If one day, this world is missing "Yi", what kind of appearance would it become?
 Between friends, perhaps only interests and exchanges would remain; Between business partners, only cold contractual terms would exist; Even among family members, calculations might drive them further and further apart. When people's hearts lack "Yi", even the most prosperous life will inevitably lose its warmth.

Precisely because of this, the story of Guan Gong has been passed down for two thousand years and is still told today.

In the flames of war during the Three Kingdoms period, he was not the most scheming general, nor was he the most adept at compromise. What he upheld was “忠 (Zhong - Loyalty), 义 (Yi - Righteousness), 信 (Xin - Integrity), 勇 (Yong - Courage).” These values transformed him from a historical figure into a spiritual symbol in Chinese culture.

Zhong (Loyalty) is a kind of persistence toward belief and commitment. Even while he was in Cao Ying, facing power and preferential treatment, he still “had his body in Cao camp, but his heart in Han,” waiting for the moment to return. This was not stubbornness, but a protection of his original intention.

Yi (Righteousness) is the responsibility between people. The vow of brotherhood made in the Peach Garden, Guan Gong never forgot. In times of life and death, he never betrayed his brothers and never retreated. Yi is often not in grand words, but in countless daily actions of “I will not leave you behind.”

Xin (Integrity) is the most solid bottom line of being a person. No matter who it was, once Guan Gong made a promise, he kept it to the end. Even to Cao Cao, he understood to repay kindness before leaving. This keeping of promises made him the most trusted figure in people's hearts.

Yong (Courage) is the strength to not fear hardship. The most praised was not only his bravery in battle, but also the story of “scraping the bone to treat poison.” A kind of pain ordinary people couldn’t imagine, yet he could endure it with a calm heart. That courage became a model admired by generations.

Today’s society seems to be a thousand miles away from the Three Kingdoms era. But if you look closely, you’ll find the Guan Gong spirit is still alive around us.

When working professionals face temptations yet do not easily compromise for short-term interests, and still stick to the right path — that is Zhong; When leaders step up at key moments and take responsibility — that is Yi; When companies honor their promises, stay consistent, and operate with integrity — that is Xin; When teams still give their all under pressure and rise to the challenge — that is Yong.

Modern life doesn’t have that many legendary events, but in every little detail, we live out our own Zhong, Yi, Xin, and Yong. Only with Loyalty, Righteousness, Integrity, and Courage can we go far.

When we gaze at the image of Guan Gong, we are not just admiring an ancient hero, but also reflecting on ourselves: Are we still holding onto the truth in our hearts? In the face of interests and temptations, do we still choose not to forget righteousness, not to lose our integrity? In difficult times, can we still move forward bravely?

The Guan Gong spirit is not an old legend, but a flame that lives in people’s hearts.
 As long as we are still willing to protect it, it will continue to burn in every era, giving light to this world.

( Translated from the original Chinese text )

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