1. There will be times when the wind blows and the waves break, so you can hang your sails and sail across the sea.

From: "Three Poems on a Difficult Journey" written by Li Bai in the Tang Dynasty.

Interpretation: We must firmly believe that the time to ride the wind and waves will definitely come, and by then, we will raise our high sails to cross the blue sea.

2. Although it is hard work to search for thousands of pounds, you will only get gold after blowing all the sand.

From: "Miscellaneous Songs and Songs·Langtaosha" by Liu Yuxi in the Tang Dynasty.

Interpretation: Although it is hard to filter the sediment thousands of times, only when all the sediment is removed can you see the shining gold. The poet used this metaphor to describe himself as being relegated to a remote place and experiencing untold hardships, but in the end he would show his talents and become shining gold.

3. The edge of a sword comes from sharpening, and the fragrance of plum blossoms comes from the bitter cold.

From: "The Diligence Chapter of Warning and Virtue".

Interpretation: The sword has the final sharp edge because it has to be sharpened continuously; and the plum blossom can emit its fragrance because it has survived the bitter cold in winter.

4. After ten years of hard work, no one asked about him, but he became famous all over the world in one fell swoop.

From: "Pipa Ji" written by Gao Ming in the Yuan Dynasty.

Explanation: Only after years of hard study and hard work can scholars finally pass the imperial examination and become famous all over the world.

5. How can you get the fragrance of plum blossoms without experiencing a bone-chilling cold?

From: "Ode to a Discourse in the Hall" by Zen Master Huang Chang of the Tang Dynasty.

Interpretation: If the plum blossoms had not withstood the pain of frost that froze their bones again and again, how could they have the refreshing floral fragrance