One Hundred Honeyed Phrases
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After passing the imperial examination in Beijing, a young man was appointed to a position in a provincial city. He went to bid good-bye to his mentor, a senior government minister.
"It's not easy to make a career in provincial places. You must be careful."
"Don't worry, sir," the young man said. "I've prepared a hundred honeyed phrases. When I meet an official, I'll use one on him. He'll surely be pleased."
His mentor gave him a disapproving look. "How can you do that? You are a gentleman. You should not stoop to flattery."
"Unfortunately most people like flattery," said the student, looking helpless. "Only very few true gentlemen like you don't like it."
"I agree." His mentor nodded with a smile.
Later the young man related the story to a friend of his. "I've just used one item in my stock. Now I have ninety-nine honeyed sayings left."
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Wise Proverbs
- A good fame is better than a good face.
- 美名胜过美貌。
- A good beginning is half done.
- 良好的开端是成功的一半。
- New brooms sweep clean.
- 新官上任三把火。
Editor Says:
Everybody likes flattery including you.