During the Northern Song Dynasty, the renowned statesman and writer Fan Zhongyan grew up in poverty but studied tirelessly, devouring books. He later rose to high offices including imperial advisor, prefectural governor, and vice chancellor. His immortal line, "Worry before the world's worries, rejoice after the world's joys," captures his lifelong philosophy.
Fan Zhongyan, though a high-ranking official, was upright, humble, and especially skilled at recognizing talent. When he served as prefect of Hangzhou, most civil and military officials in the city received his care and assistance; through his recommendations, they obtained positions that suited their abilities, earning their gratitude and respect. Only a patrol officer named Su Lin, who worked in a county outside Hangzhou and rarely had the chance to approach Fan, was never recommended or promoted, leaving him deeply disappointed.
Su Lin, an official serving under the renowned statesman Fan Zhongyan, once had official business with him and seized the opportunity to present a poem. Two lines read: "Near the water, the tower catches the moon first; facing the sun, flowers and trees bloom into spring first." The meaning was clear: those closest to Fan had already received favors, while Su Lin felt overlooked. Fan Zhongyan read the poem, understood the subtle complaint, and laughed heartily. He then promptly arranged a suitable position for Su Lin based on his wishes.
Later, people often use "A Waterside Pavilion Gets the Moonlight First," or its shortened form "Waterside Pavilion," as an idiom to describe gaining advantages or convenience first due to close personal relationships or favorable positions and environments.
Later, the idiom "a waterfront pavilion" came to describe those in advantageous positions who gain priority opportunities.
Source: *Qingye Lu*
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "近水楼台" came to describe those in advantageous positions who gain priority opportunities.