I once heard and agreed with this saying: “Every person who is not related to you by blood, yet treats you well, is a gift from Heaven.” Only after going through a period of hardship in life do you come to understand just how precious those people around you are — those with whom you share no blood ties, yet who stand by you through thick and thin.

Generous mentors can recognize unpolished talent

During the Northern Song Dynasty (960-1127), Su Shi, a young man, traveled to the capital to take the imperial examinations. His writing was sharp and incisive, yet few recognized his talent. Ouyang Xiu, who served as the chief examiner at the time, read his essay and was struck by its coherent style and extraordinary insight.

At that time, Ouyang Xiu was already a leading figure in literary circles, yet he repeatedly recommended Su Shi in the imperial court and even offered private guidance through letters: “Your writing should strive for simplicity and antiquity; avoid superficiality and ostentation.” With Ouyang Xiu’s help, Su Shi gradually gained the emperor’s favor.

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