English Original
Ping Gong of Jin commissioned the making of a stringed instrument. However, all the strings were of identical thickness, with no distinction between the large and small strings. Once completed, Ping Gong ordered Shi Kuang, the court musician, to tune it. Shi Kuang labored for an entire day but could not produce a proper melody.
Ping Gong blamed Shi Kuang for his incompetence. Shi Kuang explained: "The large string of an instrument is like the ruler of a state, and the small strings are like his ministers. Each has its own distinct role. Only through mutual coordination can they create proper temperament; only through order can they produce harmonious and pleasant music. Now, with no difference in size between the strings, their essential system and regularity are destroyed. 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，琴上所有的弦粗细完全相同，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。
晋平公责怪师旷无能。师旷解释道：“一张琴的大弦如同国家的君主，小弦如同臣子。它们各有其独特的功能。只有彼此配合，才能合成音律；只有井然有序，才能奏出和谐悦耳的音乐。如今琴弦大小不分，破坏了它们应有的系统性与规律性。这样的琴，让我如何调音呢？”