Chinese Idiom: 黄粱一梦 (Huang Liang Yi Meng)
English Translation: A dream of yellow millet
pīn yīn: huáng liáng yī mèng
Idiom Meaning: This idiom symbolizes the ephemeral nature of wealth and honor, likening them to dreams that are ultimately illusory. It conveys the idea that worldly pursuits can be transient and insubstantial.
Historical Source: From the Tang Dynasty work 枕中记 (The Pillow Book) by Li Bi.
Idiom Story:
Once upon a time, there was a poor scholar named Lu, who lamented his hardships during a stay at an inn in Handan. He encountered a Taoist named Lu Weng, to whom he expressed his deep frustrations about his impoverished life. In response, Lu Weng pulled out a pillow from his robe and offered it to Lu, saying, “If you rest your head on this pillow, all your wishes will come true.”
As they spoke, the innkeeper was cooking a dish of yellow millet, and exhausted from his journey, Lu fell asleep on the enchanted pillow.
In his dreams, Lu found himself in a beautiful, unknown land, where he married a kind and beautiful woman from the Cui family. This woman not only came from a wealthy family but also supported him in his career, helping him rise through the ranks. Over time, they had several children who grew up to live prosperous lives, each marrying well and enjoying their fortunes.
Eventually, Lu attained the esteemed position of Prime Minister, enjoying a life of comfort and ease. As the years passed, he became a grandfather, relishing his role as an elder in his family. His cheerful demeanor and prosperous life allowed him to live into his eighties, dying peacefully with a smile on his face.
However, upon awakening, Lu realized that he was still in the small room of the inn, with the luxurious life he experienced merely a fleeting dream. The yellow millet that the innkeeper had been cooking was still not ready, serving as a reminder of the illusion of grandeur that had vanished upon waking.
Thus, the phrase “黄粱一梦” emerged, illustrating the theme that wealth and honor can often be as illusory as a dream.
