Fable Stories Explained -- Excellent Reading Materials for Primary School Students under the New Curriculum Standards

Author: Cui Zhonglei
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-10-01
Features: The Arrow in the Cup Shadow
In the Eastern Han Dynasty, there was a county magistrate named Ying Chen. Once, he hosted a banquet at his home and invited Du Xuan, the chief secretary of the county, to dine with him. At that time, the shadow of an arrow hanging on the north wall of the living room was reflected in the wine cup, resembling a moving snake. Du Xuan reluctantly drank it and, upon returning home, fell ill with chest and abdominal pain. Ying Chen saw the arrow hanging on the wall and immediately understood everything. After Du Xuan realized that the reflection in the cup was the shadow of an arrow, his illness gradually healed.
[Explanation]
To mistake the shadow of an arrow reflected in a wine cup for a snake. Itizes being frightened by one's own imagination due to suspicion.
[Example Sentence]
He is always suspicious and paranoid. When others laugh, he always thinks they are mocking him. He is truly like a bird startled by an arrow.
Forced to Join the Rebellion
During the Northern Song Dynasty, Lin Chong was a military instructor who mastered eighteen martial arts and was known for his integrity. One day, he accompanied his wife to a temple to pray. His superior, Gao Yainai, attempted to molest her. Lin Chong scared him off. Gao Yainai framed Lin Chong and had him exiled to Cangzhou to oversee the military provisions. He also sent his trusted henchmen to Cangzhou. Inside the mountain god temple, Lin Chong heard the sinister laughter of the traitors and, unable to tolerate it any longer, killed his enemies. He was forced to join the rebellion and joined the peasant uprising.
[Explanation]
Now used to being compelled to take certain actions.
[Example Sentence]
Reflecting on historical peasant uprisings, most were forced to join the rebellion.
Beyond Reach
In 595 BC, Shen Zhou was sent by King Zhuang of Chu to handle affairs in Qi, passing through Song. Because he had not obtained permission to pass through Song, King Wen of Song killed him in anger. King Zhuang of Chu ordered an attack on Song. King Wen of Song had no choice but to ask the State of Jin for help.
King Jing of Jin wanted to agree to Song's request, but his minister, Bo Zong, stopped him, saying, "Even if the whip is long, it cannot reach the horse's belly."
As a result, King Jing of Jin gave up the idea of aiding Song.
[Explanation]
Originally meant that even a long whip cannot reach the horse's belly. Itizes that distance is too great, and one's power cannot reach.
[Example Sentence]
The difficulties faced by the branch office in the remote frontier are beyond the reach of the headquarters, leaving them helpless.
Speed is Priceless
To completely eliminate the northern border threats, Cao Cao personally led a large army on a distant expedition. Due to the excessive amount of provisions, the marching speed was very slow. Advisor Guo Jia earnestly advised Cao Cao, "Speed is pricelesss. We should leave some provisions behind and send light troops to advance day and night." After hearing this, Cao Cao felt Guo Jia's advice was very reasonable and seriously adopted it, eventually achieving victory.
[Explanation]
Speed is crucial in warfare, allowing one to seize the opportunity, act unexpectedly, and achieve victory.
[Example Sentence]
Speed is pricelesss. Seize the moment when the enemy has not yet stabilized its footing and strike them unexpectedly, overwhelming them.