In an old affair in the deep palace of the Ming Dynasty, Tang He, Zhu Yuanzhang's trusted minister, faced a test of wisdom and loyalty.
It was an ordinary hunting day, Zhu Yuanzhang and Tang He went deep into the jungle and unexpectedly encountered a huge black bear.
Zhu Yuanzhang failed to shoot an arrow, and instead asked Tang He to make a move.
However, Tang He refused, and his refusal caused an uproar in the court. Everyone questioned, why Tang He was unwilling to help the emperor?
Faced with the doubts of his cronies, Tang He just smiled faintly, and said with a mystery: "You can understand the bear character when you take it apart and read it." ”
This sentence rippled like waves, causing a lot of discussion between the DPRK and China.
Is there a deeper meaning behind his refusal? Or does Tang He have an ulterior secret in his heart?
1. Jungle Horror
Early one morning in the early years of the Ming Dynasty, Zhu Yuanzhang and his close minister Tang He stepped into the deep and reckless jungle for an exciting hunting trip.
The sunlight dappled through the dense canopy of trees, like golden rain falling on the faces of the two men, adding a warm color to this primeval forest.
The leaves swaying gently in the breeze, accompanied by the crisp chirping of birds in the distance, make for a harmonious and tranquil picture.
Zhu Yuanzhang was dressed in a simple hunting attire, with a curved bow and quiver hanging from his waist, and his eyes flashed with the sharpness and decisiveness of a young emperor.
Tang He, on the other hand, was more calm, his eyes revealing depth and experience, and he knew the familiar jungle landscape and hunting skills well.
Just as the two of them leisurely walked through the forest path, an unusual aura suddenly broke through the silence of the jungle. Zhu Yuanzhang and Tang He stopped almost at the same time and looked around vigilantly.
Suddenly, a huge black bear unexpectedly appeared in their sight, and the news of the bear's infestation was rarely heard in the area, so the sudden scene surprised both of them.
The black bear's eyes revealed wildness and hostility, and the corners of its mouth were foaming at the mouth, as if it was full of resentment towards the two humans who had invaded its realm. Its heavy body was slightly clumsy in the woods, but every movement carried an astonishing force, its thick claws leaving deep marks on the leaves.
2. Dangerous temptations
When the huge black bear appeared, the urge to challenge rose in Zhu Yuanzhang's heart.
He quickly drew his arrow, and after winding it, his eyes were firmly aimed at the black bear.
At that moment, he seemed to return to the battlefield of the past, and each string pull was so familiar and powerful.
The arrows flew out like off-string arrows, but amazingly, each arrow passed by the black bear, and none of them hit the target.
Zhu Yuanzhang's brows furrowed slightly, he thought that his archery skills had been perfected, but in the face of this dexterous black bear, every attempt he made ended in failure.
He turned his head to look at Tang He, and a subtle hint of inquiry and temptation flashed in his eyes.
With a hint of anxiety in his voice, he said, "Brother, you are good at archery, shoot this bear for me, we will have a great meal!"
Tang He stood aside, his eyes revealing deep thought.
As Zhu Yuanzhang's close minister, many years of court career made him know that there was a deep meaning behind Zhu Yuanzhang's every move.
Tang He understood that the reason why Zhu Yuanzhang did this was not only to see his archery skills, but more importantly, to test his loyalty and wisdom. Faced with such a situation, Tang He's heart couldn't help but feel a trace of surprise and awe.
He looked at the black bear, then at Zhu Yuanzhang, and made a decision in his heart.
Tang He knew that this was not only a simple hunt, but also a contest of loyalty and wisdom.
He smiled and replied, "Minister, where can you shoot accurately?" Let's get out of here. ”
3. Wise choice
A subtle hint of disappointment flashed in Zhu Yuanzhang's eyes.
His arrow failed to hit the black bear, which made him secretly resentful, but he was more curious about Tang He's reaction.
In the face of his challenge, Tang He showed thoughtful wisdom and calmness.
When he heard Tang He's answer, his eyes revealed mixed emotions.
Tang He, the old minister beside Zhu Yuanzhang, is well-informed and knows Zhu Yuanzhang's character and thoughts well. When Tang He smiled and replied in that tone full of wisdom and helplessness, Zhu Yuanzhang felt a deep relief.
Tang He's words are not only the opportunity to shirk archery, but also quietly express his loyalty and understanding to Zhu Yuanzhang.
Zhu Yuanzhang knew that Tang He's answer at this time was not only to avoid this possible temptation trap, but also to hint at how he should choose trust and doubt wisely as a monarch.
Tang He's words not only showed his personal wisdom, but also reflected his loyalty to Zhu Yuanzhang and his consideration of the overall situation.
Zhu Yuanzhang nodded slightly, his eyes revealing deep trust and appreciation for Tang He.
He knew that in this court full of power and deceit, it was rare to have a wise and loyal minister like Tang He.
Zhu Yuanzhang recalled Tang He's assistance over the years, and there was his wisdom and efforts behind every decision.
At this moment, Zhu Yuanzhang's respect for Tang He was even deeper.
Tang He looked at Zhu Yuanzhang, his eyes flashing with deep thought and worry.
He knew that Zhu Yuanzhang had a suspicious personality and a deep mind, and this hunting trip was not only a simple leisure activity for him, but also a test for his cronies.
Tang He's answer not only resolved Zhu Yuanzhang's temptation, but also preserved his own safety.
He knows very well that in front of a monarch like Zhu Yuanzhang, every word and every action may become the key to life and death.
Fourth, deep metaphors
After that exciting and undercurrent hunt, Zhu Yuanzhang and Tang He returned to the palace together.
Back in the court, Tang He became the focus of many people's attention.
Faces familiar and not-so-familiar, with curious and inquiring eyes, surrounded Yuwa, asking him why he had spared the black bear in the jungle.
Tang He faced everyone's curious eyes, and his heart was already prepared.
He knew very well that in this palace full of calculations and scheming, every decision and every word could become a topic of discussion for others.
He slowly explained: "The bear character, the top is a can, and the bottom is four points. It's not just a word, it's a meaning. ”
The crowd around was clearly curious about Yuwa's explanation, and they listened intently.
Tang He continued: "'Neng' symbolizes a capable person, and in our Ming Dynasty, who can be more capable than the emperor? The following four points represent the four emotions of resentment, greed, hatred, and anger. ”
Hearing this, everyone's expressions began to become complicated. They begin to understand the purpose of Yuwa.
In this court, which is full of undercurrents and intrigue, every step is like walking on thin ice.
Tang He's words are not only explaining why he let the black bear go, but also hinting at how to maintain his wisdom and sobriety in the game of power.
Tang He continued to explain: "If I really shot that black bear, then in the eyes of the emperor, I may have resentment, greed, hatred, and anger in my heart. These four emotions are intolerable for any king. Therefore, I chose not to shoot, which is also to show the emperor that I have no resentment or hatred in my heart, only loyalty and awe. ”
These words were like a heavy stone, thrown into the quiet lake, causing ripples in circles and circles.
Everyone began to understand that Tang He's decision was not just motivated by an interest in hunting, but also a deliberate political choice.
In this complex political environment, Tang He showed his wisdom and foresight.
Over time, this hunt became known.
Tang He's wisdom and decision-making not only won Zhu Yuanzhang's deeper trust, but also impressed other officials in the court.
They began to understand that Tang He was not only a capable minister, but also a wise man who knew how to protect himself in a complex environment.
Fifth, say goodbye to the old and return to the hometown
After careful consideration, Tang He finally made an important decision - to resign from his official position and return to his hometown.
In his opinion, being able to leave this court full of self-deceit safely is the best protection for himself.
He no longer pursued the pinnacle of power, but chose a quiet and serene life in his old age.
On the day of departure, Tang He was dressed modestly and carried only a few simple pieces of luggage.
He did not choose a grand farewell, but quietly embarked on the road back to his hometown. At the moment of leaving the palace, he looked back at the palace, which symbolized power and status, and a trace of complex and deep emotion flashed in his eyes.
It is a memory of the past years, a feeling of the struggle, and an expectation of a peaceful life in the future.
Tang He's departure, although it caused some waves in the court, was soon overshadowed by new political events. Zhu Yuanzhang was a little sorry for Tang He's departure, but he also understood his choice.
In his opinion, Tang He is a rare good minister, but in this complex political environment, everyone has their own choices and paths.
Yuwa returned to his hometown, which is a peaceful and beautiful little village.
He was warmly welcomed by his family and old friends who had not seen each other for a long time.
Here, there is no intrigue in the court, no struggle for power, only the care of relatives and the tranquility of nature.
Yuwa began to live an ordinary and fulfilling life. He planted crops, read and wrote, and occasionally got together with fellow villagers to talk about the world. He enjoyed this simple and peaceful life, and his heart was full of satisfaction and peace.
Over time, Tang He became the wise and elder of the village.
People often come to him to ask questions, whether it is trivial matters in life or some complex moral issues, Tang He can always give his wisdom and advice. His life, though uneventful, is full of meaning and value.
For the rest of his life, Tang He would often recall those days in the court, and those struggles and challenges were long gone. He was full of emotion, but more importantly, he cherished the peaceful life he had now.
In his opinion, being able to leave the court full of scheming and struggle without incident is indeed the best ending.
Resources:
1. Lang Juanjuan.On Tang He's "Great Wisdom and Foolishness"[J].Comparative Study of Cultural Innovation,2017,1(13):36-3638