Idiom Short Story "Parting Ways"

During the Reign of Emperor Xiaowen of northern and southern Wei, there was a man named Yuan Zhi, who was the grandson of Tuoba Wu, the Duke of Hejian . Yuan Zhi can speak eloquently, shrewd and capable, well-read, rich in literary style, and is a high and upright person.

Yuan Zhi served as the Luoyang Ling, never hiding from powerful people. One day, he and Li Biao, the lieutenant of Yushi, confronted each other, and Yuanzhi's position was lower than that of Li Biao, but he did not shy away. Li Biao said: "My official position is higher than yours, and you should take the initiative to avoid it." Yuan Zhi replied, "I am Luoyang Ling, and within my jurisdiction, how can a magistrate make way for the residents?" Therefore, the two did not give in to each other, quarreled endlessly, and decided to meet emperor Xiaowen together, state the merits and demerits in person, and let Emperor Xiaowen judge. Li Biao said, "I am Lieutenant Yushi, and my position is higher than his, so who is qualified to compete with me?" Yuan Zhi said: "I am a magistrate of Luoyang, who in the whole world does not need to compile a household registration?" How can I bend over and avoid a lieutenant like an ordinary official?" After hearing their arguments, Emperor Xiaowen smiled and said, "Luoyang is my capital, and you should go your separate ways."

From now on, it is possible to go our separate ways. When they exited the palace, Yuan Zhi and Li Biao took a ruler to measure the road, each taking half of the road.