Going back for revenge will only breed more accusations and criticisms. It is better to silently restrain yourself and cultivate your own virtues. The proverb says: "Thick clothes are not as good as r
Going back for revenge will only breed more accusations and criticisms. It is better to silently restrain yourself and cultivate your own virtues. The proverb says: "Thick clothes are not as good as rescuing the cold, and self-cultivation is not as good as stopping slander." This is indeed true. If it is forbidden to get close to people who judge people's rights and wrongs or have sinister intentions, what's more, how about going tit-for-tat with such people? The harm is even greater. Hypocrites do not speak in the right way, and their actions are inconsistent with what they say. Their vanity and shallowness can be recognized by comparing them; however, the world is deceived by them and does not test and distinguish them by comparing their words and deeds. In modern times, Wei Xi from Jiyin and Cao Wei from Shanyang both brought about their own ruin because of their evil ways. They deceived the world with their words, had sinister intentions, and instigated young people to cause chaos. Although they were executed, the bad style they promoted has contaminated many people. How could you not be cautious! As for those who are willing to live in seclusion in the mountains and forests, people like Boyi and Shuqi would rather starve to death in Shouyang Mountain; others like Jie Zitui would rather be burned to death in Mianshan than serve as officials. Although their words and deeds can serve as warnings to greedy people and can lead to good social trends, true saints will not do what they do, and I don't want you to imitate them. Your ancestors have been officials for generations, advocating benevolence and righteousness, being cautious, paying attention to the principles of filial piety and brotherhood, and learning from their friends extensively. When I interact with colleagues, although they are all different, I always learn something from different people. Yingchuan Guo Boyi (Guo Yi) likes to be flexible, smart and wise. However, his behavior is not broad enough. Although he despises wealth and honor, it is commendable, but it is also a bit too much. He respects people who he recognizes, like a mountain; he does not treat people who he does not recognize. In your eyes, treat them as grass. Because I know him well, I have close contact with him, but I don’t want you to do the same thing as him. Xu Weichang (Xu Qian) of Beihai does not seek fame or wealth. He is indifferent and self-sufficient and pursues moral cultivation wholeheartedly. When he gave praise or criticism, he always said it through the mouths of ancient people, but he never commented on the rights and wrongs of the current world. I respect him very much and hope you can learn from him. Liu Gongqian (Liu Zhen) of Dongping is knowledgeable and talented, sincere, honest and ambitious. However, his temperament and behavior are not consistent. He has few restraints and scruples, and his gains and losses can offset each other. I like him very much and value him. But I don’t want you to pursue him. Le'an Ren Zhaoxian (Ren Gu), completely followed the ancient ways, was keen in heart, and generous in appearance, humble and courteous, and did not avoid dirty low places when he lived. He seemed timid at ordinary times, but he could act bravely when he saw justice. When he was an official in the court, he could forget his own interests. I regard him as a good friend and respect him, and I hope you will follow his example. If you can extend it and draw parallels, you can get inspiration from the characters I recommend. As for the use of money, the family should be the first consideration. When giving alms, you must pay attention to those in urgent need. When going to the countryside and court, you must express condolences to the elderly and ancestors. When discussing, do not belittle others. When serving as an official, you must be loyal and honest. When making friends, you must be honest. Take the right path and do not be arrogant or greedy in life. When you are poor and humble, you must not give up on yourself. You must consider whether it is appropriate to advance or retreat. You must think twice before doing anything. If I do that, I have nothing to worry about.