In the Wei and Jin Dynasties, there was an interesting anecdote among the people: some people were intoxicated when they heard the sound of nature. Wang can, one of the “seven sons of Jian’an”, also has such a hobby. Every time he hears a donkey barking, he is very happy. At that time, many scholars and even emperors and generals regarded listening to and imitating donkey barking as a fashion.
During the Jian’an period, Cao and his son were in power. Cao’s father and son loved literature and were known as the literary leaders at that time. At that time, Cao Cao specially ordered people to build a copper sparrow terrace in the mail city. According to historical records, the copper sparrow terrace was ten feet high and there were more than 100 houses built on it, which were specially used for the activities of “Jian’an seven sons” and other literati.
Cao Pi, the son of Cao Cao, was the first monarch of the state of Wei and the literary leader at that time. He had a very close relationship with the “seven sons of Jian’an” and often drank and wrote poems with them. Among the “seven sons of Jian’an”, Wang can is recognized as the most talented person. He is humorous and has an extraordinary voice. For example, when he is happy, he likes to learn donkey barking, which often makes everyone laugh.
In the 21st year of Jian’an (216 years), Wang can followed Cao Cao to conquer Sunwu. The following year, Wang can died at the age of 41. As Wang can’s best friend, Cao Pi was very sad. Cao Pi sighed that Wang can’s death was a great loss in the literary world.
Therefore, Cao Pi specially held a grand burial ceremony for Wang can. He personally took this group of literati to pay tribute to Wang can. In front of Wang can’s tomb, Cao Pi said, “don’t say anything like Mandarin or clich é S. Wang can loves to learn donkey barking. Let’s learn donkey barking together and send him to earth for peace!” Immediately, Cao Pi took the lead in learning donkey barking. Other people at the scene also learned. For a moment, there was an incessant cry of donkeys in front of Wang can’s tomb.
[historical anecdotes]
In the eyes of modern people, the funeral ceremony of “learning donkey barking” seems inconceivable, not to mention in the feudal era. However, it reflects the literati’s inner world of pursuing spiritual freedom, individual liberation and unrestrained. It is a kind of sincere sacrifice to friends in a fixed form, and it also reflects the special feelings between Cao Pi and the “seven sons of Jian’an”. In fact, it is enough for us to hold a memorial ceremony for a person, understand his real inner needs, and give him spiritual happiness. In this way, why not “all for donkey barking”?