During the Spring and Autumn period, Confucius's student Yan Hui lived a difficult life. Yet, his aspirations were lofty, and he was diligent in his studies, earning him deep affection from Confucius.

Confucius lauded Yan Hui as a truly virtuous person, noting that he lived a remarkably simple life, with just a bamboo basket of rice and a gourd of water, residing in a humble lane.

While others would find such hardship unbearable, Yan Hui considered it true joy, believing that only he possessed the character to shoulder great responsibilities.