The Meaning of Plants (19)

快刀斩乱蔴. Cut a tangled skein of jute with a sharp knife. It means make a lightning decision like Alexander cut the Gordian Knot. The word was from an emperor 文宣帝高洋（526－559）of the 北齐 Dynasty. His family was a minority shifting Han nation. (As the Han nation was the majority nation of China, many minority wanted to be a member of this nation they don’t need any formalities, just follow the life style of Han nation that will be done.) He was a taciturn man, not handsome in look. When he was young, his father had tested all the sons. He wanted them carding jute. No one can do it, only 高洋 said I can and he cut the jute then groom it neatly. The father was so happy with this son.

When his father died, 高洋’s brother succeed to his father’s position. But one day, this brother; the new master was killed by a slave. Without a legal master, the whole family was threatened, only 高洋 was perfectly calm and collected in commanding the family. He killed the rebel slave and later he usurped the throne of that time.

Later高洋 proved that he was a brave warrior. Once, with one thousand soldiers, he beat an enemy of thirty thousand soldiers. And one day, he ordered one of his general carrying few thousand soldiers to fight with an enemy ten times to his men. This general was so afraid for the job, when 高洋 knew this, he didn’t give him more soldiers but take off half of his man. Finally this general win the battle.