A short story about the sage Confucius

On the way back from traveling around the world with a group of disciples, Confucius rested on a small desert hill in the suburbs. Confucius said: "We have been practicing together for fourteen years. You have broadened your horizons and are full of knowledge. From now on, you will have to fend for yourself and go your own way. Here we discuss the last question!"

The disciples sat in front of the teacher with great interest and listened. Confucius raised his eyes and looked around and asked: "Where are we now?" Everyone replied: "Now we are sitting on the barren hill."
"What is growing on the barren hill?" Confucius asked further.

The disciples looked around and looked around. Everyone reached out to pick a fresh grass from the barren hill, put it under their noses, smelled it, and replied in unison: "The barren hill is covered with oxenia (a poisonous weed)."

"Then, who can tell me how to get rid of these wild poisonous weeds?"

As soon as Confucius' question came out, the disciples were surprised. They could not have expected that the sage who had devoted himself to studying the Doctrine of the Mean, Confucianism, and exploring the mysteries of life for many years would ask his disciples the last question, and it would be so simple!
So, "Zi Lu" answered without thinking: "Teacher, this question couldn't be easier. Use a hoe to remove all the ox poisonous yellow and it will be done?" Confucius smiled and turned his eyes to other disciples.

"Zeng Xi" spoke: "Actually, burning is more labor-intensive than hoes and shovels. In my opinion, burning fire is a good way." After hearing this, Confucius signaled the next person quietly.

"Ran You" saw the teacher's eyes resting on him, and said loudly: "Spray the herbicide, and all the cowherbicides in the hill will be killed. This is easier than a shovel, and safer than burning!"
"Gong Xihua" hurriedly answered the words: "I think the best way is to plow three feet deep with a plow, bring all the roots of the cowherb to the ground, and cut the weeds. Get rid of the roots! "

Confucius waved his hand and said: "The discussion of this issue is over. Remember, we will gather here again next year. "



Spring came and came again. In the blink of an eye, one year later, they did not miss the appointment. The teachers and students were sitting together on the small barren hill where they met last year. However, they could not find a single small fruit tree with green branches and green leaves!