**Carrying a Heavy Burden over a Long Distance**
**[Explanation]**
*Fu* (负): to carry on the back; *Zhi* (致): to deliver. Carrying a heavy load over a long journey. A metaphor for being able to shoulder arduous tasks.
**[Source]**
*Records of the Three Kingdoms·Shu Book·Biography of Pang Tong*: "Lu Zi may be called a slow horse with extraordinary endurance; Gu Zi may be called a plodding ox capable of carrying a heavy burden over a long distance."
**Translation:** Mr. Lu is like a horse that may not be fast, but possesses exceptional stamina and strength. Mr. Gu is like a slow but enduring ox, capable of carrying a heavy load to a distant place.
**[The Story]**
Pang Tong, styled Shi Yuan, known as "Feng Chu" (Young Phoenix), was a native of Xiangyang, Jingzhou (present-day Xiangyang, Hubei) during the Han Dynasty, and a renowned strategist of the late Eastern Han period. In his youth, Pang Tong was simple and honest, though he did not appear particularly intelligent. At that time, Sima Hui of Yingchuan was known for his refined character and skill in judging people. When Pang Tong was twenty, he went to pay his respects. Sima Hui sat in a mulberry tree picking leaves, while Pang Tong sat beneath it. The two conversed from day into night, and Sima Hui was greatly astonished by Pang Tong's talent, declaring that no scholar in the southern provinces could compare to him. Because of Sima Hui's praise, Pang Tong gradually became known. At the time, Pang De Gong of Xiangyang referred to Pang Tong as "Feng Chu" (Young Phoenix), Zhuge Liang as "Wo Long" (Sleeping Dragon), and Sima De Cao as "Shui Jing" (Water Mirror). Xu Shu once told Liu Bei, "With either the Sleeping Dragon or the Young Phoenix, you could bring peace to the world!" Both were outstanding talents of their age, unmatched in ability.
When Zhou Yu of Eastern Wu served as the Administrator of Nan Commandery, Pang Tong served under him as Gong Cao (an official title; during the Han Dynasty, commanderies had a "Gong Cao Shi" and counties a "Zhu Li," both often referred to simply as "Gong Cao." Besides managing personnel, they could participate in the administration of the commandery or county). Later, Zhou Yu suddenly fell gravely ill and died in Baqiu. At the time, Pang Tong was serving as Zhou Yu's Gong Cao and escorted the funeral procession to Eastern Wu. Most people in Wu had heard of Pang Tong's reputation. When he prepared to return, they all came to see him off at Changmen, including Lu Ji, Gu Shao, and Quan Cong. Knowing their purpose, Pang Tong said to them: "Lu Ji can be called a slow horse with extraordinary strength; Gu Shao can be called a plodding ox capable of carrying a heavy burden over a long distance." (Original text: "Lu Zi may be called a slow horse with extraordinary endurance; Gu Zi may be called a plodding ox capable of carrying a heavy burden over a long distance.") He then said to Quan Cong: "You are generous and seek fame, resembling Fan Zizhao of Runan. Though your intellect may be limited, you are still a fine person of your time." Lu Ji and Gu Shao said to Pang Tong: "If peace ever comes to the world, we hope to discuss and evaluate the famous scholars across the land with you." Thus, Lu Ji, Gu Shao, Quan Cong, and others of Eastern Wu parted from Pang Tong after a deep and meaningful conversation.
Later, someone asked Pang Tong: "In your opinion, is Lu Ji better than Gu Shao?" Pang Tong replied: "A fine horse, though excellent, carries only one person. But a plodding ox, walking thirty *li* a day, carries a burden far heavier than just one person's weight." It is said that Gu Shao once visited Pang Tong and stayed at his home, where they conversed at length. Gu Shao asked: "You have a reputation for discerning people well. Tell me, how do I compare to you?" Pang Tong replied: "When it comes to cultivating society and comprehensively analyzing people, I am inferior to you. However, when it comes to advising rulers and planning for the governance of the world, I am perhaps a bit stronger." Gu Shao found Pang Tong's words reasonable and grew closer to him.
**Two**
At the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, the famous Xiangyang scholar Pang De Gong had a highly talented nephew named Pang Tong. At that time, Zhuge Liang, who was living in seclusion in Longzhong, frequently visited Pang De Gong and became good friends with Pang Tong. Pang De Gong greatly admired their talents, calling Zhuge Liang the "Sleeping Dragon" and Pang Tong the "Young Phoenix." In Pang De Gong's eyes, both were outstanding figures of their era.
When Zhou Yu served as the Administrator of Nan Commandery, Pang Tong was his Gong Cao. Soon after, Zhou Yu died, and Pang Tong escorted the funeral to Wu Commandery. Many scholars in Wu had long heard of Pang Tong's reputation, so when he was about to return west to Nan Commandery, they all came to visit him, including the very famous literati Lu Ji, Gu Shao, and Quan Cong.
They gathered at Changmen to bid farewell, discussing ancient and modern matters with great delight. During the conversation, the assembled scholars asked Pang Tong to offer his assessments of those present.
Pang Tong first evaluated Lu Ji, a renowned Jiangdong scholar, saying: "Mr. Lu is like a horse that may not be fast but has strong legs and exceptional endurance." The scholars all agreed that his assessment was spot-on. Next, Pang Tong evaluated Gu Shao. He said: "Mr. Gu is like a slow but hardworking ox, capable of carrying a heavy load over a long distance." When someone asked him to assess himself, Pang Tong said with confidence: "When it comes to devising strategies for emperors and governing the world, I believe I am still capable."