Bình Nguyên Quân
Definition
Proper Noun (Historical Figure):
- Lord Pingyuan: A title and name for Zhao Sheng, a nobleman and chancellor of the state of Zhao during the Warring States period in ancient China. He was renowned for his virtue, generosity, and for patronizing thousands of retainers and skilled guests at his residence.
Proper Noun (Cultural Reference):
- A symbol of patronage and righteous leadership: In classical Vietnamese literature, "Bình Nguyên Quân" is invoked as an archetype of a magnanimous lord who recognizes and values talent, loyalty, and righteous counsel.
Usage Examples
- Proper Noun:
- Bình Nguyên Quân nổi tiếng là người hiền và thích nuôi khách. (Lord Pingyuan was famous for his virtue and for patronizing retainers.)
- Trong thơ, Bình Nguyên Quân thường được nhắc đến như một hình mẫu của bậc quân tử. (In poetry, Lord Pingyuan is often mentioned as a model of a nobleman.)
Advanced Usage
- The name is used allusively in classical poetry to contrast a current lack of worthy patronage with the legendary generosity of Lord Pingyuan.
- "Khiến người lại nhớ Bình Nguyên Quân." (It makes one remember Lord Pingyuan again.) – This line from The Tale of Kiều implies a longing for a patron as virtuous as Lord Pingyuan.
Variants and Related Words
- Triệu Thắng: The personal name of Lord Pingyuan (Zhao Sheng).
- Khách của Bình Nguyên Quân: (Lit. "Lord Pingyuan's guests") Refers to his many retainers; can metaphorically describe a large group of dependents or followers.
Synonyms
- Patron: A person who gives financial or other support to a person, cause, or activity.
- Benefactor: A person who gives money or other help to a person or cause.
Related Idioms/Allusions
- Nhớ Bình Nguyên Quân: (To remember Lord Pingyuan) An allusion expressing a wish for or remembrance of a generous and discerning patron or leader, especially in times when such figures are absent.