1. It is scattered into mud and crushed into dust, but only the fragrance remains the same. ——From "Bu Suanzi·Yong Mei" by Lu You of the Southern Song Dynasty
Translation: Even if it withers, is crushed into soil, and turns into dust again, the plum blossoms still emit wisps of fragrance as usual.
2. Spring silkworms will not run out of silk until they die, and wax torches will not dry until they turn to ashes. ——From "Untitled·It's hard to say goodbye when we meet" by Li Shangyin of the Tang Dynasty
Translation: The spring silkworm spins its cocoon and spins out the silk only when it dies, and the candle wax is like tears when it is about to be burned to ashes. Only then can it drip dry.
3. Work hard and die. ——Zhuge Liang of the Three Kingdoms, "The Later Disciple"
Translation: I carefully devote all my strength to the country until my death.
4. After harvesting the honey from hundreds of flowers, it will be sweet to whomever you work hard for. ——From "Bee" by Luo Yin of the Tang Dynasty
Translation: Bees No matter whether they are on the ground or on the top of a mountain, wherever flowers bloom, they are occupied by bees. After they collect all the flowers and turn them into honey, who are they busy with in the end? For whom do you brew mellow honey?
5. With a cold eyebrow and a thousand fingers, he bows his head and is willing to be a Ruzi Niu. ——"Self-Mockery" Recent Lu Xun
Translation: Angry at those people who have no conscience and are criticized by thousands of people, bending down and willing to be a bully for the common people.