During the reign of Emperor Dezong of the Tang Dynasty, there was a Hanlin academician named Wei Shou, whose vast knowledge and loyal character earned him the emperor's deep trust. One day, the emperor summoned Wei Shou and said, "Your writings are excellent, and I wish to reward you." He then presented Wei Shou with imperial gifts from the throne, including a rare inkstone and a set of brushes. Wei Shou bowed and replied, "Your Majesty's favor is overwhelming, but I dare not accept such treasures—I only seek to serve with my humble skills." The emperor smiled and insisted, "Take them; they are a token of my appreciation for your dedication." This story illustrates how genuine talent and integrity can win royal favor, and today it reminds us that true worth is recognized through consistent effort and loyalty.
At that time, the duties of a Hanlin academician included not only participating in state affairs but also frequently drafting important imperial edicts and decrees, often residing within the palace, earning them the title "Inner Chancellor."
Wei Shou was a devoted official, often so consumed by his duties that he could only return home once every month or two. His mother, over seventy, needed his care, and this weighed heavily on his heart.
Several times, he wanted to submit his resignation to Emperor Dezong, but seeing the emperor's furrowed brow, he dared not bring it up.
After serving as a Hanlin scholar for eight years, Wei Shou's health deteriorated from overwork. Emperor Dezong, seeing his condition, finally agreed to let him resign and return home to recuperate.
Wei Wen, son of the Tang official Wei Shou, was exceptionally bright and studious. At just eleven, he passed the imperial exams and became a county magistrate in Xianyang. Deeply filial, when his father resigned, Wei Wen immediately resigned too, only returning to official service after his father's death.
Wei Shou, on his deathbed, instructed Wei Wen, "The imperial court is a place of trouble. When you become an official, never serve as a Hanlin academician—one misstep could bring disaster and death."
Wei Wen tearfully agreed to his father's dying wish. Later, when he rose to the rank of imperial censor, Emperor Wenzong, who greatly admired his talent, repeatedly tried to promote him to the prestigious Hanlin Academy. Each time, Wei Wen declined. Puzzled, the emperor pressed him for an explanation. Finally, Wei Wen confessed, "Your Majesty, I cannot break the promise I made to my father."
Emperor Wenzong was furious. Once, he sternly told a minister, "I want to promote Wei Wen to be a Hanlin academician, but he refuses every time. Does the court have no one else for this position besides him?"
The minister, who was close to Wei Wen, saw the emperor's anger and feared it would harm him, so he advised, "Your Majesty, although Wei Wen is stubborn, he is following his father's orders out of filial piety. I hope Your Majesty will grant his wish."
After hearing this, Emperor Wenzong's anger gradually subsided, and he decided not to appoint Wei Wen as a Hanlin academician.
Later, the idiom "stern voice and harsh countenance" is used to describe someone whose tone and expression are both extremely severe.
Source: *Yin Hua Lu* by Zhao Lin (Tang Dynasty)
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "声色俱厉" came to describe how someone whose tone and expression are both extremely severe.