Excerpted from Han Yu's Preface to Sending Dong Shaonan to Hebei Province in Tang Dynasty, the original excerpt:
Zhao Yan was called a generous and sad man in ancient times. Dong Shengju is a scholar, but he often fails to aim high, embrace sharp weapons and feel depressed and comfortable. I know there must be a combination. Dong Shengmian!
Translation:
In the land of Zhao Yan, many people have used elegies to express their inner grief and indignation since ancient times. Mr. Dong came to Chang 'an to take the Jinshi exam, but he was not appreciated by the examiner for many years. He came to this place glumly without knowledge and talent. I know you will meet someone who will be appreciated. Mr. Dong should work hard.
Extended data
Creative background:
During the Yuanhe period, Dong Shaonan, Shouxian County, Anhui Province, went to Chang 'an to study. He tried every time and was ready to take refuge in the buffer region of Hebei Province. Han Yu has always advocated "great unification" of the whole country and opposed local separatism. Dong and Han are very friendly, so Han wrote this famous preface.
Theme appreciation:
The article deeply sympathizes with Dong Shaonan's lack of talents, but disapproves of his investment in the buffer region, so there is an exhortation in the preface. The work was sent to Hebei as an official because a friend failed in the Jinshi examination.
The full text is deeply worded and meaningful. Although there are only over 100 words, it is full of twists and turns. Although it is a farewell article, it is sent to keep, and it is sent outside of pen and ink.
Baidu Encyclopedia-Preface to Send Dong Shaonan to Hebei