In my youth, I was fond of learning. My family was poor, and I had no means to acquire books to read. I often borrowed from families with collections, copying them down by hand, counting the days until I returned them. In the bitter cold, with ice hardening, my fingers could not bend, yet I did not slacken my efforts. Once I finished copying, I hurried to return them, not daring to exceed the agreed time. Because of this, many people lent me books, and I was able to read widely. After I came of age, I increasingly admired the ways of the sages and worthies. I also suffered from not having great teachers or famous friends to associate with, and I often traveled over a hundred miles to seek out local elders, asking them questions about the classics. The elders were esteemed and respected, and their disciples filled their rooms, never showing any sign of disdain. I stood by their side, raising doubts and seeking understanding, bending down and leaning in to ask; if I encountered their reprimands, I became even more respectful, and my courtesy deepened, not daring to utter a word in reply; I would wait for their pleasure before asking again. Thus, although I was foolish, I ultimately gained some knowledge.
When I was following my teacher, I carried a bundle and dragged my shoes, walking through deep mountains and great valleys, enduring fierce winter winds and deep snow several feet high, my feet cracked and sore without my knowing. Upon reaching the lodging, my limbs were stiff and unable to move, and the servants brought hot water to pour over me, wrapping me in blankets until I gradually warmed up. Staying at an inn, I had two meals a day, without the enjoyment of fresh and rich flavors. My fellow students were all adorned in fine silks, wearing hats with red tassels and precious ornaments, with white jade rings at their waists, swords on the left, and fragrant pouches on the right, looking like divine beings; I, however, wore a coarse robe and tattered clothes among them, having no desire for finery, as I found joy within myself, unaware that my sustenance was not as good as theirs. This was indeed how hard and arduous my efforts were.
Now, the students studying at the Imperial Academy receive daily provisions from the county officials, and their parents yearly provide them with fur and hemp, so they have no worries about freezing or starving; they sit under grand buildings reciting the "Book of Songs" and the "Book of Documents," without the toil of running around; there are officials and professors as their teachers, and there has not been a question they asked that was not answered, nor a request they made that was not fulfilled; all the necessary books are gathered here, so there is no need for them to copy by hand like I did, borrowing from others to see them. If their studies are not thorough, or their virtues not accomplished, it is not due to a lack of innate talent, but rather their hearts are not as dedicated as mine; could it be blamed on others? Mr. Ma from Dongyang has been at the Imperial Academy for two years, and his peers highly praise his virtue. I went to the capital, and he, as a fellow villager, came to visit me. He composed a long letter as a gift, with very fluent and clear words. In our discussions, his speech was harmonious and his demeanor calm. He claimed that he worked very hard in his studies when he was younger. This can indeed be called a good learner. As he was about to return to see his family, I took the opportunity to tell him about the difficulties of learning.