In ancient times, there was an old man named Yu Gong who lived in a mountainous region. His home was surrounded by two large mountains, Taihang and Wangwu. These mountains made it very difficult for him to travel and transport goods. Frustrated by the situation, Yu Gong called his family together and proposed a bold plan: they would move the mountains.
His children, though initially skeptical, agreed to help their father. Day after day, they worked tirelessly, removing rocks and soil with simple tools. Neighbors heard about their efforts and joined in, inspired by Yu Gong's determination. Among them was an old friend of Yu Gong's named Wise Old Man, who laughed at their efforts, saying, "How foolish you are! With your limited strength, how can you hope to remove such massive mountains?"
Yu Gong replied with a calm smile, "Even if I cannot finish this task myself, my sons will continue after me, and their sons after them. There is no end to generations, but the mountains do not grow."
Moved by his unwavering spirit, the gods took notice. They sent two powerful spirits down to help. With their assistance, the work progressed rapidly. Eventually, the two mountains were moved, opening up new paths for all to enjoy.
This story teaches us that perseverance and determination can overcome even the greatest obstacles. No matter how daunting the challenge may seem, with persistence and the support of others, we can achieve what seems impossible.