The Story of The Honest Government of the State of Qi Chapter 1: Honesty and Self-Cultivation

9, sub-high peeping well

The State of Qi had a chancellor named Zigao. His intellect and erudition were many, and he often gave advice to King Qi Min, which was deeply appreciated by King Qi Min. For a while, inside and outside the court, many people wanted to be high.

One day, Zi Gao was going to go to the morning dynasty. No, it started to rain lightly. Zi Gao put on his clothes and hat and paced under the hall, thinking that the rain had stopped and then went up. He wore a newly made kaftan today, a white silk hat on his head, and a pair of hard-soled shoes on his feet. Seeing that the rain kept falling, he unconsciously asked an entourage: "You say, how am I dressed?" ”

The attendant looked at the tall dress, and there was a feeling in his heart that he could not say it, but he did not dare to say it directly, and after a little thought, he said: "In my opinion, sir's dress is not only beautiful but also outstanding." ”

Listening to the answer, Zigao was very happy.

At this time, the rain stopped and the sun rose. Zi Gao raised his feet to go, and even when he lowered his head, an ugly shadow was reflected from a well beside him. Zi Gaoxin took a closer look, and the more he looked at his outfit, the more ugly it became. He sighed a long time: "Hey, what is beautiful and outstanding, it is clear that the entourage is flattering in A.D." ”

At this time, Zi Gao thought that a mirror should be installed in the hall. If there is no mirror in the hall, even if his own attire is no longer inappropriate, the servant will say "beautiful" and "outstanding" in order to please the master.

【Comments】

This story tells future generations that when a person has achievements or has a certain social prestige, most of the praise that comes from around him is praise. At this time, we should be more sober-minded, like Zigao, often use the "mirror" to look at ourselves, check what shortcomings and deficiencies there are, and must not revel in praise.