Gu Kuang was a renowned Tang Dynasty poet and imperial editor, enjoying great fame in his time.
One day, as he was reading at home, a servant suddenly reported, "Master, there is a young man outside seeking your instruction."
Gu Kuang never turned away those who came seeking his guidance, so he invited the young man in. The youth, holding a manuscript of poems, bowed respectfully and presented it, saying, "Your humble student Bai Juyi has come to the capital for the imperial exams. Admiring your esteemed reputation in poetry, I have specially come to seek your instruction. I hope you will generously offer your guidance!"
Gu Kuang took the poem, saw the signature "Juyi," and chuckled, "Rice is expensive in Chang'an these days—living here is no easy matter!"
Then, he casually opened the manuscript, finding only a poem titled "Farewell on the Ancient Grassland." After reading the first two lines, he couldn't help reciting aloud: "Lush grass on the plain, each year it withers and thrives. Wildfires cannot burn it all; spring winds blow it back to life. Its fragrance spreads along the ancient road, its green connects the desolate town. Once more I see my friend depart, the thick grass brimming with parting sorrow."
Gu Ku finished reading the poem and couldn't help but slap the table in admiration, exclaiming joyfully, "Excellent! The artistic conception is unique. You use the tenacious vitality of wild grass to set off the feelings of parting, making the meaning profound. With such fine verses, living in Chang'an will be easy."
Thanks to Gu Kuang's praise and introductions, Bai Juyi's poetic fame soared. Yet, lacking powerful recommendations, he spent three years in Chang'an without finding his ideal path and had to leave the capital.
It was not until 800 AD that he finally passed the imperial examinations and embarked on his official career, later composing even more masterful poems to become the most celebrated poet of the mid-Tang Dynasty.
Later, the idiom "Wildfire cannot burn it out" came to symbolize resilience, vitality, and indestructibility.
Source: Bai Juyi (Tang Dynasty), "Farewell to the Ancient Grassland"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "野火烧不尽" came to describe resilience, vitality, and indestructibility.