During the Northern Song Dynasty, Qian Weiyan, the governor of Luoyang, built a courier inn in the city. He invited local literary talents—Xie Xishen, Yin Shilu, and the rising star Ouyang Xiu—to each write an article.

Yin’s article was the shortest but concise and vivid. Ouyang Xiu secretly admired it and went to humbly ask for advice that very night. Afterwards, he revised his own article. Upon reading it, Yin Shilu exclaimed:

“Ouyang Xiu’s progress is incredibly fast—it's like he advanced a thousand miles in a single day!”

Summary

  • Idiom: 一日千里
  • Pinyin: yī rì qiān lǐ
  • Literal Translation: advance a thousand miles in one day
  • Extended Meaning: Originally used to describe a horse running very fast, now it means making rapid progress or development.

Character Introduction

  • 钱惟演 (Qián Wéiyǎn): Governor of Luoyang during the Northern Song Dynasty, known for supporting literary talents.
  • 谢希深 (Xiè Xīshēn): A respected local literary figure invited to write for the courier inn.
  • 尹师鲁 (Yǐn Shīlǔ): A talented writer known for concise and vivid writing style.
  • 欧阳修 (Ōuyáng Xiū): A famous scholar and writer of the Northern Song, known for his literary achievements and rapid improvement.