The Eight Decalitres of Talent | 才高八斗

English Original

Tsau Pi and Tsau Jr were sons of Tsau Tsau. Both were gifted writers, with Tsau Jr being especially quick-witted.

After Tsau Tsau's death, Tsau Pi ascended the throne of the Kingdom of Wei. Jealous of his brother's literary talent and fearing a threat to his rule, Tsau Pi constantly sought a way to eliminate Tsau Jr.

One day, Tsau Pi summoned his brother. He ordered Tsau Jr to compose a poem within the time it took to walk seven steps, threatening his life if he failed.

Deeply saddened, Tsau Jr began to walk and think. He completed the poem before finishing the seventh step. Its essence was: "Brothers are of the same flesh and blood; why should they oppress each other?"

Tsau Jr was highly intelligent and devoted to study. He wrote many outstanding works that showcased his artistic genius, earning widespread admiration. One scholar remarked, "If all the talent in the world were measured as ten decalitres, Tsau Jr alone possesses eight."

Today, describing someone as having "eight decalitres of talent" means they possess a great aptitude for writing.


中文翻译

曹丕与曹植都是曹操的儿子,两人都才华横溢,其中曹植尤其文思敏捷。

曹操死后,曹丕继任魏王。他嫉妒曹植的文采,又担心其威胁统治,一直伺机加害。

一日,曹丕召见曹植,命他在七步之内作诗一首,若作不出便有性命之忧。

曹植悲愤交加,边行边思。未及七步走完,诗已成篇,其大意是:“兄弟本是同根生,为何要如此相互逼迫?”

曹植天资聪颖,热爱学习。他创作了大量杰出的文章,展现了其艺术才华,赢得了众人的钦佩。一位学者曾评价他:“天下才共一石,曹子建独得八斗。”

如今,“才高八斗”这个成语便用来形容一个人极富文采,天赋过人。

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