滥竽充数

Let’s travel back in time to China’s Warring States Period.

让我们回到战国时期。

Qi Xuan Wang was one of the rulers of the Qi State. He led the state from 319– 301 BCE.

齐宣王是齐国的统治者之一。他从公元前319年到公元前301年领导这个国家。

Qi Xuan Wang was a fan of music. He really liked listening to large orchestras.

齐宣王爱好音乐，尤其喜欢听吹竽。

He loved when hundreds of musicians played the yu, a wooden wind instrument.

他喜欢成百上千的人合奏木管乐器“竽”。

A man named Nan Guo heard about this. It gave him an idea.

一个叫南郭的人听说了这件事。这给了他一个主意。

“ This is a lucky break! ” Nan Guo thought. “ I will ask if I can join the royal orchestra. I will have a job. I will earn a good living. It will be easy work! ”

“这是一个幸运的机会!”南郭想。“我会问能不能加入吹竽乐团。我会有一份工作。我会过上好日子的。这是件容易的事!”