Debate on Dong Ye's "Feng Xiong"
Liutang Zongyuan
Notes on the title or background of a book.
Debate, a kind of ancient argumentative writing, is to oppose traditional or popular statements. This paper discusses the story of "East Ye Feng Land" recorded in ancient books. On the surface, it is a suspicion of ancient books, but in fact it is a refutation of the view that "the son of heaven can't play" As a courtier, you can't take your words as the golden rule and cater to them blindly, but use "Tao" as a guide.
original text
There is an ancient saying that a king teased his weak brother with tung leaves and said, "I want to seal you." Duke Zhou congratulated him. The king said, "This is a play." Duke Zhou said, "The son of heaven can't play." It is the little weak brother who sealed the Tang Dynasty.
translate
According to ancient books, Zhou Chengwang joked with his brother with a plane leaf and said, "I'll give this to you." Hearing this, the Duke of Zhou went into the palace to congratulate Wang Cheng. Wang Cheng explained, "I'm joking." Duke Zhou said, "The son of heaven can't joke." So he gave Tang's land to his brother.
original text
I don't think so [1]. Wang's younger brother should be evil, and Duke Zhou should talk to Wang at the right time, instead of waiting for him to come on stage to congratulate him on his success. If the evil spirits were not well sealed, the Duke of Zhou became his young lady, and the land was ruled by the people and the weak [2]. Is it sacred? And the duke of Zhou can't agree with the king of qi, so he will become evil? Unfortunately, Wang Yitong played the role of a temple for women and will continue to do so? What are the virtues of a king? If it is not set properly, it is not a disease [3]; If you want it, it can't be easy. It depends! If you play, you must do it. It was the Duke of Zhou who taught Wang Sui to do it.
To annotate ...
[1] Meaning: expect and think.
[2] Miss: Not appropriate.
[3] Ten changes: Ten changes.
translate
I have a different view on this matter. If Wang Cheng's younger brother should be sealed, Duke Zhou should tell Wang Cheng in time, instead of waiting for Wang Cheng to congratulate him jokingly, so as to promote this matter. If the younger brother of the king should not be sealed, can the Duke of Zhou make this inappropriate joke come true, give the land and people to his younger brother and make him king, and still be called a saint? Besides, the duke of Zhou just thinks that the son of heaven can't joke. Is it necessary to obey and contribute to this? If something unfortunate happens, Wang Cheng plays a joke on his concubines and eunuchs with plane leaves. Is it necessary to obey and carry it out? The kindness of an emperor lies in the effectiveness of his teaching. If it is not appropriate, then it is not a fault to change it ten times; The key is whether it is suitable or not. As long as it is suitable, it can't be changed easily, let alone just kidding! If it is a joke, it must be put into practice, then it is the fault of the Duke of Zhou who instigated him to be king.
original text
I mean, the duke of Zhou wants to help him become a king, he wants to take the road, be calm, belong to CUHK [4], and he won't make any comments if he loses [5]. If you don't tie it well, you will lose if you are anxious. And family and father can't take this as self-denial, and the situation is evil! It is a matter of few husbands [6], which is not suitable for the Duke of Zhou, so it is not credible. Or: seal the Tang book, Shi Yicheng [7].
To annotate ...
[4] Dazhong: the doctrine of the mean, impartial.
[5] cater to: please, cater to.
[6] Lack: Be smart.
[7] Interpretation: Zhou Wuwang was Taiyin Shiyishi, that is, Taishi, in charge of sacrifices and notes.
translate
I think the Duke of Zhou should teach him according to proper principles to make his behavior, play and entertainment appropriate, instead of pandering to his mistakes and whitewashing his words. Don't be too strict with him, force him, force him to be like an ox, force him to be like a horse, and it will be a bad thing to rush him to grow up. Even the father and son can't restrain themselves like this, let alone others in the birthright! This is just something that people who are not very knowledgeable and like to be clever, and it is by no means something that Duke Zhou should do, so the stories recorded in ancient books can't be believed. Some ancient books also recorded that it was possible for Taiyi to seal Uncle Tang with buttonwood leaves.
Comment and analysis
The article begins with a narrative, focusing on how etiquette should assist the king. This paper refutes the view that "the son of heaven can't play" with the story of Zhou Chengwang sealing his younger brother with tung leaves. Focusing on the word "drama", this paper discusses whether Zhou Chengwang's younger brother should be appointed as an assistant minister from both positive and negative aspects, and finally draws the conclusion that Duke Zhou failed to fulfill his duty as an assistant minister whether or not he should be appointed as an assistant minister.
In order to further illustrate this point of view, the author assumes that the objects of "drama" are "women" and "temples", thus absolutely denying the sharp criticism of the absurd thing of "joking seriously", and pointing out that "where the king is virtuous, what is it?" The key to Wang's words and deeds is to see whether it is appropriate and effective, and not to follow blindly.
Although the length of this article is short, the viewpoint is thorough and clear. The first part refutes the fallacy that "the son of heaven can't play", and the second part demonstrates the correct way for officials to assist the king, which is a masterpiece in the debate.