English Original
Ping Gong of Jin commissioned the making of a zither. However, its strings were all of identical thickness, with no distinction between the larger and smaller ones.
Once completed, Ping Gong summoned Shi Kuang, the court musician, to tune the instrument. Shi Kuang labored for an entire day but could not produce a harmonious melody.
Ping Gong blamed Shi Kuang for his incompetence. Shi Kuang explained: "In a zither, the largest string is like the ruler of a state, and the smaller strings are like his ministers. Each has its distinct role. Only through mutual coordination can they produce proper temperament; only through orderly arrangement can they create harmonious and pleasant music. Now, there is no difference in size between the large and small strings. This destroys the inherent system and order they must possess. How can I possibly tune such an instrument?"
中文翻译
晋平公命人制作了一张琴。然而，琴弦粗细完全一样，大弦与小弦毫无区别。
琴制作好后，晋平公让乐官师旷来调音。师旷调了一整天，也无法调出和谐的曲调。
晋平公责怪师旷技艺不精。师旷解释道："一张琴，大弦如同国君，小弦如同臣子。各有其职，功能不同。唯有彼此配合，才能合成音律；唯有条理分明，才能奏出和谐悦耳的音乐。如今琴弦大小不分，破坏了它们本应具备的系统与规律。这样的琴，让我如何调音呢？"