1. Start from scratch? [ bái shǒu qǐ jiā ]?
Interpretation: rags-to-riches: empty-handed; start from scratch: create a family business. Describes self-reliance and hard work in starting a business without foundation and poor conditions.
Source: "Zou Zhongxiang's Epitaph" by Wen Tianxiang of the Song Dynasty: "Although you also started with bare hands, you are good at giving out your nature."
2. Hearing the chicken dance? [ wén jī qǐ wǔ ] ?
Explanation: Get up and dance with the sword when you hear the rooster crow. Later, it is a metaphor for those who are determined to serve the country and rise up in time.
Source: "Niannujiao·Inscribed on Zhongshan Tower" by Songzhou Songzhou: "Striking a stick and swearing to be clear; hearing a chicken dancing; after all, a hero is a hero."
3. Constant self-improvement? [ zì qiáng bù xī ]?
Interpretation: self-improvement: working hard to improve yourself; rest: stopping. Consciously work hard and never let up.
Source: "Book of Changes·Qian": "Heaven moves vigorously, and a gentleman strives to constantly strive for self-improvement."
4. Sit down on fuel and taste courage? [ wò xīn cháng dǎn ]?
Definition: Firewood. He slept on firewood and tasted gall while eating and sleeping. Describes a person who is hardworking and self-motivated and strives to become stronger.
Source: Su Shi of the Song Dynasty, "A Reply to Cao Cao from Sun Quan": "Since I was sent, I have been lying on the firewood and tasting my courage; I mourn the passing of the sun and the moon and lament that my fame has not been established."
5 , work hard to govern? [ lì jīng tú zhì ]?
Interpretation: encourage: work hard; figure: try to find ways; govern: manage the country well. Keep your spirits up and find ways to govern the country well.
Source: "History of the Song Dynasty·Zan Shen Zong Ji": "Li (strive) to govern diligently; great achievements will be made.
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