Source of works
The model essay, written by Zhuge Liang, the prime minister of Shu and Han Dynasties in the Three Kingdoms period, was written to Liu Chan, the late ruler, before the Northern Expedition to the Central Plains. It expounded the necessity of the Northern Expedition and the expectation of the late ruler Liu Chan. His words were sincere and wrote Zhuge Liang's loyalty.
This table is mainly about discussion, narrative and lyrical. There are "pre-mode" and "post-mode" in history, and the so-called "mode" generally refers to "pre-mode". As a model, Zhuge Liang implemented a series of correct political and economic measures, which made the territory of Shu and Han prosperous. In order to achieve national unity and pacify the rebellion in the south, Zhuge Liang decided to attack Wei in the north and seize Liangzhou in 227. Before he left, he wrote to the master, urging him to be open and honest, to be strict in rewards and punishments, and to be close to sages, so as to revive the Han Dynasty. At the same time, I also express my loyalty to my country.
original work
A model/former model
Zhuge Liang in Wei and Jin Dynasties
Before the first emperor started his business, the middle road collapsed. Today he scored three points, and Yizhou was exhausted. This is a crucial autumn. But the guards worked tirelessly at home, and those who were loyal to their ambitions forgot to be outside, covering up the special experience of the former emperor and wanting to report to your majesty. Sincerely, it is advisable to open a holy court, with the honor of the late emperor and the spirit of the people. It is not advisable to belittle yourself, quote wrong words, and block the way of advice from loyal ministers.
In the palace, everything is an organic whole and should not be punished or denied. If there are criminals who are honest and kind, they should be rewarded by this department to show your majesty's understanding, and you should not favor one over the other, making the internal and external laws different.
Shi Zhong, Assistant Minister Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, Dong Yun, etc. , are honest and sincere, are based on the advice of the first emperor left your majesty. Fools think that everything in the palace, big or small, must be discussed, and then it will be beneficial to the public.
Xiang Chong, a general with good nature and smooth military skills. He tried it in the past, and the first emperor called it energy, which was supervised by the people. Fools think that knowing the situation of the camp and consulting them will definitely make the front line harmonious, and the advantages and disadvantages will be found.
Pro-sages, far villains, this first Han is so prosperous; You little people, far from being wise ministers, have been so depressed in the Han Dynasty ever since. When the late Emperor was around, every time I talked to the minister about it, I always sighed and hated Yu Huan and Ling. Shi Zhong, Shang Shu, Chang Shi, joined the army. I know that I am the minister of Zhenliang's death sacrifice. I hope your majesty personally believes that the Han Dynasty is prosperous, and I can wait.
I was dressed in cloth and devoted myself to Nanyang. I risked my life in troubled times and didn't ask Wen Da to be a vassal. The first emperor didn't treat his ministers with meanness, and his accusation was self-defeating. He took care of his ministers in the thatched cottage and was grateful for what had happened in this world, so he promised the first emperor to drive him away. After the boat capsized, I was appointed as the defeated army and was ordered to face danger. I have been here for twenty years.
The first emperor knew that I was cautious, so he sent me to be a minister in case of collapse. Since I was appointed, I have been sighing all night, fearing that my entrustment will not work, so as to hurt my knowledge. Therefore, Luzhou in May was deserted. Now that the south is settled, there is enough armor. Authorized by the three armies, the north settled in the central plains, the arrogance was completely destroyed, the traitors were completely eliminated, and the Han Dynasty was revived, still in the old capital. The minister was therefore loyal to His Majesty and the first emperor. As for profit and loss, if you keep your word, you will be willing to do so.
May your majesty entrust the effect of bringing the dead back to life to the minister, and if it doesn't work, punish the minister severely and tell the spirit of the first emperor. If there are no words to promote virtue, blame you for being slow to show its blame; Your majesty also requires himself, seeks advice from others, is modest and courteous, and pursues the testamentary edict of the late emperor. I am very grateful.
Stay away from it today, crying, I don't know what to say.
Translation of works
The great cause initiated by the first emperor was not abandoned halfway, but abandoned halfway. Now the world is divided into three countries, which means that Shu Han is weak and in a difficult situation. This is indeed a critical period for the country. However, the court attendants, guards and other officials did not slack off at all. The loyal and ambitious soldiers on the battlefield were desperate, probably because they remembered the special kindness of the first emperor to them (the reason for the war) and wanted to repay you. (Your Majesty) You should really broaden the hearing of saints, carry forward the virtues left by the former emperor, and inspire the aspirations of people with lofty ideals. Don't underestimate your enemy, saying inappropriate words will block people's loyal persuasion.
Palace ministers and court ministers are a whole, and there should be no reward or punishment. If there are people who do evil and violate the law, or those who are loyal and good, they will be assessed by the competent officials to show that your majesty is fair and strict in handling state affairs, and there should be no selfishness, so that the reward and punishment methods in the palace and the court are different.
Shi Zhong, assistant minister Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, Dong Yun and others are all kind, honest, honest and pure people, with the same ambition and mind. Therefore, the first emperor chose them and left them to his majesty. I think everything in the palace, big or small, should be discussed with him, so that if it is implemented in the future, it can make up for the shortcomings and omissions. Get more benefits.
General Xiang Chong is kind, fair and proficient in military affairs. When he was appointed, the first emperor praised him for his talent, so everyone discussed and elected him as the governor of the central region. I think, if we discuss everything in the imperial camp with him, we will be able to unite the army into a whole, and everyone with his own strengths will be in his place.
Being close to virtuous officials and alienating villains are the reasons for the prosperity of the former Han Dynasty. Being close to the villain and alienating the virtuous officials are the reasons for the decline of the later Han Dynasty. When the first emperor was alive, whenever he talked to me about these things, he hated the corruption when the Emperor Huan and the Emperor Ling were in power without sighing. Shi Zhong, Shang Shu, Chang Shi, and the army are all honest, kind and conscientious ministers. I hope your majesty will get close to them and trust them, so the revival of the Han dynasty is just around the corner.
I was originally a civilian, plowing in Nanyang personally, surviving in troubled times, and I didn't want to be famous among princes. My late emperor didn't condescend to see me because of my humble position. He visited me in my cabin three times and asked me what I thought of the current events. I was so moved that I agreed to run for my late emperor. It's been twenty-one years since the defeat, when you accepted the task, and when the situation was critical, you were ordered to go out.
My late emperor knew that I was cautious and entrusted the affairs of state to me before he died. Ever since I accepted death, I have been worried and sighing day and night. I was afraid that the great task entrusted to me by my late emperor could not be realized, which would damage my understanding of people, so I crossed the Lushui River in May and went deep into sparsely populated places. Now that the south has been pacified and the troops and equipment are sufficient, I should encourage the generals and soldiers to pacify the Central Plains, hoping to exhaust my mediocre talents, eradicate the evil enemies, and entrust them with the heavy responsibility of reviving the Han Dynasty and returning to their old capital. This is my duty to repay my late emperor's loyalty to your majesty. As for handling affairs, it is the responsibility of Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi and Dong Yun to consider the reasons and make suggestions without reservation.
I hope your majesty can entrust me with the task of punishing Cao Wei and restoring the Han Dynasty. If you can't finish it, you will punish my sins, which will be used to comfort the spirit of my late emperor. If there is no proposal to revitalize Shengde, blame Guo Youzhi, Fei Yi, Dong Yun and others for their negligence. Expose their mistakes; Your majesty should also plan by himself, offer advice without reservation, adopt correct remarks, and deeply remember the teachings left by the late emperor. I can't thank you enough
Today (I) will bid farewell to your majesty's long journey. I can't help crying in the face of this performance, and I don't know what I said.
Writing background
22 1 year, Liu Bei proclaimed himself emperor and Zhuge Liang became prime minister. In 223, Liu Bei died of illness and entrusted Liu Chan to Zhuge Liang. Zhuge Liang implemented a series of correct political and economic measures, which made the territory of Shu and Han prosperous. In order to achieve national unity and pacify the rebellion in the south, Zhuge Liang decided to explore Wei in the north in 227, intending to seize Chang 'an of Wei. Before he left, he wrote to the master, urging him to be open and honest, to be strict in rewards and punishments, and to be virtuous and far-reaching, so as to revive the Han Dynasty. At the same time, I also express my loyalty to my country.
Before leaving for Wei, Zhuge Liang wrote a letter to the late ruler Liu Chan. With sincere words, this paper persuades him to inherit the legacy of the late emperor, open his mind, distinguish between rewards and punishments, and complete the great cause of revitalizing the Han Dynasty, expressing Zhuge Liang's sincere feelings for the late emperor, his determination to settle down in the Central Plains, and his loyalty to Liu and his son.
There are two examples handed down from generation to generation, the former example and the latter example. In the sixth year of Wen, before Zhuge Liang led the army to go through the customs, he gave Liu Chan a list, namely "the model of later learning".
works appreciation
With sincere words and in view of the situation at that time, "Example" repeatedly advised Liu Chan to carry on the legacy of his late master Liu Bei, open a shrine, reward and punish strictly, and stay away from his relatives, so as to complete the great cause of "revitalizing the Han Dynasty", which showed Zhuge Liang's strong will to "set the Central Plains in the north" and his unswerving character of loyalty to Shu Han. [3]
During the Three Kingdoms period, Cao Wei had the strongest national strength, followed by Sun Wu, and Shu Han was the weakest. When Liu Bei died in Baidicheng (now fengjie county East), he left Zhuge Liang with a situation of domestic troubles and foreign invasion and a young, ignorant and helpless successor. At this critical juncture, Zhuge Liang assumed all the practical responsibilities of Shu Han in the name of the Prime Minister's Office, strictly observed the law and discipline at home, and rewarded the battle of ploughing; Pacify Rong Qiang, unite with Dongwu, and actively prepare for the northern expedition to Cao Wei. After several years of hard work. The strength of Shu increased, showing a situation of "enriching the country and strengthening the people" and "awe-inspiring weather", so Zhuge Liang led the army to Hanzhong (now Hanzhong City, Shaanxi Province) in order to seek the Central Plains. On the analysis of the situation at that time, not to mention the disparity in strength between Shu and Wei, the strategy of "borrowing teachers to attack far away" was also a taboo for military strategists, but Zhuge Liang still insisted on taking risks (six times in a row) and showed his indomitable will. The fundamental reason is that it is Liu Bei's last wish to establish the Central Plains in the north and revive the Han Dynasty. Although Liu Chan is incompetent, Zhuge Liang will try his best to help him. Although Liu Bei has the testamentary edict of "incompetent, you can keep it for yourself", he didn't mean to trespass, because his late master was an orphan. "This minister reports to the first emperor, but he is also loyal to your majesty." This is the spiritual strength of reading Ge's Northern Expedition and all his activities in his later years. Through the incisive dissection of this spiritual essence, The Teacher's Watch shows all the qualities of this country's minister and shows its unique and great appeal. Zhuge Liang's loyalty to the liver, righteousness and bravery, and the spirit of "doing one's best before dying" were regarded as a big festival for courtiers in feudal society and were widely respected. When the country is in danger, this spirit is even more powerful. For example, Wen Tianxiang praised "the ghosts and gods cry heroically" in Song of Benevolence and Righteousness. A letter can make thousands of people scarce.
Because this article is a memorial, the content is that Zhuge Liang stated his opinions and put forward the idea of improving politics before attacking Wei, so the full text is mainly discussed. Because Zhuge Liang wanted Liu Chan to know the difficulty of starting a business and inspire him to finish the unfinished business of his late emperor, this paper also described his own life experience, the reasons for following his late emperor and the process of making his country successful. And because Zhuge Liang is infinitely loyal to Liu and his son, treating each other with kindness and courage, his words are full of ardent expectations. The full text is both emotional and emotional. Specifically, the first part focuses on understanding and reasoning, and the second part focuses on emotion. Generally speaking, it is mainly about discussion, and narrative and lyric blend. The whole article comes from the author's heart, with profound analysis, full of true feelings and touching feelings.
The most striking feature of the language of this article is frankness and simplicity, showing sincere and loyal feelings. The predecessors especially pointed out that in the space of more than 600 words, "the late emperor" was mentioned thirteen times and "Your Majesty" seven times. The thoughts of "reporting to the late emperor" and "being loyal to your majesty" run through the whole paper, always remembering the late emperor's "legacy" and "testamentary edict", thinking of the late emperor everywhere, expecting him to complete the unfinished great cause of "reviving the Han Dynasty". The full text does not rely on flowery rhetoric or ancient allusions, and every sentence does not lose the status of a courtier, which is also very suitable for the tone of the elders. Qiu Weiping of the Qing Dynasty said, "When the marquis of Wu was in China, he witnessed the ancestors listening to the little people, who were either difficult to speak or delirious. When he left school, he urged him to explain that he was right, and it took thousands of turns to get his feelings. " Qu Yuan wrote Li Sao when he was slandered and exiled, so he adopted a subtle and illusory expression. Zhuge Liang's situation is contrary to Qu Yuan's, but the emotional characteristics of the model are consistent with the patriotic feelings expressed, and the straightforward and simple language form is consistent with the ideological content of the article. This article is mostly written in four sentences, and there are some neat and steady parallel sentences and antithetical sentences, such as "I am tireless in guarding the minister's home, but I forget my loyalty at home", "I put all my eggs in one basket in troubled times, and I don't want Wen Da to be a vassal" and "I am in danger after defeat", which reflects the trend of the times when parallel prose began to rise in the last years of the Eastern Han Dynasty. There are a lot of compound words in this article, all of which were initiated by Zhuge Liang. Many words were refined by Zhuge Liang and later used as idioms, such as "belittling yourself", "misquoting", "being a traitor", "risking one's life to forget one's death", "considering gains and losses", "being grateful" and "being unintelligible".
Brief introduction of the author
Zhuge Liang (A.D. 18 1-234), a native of Yang Du County (now yinan county, Shandong Province), was an outstanding politician and strategist in the Three Kingdoms period. In his early years, he lived in seclusion in Long Mu to avoid the chaos in Jingzhou, and waited for the opportunity. In October of the 12th year of Jian 'an (AD 207), Liu Bei visited the thatched cottage and began to become a monk. Zhuge Liang talked to him about the situation in the world, and suggested that Liu Bei unite with Sun Quan to resist Cao Cao and revive the Han Dynasty with Yizhou as the base, and has been assisting Liu Bei ever since. In the 13th year of Jian 'an, he joined forces with Sun Quan, defeated Cao Cao in Chibi, captured Jingzhou and Yizhou in the west, established Shu Han and became prime minister. After Liu Bei's death in 223 AD, Liu Chan succeeded to the throne, and Zhuge Liang entrusted the orphans to him, making him Hou Wuxiang and presiding over the state affairs. Zhuge Liang was in the Northern Expedition because he conquered Sun Wu in the east and Meng Huo in the south. He fought frequently with Cao Wei for years, and finally died in Wuzhangyuan. There are Zhuge Wuhou Collection.