"The strong wind knows the strong grass" comes from "Ode to Xiao Yu" by Li Shimin, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty. The whole poem means that only after being blown by the strong wind can one know which grass is strong and tough; only after going through danger and turmoil, can one know which grass is strong and tough? Only then do you know which person is a loyal minister.

Translation of the complete poem "Ode to Xiao Yu"

Only in the fierce wind can the strong resilience of the grass be seen. In turbulent times, you can tell who is loyal.

How can a brave person understand morality? And a wise person must have kindness in his heart. Original poem "Ode to Xiao Yu"

The strong wind knows the strong grass, and the rough wind knows the honest minister.

A brave man must be aware of justice, and a wise man must be benevolent. Appreciation

Li Shimin sent this poem to Xiao Yu, explaining the definition of a loyal minister and affirming Xiao Yu.

In the late period of the reign of Emperor Gaozu Li Yuan of the Tang Dynasty, his sons Li Jiancheng and Li Shimin started a life-and-death palace struggle for the throne. In this struggle, Xiao Yu stood firmly on Li Shimin's side and finally helped him win the throne.

"The strong wind knows the strong grass, and the rough wind knows the honest minister" is Li Shimin's high praise and affirmation of Xiao Yu, and he is also grateful. These two poems use Bixing's technique. "The strong wind knows the strong grass" is Xing, which is the basis of the following argument. At the same time, this sentence is very interesting, using ordinary natural scenery as a metaphor, explaining a profound truth: on a sunny day, "strong grass" is confused with ordinary grass; in a peaceful and stable environment, "strong grass" "Sincerity" is also easily confused with ordinary people, and its particularity is not revealed, making it difficult to identify. Only through the test of strong winds and turbulent times can we see what kind of grass is tough and what kind of people are loyal.

"Laozi" says: "The country is in chaos, but there are loyal ministers." "Book of the Later Han? Biography of Wang Ba" says: "Guangwu (Liu Xiu) said to Ba: 'Everyone who follows me in Yingchuan will pass away, and "If you stay alone and work hard, the strong wind will know the strength of the grass. '" The Southern Song Dynasty poet Bao Zhao's "Generation from Jibeimen Xing" said: "In times of crisis, we can see the integrity of ministers, and in times of chaos, we can see loyalty." These words express the same truth. , perhaps all were learned by Li Shimin. Wen Tianxiang's "Song of Righteousness" says: "When times are poor, we can see each other, and draw pictures one by one." There are also similarities and similarities.

It is precisely because Tang Taizong, a great figure in Chinese history, quoted "the strong wind knows the strong grass" in his poem that this sentence has been passed down through the ages and has become a wise saying. Introduction to Li Shimin

Tang Taizong Li Shimin (599-649), the second emperor of the Tang Dynasty, reigned for 23 years and was named Zhenguan. The name means "helping the world and calming the people". He was born in Chengji, Longxi (now Qin'an County, Tianshui City, Gansu Province). Li Shimin, Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty, was not only a famous politician and military strategist, but also a calligrapher and poet. Emperor Taizong of the Tang Dynasty initiated the famous Zhenguan rule and was revered as Tian Khan by people of all ethnic groups. This laid an important foundation for the Kaiyuan era during the heyday of the Tang Dynasty and served as a model for future generations of wise kings. His temple name was Taizong, his posthumous title was the Civil and Military Great Sage Daguangxiao Emperor, and he was buried in Zhaoling.