Chinese Idiom: 一往情深 (Yi Wang Qing Shen)
English Translation: Deep and Unwavering Affection
pīn yīn: yī wǎng qíng shēn
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes having deep and uncontrollable affection for someone or something.
Historical Source: hishuo Xinyu, “Rendang.”
Idiom Story: Huan Yi, a renowned general of the Eastern Jin Dynasty, was also known by the courtesy name Shuxia and the childhood name Ziye. In 383 AD, the Former Qin emperor Fu Jian led an army of 900,000 soldiers to invade the Eastern Jin. Huan Yi mobilized the troops of Yuzhou to counter the attack. In the decisive Battle of Feishui, he played a crucial role in defeating the Former Qin army, thereby stabilizing the Eastern Jin regime. Due to his military achievements, Huan Yi was later promoted to the position of Governor of Jiangzhou and Jingzhou, overseeing ten commanderies, and as the military commander of four commanderies in Yuzhou.
Besides his prowess on the battlefield, Huan Yi had a deep passion for music. He was not only proficient in composing but also skilled at playing the flute. His love for music was evident in how he reacted to beautiful melodies; he would often lose himself in the music and enthusiastically beat time.
At that time, the prime minister, Xie An, was also an avid music lover. Whenever Xie An and Huan Yi met, they often discussed music. Recognizing Huan Yi’s profound musical talent and his fervent passion for music, Xie An remarked, “Huan Ziye truly has deep and unwavering affection for music!”
This story illustrates the idiom “Deep and Unwavering Affection” (一往情深), highlighting Huan Yi’s uncontrollable and deep passion for music.
