The Story of Ouyang Xiu
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During the Northern Song Dynasty, there was a famous member of the literati named Ouyang Xiu. His sublime literature won him fame and success, and he was hailed as one of the Eight Masters of the Tang and Song Dynasties. When Ouyang Xiu was four years old, his father passed away. As his family was very poor, Ouyang Xiu and his mother frequently went hungry. However, Ouyang Xiu’s mother, Madam Cheng, did not give up on Ouyang Xiu’s education even though they were poor. Since she could not afford to send Ouyang Xiu to school, Madam Cheng had to think of other ways to teach her son how to read and write.
One day she told Ouyang Xiu,“Come with me, my son. I am going to teach you how to read and write.” Ouyang Xiu happily followed his mother out of the house. Seeing there was neither pen nor paper, Ouyang Xiu looked at his mother doubtfully and asked,“Mum, what are you going to teach me with?”Madam Cheng plucked a reed, and used it to trace letters in the sand. She then taught Ouyang Xiu what the letters meant. Ouyang Xiu also plucked a reed, and began to learn how to read and write. After a few years, Ouyang Xiu learned enough to read on his own. Since he could not afford to buy books, his mother took him to a neighbor’s house to borrow books to read. Sometimes, Ouyang Xiu would make a copy of the book’s contents so he would not forget.
Many years later, Ouyang Xiu grew up and took the imperial examinations. He won first place, and became a high-ranking official. After he came home, Ouyang Xiu’s mother told him,“Your father was always a law-abiding official, and never accepted bribes or took what wasn’t his. He also helped the poor and needy. I hope you will follow in your father’s footsteps, and be a good and honest official.” Hearing this, Ouyang Xiu felt touched and told his mother,“Mother, I will remember your teachings. I promise not to let you down.” This story teaches us to never give up on education, no matter how poor you are, and the greatness of a mother’s love.
