Four ancient poems about integrity:
1. "Shang Yang" by Wang Anshi of the Song Dynasty
Since ancient times, the people have been driven by integrity, and a word is worth a hundred gold. .
No one today can be better than Shang Yang. If Shang Yang can order the government, it must be carried out.
Vernacular interpretation: From ancient times to the present, managing people depends on keeping promises and doing what you say. Shang Yang was very trustworthy, taking a word as important and a hundred gold as light. How can you opponents of the reform criticize Shang Yang casually? If you had Shang Yang's indomitable spirit, how could the new law not be promoted smoothly?
2. "A Gentleman's Action" by Cao Zhi of the Three Kingdoms
A gentleman takes precautions and avoids suspicion.
The melon field does not accept shoes, and the plum blossoms do not hold the crown.
Vernacular interpretation: When passing a melon field, don’t bend down to pick up your shoes; when walking under a plum tree, don’t raise your hands to tidy up your hat, lest others suspect you of stealing melons and picking plums. This is used to illustrate that when doing anything, you must pay attention to avoid places where suspicion may easily arise.
3. "Nine Chapters of Zhonghe Music·Nineth Song" by Lu Zhaolin of the Tang Dynasty
If someone is far away from the sky, loyalty is the clothes and faith is the clothes.
Vernacular interpretation: There is a beautiful woman from afar waiting for me, and I wear loyalty and trust as my clothes.
4. "Reward Cui Wulangzhong" by Li Bai of the Tang Dynasty
Haiyue can still be poured out, but the promise will never waver.
Vernacular interpretation: The sea can dry up and the mountains can collapse, but the promises made can never be changed.
5. "Zi Zhi Zhi" written by Yuan Jie of the Tang Dynasty
If you are completely virtuous, you will be loyal and upright; if you are fully virtuous, you will be honest and upright.
Vernacular interpretation: If you are morally perfect, you must be a loyal and upright person.