1. "If you do too many unjust things, you will surely perish."
Explanation: If you do too many unjust things, you will definitely perish. "Zuo Zhuan·Yin Gong Year"
Allusion: During the Spring and Autumn Period, when Zheng Zhuanggong was born, his mother Wu Jiang disliked him because it was a reverse labor. Two years later, she gave birth to a younger brother, son Duan, who was known as uncle Duan in history. Wu Jiang loved this little son very much. According to the weekly system, the eldest son takes over, so Zheng Zhuanggong takes over and becomes the king. Wu Jiang very much hoped that his youngest son could become the king, and made a lot of efforts, and even encouraged his youngest son to rebel. With the support of his mother, his younger brother Uncle Duan did many bad things in his own territory, such as seizing cities and recruiting troops privately. At this time, many ministers stood up to remind Duke Zheng Zhuang to be careful about his younger brother. Duke Zheng Zhuang said this: Those who do unrighteousness will be punished by their own death, and my aunt will treat him accordingly.
Twenty years later, Duke Zhuang of Zheng pretended to go to Luoyi to meet the Emperor of Zhou. Wu Jiang quickly secretly wrote a letter asking his youngest son Uncle Duan to rebel. Duke Zhuang of Zheng took precautions and put down the rebellion, and finally forced his younger brother to commit suicide and exiled his mother.
2. "Rotten wood cannot be carved!"
Explanation: A person can never be reformed or his character is extremely corrupted and there is no cure.
Allusion: According to legend, Confucius had a disciple named Zaiyu who had a naughty temperament and a eloquent tongue. Once, when Confucius was explaining the Zhou rites, he said that children should observe filial piety for three years. However, Jaeyu retorted that three years was too long and was not necessary. When Confucius heard this, he was very angry. He felt that this disciple was just a naughty character and was ruthless and unjust.
Although Jaeyu was naughty and mischievous, he was very smart, had personality and opinions, and Confucius still liked him better. But later, when the roll call was called in class, Jaeyu did not arrive, so Confucius sent someone to look for him, but it turned out that he was not there. People came back and said that he was still sleeping at home. So, Confucius got angry and cursed: "Rotten wood cannot be carved, and a wall of dung cannot be built!"
3. "Being old and not dying is a thief!" Definition: scolding those who are old and have no virtue.
Allusion: Confucius had a young man named Yuan Rang. Yuan Rang’s mother passed away, and Confucius went to express his condolences. However, when Confucius arrived at Yuan Rang’s home, he found that Yuan Rang was greeting guests with his legs spread open, which was very unsightly. Sitting and watching Confucius, Confucius thought that he was not serious and was very angry. He picked up his cane and hit Yuan Rang on the calf, shouting and cursing: "You are young and have no grandson, and you are long and have no words.