This commentary covers the sharp satire from Zhuangzi ‑ Lie Yukou. Boasting Cao Shang flaunts royal‑granted carriages. Zhuangzi mocks him, suggesting his rewards stem from degrading flattery, valuing inner integrity over worldly status.
This entry explains idiom “Xiang ru yi mo” from Zhuangzi ‑ Dazongshi. Originally about stranded fish, it now means supporting one another through adversity, differing from its original Daoist philosophical implication.
From Liaozhai, lazy yet upright Wang Cheng returns a fox‑spirit’s golden hairpin. The kind fox gives him startup funds. After business misfortunes, he strikes fortune with a victorious fighting quail and thrives under the fox’s strict guidance.
Mencius states scholars may take low-paid minor posts to escape poverty, as Confucius did managing stores and pastures. Two moral rules apply: low-ranking officials must not meddle in state affairs, while high officials shame themselves if they fail to uphold their ideals.
The poor man sweeps his floor until it is spotless. The poor woman combs her hair until it is neat and tidy. Neither produces a wonderful sight, but these actions bespeak a sensibility of elegance.
There was a scholar in Binzhou, Shandong Province. One day,he was reading in his studio when there was a knock at the door. He answered it and saw a white-haired old man in plain clothes. The scholar let him in and asked his name.