







应对如流 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “to respond or answer questions fluently and without hesitation”. To reply quickly and smoothly. Literally, “Respond like flowing water”.
During the Southern and Northern Dynasties period, Xu Mian served as Zhongshu Shilang (Secretary of the Imperial Secretariat). After Emperor Wu of Liang (Xiao Yan) ascended the throne, Xu Mian was promoted to Shangshu Youcheng (Vice Minister of the Department of State Affairs).
He was in charge of the country's administrative and military powers. He often worked tirelessly, unable to rest day or night, and would only return home once every one or two months.
He was thoroughly familiar with clerical work, and was known for simultaneously reviewing documents and receiving guests, responding to all inquiries with fluency and ease.