#以书之名#
Historical couplets are like bright stars, with many types and characteristics. Heavy character couplet, digital couplet, homophonic couplet, palindrome couplet, etc., each of which contains profound cultural heritage and unique artistic charm. The couplets have the same grammatical structure, but their difficulty is varied, like the undulations of mountains, some gentle and easy, others steep and difficult to climb.
In ancient times, examiners often used couplets as questions to test the true cultural level of the candidates. What they expect is not only the magnificence of the words, but also the deep understanding and unique insights of things. The Ming Dynasty was the golden age of the rapid development of couplet art. Talented and beautiful women emerge in an endless stream, among which Tang Bohu and Xie Jin are known as the leaders of couplets. Their couplets not only show their superb literary attainments, but also show their unique personality charm.
Not only that, the couplets of the Ming Dynasty were also widely circulated among the people and were deeply loved by the people. Whether it is the common people or the rich and powerful landlords, every time they are festive, they like to paste a pair of auspicious couplets in front of the gate to pray for peace and happiness in the New Year.
The Qing Dynasty "Laughing Records" recorded a Ming Dynasty couplet story, the protagonist of the story, Zhang Caizhu, is a learned and humorous person. One day, he held a banquet at home to entertain guests, and a pair of couplets were pasted in front of the door: "Old is not old, small is not small". This couplet may seem simple, but in fact it has a profound meaning that many guests scratch their heads.
At this time, the talented Wang Baigu was invited. After he saw this couplet, he thought for a while, then splashed ink and wrote the couplet: "Shame or not, is it good." Seeing this, Zhang Caizhu curiously asked Wang Baigu if he could explain the deep meaning of the upper and lower links. Wang Baigu smiled slightly and began to explain. He cited two historical figures, Jiang Ziya and Gan Luo, as examples, Jiang Ziya only became prime minister at the age of 80. And Gan Luo became Shangqing at the age of twelve, although he was still young, but his talent was outstanding, so he was "small, not small".
Wang Baigu's explanation made everyone suddenly realize and admired. Zhang Caizhu asked again: "What you just explained is the upper link, so how to understand the lower link's 'shame or not, good or not'?" Wang Baigu smiled slightly, and spoke again: "Shame or not, what is said is to be ashamed, shame is almost brave; whether it is good or not, it is to ask us to pursue perfection and keep forging ahead." Only in this way can we become true dragons among men. Hearing this, everyone applauded.
Wang Baigu smiled lightly, and then began to analyze his carefully conceived next couplet for everyone: "If you swallow it alone behind closed doors, you are not ashamed; His words are full of wisdom and philosophy. He explained that if he enjoyed the feast to himself, he would become the laughing stock of everyone, and if he opened his heart and let his neighbors share the delicious food, he would win everyone's respect and gratitude.
Wang Baigu's analysis amazed the people present and applauded. After hearing this, Zhang Caizhu smiled even more, and praised repeatedly: "Good, good!" He did not hesitate to open the door and warmly invited the villagers on the street to come to his home to share the feast. For a time, Zhang's home was very lively, and laughter and laughter came one after another.
The subtlety of this couplet lies not only in its neat confrontation and ingenious conception, but also in its profound meaning. Wang Baigu uses couplets as a medium to integrate the philosophy of life into it, so that people can taste the wisdom of life while tasting food. His couplets not only conform to the grammatical norms, but also reach a very high level of artistic conception and meaning, which can be called a classic in couplets.