The background of this Chinese poetry: Cao Cao is the emperor of Wei State in three Kingdoms period of China’s history. He has two sons, the elder son is called Cao Pi; the young son is called Cao Zhi. Cao Pi became the emperor of Wei State after Cao Cao died. He was afraid the younger brother will fight for his throne; he wanted to kill Cao Zhi. One day, Cao Pi ordered Cao Zhi make a poem within seven steps. If he cannot write out a poem after walking 7 steps, he will be put to death. Cao Zhi knew his older brother wanted to kill him. He was sad and also angry, made a poem within seven steps at last.

This poem likened beanstalk and beans to brother (he and Cao Pi). Burn the stem of beans to boil beans; elder brother kills younger brother. This metaphor is very appropriate.

Please watch the Flash above and appreciate this Chinese poetry. The following is the English translation of this Chinese poetry:

The Seven-Step Poem
People burn the beanstalk to boil beans,
The beans in the pot cry out.
We are born of the selfsame root,
Why should you torment me so much?

The following is the original Chinese text:

七步诗

煮豆燃豆萁，

豆在釜中泣。

本是同根生，

相煎何太急?

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