At the end of the Qin Dynasty, there was a man named Ji Bu. He kept his word and had a very high reputation. Many people have established a strong friendship with him. At that time, there was even a proverb: "It is better to get a hundred pounds of gold than to keep a promise." (This is the origin of the idiom "A promise is as good as a gold") Later, he offended Liu Bang, the Emperor Gaozu, and was offered a reward for his capture.
As a result, his old friends not only were not confused by the heavy money, but also risked the extinction of Jiuzu to protect him from disaster. A person who is honest and trustworthy will naturally get a lot of help and gain everyone's respect and friendship.
On the other hand, if you covet temporary comfort or petty advantages and lose trust in your friends, you will get "benefits" on the surface. But for this benefit, he ruined his reputation, which is much more important than material things. Therefore, breaking a promise to a friend is tantamount to losing a watermelon and picking up sesame seeds, which is not worth the loss.
Extended data
A promise as good as a promise is an idiom in China, which means a promise as good as a promise. Metaphor means keeping your word and keeping your credit. Also known as a thousand dollars and a promise. From Sima Qian's Biography of Historical Records, Ji Bu and Luan Bu in the Western Han Dynasty.
Excerpted from the original Biography of Historical Records, Ji Bu and Luan Bu.
Debater Cao Qiusheng is a native of Chu and pays attention to money. Zhao, a noble man, is an equal with Dou Changjun. When Lu Bu heard this, he sent a letter to persuade Dou Changjun, saying, "I heard that Cao Qiu is not an elder, so don't associate with him." And Cao Qiusheng is back. If you want a book, please ask Jibu. Dou Changjun said, "General Ji doesn't talk about the first step, and there is nowhere to step." Please apply for a book and do it.
Make people send books first, Ji Bu was furious and waited for Cao Qiu. When Cao Qiudao arrived, he bowed to Lu Bu and said, "As the Chu people said,' It is better to get a hundred gold than a promise'. Why is there such a sound between Liang and Chu? The servant Chu people, the first step is also Chu people.
Servants walk in the name of the first step in the world, regardless of evil? How far away from the servant! "Ji said BuDa, introduction, live for a few months, for the guest, thick to send it. Ji Bu is so famous, so is Cao Qiuyang.
There was a gentleman in Chu named Cao Qiu, who was good at rhetoric and eloquence, and repeatedly relied on his power to make money. He once served Zhao's peers and had a friendship with Dou Changjun. Hearing this, Lu Bu sent a letter to persuade Dou Changjun: "I heard that Mr. Cao Qiu is not a respected person, so you should not associate with him."
When Mr Cao Qiu returned to his hometown, he wanted Dou Changjun to write a letter to introduce him to Ji Bu. Dou Changjun said, "General Ji doesn't like you, so don't go." Cao Qiu insisted that Dou Changjun write a letter of introduction, and finally got it and set off. Cao Qiudao first sent someone to give the letter of introduction from Dou Changjun to Lu Bu. After receiving the letter, Lu Bu really went on the rampage, waiting for the arrival of Cao Qiudao.
When Cao Qiu arrived, he bowed to Lu Bu and said, "There is a saying in the Chu people:' It is better to get a promise from Lu Bu than a hundred catties of gold." How can you have such a reputation in Liangchu area? Besides, I'm from Chu, and so are you. Because I spread your name everywhere and everyone knows it. Isn't my role to you important?
Why did you refuse me so firmly? "Lyu3 bu4 so very happy, please Cao Qiu come in, let him live for a few months, treat him as the most distinguished guest, give him a generous gift. Ji Bu is famous, which is the result of Cao Qiu's propaganda for him!