Han Wangxi

DUKE Wen of Jin was about to end his exile and return to the State of Jin (1033-376 B.C.). When he reached the banks of the Yellow River, he ordered the throwing away the bamboo utensils used for serving food, as well as the mats and cushions. He pushed the rough-looking people to the back and brought forward the good-looking ones.

Upon hearing this, Duke Wen’s uncle, Zifan, cried bitterly. Duke Wen, puzzled, asked, “Uncle, I’ve been in exile for 20 years, and today I’m finally able to return home. Aren’t you happy? Why do you cry all night?”

His uncle replied, “I’m old now and won’t be following you back to the country.” He bowed twice to Duke Wen and left.

Only then did Duke Wen realize that his actions had hurt the hearts of his old advisors. He quickly said, “How could this be? We obtained the country together, yet you won’t join me in governing it. This is like erecting a shrine together, but not worshiping together. This must not be.”

He then submerged his left saddle horse in the Yellow River, swearing to the heavens that he would never betray his old advisors and Zifan.

People who have shared hardships together indeed have deep emotions.

(The author is a cultural scholar.)

(Translated by Shenzhen Daily)