The good and the bad cannot coexist; virtuous individuals cannot associate with or tolerate wicked ones.
那些坚持原则，品德高尚的人，与投机取巧、心术不正之徒，自然是薰莸不同器，道不相谋的。
Those who uphold principles and possess noble character naturally cannot associate with opportunists and schemers; they are like fragrant and foul herbs that cannot be kept in the same vessel.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Jin Dynasty, when Prime Minister Wang Dao first arrived in Jiangnan, he wished to make connections with local people.
He proposed forming a marriage alliance between his children and those of Grand Commandant Ruan Wan.
Ruan Wan replied, "Small mounds cannot grow large trees like pines and cypresses, just as fragrant herbs and foul-smelling herbs cannot be placed in the same vessel. Though I lack great talent, I cannot be the one to lead in disrupting proper human relations."
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