The specific explanation of Zeng Guofan’s eight-character family rule, Kao Bao, early reading, vegetables, fish, and pigs is as follows:
1. Kao?
The character "Kao" means the hall in the home. The abbreviation of the word "Kao Yi" on the ancestral tablet above means that we should pay attention to worshiping our ancestors. Zeng Guofan believed that worshiping ancestors can cultivate a kind of family affection and is the embodiment of filial piety.
2. Treasure?
Zeng Guofan clearly pointed out that treasure refers to relatives and neighbors. He was abbreviated for the rhyme purpose, taking the meaning of "the priceless treasure of one's treatment of others", which means to live in harmony with one's neighbors.
3. Early?
Early means getting up early. Zeng Guofan believed that getting up early can make people energetic. When Li Hongzhang was young, he liked to sleep in. In order to change him, Zeng Guofan made a rule: he and his staff should eat at the same time.
4. Sweep?
The word "sweep" comes from Zeng Guofan's grandfather. His grandfather worked in the fields until his death. Although he could no longer do much, he paid great attention to keeping the fields, home and yard clean. Zeng Guofan's grandfather said to himself that this is the appearance of a family. If a person's home is messy, it must be a sign of ruin.
5. Books?
"Books" are reading, and reading has always been Zeng Guofan's first priority. He believes that books must be collected at home, reading must be done, and there must be a scholarly atmosphere, which is related to the atmosphere of a family.
6. Vegetables, fish, and pigs?
“Vegetables”, “fish”, and “pig” mean that a family must grow vegetables, raise fish, and feed pigs. In the farming era, these three things were signs of a farmer's thrift. Zeng Guofan believes that this is related to the atmosphere of a family. The vegetables grown at home are green and full of life; the fish raised in the pond and the pigs fed in the pen are lively and full of life.