This sentence comes from Han Yu's Preface to Farewell to Dong Shaonan.
Zhao Yan is usually another name of Hebei Province. In fact, Zhao Yan's ancient land also includes Beijing and Tianjin, as well as parts of Shaanxi, northern Henan and southern Inner Mongolia.
Zhao Yan called this land to show its long history. According to China's earliest geographical work Gong Yu, "Zhao Yan" belonged to Jizhou in ancient times. In the Spring and Autumn Period, it belonged to Yan State and Jin State, and in the Warring States Period, it belonged to Yan, Zhao, Zhongshan, Wei and Qi State. Qin set up Shanggu, Yuyang, Youbeiping, Dai, Julu and Handan.
Since the Han Dynasty, it has been officially named Youzhou and Jizhou. Sui set up a manager of Youzhou; The Tang Dynasty called Hebei Road, and the Song Dynasty divided Hebei into east and west roads. During the Yuan, Ming and Qing Dynasties, as the capital was located in Beijing, Hebei was an important part of both capital and capital, which belonged to Zhongshu Province in Yuan Dynasty, Zhili in North China in Ming Dynasty and Zhili in Qing Dynasty. Zhao Yan controls the Great Wall in the north, the Yellow River in the south, the Taihang Mountain in the west and the Bohai Sea in the east. The topography is diverse, and the natural and human landscapes are rich and colorful. The ancient Yanzhao culture and simple and unrestrained folk customs have created generations after generations.
The original text is as follows:
In ancient times, Zhao Yan was regarded as a sad person. Dong Shengju is a scholar, but he can't even aspire to be a teacher, embrace sharp weapons and be depressed and comfortable in this land. I know there must be a combination. Dong Shengmian!
When a husband meets his son, the benevolent and strong cherish Yan, and those who are loyal to Yan and Zhao are beyond their nature! However, I have tasted the local conditions and customs and know that it is no different from ancient times. Tell me about my son's trip. Dong Shengmian!
I felt something. Show me the tombs of kings of past dynasties and the city. Were there any dog butchers in the past? Thank you for me: "Tomorrow, I can go out to be an official!" "
Translation:
In the land of Zhao Yan, many people have used elegies to express their inner grief and indignation since ancient times. Mr. Dong came to Chang 'an to take the Jinshi exam, but he was not appreciated by the examiner for many years. He came to this place glumly without knowledge and talent. I know you will meet someone who will be appreciated. Mr. Dong should work hard.
People like you are unfortunate. If you advocate justice and practice benevolence, you will cherish it, not to mention the nature of Zhao Yan people! But I heard that the atmosphere changes with education. How do I know the atmosphere there is different from what the ancients said? Let's take a look at your trip. Mr. Dong should work hard.
I have some thoughts about you. Please help me look at the king's grave and pay attention to the local market. Was there a dog butcher (like Gao Jianli) in the past? Say hello to them for me: "Your Majesty is very wise today. Come out to be an official and serve the country. "