The four poems recorded in Shi Shuo Xin Yu became more catchy after Cao Zhi divorced from the original work. The second version should be a draft written by Cao Zhi in person. His brother forced him to write a poem in seven steps. Cao Zhi may not have time to think about his sharp and concise words in a hurry and say whatever comes to mind.
"Seven Steps Poetry" in Han Dynasty: Cao Zhi cooks beans and burns them, and the beans weep in the kettle. We are born from the same root. What's the hurry? This poem is the most popular and familiar one, with only four sentences and 20 words. The poet described his inner sadness in a very sad tone.
The other version has three sentences, although the meaning is the same, but it is not so concise, but it is also very affectionate and sad, so the two versions have the same meaning, but they are slightly different in creative techniques.
Which version of Cao Zhi's Seven Steps Poetry is better?
Which version is better, four sentences or six sentences, is a matter of opinion. Some people like the four-sentence version, which is concise and easy to read; Some people like the six-sentence version and think it is more complete to read.
Mao, a famous scholar in the late Ming and early Qing dynasties, said: "Four seven-step poems are concise, but not as solemn as six poems." This is also what the author wants to say. In fact, if ordinary people are not studying, they simply understand and memorize four sentences. There is no need to go to great lengths to find a six-sentence version, but if he is a person with strict knowledge requirements, it is best to understand both.