Essential Interpretations of Zizhi Tongjian

Author: Wu Xiangzhou
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-03-01
Features: This book is specially compiled as an illustrated extracurricular reading material for contemporary middle school students, designed to meet their reading needs. Written by renowned scholars with extensive research, it selects 100 stories from the 294 volumes of Zizhi Tongjian, enabling middle school students to understand this great historical work and gain inspiration from these stories. The entire book provides concise and accessible annotations and colloquial translations of the original text, along with insightful modern perspectives. Particularly unique is the inclusion of thought-provoking questions related to society and life at the end of each story, encouraging readers to answer them independently to stimulate creative thinking. This book integrates knowledge, interest, and relevance, featuring an innovative structure and rich content. It serves as an introductory guide to appreciate ancient wisdom and enhance cultural literacy. It is suitable for a wide range of middle school students and readers with intermediate or higher education levels.
A single example:
Ren Zuo spoke bluntly to Duke Wen of Wei, saying, "You conquered Zhongshan and enfeoffed your son, Ji, instead of your younger brother. How can you be called a benevolent ruler?" The duke asked his ministers, "How do you evaluate me as a ruler?" They all replied, "You are a benevolent ruler." Ren Zuo said, "You captured Zhongshan but did not enfeoff your younger brother instead of your son. How can you be called a benevolent ruler?" The duke grew angry, and Ren Zuo quickly left. Next, the duke asked Zhai Qiong, who replied, "You are a benevolent ruler." The duke asked, "How do you know?" Zhai Qiong answered, "I have heard that a ruler is benevolent when his ministers are honest. Just now, Ren Zuo spoke honestly, and that is why I know." The duke was pleased and sent Zhai Qiong to bring Ren Zuo back. He personally descended the steps to welcome Ren Zuo, treating him as an honored guest. (Zizhi Tongjian, p. 18)