1. Sending goose feathers thousands of miles away

At that time, in order to show support for the Tang Dynasty, the leader of a minority group in Yunnan sent a special envoy, Mian Bogao, to donate swans to Taizong. When passing by the Mianyang River, the kind-hearted Mian Bogao released the swan from the cage and wanted to give it a bath. Unexpectedly, the swan spread its wings and flew high into the sky. Uncle Mian hurriedly reached out to catch it, but only managed to pull out a few goose feathers.

Mianbo Gao was so anxious that he stamped his feet, beat his chest, and howled loudly. The followers persuaded him: "It has flown away. There is no use crying. It is better to think of a remedy." After thinking about it, Mian Bogao could only do this. When he arrived in Chang'an, Mian Bogao met with Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty and presented him with gifts. When Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty saw that it was an exquisite satin bag, he asked someone to open it and found a few goose feathers and a small poem.

The poem says: "Swans pay tribute to the Tang Dynasty. The mountains are high and the road is far away. The treasure was lost in the Mianyang River and fell to the ground wailing. The Holy Emperor is restored to the emperor, but I can spare my brother. The courtesy is light but the affection is heavy. Send goose feathers thousands of miles away. "Tang Taizong was puzzled, and Mian Bogao immediately told the whole story. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty said repeatedly: "It's so precious! It's so precious! Sending goose feathers thousands of miles away is a light gift but a heavy sentiment!"

This story embodies the valuable virtue of integrity of the gift-giver. Today, people use the metaphor of "sending goose feathers from thousands of miles away" to describe a gift that is thin but the affection is extremely strong.

2. Kong Rong lets pears

Kong Rong (153-208), a native of Lu (now Qufu, Shandong), was a famous writer in the late Eastern Han Dynasty and one of the seven sons of Jian'an. His literary creations were highly praised by Emperor Wen of Wei, Cao Pi. According to historical records, Kong Rong was not only very smart when he was young, but he was also a model of brotherly etiquette, mutual help and friendship.

When Kong Rong was four years old, he often ate pears with his brother. Every time, Kong Rong always took the smallest pear. Once, my father saw it and asked: "Why do you always take the small one instead of the big one?" Kong Rong said: "I am the younger brother and the youngest. I should eat the small one and give the big one to my brother." Let's go!"

Kong Rong understood the principles of courtesy, mutual help, unity and friendship between brothers and sisters at a young age, which surprised the whole family. Since then, the story of Kong Rong letting the pear go has been passed down for thousands of years and has become a model of unity and friendship.

3. Nanny is not lazy

Cui Shannan, a native of Boling (now part of Hebei) in the Tang Dynasty, served as an official to the Jiedushi of Shannan West Road, and was known as "Shannan". At that time, Cui Shannan's great-grandmother, Mrs. Changsun, was old and lost her teeth. Her grandmother, Mrs. Tang, was very filial. After washing every day, she would go to the hall to feed her mother-in-law with her own milk. After so many years, Mrs. Changsun no longer eats other meals and is still in good health.

When Mrs. Changsun was seriously ill, she called the whole family together and said: "I can't repay the bride's kindness. I hope that the bride's descendants and daughters-in-law will respect her as she respects me." Later Cui Shannan did After becoming a high-ranking official, he followed Mrs. Changsun's instructions and respected his grandmother, Mrs. Tang.

4. Lying on the Ice Seeking Carp

Wang Xiang, a native of Langya, lost his biological mother when he was young, and his stepmother Zhu said bad things about him in front of his father many times, causing him to lose his father's love. When his stepmother was ill, he took off his clothes to serve her. She wanted to eat live carp, but it was freezing cold, so he took off his clothes and lay on the ice. The ice suddenly melted and two carps jumped out. After the stepmother ate it, she recovered from her illness. Wang Xiang lived in seclusion for more than 20 years, and later rose from the position of magistrate of Wen County to Grand Sinong, Sikong and Taiwei.

5. Jade and silk became the basis for fighting

In 592 BC, Qi Qinggong, the then king of Qi, received envoys from Jin, Lu, Wei and Cao in the court hall. Minister, envoys from various countries brought precious gifts such as ink jade, coins and silk to Qi Qinggong.

While presenting the gift, Qi Qinggong looked down and saw that Jin's Yaqing Yu Ke was one-eyed, Lu's Shangqing was bald, Wei's Shangqing Sun Liangfu was lame, and The chief minister of Cao State was a hunchback, and he couldn't help laughing secretly: Why are the envoys of the four countries all defective? That night, Qi Qinggong saw his mother, Mrs. Xiao, and told Mrs. Xiao the four people he saw during the day as a joke.

Mrs. Xiao was delighted when she heard it and insisted on seeing it with her own eyes. It happened that the next day was the day when Qi Qinggong hosted a banquet to entertain envoys from various countries, so he agreed to let Mrs. Xiao hide behind the curtain and watch.

The next day, when the cars of the envoys from the four countries arrived together and everyone entered the hall one by one, Mrs. Xiao opened the curtain and looked out. When she saw the four envoys, she couldn't help laughing.

Her entourage also burst into laughter. The laughter alarmed the envoys. When they figured out that it was Qi Qinggong who had specially made such an arrangement to make his mother happy, they were all furious and left without saying goodbye. The envoys of the four countries agreed to return to their respective countries to invite troops to attack Qi and wash away the humiliation suffered in Qi.

Four years later, the four countries united to attack Qi. Qi was defeated and was defeated. Qi Qinggong had to make peace. This was the famous "Battle of An" in the Spring and Autumn Period.