Bia Tấn Phúc

Definition

1. Proper Noun:
   • The "Tấn Phúc" Stele: A specific historical stone stele, originally located at the Tấn Phúc Temple in China, famous for its calligraphy by Ouyang Xun (Âu Dương Tuấn). It is central to an anecdote about the Song Dynasty scholar-official Fan Zhongyan (Phạm Trọng Yêm).
   • A literary and historical allusion: The term "Bia Tấn Phúc" refers to the story where Fan Zhongyan advised a poor scholar to make ink rubbings from this stele to sell for money. The stele was subsequently destroyed by lightning before the plan could be executed, symbolizing missed opportunity or the whims of fate.

Usage Examples

• Proper Noun:
  • Câu chuyện "Bia Tấn Phúc" là một điển tích nổi tiếng. (The story of the "Tấn Phúc Stele" is a famous literary allusion.)
  • Phạm Trọng Yêm khuyên người học trò nghèo đi rập bia Tấn Phúc. (Fan Zhongyan advised the poor student to make rubbings of the Tấn Phúc stele.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is used metaphorically to discuss lost chances or unforeseen events ruining a well-laid plan.
  • Dự án của họ tan tành như bia Tấn Phúc gặp sấm sét. (Their project was shattered like the Tấn Phúc stele struck by lightning.)

Variants and Related Words

• Điển tích "Bia Tấn Phúc" (n): The literary allusion or典故 (diǎngù) of the Tấn Phúc Stele story.
• Rập bia (v): To make an ink rubbing from a stone inscription or stele.

Synonyms

• Missed opportunity: A chance that was lost.
• Fateful intervention: An unforeseen event that changes the course of plans.

Related Idioms

• "Vận phú lôi oanh Tấn Phúc bi": A poetic line meaning "Luck came, the wind carried (me to) the Pavilion of Prince Teng; Misfortune struck, thunder shattered the Tấn Phúc Stele." It contrasts sudden good fortune with sudden disaster.
  • Cuộc đời có lúc thăng lúc trầm, đúng là "vận phú lôi oanh Tấn Phúc bi". (Life has its ups and downs, truly like "the wind carrying to Tengwang Pavilion, the thunder blasting the Tấn Phúc Stele.")