Nan Jiyun’s Famous Arrow Pledge | Generated by AI
Question: In the following character dialogues from “Postscript to the Biography of Zhang Zhongcheng” (《张中丞传后叙》), which one is spoken by Nan Jiyun?
A. 吾归破贼，必灭贺兰！此矢所以志也
B. 男儿死耳，不可为不义屈
C. 吾于书读不过三遍，终身不忘也
D. 汝勿怖！死，命也
Your previous answer: D
Correct answer: A
Answer:
The correct answer is A.
Explanation:
In Han Yu’s 《张中丞传后叙》, the famous scene describing Nan Jiyun (南霁云) occurs when he is about to leave the besieged city of Suiyang. Before departing, he draws an arrow and shoots it at the Buddhist temple’s pagoda (浮图). The arrow embeds itself halfway into the brick, and he says:
“吾归破贼，必灭贺兰，此矢所以志也。”
(“When I return after defeating the rebels, I will surely destroy Helan. This arrow is my pledge/mark of that intention.”)
This line is clearly attributed to Nan Jiyun in the original text and is one of the most famous quotations associated with him, symbolizing his firm resolve to take revenge on Helan Jinming (贺兰进明), who had refused to send reinforcements.
The other three options are all spoken by Zhang Xun (张巡):
-
B. 男儿死耳，不可为不义屈
→ Zhang Xun’s resolute words when facing pressure to surrender, expressing that a true man would rather die than submit to injustice. -
C. 吾于书读不过三遍，终身不忘也
→ Zhang Xun explaining his extraordinary memory — he only needed to read a book three times to remember it for life. -
D. 汝勿怖！死，命也
→ Zhang Xun comforting others (likely his soldiers or followers) by saying “Do not be afraid! Death is fate.”
Therefore, only option A comes from Nan Jiyun’s mouth. The correct choice is A, not D.
References:
- Classical Chinese text: Han Yu, 《张中丞传后叙》 (original source of all quoted lines)