Tian Zifang was a Native of Wei during the Spring and Autumn Warring States Period, when the political situation in various countries was turbulent, wars were frequent, and people's lives were difficult, in such an environment, Tian Zifang advocated leniency, influenced those in power with his own words and deeds, cared about people's living conditions, paid attention to people's livelihood, and was admired by people at that time for his noble moral character and profound knowledge, what were his important deeds?
Govern the country with music and sound
When the leader has the responsibility of being a leader, if the energy of the leader is focused on trivial matters, it will inevitably affect the grasp of the overall situation, in the face of the leader has other hobbies, how does Tian Zifang do it?
When the nobleman Wei Chengzi of the State of Wei heard of Tian Zifang's reputation, he thought of associating with him and introduced him to the then monarch Wei Wenhou Weisi, who heard of Tian Zifang's name and was overjoyed, so he extended Tian Zifang's teaching.
One day, Wei Wenhou invited Tian Zifang to drink with him, and asked the musicians to play music to help entertain. While the wine was in full swing, Wei Wenhou listened to the music leisurely and said, "The bell sounds asymmetrical!" The left bell is a little higher."
Tian Zifang looked at Wei Wenhou and laughed, and Wei Wenhou was puzzled and asked, "Why are you laughing?" ”
Tian Zifang said: "The minister heard that as a monarch, you should understand the truth of the management officials and should not pay attention to music. You have discerned the sound of music so clearly that you are worried that you have neglected the affairs of the management officer. Wei Wenhou listened, repeatedly said yes, and felt that what he said was reasonable.
Teach the Prince
When Tian Zifang was in the State of Wei, he repeatedly used ingenious methods to teach the crown prince Wei Zi the way to govern the country, reminding him to be humble, to be a corporal, to guard against arrogance and impetuosity, to respect the scholars, and not to inflate himself because he was in a high position, so as to win the hearts of the people and calm the world.
Tian Zifang and the ministers and guests accompanied Wei Wenhou to discuss state affairs, while the crown prince Wei Zizhao came in from outside to see Wei Wenhou, and the other ministers and guests all stood up to show respect, except tian Zifang, who sat firmly in place and did not move, and both Wei Wenhou and the crown prince were displeased.
Tian Zifang said, "Is it proper to stand up for the crown prince?" Or is it sinful not to stand up for the prince? I heard that when King Chu Gong was crown prince, he was preparing to go to Yunmeng, and on the way I met Doctor Gong Yin. Gong Yin showed respect and walked quickly to the door of a family to hide. When Prince Chu saw this, he got out of the car and followed him to the gate, and said, "Doctor, why are you like this?" I have heard that it is not necessary to honor a father at the same time as his son, and if he does not salute his son at the same time, it is the greatest misfortune. You're a doctor, you don't have to! ’”
Wei Wenhou felt that it was very reasonable, so he asked the crown prince Wei Zijie to recite the words of King Gong of Chu three times in a row, and let him follow Tian Zifang to learn.
In the seventeenth year of Wei Wenhou,Wei Wenhou led an army to attack the Zhongshan Kingdom and had the crown prince Wei Zi attack to guard the capital. One day, Zi Hit traveled and met Tian Zifang on the road. Influenced by the ears of Corporal Lixian of Wei Wenhou, he immediately led the car to avoid the road, and got out of the car to pay respects to Tian Zifang, but Tian Zifang was proud to return the courtesy.
Wei Zijian felt offended and very angry, so he said loudly to Tian Zifang, "How proud are the rich and noble? And the poor are arrogant? Meaning: Is it the rich who can be arrogant and arrogant? Or can the poor and lowly be arrogant and arrogant?
Tian Zifang said, "Only the poor and lowly can be proud of others!" How dare the rich be proud? If the monarch is arrogant, he may lose his country, and if the secretary of state is arrogant, he may lose his fiefdom. When he lost his country, he had not heard of anyone using the etiquette of a monarch against him; and having lost his fiefdom, he had not heard that anyone would use the etiquette of a secretary of state to him. And the poor and lowly, whose words are not in line with their hearts and deeds are not satisfactory, can put on their shoes and leave. Like a bird, no one cares if you go so far away from the Chu country and the country of Yue, so you can't be a poor person there? Zi Zhen suddenly realized something in his heart, so he apologized to Tian Zifang and thanked him for his teaching.
Advocating generosity
Tian Zifang was able to practice what he preached, practice benevolence and righteousness, and use his influence to advise the powerful people of the dynasty and persuade them to end the war, which objectively met the wishes of the vast number of poor people, so he also won their heartfelt support.
Wei Wenhou and Tian Zifang chatted idly, and two young children dressed in blue and white clothes stood by the side. Tian Zifang asked, "Is this your beloved son?" Wei Wenhou said, "No, their father died in the war, and I took them in." ”
Tian Zifang said, "The minister thought that your greedy heart was enough, and now it seems to be more exuberant than before!" You now spoil these two children, and when they grow up, whose father will they kill? Wei Wenhou felt a sense of compassion in his heart, and said darkly: "The widows have been taught", and from then on, no war was launched.
Tian Zifang later went to the State of Qi as minister of state, and once he went out, he met an old horse on the road and felt very touched in his heart. Then he asked the ruler who controlled it, "Whose horse is this?" The emperor said, "This is the livestock of the former public family, because it is old and sick and cannot work, and now it is taken out and ready to be sold."
Tian Zifang sighed and said, "When this horse was young and strong, he used his labor to work hard, and when he was old and sick, he abandoned it. So he took out a bundle of silk and ransomed it home. When those old, sick and weak soldiers heard about it, their hearts were very touched, and they all supported Tian Zifang from the bottom of their hearts.
epilogue
Tian Zifang actively joined the WTO, had a straightforward personality, was not afraid of the powerful, often directly rebuked him in person, and then through the simple truth, let them understand the mistakes; he was kind in heart, compassionate to others, personal practice, and stressed benevolence, which was very valuable in that era. Even today, when we read his deeds again, it is still fascinating, and his soaring winds still last forever after a thousand years!