When New China was just established, ** had a banquet at home for several Kuomintang uprising generals, who were prominent, so the staff attached great importance to this banquet. Unexpectedly, a small episode about chopsticks caused great displeasure in ***, how did this happen?
At that time, the generals who were invited to the banquet were all high-level leaders of the Kuomintang uprising and had prominent positions. In order to ensure the smooth progress of the banquet, the staff made a detailed report to Yang Shangkun, director of the ** General Office, in advance.
Yang Shangkun learned that the tableware in ***'s home was in a very old condition, especially the chopsticks, which had become black because they were made of bamboo, and they could not be washed even if they were washed. This is clearly not appropriate in terms of hospitality**. Therefore, Yang Shangkun decided to let Li Jiaji, the guard of ***, go to the guest house to borrow some high-end tableware.
However, Li Jiaji is well aware of ***'s character, especially taboo and arrogant, so he asked Yang Shangkun if he needed to report the matter to *** first.
Yang Shangkun replied: "This time it is a treat, and it is not used by the chairman himself, so the chairman should understand." ”
Although Li Jiaji was still a little uneasy, he approached Li Yinqiao, the chief of the guard, to discuss. Li Yinqiao also felt embarrassed, but finally said: "Since Director Yang said so, let's listen to him." ”
So, Li Jiaji went to the guest house and borrowed several sets of exquisite and high-end tableware, especially those chopsticks, which were made of ivory, crystal clear, and unusually beautiful. Compared with the previous blackened and old chopsticks, it is like the gap between an ugly duckling and a swan.
However, what Li Jiaji feared still happened. When *** saw these exquisite ivory chopsticks, he immediately became angry and rebuked loudly: "Who brought this chopsticks!" Don't we have chopsticks? Hurry up and take it! ”
Li Jiaji hurriedly explained: "This is the ...... that Director Yang asked us to borrow from the guest house”
** With a wave of his hand, he said, "Don't say it, take it away!" ”
Li Jiaji didn't dare to say more, so he quickly removed the pairs of ivory chopsticks and replaced them with the bamboo chopsticks he usually used.
Afterwards, Li Jiaji reported the whole process to Li Yinqiao. Li Yinqiao told him to prepare a meal, and he would explain to ***.
After Li Yinqiao saw ***, he explained: "Chairman, I asked Li Jiaji to borrow the ivory chopsticks, and if there is any responsibility, I will bear it." I consider that the status of the guests is very noble, and the chopsticks we usually use are too old, so I am afraid of leaving a bad impression on the guests. ”
After listening to Li Yinqiao's explanation, **'s anger gradually dissipated, and he said: "I am also responsible for this matter, and I didn't make it clear to you in advance." Today I will make a formal statement: no matter who comes to visit in the future, bamboo chopsticks will be used, and the old ones can be replaced with new ones, but they must not use ivory chopsticks! ”
In fact, insist on using bamboo chopsticks, not because bamboo chopsticks are better to use, but to advocate everyone to be diligent and thrifty, not to indulge in enjoyment, and to cultivate a simple and fine style.
In addition, there is a classic story between ** and chopsticks.
It was in December 1949 that ** visited the Soviet Union. When the train entered the territory of the Soviet Union, the Soviets served Western food as a sign of friendship with the landlords.
**Never tried Western food before and didn't like to use knives and forks. During the meal, he asked everyone: "Do you think our chopsticks are easy to use, or are the knives and forks of Westerners easy to use?" ”
Most of the people on the train are Chinese, and they feel uncomfortable with these knives and forks, and naturally they say that chopsticks are better to use.
** nodded and explained to everyone: "First of all, chopsticks are economical and can be purchased without spending a lot of money, even if you don't have money to buy them, it doesn't matter, two branches or bamboo can be replaced, which reflects the fine tradition of our Chinese nation of thrift and thrift; Secondly, chopsticks are widely popularized, whether it is emperors, generals or ordinary people, they all use chopsticks to eat, realizing the equality of people; Finally, chopsticks are easy to carry, not easy to lose, and not easy to steal because no one will steal them. ”
Then, ** smiled and said, "You see, chopsticks have so many advantages, aren't they better than knives and forks?" ”
All the staff agreed, and everyone didn't expect that ** could have such in-depth thinking about a pair of chopsticks!
Indeed, although the chopsticks are simple, they are flexible to use and rich in unique Chinese cultural and philosophical connotations. In contrast, the knives and forks used by Westerners, although they look shiny, are bulky and lack cultural heritage, and are much inferior to chopsticks. List of high-quality authors