Sima Guang Smashed the Vat(砸缸)
Sima Guang was a Prime Minister and outstanding historian of the Northern Song Dynasty. He devoted (奉献) his life to writing the classical chronicle "Historical Events Retold as a Mirror for Government" (Zi Zhi Tong Jian). At the age of seven, he once played hide and seek (捉迷藏) with other children in the garden. One child wanted to hide in a big vat, which was unexpectedly full of water. The other children were frightened and broke up in a hubbub(一哄而散), where as Sima Guang remained there. The water flushed out.
When this story became known extensively，people drew a picture for it, which was spread out in Kaifeng and Luoyang.
| A. Till today this story has been known to every household in China. B. He had barely (费力) climbed on the edge of the vat, but he slipped (滑) into it. C. As a young boy, Sima Guang was a diligent (勤奋) student, showing an outstanding Intelligence (智力). D. Thus the child in the vat was saved. E. He found a rock and broke the vat. |
