English Version
In Changzhou, Old Man You owned three pawnshops. One New Year's Eve, a neighbor came demanding his pawned clothes without paying. The clerk argued, but the man only grew angrier. You calmly said, "I understand—you just need to get through the year-end. Why argue over such a small matter?" He then gave the man a padded jacket and a gown, saying, "This jacket keeps you warm; this gown is my New Year gift. Keep the rest here for now." Ashamed, the man left. That night, he died at another house, leading to a year-long lawsuit. He had poisoned himself, hoping to extort money from You, but failed and moved on. Asked why he tolerated the man, You replied, "Those who provoke unreasonably always have something to rely on. If you cannot bear small troubles, disaster will follow."
In life, we often meet unreasonable people. Rather than fighting for pride, it is wiser to step back. Patience is not weakness—it is foresight. To endure small matters is to avoid great calamities. With a calm heart and a broad mind, we can dissolve countless conflicts. May we all learn to respond with grace, turning strife into peace, and find wisdom in the quiet art of letting go.