This poem comes from "Shu Duanzhou County Zhaibi" written by Bao Zheng in the Song Dynasty. The original text of the poem is as follows:
A pure heart is the root of the disease, and a straight path is the body's plan. Good work will eventually build a building, and fine steel will not serve as a hook.
The mice and birds are happy when the warehouse is full, but the rabbits and foxes are sad when the grass is gone. There are lessons in the history books, don't bring shame to those who come.
The vernacular meaning is: Being selfish is the foundation of governing affairs, and speaking the straight way is the purpose of establishing oneself. Good wood will eventually become a pillar, and good steel will be strong and unyielding. The rats and sparrows are happy when there is plenty of grain in the barn and eat the public grain; the rabbits and foxes are worried when there are no weeds in the wild. Keep in mind the teachings left by the sages on how to conduct one's affairs, and never let future generations feel ashamed when they think of me.
Extended information
The poem "Book on the Zhaibi of Duanzhou County" written by Bao Zheng, a famous minister of the Northern Song Dynasty, is concise, lively, and easy to understand. It contrasts the joys and sorrows of rats, birds, rabbits and foxes. The quality of "Qing" is valuable, and the straightness of fine steel demonstrates the noble ambition of "Straight", showing Bao Zheng's extraordinary ambition and noble character.
From this poem, we can clearly understand Bao Zheng’s way of being an official and his principles of life. He has always believed that an upright official, an official who makes decisions for the people, will be supported by others and will stand the test of history. The most important thing is that whether you are an official or a citizen, you must grasp the basic principles, which is to be upright, not to have evil intentions, and to be honest and aboveboard. This is exactly the same as Confucius' thought of "a gentleman is magnanimous", indicating that Bao Zheng was deeply influenced by Confucianism.
Bao Zheng warned people that they should learn from the lessons of history and not become the laughing stock in history. As he said in his will: "Those who will be officials in future generations and commit corruption will not be allowed to return to their own families; they will not be buried in big tombs after their death. If they do not follow my aspirations, they are not my descendants. Those who raise their heads and publish stones will erect them." On the east wall of the hall, as a warning to future generations."
From Bao Zheng's poems, we can clearly see the ideological context of an upright official who makes decisions for the people and a loyal minister who dedicated his life to the country. He has been influenced by people of all ages. It’s no surprise that he received so much gratitude and praise. This also reminds each of us that no matter what we do, we must grasp the scale of life, control our own desires, check our own behavior, and stand the test of history.
Reference materials ?Baidu Encyclopedia-Shuduanzhou County Zhaibi