during Cao Cao's lifetime. After Cao Cao's death, Cao Pi ascended to the throne and became the victor. However, he still harbored resentment toward the exceptionally talented Cao Zhi, fearing that Cao Zhi might usurp his throne. Thus, he fabricated numerous charges against Cao Zhi, had him arrested, and was prepared to execute him. But due to his mother's intervention, he delayed carrying out his plan.
It is said that one day, Cao Pi summoned Cao Zhi and said, "You often boasted to others about your literary talent, but I've never been able to verify its authenticity. Now, I'll test your skills. I command you to compose a poem within ten steps. If you fail, don't blame me for being merciless." Cao Zhi listened without showing any distress and calmly asked Cao Pi to set a theme. Cao Pi pointed to a painting on the wall and instructed him to use it as the subject. The painting depicted a cow falling into a well and dying. However, Cao Pi imposed a restriction: the poem must not contain the words "two oxen fight under the wall, one ox falls into the well and dies."
Upon hearing the instructions, Cao Zhi immediately began walking and recited his poem:
"Two pieces of meat walk together,
Carrying a crossbone on their heads.
They reach the top of the earth,
Numbering each other abruptly.
Two foes are not equally strong,
One piece lies in the earth's pit.
Not because of inferior strength,
But their intense emotions cannot be released."
Cao Zhi completed the poem in less than ten steps, leaving Cao Pi astonished. Yet, Cao Pi was not satisfied and demanded another poem, this time on the theme of brotherhood, but without using the word "brothers," to be composed within seven steps. Cao Zhi, filled with indignation, seized the opportunity to vent his frustrations and recited:
"Boil beans to make a soup,
Strain the beans to make the broth.
The stalks burn beneath the pot,
The beans weep within the pot.
Born from the same root,
Why must you burn me so fiercely?"
This time, he completed the poem in exactly seven steps! The poem's essence is: "The bean stalks burn beneath the pot, the beans weep within. Since we are born from the same root, why must you burn me so fiercely?" In the poem, Cao Zhi uses the metaphor of bean stalks and beans to compare Cao Pi and himself, condemning Cao Pi for disregarding their brotherly bond and relentlessly persecuting him.
Hearing this, Cao Pi felt ashamed. Additionally, since Cao Zhi's poem met the requirements, he temporarily abandoned his plans to harm Cao Zhi.
Reflection:
Poetry and couplets often employ rhetorical devices such as metaphors and exaggeration. By connecting the story to the underlying message, it becomes easier to understand.
P12