Wang Yaxi: Cultivating oneself, rectifying the family style, a righteous family style leads to a prosperous nation.

For five thousand years, China has been known as the "Land of Etiquette and Propriety." Ancient people often said, "Without rules, nothing can be accomplished." Thus, family teachings formed family traditions.

In his "Letter to My Son," Zhuge Liang earnestly advised his young son, "Without simplicity and plain living, one cannot make one's aspirations clear; without tranquility and peace, one cannot achieve great things." Lu You, in "Winter Night Reading, for My Son Ziyù," cautioned his young son, "Ancient scholars spared no effort in their studies; the achievements of youth only mature in old age." Countless poems and ancient teachings demonstrate the importance of good family traditions to individuals and the nation. Good family traditions are like a guiding light, illuminating our path forward.

When I was young, my father and I often watched the TV series "Iron Teeth, Bronze Teeth, Ji Xiaolan." I was attracted by Ji Xiaolan's mischievous and humorous nature. The clever and wise Ji Xiaolan was a household name twenty years ago and a childhood memory for our generation. However, I truly came to appreciate this character because of the stories my father told me about the Ji family.

Ji Xiaolan's father, Ji Rongshu, once served as the prefect of Yao'an, Yunnan. He was an upright and open-minded man, and he was very strict with his children. He not only required Ji Xiaolan to read widely and study diligently, but also carefully instructed him in how to conduct himself and govern.

1747 In the year Ji Xiaolan passed the provincial examination and was ranked first. According to custom, those who passed the provincial examination could participate in the metropolitan examination the following year. Just as Ji Xiaolan confidently entered the examination hall, he failed. Facing his disheartened son, Ji Rongshu calmly said, "In addition to studying, you should also learn something about family matters and worldly affairs, so that you can manage your family and navigate the world." Ji Rongshu told his son that studying was for practical application, not to confine oneself. If one fails the imperial examination, one can retake it, but if one doesn't know how to overcome difficulties, no amount of knowledge will lead to a good life. The more composed Ji Xiaolan, no longer dwelling on past failures, ranked fourth in the second class six years later and entered the Hanlin Academy.

After becoming an official, Ji Xiaolan recalled his youth. His teacher, Li Youdan, was very learned, but had failed the metropolitan examination eight times. He lamented that the examination system was unfair, and that wealth and honor were determined by fate. When his father heard this, he severely criticized and reprimanded him, saying, "Li Youdan is a candidate who has failed for many years; it's acceptable for him to complain, but you are the chief examiner, the one who holds the fate of the candidates in your hands. How can you say such things?" He urged his son to encourage candidates to strive for progress and not to leave things to fate. Ji Xiaolan kept this in mind and remained clean and fair in administering examinations, selecting outstanding talent for the country.

The stories of the Ji family's teachings that my father told me have always stayed with me, and my father, like Ji Rongshu, has always taught me patiently. For me, my father's teachings were both words and actions, as well as the letters he wrote that I still keep.

When I was studying away from home in middle school, my father wrote to me, telling me to "be diligent and thrifty, keep up with the times, strive relentlessly, and be studious and determined." When I was confused and lost in university, my father told me to "embrace the world, cultivate integrity, aim high, and practice self-discipline." My father often said that life is not always smooth sailing, and he hoped that I would experience setbacks and never give up in the face of adversity. Only after a family crisis did I understand that my father's teachings had already been imparted to me. If my father taught me integrity and perseverance, then my mother taught me "respect for the elderly and love for the young, transmitting virtue through the family, and prioritizing filial piety." They influenced me subtly and constantly with their moral strength.

Cultivating oneself and rectifying family traditions; when family traditions are upright, the state will prosper. A family is a miniature nation, and a nation is made up of countless families. Family traditions are a timeless inheritance, enduring and ever-new. The Chinese nation has always emphasized self-cultivation, the inheritance of family traditions, and patriotism. The family is the starting point and destination of life. Good family traditions help to form a sound personality and correct values. As good family traditions are spread and promoted, their influence will inevitably extend beyond a single family. Good family traditions not only embody the spirit of the Chinese nation, but also reflect the core socialist values.

When family traditions are upright, the customs of the people will be upright; when family traditions are upright, the conduct of government will be clean, and the national spirit will be strong. 。

【Nine Departments/Wang Yaxi】