Why do Chen Ziang, Du Fu, Bao Zheng, and Yu Qian all write poems on this theme in ancient Chinese poetry | Anti Corruption | Bao Zheng
In the vast sea of ancient poetry, there are many poems that praise integrity and advocate for clean governance. They vividly interpret and promote the values of honesty and integrity through rhythmic artistic methods, guiding officials to be diligent and love the people.
Chen Ziang wrote in his "Motto" that "from an official's position, one should be cautious and upright, and stand upright and upright." He emphasized the importance of fairness, prudence, integrity, and honesty as the top priority for an official. Li Bai further proposed in "To Friends" that "a good husband values righteousness only, and a strong horse does not need to be whipped; life is precious and we know each other, so there is no need for gold and money.". In his poem "Not Sleeping", Du Mu bluntly stated, "Do not speak of fame and fortune, fame and fortune are personal enemies.".
In Chinese history, from the Three Princes and Prime Ministers to the small officials in prefectures and counties, there are countless records of those who are known for their honesty and integrity, and they have also become objects of praise for future poets.
For example, in his poem "On the Yanling Fishing Platform", Zhang Ji praises the Han Dynasty hermit Yan Guang and reminds the world that "in ancient times, under the fragrant bait, who would not swallow the hook?".
For example, Du Qian wrote a poem titled "Sending Chen a Letter to officiate and return home": He resigned from his position as a nobleman and returned to the fields, but Su Min gave him money for childbirth. Once this body is impoverished to the bone, only the purity remains to be passed down to others!
It is worth mentioning that many authors of poems praising clean governance in ancient poetry are themselves honest officials and officials.
When Bao Zheng was serving as the governor of Duanzhou, he wrote a poem called "Shuduanzhou Commandery Zhaibi": "Clearing the heart is the root cause, and straightforwardness is the strategy of the body.". Xiugan eventually becomes a building, fine steel does not make a hook. The barn is filled with mice and sparrows, and the grass is exhausted. The fox and rabbit are worried. There is a legacy in the annals of history, so as not to embarrass those who come. This poem demonstrates the principles and conduct of integrity and self-discipline of Bao Zheng, which is both self motivation and motivating.
Compared to "Shuduanzhou Commandery Zhaibi", Bao Zheng's other poem "Refusing Birthday Rites" may be more famous: being selfless and loyal, one should not dwell on achievements in official positions. Exercising oneself is a matter of duty, refusing etiquette is a way of promoting integrity.
Like Bao Zheng, Yu Qian was also a renowned minister with integrity and integrity. In addition to his famous poem "The Song of Lime", he also wrote the poem "Entering the Capital": The silk and hemp mushrooms and the fragrant thread are a disaster for both domestic and civilian use. A clear breeze with two sleeves facing the sky, to prevent Lu Yan's words from being short and long.
According to the customary practice in the officialdom at that time, local officials would bring some local specialties as gifts to high-ranking officials and nobles when they entered Beijing after their term of office was over. But when Yu Qian entered the capital, not only did he bring nothing, but he also wrote this poem to express his dissatisfaction with this bad habit in the officialdom, leaving behind the allusion of "two sleeves and a clean breeze".
Yang Jisheng, hailed by Emperor Muzong of the Ming Dynasty as the "leader of direct advice to all ministers," also expressed a similar sentiment through a poem expressing his aspirations: reading laws and reading books for forty years, with a blue sky above his black veil. The man wants to paint the Lingyan Pavilion, but his first fame does not love money.
In ancient anti-corruption poetry, there are many contents that educate and encourage future generations to inherit honesty and integrity. Chen Junqing, the prime minister during the reign of Emperor Xiaozong of the Southern Song Dynasty, wrote in his book "Shi Er Zi": "When one grows old, one can drink three cups of wine, but when one grows old, one can live a life of ten thousand books.". Your descendants will remain pure and innocent, without the need for a mansion or a canal.
Mrs. Xu, the wife of Geng Mingshi in the Ming Dynasty, also wrote a famous poem called "Sending Sons": "I know the safety of my home, and there is surplus income in the countryside every year.". No need for anything from Nanzhong, it's easy to be a clean official and answer questions.
Tang Dynasty poet Chen Fan's "Poems on the brink of punishment" is a poem that can be regarded as a negative teaching material. He was sentenced to capital punishment for corruption during his tenure as the governor of Suzhou. Before going to jail, Suo Bi wrote this poem: "Accumulating jade and gold, officials are revered, and disaster suddenly turns into emptiness.". Five years of glory and honor, where is it now? It is no different from the dream of Nan Ke.
