In the history of ancient Chinese literature, there are many legendary stories about the inspiration of poets. Among them, "Seven-Step Poem" is a widely circulated tale that tells of Cao Zhi's brilliant feat of composing a poem within seven steps. However, is this story true? This article will explore the authenticity of this legend and reveal two flaws in it.

I. The Story of "Seven-Step Poem"

The story of "Seven-Step Poem" originates from the Wei Kingdom during the Three Kingdoms period, with Cao Zhi, a renowned literary figure, as the protagonist. It is said that Cao Zhi, having offended his brother Cao Pi, the emperor of Wei, was challenged to compose a poem within seven steps, failing which he would face severe punishment. Immediately, Cao Zhi recited: "Cooking beans to make soup, filtering them to extract juice. The pod burns below the pot, while the beans weep inside. Born from the same root, why do you torment me so?" This poem, using the metaphor of beans and pods, expresses the tragedy between brothers and showcases Cao Zhi's wit and literary talent.

II. Two Flaws in the Story

Although this story is widely known, it is not without flaws. Firstly, from a historical perspective, the story first appeared in "Shishuo Xinyu", a collection of anecdotes, and the reliability of its contents is questionable. Secondly, according to historical records, Cao Zhi was indeed hated by Cao Pi due to political rivalries, but there is no concrete evidence that the "Seven-Step Poem" incident actually occurred. Therefore, this story is likely a fiction created by later generations to highlight Cao Zhi's literary prowess.

III. Reality of Literary Creation

From a practical perspective, improvising a poem certainly tests a poet's talent, but whether such improvisations under extreme pressure can be preserved throughout the ages is a significant question. Poetry creation is a deliberate process involving considerations of vocabulary selection, imagery usage, emotional expression, and more. Even a talented poet would struggle to produce high-quality work in a short period of time.

Conclusion:

The story of "Seven-Step Poem" undoubtedly ranks as one of the most captivating legends in the history of Chinese literature, showcasing Cao Zhi's exceptional literary talent and adaptability. However, through textual research, we can find numerous doubts about this story. Regardless of the truth, Cao Zhi's literary achievements and his influence on future generations are undeniable. We should focus more on his literary works themselves instead of being misled by legendary tales. While appreciating ancient literature, we should also maintain a critical mindset and distinguish between history and legend.

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