“This is growth, and also... corruption.”
“When you were 18, you read the teachings of sages and watched the plays featuring Bao Qingtian, deciding to become a respected person, with clean sleeves and the admiration of the masses. You thought the world was black and white.”
“By the time you reach 28, you have struggled in the workplace, suffering injuries and setbacks.” “You see those who flatter and curry favor getting promoted and rich, and you start to wonder: Is it really so easy to be a good person?”
“At 38, you finally achieve some success; you have even been to the Golden Hall and dined at imperial banquets.” “But you realize that no matter how well you do, there are always bigger people above you. Even if you are crushed, you still cannot stand tall.”
“At 48, you learn to compromise. When someone gives you a gift, you no longer throw it away directly, but smile and accept part of it.
“You comfort yourself: You are not greedy, and if I’m not greedy, what do those above us consume? This is a big dye vat, and no one can leave clean.
“At 58, you sit in a high position, looking at those below you. You implement new policies with good intentions, but those below misexecute, and people instead blame you.” “You feel wronged and lament: Why don’t these people understand your difficulties?”
“When you reach 68, close to the grave.” “You open your eyes once more.” “You look at this court, seeing the hypocritical faces one by one.
You will discover---” “Where is a good person?”