““Righteousness” from the Three Kingdoms period

Thread Content

“The term “Romance of the Three Kingdoms” comes from “As I have heard it in The Three Kingdoms”. They formed a brotherhood in Taoyuan; three of them lit incense and bowed, saying, \"Thinking of Liu Bei, Guan Yu, and Zhang Fei, who have become brothers despite different surnames... we do not seek to be born on the same day, month, and year, but only wish to die on the same day, month, and year.\" Heaven and earth, witness this heart truly; those who betray loyalty and forget kindness shall be condemned by both heaven and men! ”. This oath can be regarded as an eternal testament to brotherly loyalty. Since then, the term \"loyalty\" has resonated through the ages. It is said that among all the stories left behind in \"Romance of the Three Kingdoms\", there is one section that is particularly moving and can be regarded as a masterpiece through the ages. This is Chapter 27: “The Bearded Hero Rides Alone for a Thousand Miles; Marquis of Hanshou Slices Through Six Generals at Five Passes.” ” As is well known, I need not go into further detail. Consider the letter that Xuande sent to Guan Gong after they became separated, in which he wrote with tears: \"Since we formed our bond in the Peach Garden, we have sworn to die together.\" Why now have we strayed from the right path, severing affection and loyalty? If you truly desire fame and wealth, I am willing to offer my head to help you achieve your goals. Words cannot convey everything; we await further instructions after death. After reading it, Guan Gong wept bitterly and said, “It is not that I do not wish to find my brother; it’s just that I do not know where he is.” Will Ankentu embrace wealth by abandoning old alliances? In this world, those who have no beginning or end are not true gentlemen. Reading this, I can’t help but hear the cry of loyalty! Let us see what Guan Gong writes in his reply: I have heard that righteousness does not abandon one’s heart, and loyalty disregards death. Yu began studying at an early age and had a basic understanding of propriety and ethics. Whenever he read about the stories of Yang Jueai and Zuo Botao, he would always sigh three times and shed tears. Previously defended Xiapi. No grain stored internally, no reinforcements from outside ； I wish to die at once, but with my two sisters-in-law relying on me, I dare not cut off my head and sacrifice myself, for fear of failing them ； Thus, I remain here for now, hoping for a future reunion. It was not until approaching Runan that I learned of my brother’s letter ； That is, to resign in person before Cao Cao and take my two wives back with me. If one harbors evil intentions, both gods and humans will punish them. With wholehearted sincerity, words alone cannot fully express it. The visit is pending; I earnestly ask for your understanding. Before long, he took his seal and gold, led his former followers to protect his two sisters-in-law, fearing neither death nor danger, and rode a thousand miles away at top speed. Those with wise plans advised the King of Wei to intercept him and kill him. Wei Wu sighed and said, “Money and bribes cannot sway his heart, nor can titles and rewards change his resolve.” Not forgetting his former master, knowing when to come and go – that’s what a true man is like. ”Thus, a gold-robed robe was given to him, allowing him to break through the five passes and flee. It can be said that without the episode of \"riding a thousand miles alone,\" there would be no Guan Yu as we know him today. Although this is just a fictional plot, I admit that I prefer to believe it to be real – it represents something extremely precious among the highest ideals in the Chinese spiritual world; the concepts of \"loyalty and righteousness\" are embodied in it to the fullest extent. What a noble principle – \"to keep one’s word regardless of consequences, and to be loyal unto death.\" Without Romance of the Three Kingdoms, there would be no Pengge later on. Guan Gong also once said to people like Zhou Cang, “The wilderness is ultimately not a place where heroes can settle down.” From now on, you may all turn away from evil and return to the right path, so as not to bring harm upon yourselves. ” It is regrettable that, for a thousand years, no one has paid any attention to these words.