Zhenyì (Joyous Achievements): 'Tà Cháng Yǐn' (Parallel Chapters) with Introduction by Chen Xuěfēng

Hurry and bustle, frantic and disorganized; years flow gently, time slips away. Back then, one was naive and ignorant of the world; now one has learned practical science, and also possesses a knowledge of foreign languages and a little understanding of literature and history. I have accompanied you all to grow up, and hope to see your future brilliance. Before parting, I offer my farewell words and a few rambling thoughts.

In September, I first saw you. We spoke of our ambitions, and the coming-of-age ceremony was noisy. The competition was in full swing, coordinating with you all, experiencing both honor and disgrace, and encountering such unforeseen circumstances. The seasons change, and weeds grow wild. As the sun sets, one reads and reflects. We are all young and promising heroes; twelve years of diligent effort, the heavens will not disappoint. Years are peaceful, you are all classmates; the flowing years, eloquent words; after the prosperity has faded, I hope you will flourish. What a night! The parting is sorrowful; after parting, the sweet grass is drunk; before parting, countless words, fearing not to convey the meaning.

The times are prosperous, and youth is glorious. Let's go bravely, across the vast sky. Don't waste your youth: three autumn pears, ten miles of lotus flowers; don't let the teachings be forgotten: tireless and unremitting; strive for life, self-improvement. A gentleman is gentle and courteous when outgoing, and remorseful when returning home; a gentleman is strong and resolute when entering, sincere and loyal. Heaven established the heart, life established the reason, inherit the wisdom of sages, and establish peace for thousands of years. It's hard to succeed without hardship; the heavens reward diligence.

Before learning small virtues, one cannot see great beauty; without navigating small rivers, one cannot enter the great path. I felt three years pass in a blink of an eye, regret far exceeds achievement; writing a thousand words, how to begin? Regrets are piled up like a heap. The writing is finished, but when will this be completed?

Cherish you all, don't forget to be harmonious! Across the South and North, let's meet again in the future!