The original text and translation of "The Discussion of Cao GUI" are as follows:

Original text:

In the spring of ten years, all the troops attacked me. The general is fighting, and Cao GUI invites him to see him. His countrymen said: "Meat-eaters plan for it, so what's the point?" GUI said: "Meat-eaters are despicable and cannot plan far." So he came to see him. Asked: "Why fight?" The Duke said: "The food and clothing are safe. If you don't dare to specialize, you must divide the people." He said to him: "If the small benefits are not universal, the people will not follow."

The Duke said: "If you dare to sacrifice jade and silk, you must have faith." He said to him: "If your faith is not perfect, God will bless you." The duke said: "The prison of small and large, although it cannot be observed, must be based on emotion." He said to him: "You are a loyal subordinate. You can fight. If you fight, please obey."

Translation:

In the spring of the tenth year of Duke Zhuang of Lu, the army of Qi State attacked our State of Lu. Duke Zhuang of Lu was about to fight, and Cao GUI asked to see Duke Zhuang of Lu. His fellow countrymen said: "The people in power will plan this matter, so why do you need to participate?" Cao GUI said: "The people in power are short-sighted and cannot make far-sighted plans." So he went to the court to see Duke Zhuang of Lu.

Cao GUI asked: "What do you rely on to fight?" Lu Zhuanggong said: "I never dare to keep food, clothing, and health-promoting things to myself. I will definitely distribute them to the ministers around me. Cao GUI replied: "Such small favors cannot spread to the people, and the people will not obey you." Duke Zhuang of Lu said: "The sacrifices such as pigs, cattle, sheep, jade articles, and silk fabrics are for me." I never dare to falsely exaggerate, and I must tell the truth to God." Cao GUI replied, "If you can't gain the trust of the gods with a small amount of credit, the gods will not bless you." Lu Zhuanggong said, "Large and small lawsuits." , Even if I can't see everything clearly, I will definitely fight based on my sincerity."

Cao GUI replied: "This is the only way to do my job. If you want to fight, please do it. Allow me to go with you."

Appreciation of Works

The war theme is best written in "Zuo Zhuan", with appropriate details and vividness. This article is an example. . Cao GUI's argument was based on the theoretical basis of "meat-eaters are contemptible", that is, the official's knowledge is shallow and cannot be considered comprehensively. The starting point of his foresight was whether Duke Zhuang of Lu could put the interests of the people first, so he did not attach great importance to Duke Zhuang of Lu. The attendants were honest in giving small favors and worshiping gods, but they paid great attention to Duke Zhuang of Lu's judgment of large and small cases based on people's sentiments, thinking that this was loyalty to the people and could be fought.

For the above content, please refer to Ancient Poetry and Prose Network - Appreciation of Cao GUI’s Debate