Exchanging Couplets with Zhou Enlai [l]
(1956)
Yizi Islet, boats beside the islet, boats move, the islet does not; (Mao Zedong)
Tianxin Pavilion, pigeons in the pavilion, pigeons fly, the pavilion does not. (Zhou Enlai)
[l] In 1956, Mao Zedong and Zhou Enlai were on an inspection tour in Hunan together. One day, while riding in the same sedan car, they reached the shore at the head of Tongzi Islet on the Xiang River. Reminiscing about his youthful days spent studying and engaging in revolutionary activities there, Mao could not contain a surge of poetic feeling and suggested they exchange couplets for fun. Mao improvised the opening line inspired by the scene. As Zhou Enlai was still pondering, the car arrived at Tianxin Pavilion, where Mao used to discuss the great affairs of the world with his schoolmates. At that moment, a flock of pigeons flew out from inside the pavilion. Zhou Enlai had a sudden flash of inspiration and quickly said, “Chairman, I’ve worked out the matching line.” He then recited the second line, and Mao smiled back with tacit understanding.