Original text and translation of "Shishuo Xinyu"

Virtue first

1 Chen Zhongju's courtesy and virtues

1. Chen Zhongju ① said: Scholars behave according to the world's standards ② , get on the chariot and pick up the bridle ③ , and have the ambition to clarify the world. As the governor of Yuzhang, he arrived and asked Xu Ruzi where he was, wanting to see it first. Zhu Bo 6 Bai said: "The princes of the Qingyu Mansion entered the palace first." Chen said: "The King Wu's style of Shang Rong's Lu 8 has no time to warm the table. Why can't I be courteous to the virtuous?"

"Commentary ”

①Chen Zhongju: Chen Fan, courtesy name Zhongju, was born in the late Eastern Han Dynasty. He and Dou Wu and others failed in their attempt to eliminate the eunuch and were killed.

②Words and actions set an example for the world: words and deeds became models for people at that time.

③Get on the car and take the bridle: refers to taking up the post as an official. Bridle (pi): horse reins.

④Yuzhang: The name of the county in the Han Dynasty, where it is governed today in Nanchang, Jiangxi.

⑤Xu Ruzi: A hermit in Yuzhang County.

⑥Zhubo: The official in charge of documents.

⑦廨(xi): official office.

⑦ King Wu style Shang Rongzhilu: King Wu, King Wu of Zhou. Shi, the same as "Shi", is the crossbar used as handrails in front of the car. This is a verb, which means to hold Shi with both hands when riding in the car to show respect. Shang Rong: a sage during the Yin and Shang Dynasties and Laozi’s teacher. Lu: The door of an alley.

"Translation"

The words and deeds of Chen Zhongju (Chen Fan) became a model for scholars at that time. As soon as he took office, he had the ambition to clarify the world. When he was the governor of Yuzhang, as soon as he arrived in Nanchang, he asked Xu Ruzi where he lived and wanted to visit him. Zhu Bo said: "What you want to do is to ask the prefect to go to the government first." Chen Zhongju said: "In the past, King Wu of Zhou passed by the door of the sage Shang Rong's house and stood with his head bowed. He respected the virtuous and polite people and had no time to warm the table. I'm going to visit a wise man. What's wrong? Resurrection③! "

"Comments"

①Zhou Ziju: Zhou Cheng, courtesy name Ziju, a wise man in the late Eastern Han Dynasty.

②Huang Shudu: Huang Xian, courtesy name Shudu, was a wise man in the late Eastern Han Dynasty.

③ stingy: vulgar and greedy. Reply: Actually.

『Translation』

Zhou Ziju (Zhou Cheng) often said: "As long as I don't see Huang Shudu (Huang Xian) for a period of time, my vulgar and greedy thoughts will arise again."

Three waves are like a vast expanse of land

Guo Linzong ① went to Runan and built Yuan Fenggao ② , the chariot never stops on the track and the luan never breaks the yoke ③ ; after reaching Huang Shudu, it is a safe place for every day ④ . When people asked why, Lin Zong said: "The uncle's water is like a vast expanse of land. It is unclear when it is clear and not muddy when it is disturbed. It is deep and wide, so it is difficult to measure."

"Comments"< /p>

① Guo Linzong: Guo Tai, courtesy name Linzong, was the leader of the Imperial College students in the late Eastern Han Dynasty.

②Zhao: visit. Yuan Fenggao: Yuan Lang, courtesy name Fenggao, was a wise man in the late Eastern Han Dynasty.

③The carriage does not stop on the track, and the luan does not stop its yoke: It is a metaphor for the short stay. Rail: Ruts. Luan: Luan bell, this refers to the carriage. Yoke: A device placed around the neck of an animal.

④Miri: the whole day. Shinjuku: Stay two nights in a row.

⑤Wangwang: The appearance of deep and wide water. Pi (b ēi): pond.

⑥Qi: Qi, magnanimity.

"Translation"

Guo Linzong (Guo Tai) arrived in Runan and visited Yuan Fenggao (Yuan Lang). The car did not stop and the horse did not stop, so he left; when he arrived at Huang Shudu (Huang Shudu) Xian), but stayed there for two whole days. When someone asked him the reason, Guo Linzong said: "Shu Du is like a vast ocean of water, clear and unturbid. His magnanimity is very broad, which is really unpredictable."

Surrounding the Dragon Gate< /p>

Li Yuanli has an elegant style and high self-standards ①, and wants to take it as his own responsibility to teach right and wrong among the world's famous people ②. Those who are advanced in the future think of ascending to the Dragon Gate③.

"Notes"

① Li Yuanli: Li Ying, courtesy name Yuanli, a famous official in the Eastern Han Dynasty, was killed by eunuchs. Beautiful style: elegant and upright style. High self-standards: refers to having high expectations of oneself in terms of moral conduct.

②Famous religion: Confucian ethics.

③Climbing the Dragon Gate: It means that one’s social status has increased. Longmen: that is, Yumenkou. Between present-day Hejin in Shanxi and Hancheng in Shaanxi, on the Yellow River, cliffs stand on both sides of the river, with a large water level difference. Legend has it that if a fish swims here and jumps over, it will become a dragon.

"Translation"

Li Yuanli (Li Ying) has an elegant demeanor, noble moral character and a high self-esteem. It is his duty to promote Confucianism and rectify the right and wrong of the world. When later generations of scholars arrived at Li Yuanli's house and were received by him, they thought they had ascended to the Dragon Gate. < /p>

"Notes"

①Xun Shu: courtesy name Jihe, a native of the Eastern Han Dynasty. Zhong Hao: courtesy name Ji Ming, a native of the Eastern Han Dynasty. After returning to seclusion, he recruited thousands of disciples.

②Clear knowledge: brilliant insight. Shang: transcend. Virtue: great virtue, noble character. Teacher: verb, meaning to be a role model for others.

"Translation"

Li Yuanli once praised Xun Shu and Zhong Hao, saying: "Xun Shu has outstanding knowledge and it is difficult for others to surpass her. Zhong Hao has high moral standards and can serve as a role model for others."

"

The Six Immortals went eastward

Chen Taiqiu went to Xunlangling Mausoleum①. He was poor and frugal and had no servants, so he sent Yuan Fang to take the chariot, and Ji Fang followed behind with his staff②, a long article Shang Xiao ③ was carrying him in the car. When he arrived, Xun envoy Shu Ci answered the door and Ci Ming went to drink. ④ The remaining six dragons were eating. Wen Ruo was also sitting on his knees. At that time, Taishi said: "The real man is traveling eastward." . "

"Notes"

①Chen Taiqiu: Chen Shi (sh), a native of the Eastern Han Dynasty, once served as the chief of Taiqiu. Xun Langling: Xun Shu, once served as Marquis of Langling.

②Yuan Fang: Chen Ji, the eldest son of Chen Shi. To drive: to drive. Ji Fang: Chen Chen, the second son of Chen Shi.

③Long text: The characters Chen Qun are Chen Jizi and Chen Shisun.

④Shu Ci: Xun Jing’s son, Xun Shu’s son. Ciming: Xun Shuang, son of Xun Shu.

"Translation"

Chen Taiqiu (Chen Shi) went to visit Xun Shu. Because his family was poor and could not afford to hire servants, he asked his eldest son Yuan Fang to drive the cart and his second son Yuan Fang to drive the carriage. Ji Fang followed behind with a staff in his hand, and his grandson Changwen, who was still young, was also sitting in the car. When they arrived at Xun Shu's place, Xun Shu asked her third son Shu Ci to greet her at the door. Her sixth son Ci Ming made a toast, and the other six sons served food. Her grandson Wen Ruo was still young and sat in front of his grandfather's knees. At that time, Taishi reported to the emperor: "The virtuous man has gone east."

Qitai Mountain Osmanthus

A guest asked Chen Jifang: "The emperor of my family, Taiqiu, What are the merits of being so famous in the world①? "Ji Fang said: "My king is like the osmanthus tree growing on Mount Tai. It is ten thousand feet high at the top and unfathomably deep at the bottom. It is moistened by the deep spring. At this time, how can the osmanthus tree know how high Mount Tai is and how deep the deep spring is? "

"Comments"

① One step at a time. : A respectful title for people, mostly used among peers. Jiajun: Address others as their father, or address others as your own father. Load: burden, bear.

②A (ē): foot of the mountain.

③Zhan: infiltration.

『Translation』

A guest asked Chen Jifang (Chen Chen): "What merits does your father, Mr. Taiqiu, have that makes him famous in the world?" Ji Fang replied: "I Dad is like the osmanthus tree growing in the corner of Mount Tai. There are peaks of ten thousand feet above and an abyss below. The upper part is soaked with nectar and the lower part is moistened by the deep spring. At this time, the osmanthus tree does not know how high Mount Tai is and how deep the deep spring is. Yeah! So I don’t know what merits my father has."

Eight difficulties are brothers

Chen Yuanfang has a long history and talents. He and Ji Fangzi Xiaoxian each discussed his father's merits and virtues, but they couldn't resolve the dispute, so they consulted Taiqiu. Taiqiu said: "It is difficult for Yuan Fang to be an elder brother, and it is difficult for Ji Fang to be a younger brother."

"Commentary"

① It is difficult for Yuan Fang to be an elder brother, and it is difficult for Ji Fang to be a younger brother: It means that two brothers have talents. There is no difference in intelligence. Later generations used the words "Yuan Fang Jifang" and "Brothers in distress" to praise brothers for their talents.

"Translation"

Chen Yuanfang (Chen Ji)'s son Changwen was very talented. He and his uncle Chen Jifang (Chen Chen)'s son Xiaoxian each commented on his father's merits and had a dispute. If he couldn't do it, he went to his grandfather Chen Taiqiu to inquire and ask for justice. Mr. Taiqiu said: "Yuan Fang is the elder brother, but it is hard to say that he is worse than his younger brother; Ji Fang is the younger brother, but it is hard to say that he is not as good as his elder brother." , when the barbarian thieves were attacking the county, a friend said to Jubo: "I am dead now, you can go!" Jubo said: "We came to see each other from afar, 4, you ordered me to go, defeat justice in order to survive, how can I do what Jubo said You are doing something evil!" When the thief arrived, he said to Ju Bo, "The army has arrived and the whole county is empty. How dare you, a man, to stand alone?" Ju Bo said, "My friend is sick and I can't bear to sacrifice him. I would rather sacrifice my life for him." "The thieves said to each other: "We are a man of no righteousness, but we entered a country of righteousness." Then he returned with his army and captured the whole county.

"Notes"

① Xun Jubo: a native of the Eastern Han Dynasty.

②Hu thief: Hu people, generally refers to the ethnic minorities in the northwest.

③Can: Should.

④Looking at each other: looking at you. Phase refers to one side.

『Translation』

Jubo Xun went all the way to visit his sick friend, but he encountered barbarians attacking the place. The friend said to Jubo Xun: "I may not be able to be saved today. You should leave quickly!" Jubo Xun said: "I came all the way to visit you, but you asked me to leave. It is not my uncle, Xun Jubo, who has done this to abandon his righteousness and seek survival. "The barbarians entered the city and said to Jubo Xun, "The army has arrived, and everyone in the city has fled. Who are you?" Jubo Xun replied, "My friend is sick, and I can't bear to leave him alone. I am willing to exchange my life for his life." After hearing this, the barbarians said to each other, "We, the unjust people, are attacking a country of virtue." So they withdrew their troops. The city was saved.

Don't lose Yongxi in ten years

Hua Xin met his children very well ①, even in a spare room, he was as strict as a court code ②; Chen Yuanfang's brothers followed the way of tender love ③, and the two sects In ④, the two do not lose the track of Yongxi. ⑤

"Notes"

①Hua Xin: courtesy name Ziyu, a native of the Eastern Han Dynasty. He served as Shangshu Ling during the reign of Emperor Huan. After entering the Wei Dynasty, he became a Situ and was granted the title of Marquis Boping. He was attached to Cao Cao and his son. . Encounter: treat. Zheng: strict, serious.

② Leisure room: private room, home. Court ceremony: the etiquette system for the court to meet the emperor.

③恣：Indulgence.

④Second door: two families.

⑤Yongxi: Hele.

「Translation」

Hua Xin gets along very seriously with the younger generation. Even at home, he behaves solemnly and follows the same rules as when meeting the emperor. The Chen Yuanfang brothers are extremely easy-going, and there is no discord between the two families because of their different personalities.

On the eleventh day, the seats are divided into separate seats

Guan Ning and Hua Xin were hoeing vegetables in the garden. They saw a piece of gold on the ground. Guan's hoe was the same as the tiles and rocks, and Hua caught it. And throw it away. We were also reading at the same table, and there was someone who passed by with a crown on his head. He would rather read as before, rather than waste the book and read it. Ning cut the table and sat separately③, saying: "You are not my friend!"

"Comments"

① Guan Ning: courtesy name You'an, a native of the late Han Dynasty and the Wei Dynasty, not an official And finally.

②Xuan Mian: This refers only to the car.

③Ning cut the table and sit separately: Later generations used "Guan Ning cut the table" and "cut the table and sat separately" to refer to the breakup of friendship between friends.

『Translation』

Guan Ning and Hua Xin were hoeing in the garden together, and saw a piece of gold on the ground. Guan Ning continued to hoe, seeing it as if it were tiles. Xin picked it up and threw it away. The two of them were sitting on the same table and studying. Someone passed by the door in a Chinese car. Guan Ning was studying as usual, but Hua Xin dropped the book and went out to watch. Guan Ning cut the mat, sat at a separate table from Hua Xin, and said to Hua Xin, "You are no longer my friend."

Beyond the Twelve Shapes

Wang Lang always recommended Hua Xin① based on his knowledge. On Xinla day, he tasted Jizi's nephew Yan's drink, and Wang also learned from it. Someone told Zhang Hua about this ③, Zhang said: "Wang's learning is all beyond the body, and the reason why it goes further."

"Commentary"

①Wang Lang: Zi Jingxing was born in the Wei Dynasty at the end of Han Dynasty. He was elegant and learned, and he was an official to Situ. Recommend: Respect.

②The twelfth lunar month: the day of year-end sacrifices. Yanyin: hold a banquet and drink, Yan, the same as "banquet".

③Zhang Hua: courtesy name Maoxian, famous for his erudition, served as an official in Sikong, and was killed by King Sima Lun of Zhao

"Translation"

Wang Lang often praised Hua Xin's insight and magnanimity. On the day of the twelfth lunar month, Hua Xin called his nephews to have a banquet, and Wang Lang also imitated Hua Xin's behavior. Someone told Zhang Hua about this, and Zhang Hua said: "Wang Lang studied Hua Xin, and all he learned was superficial things, so the distance between Wang Lang and Hua Xin became even greater."

10 Three Urgents Don’t Give Up Each Other

Hua Xin and Wang Lang both took refuge in a boat. One person wanted to rely on him, but Xin was in trouble. Lang said: "Fortunately, I am still generous, why not?" Later, the thieves came after him, and the king wanted to leave the people he had brought with him. Xin said: "The reason for my doubts is this. Now that I have accepted my trust, why don't I abandon the evil in a hurry?" Then he carried the rescue as before. This is how the world determines the merits and demerits of kings.

『Translation』

Hua Xin and Wang Lang took a boat to escape together. A man wanted to take their boat, and Hua Xin was in a dilemma. But Wang Lang said: "Fortunately, the boat is still spacious, there is nothing to be embarrassed about." Soon the thieves were about to catch up, and Wang Lang wanted to abandon the people who had just taken the boat. Hua Xin said, "This is the reason why I hesitated just now. Since I have accepted him to take care of him on the ship, how can I abandon him just because the situation is critical?" So he continued to take him on his way. The world also judged the merits and demerits of the two kings of Hua from this.

The Fourteenth King Xiang served his mother

Wang Xiang’s mother, Mrs. Zhu, was very sincere after the incident. There is a plum tree at home, which bears very good fruit, and my mother always keeps it under control. When the wind and rain suddenly came, Xiang hugged the tree and cried. Xiangchang was sleeping in another bed, and his mother went to kill him secretly. It's auspicious time to get up privately ②, and you can get it empty. After returning it, Zhimu felt so regretful that she knelt down and begged to die. The mother then realized that she loved her as her own son.

"Notes"

①Wang Xiang: Zi Xiuzheng, a native of the Wei and Jin Dynasties, known for his filial piety. Because he served his mother, he became an official very late. Be careful: be careful.

② Privately: get up to urinate.

『Translation』

Wang Xiang was very cautious in serving his stepmother, Mrs. Zhu. There was a plum tree at home that bore very good fruit, so his stepmother asked Wang Xiang to keep an eye on it. One day, there was a sudden storm. Wang Xiang hugged the plum tree and cried endlessly. Wang Xiang was sleeping on the bed, and his stepmother came in and hid in the dark to chop him to death. Wang Xiang got up to urinate, but his stepmother only hit him on the quilt and did not kill Wang Xiang. After Wang Xiang came back, he learned that his stepmother regretted the incident, so he knelt in front of his stepmother and begged to be executed. The stepmother was moved and woke up, and from then on she cared for Wang Xiang like her own son.

The Fifteenth Successor was cautious

King Wen of Jin called Ruan Sizong Zhishen①, and every time he spoke to him, his words were mysterious and far-reaching, and he was not a person.

"Notes"

① King Wen of Jin: Sima Zhao, Sima Yi's second son. Wei was a general at that time and took charge of the affairs of the state. He was given the posthumous title of "Wen" after his death, so he was called King Wen of Jin. Ruan Sizong: Ruan Ji, courtesy name Sizong, one of the "Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove", a good old manor, who indulged in drinking.

②Zang Bu: praise, criticism, evaluation.

"Translation"

King Wen of Jin (Sima Zhao) praised Ruan Ji for being extremely cautious. Every time he chatted with him, he talked about mysterious and lofty things and never judged people.