Helan Jinming Refused Aid Over Jealousy | Generated by AI
Question: In the “Postscript to the Biography of Zhang Zhongcheng” (《张中丞传后叙》), what does the author believe was the reason why Helan Jinming refused to send troops to relieve the siege of Suiyang?
A. To preserve his personal military strength
B. Jealousy of the fame and achievements of Zhang Xun and Xu Yuan
C. The court ordered him to firmly defend Linhuai
D. He loved Nan Jiyun’s bravery and wanted to forcibly keep him
Your answer: B
Correct answer: B
Answer:
The correct answer is B. 嫉妒张巡、许远的声威功绩 (jealousy of the fame and achievements of Zhang Xun and Xu Yuan).
In Han Yu’s 《张中丞传后叙》, the author explicitly criticizes Helan Jinming (贺兰进明) for his refusal to rescue Suiyang. Han Yu points out that Helan Jinming was jealous of the great reputation and military achievements that Zhang Xun (张巡) and Xu Yuan (许远) had earned through their heroic defense of Suiyang. He feared that if he helped lift the siege, Zhang and Xu would receive even greater praise and credit, which would diminish his own standing by comparison.
The text describes Helan Jinming’s attitude as narrow-minded and selfish: he was unwilling to act because he “envied their fame and merit” (嫉其声威功绩), and he preferred to preserve his own position and avoid risk rather than support loyal defenders of the state. This jealousy and personal calculation led him to withhold aid, ultimately contributing to the fall of Suiyang.
This portrayal serves Han Yu’s larger purpose: to sharply contrast the loyal, selfless, and heroic conduct of Zhang Xun, Xu Yuan, and Nan Jiyun with the petty, envious, and self-serving behavior of Helan Jinming, thereby praising loyalty and condemning selfishness.
Options analysis:
- A (preserving personal military strength) — While Helan was cautious and unwilling to take risks, the text emphasizes jealousy of reputation more directly than mere preservation of troops.
- C (court order to defend Linhuai) — No such court order is mentioned as the reason for his inaction in the essay.
- D (desire to keep Nan Jiyun because of admiration for his bravery) — Although Nan Jiyun went to seek help from Helan, the text shows Helan treated him poorly and tried to keep him by offering rewards, but this was not presented as the main reason for refusing to send troops; jealousy of Zhang and Xu is the central motive given by Han Yu.
Thus, B is clearly the most accurate answer according to the original text.
References:
- None (analysis based on the content of Han Yu’s 《张中丞传后叙》)