This is an old Chinese story. We have changed the text a bit to make it easier for Mandarin learners. Have fun and good luck!
Mandarin
五柳先生传
五柳先生的故事让人深感敬佩,他的身世与姓名虽不为人知,但因其居住之地有五棵柳树,便以此作为代号。他为人安宁淡泊,言语谦和,对名利不抱过多向往。热爱读书的他,并非一味追求文字解释的深度,而是在领悟书中内容时感到欢喜,甚至会因此忘却进餐。
五柳先生热爱饮酒,尽管家境贫困,时常缺少酒水。了解他的亲友,有时设宴邀请他共饮。他在饮酒时常常豁达畅快,希望能够醉倒,一旦达到目的,便会毅然离去。他的住所虽简陋空旷,无法阻挡酷寒和酷热,衣着破烂,食具空虚,但他却能够安然自得。
五柳先生常以写作自娱自乐,透露出他的志趣所在。他从不为得失而忧虑,宁愿从容度过一生。有人评论道,黔娄的妻子曾言:“不为贫贱而忧愁,不追求富贵和官职。”这或许正是在形容五柳先生这类人吧?他以饮酒作诗为乐,因坚守的志向而感到极大的幸福。关于他生活在无怀氏时代还是葛天氏时代,历史留下了模糊的记载,让人无法确切得知。
Multiple Choice Questions
English Translation
Biography of Mr. Wuliu
The story of Mr. Wuliu is deeply admirable. Although his background and name are not well known, he is identified by the five willow trees near his residence. He is calm and indifferent to fame and fortune, speaking humbly and not overly yearning for wealth. He loves reading not merely for the depth of textual interpretation but finds joy in understanding the content of the books, to the extent that he sometimes forgets to eat.
Mr. Wuliu enjoys drinking, even though he comes from a poor background and often lacks alcohol. His friends and relatives, who understand him, sometimes invite him to drink together at feasts. He is often open-minded and cheerful when drinking, hoping to get drunk; once he achieves this goal, he leaves resolutely. Although his home is simple and spacious, unable to block out the cold and heat, and his clothes are tattered with empty utensils, he is still able to find peace and contentment.
Mr. Wuliu often entertains himself by writing, revealing his interests. He never worries about gains or losses and prefers to live his life calmly. It has been commented that Qian Lou’s wife once said, “Do not worry about poverty and lowliness, and do not pursue wealth and official positions.” Perhaps this is precisely describing someone like Mr. Wuliu? He finds joy in drinking and writing poetry, feeling immense happiness from the aspirations he steadfastly holds. As for whether he lived in the Wuhua or Getian eras, history leaves vague records, making it impossible to know for certain.