Title: Why are feet usually warmer than hands and face?
The question posed by Tao Tao: “Why are feet usually warmer than the face and hands?”
Responding, Tzu Ma Yi replied: “I really don’t know.”
Tao Tao continued: “Because they are always covered!”
This inquiry from Tao Tao highlighted the inner concern of Tzu Ma Yi.
In the year of Jian’an, 201, Tao Tao was serving as the Tzu (a significant position in the Han dynasty), and had sent Tzu Ma Yi to investigate his affairs. However, Tzu Ma Yi did not agree.
Tzu Ma Yi was born during tumultuous times, with decisive actions, he appeared to be astute. At that time, Tao Tao compelled Emperor Ling to issue orders to all provincial governors to assist in military affairs, repeatedly appointing Tzu Ma Yi to critical positions. Tzu Ma Yi did not want to associate with Tao Tao as he considered him a manipulative person with a strong ulterior motive.
It was said that Tzu Ma Yi was suffering from a chronic illness, specifically stating he was bedridden. When Tao Tao came to check, Tzu Ma Yi was lying on the bed, and Tao Tao was concerned, no longer intending to direct him to serve.
Seven years later, Tao Tao attacked the Yi Province (Shu Province), capturing Tzu Chou and conquering Ouhan (a region in Northern Central China), quickly establishing a stronghold along the Huang He River, being conferred the title of Duke of the Han family.
At this time, Tao Tao again summoned Tzu Ma Yi, if not appointed to a position, he would immediately be removed. Tzu Ma Yi had already been forced to follow orders. Tao Tao was very cautious, as Tzu Ma Yi was trying to disguise his true intentions. However, under the bright light, Tao Tao realized that Tzu Ma Yi had “a heroic aura” and indeed had “the shadow of a wolf.”
Tao Tao and Tzu Ma Yi had a conversation like this.
Tao Tao stepped forward, addressing Tzu Ma Yi: “People often ask why feet are warmer than hands and face?” Tzu Ma Yi replied that he did not know, and Tao Tao continued: “Because feet are always covered!”
This question from Tao Tao naturally did not contain a deep intention. It reminds us that the soles of our feet are always covered and could potentially hide something beneath. The reality is, the soles of the feet often wear shoes, blocking sunlight. Tao Tao posed this question with the intent of alerting Tzu Ma Yi about the loyalty of his heart. Tzu Ma Yi worked under the canopy of Tao Tao; Tzu Ma Yi was the feet, while Tao Tao was the shoe that pressed down on those feet.
If Tao Tao did not allow those feet to wear shoes, it would seem as if Tzu Ma Yi could no longer be concealed, vulnerable. Tao Tao wanted to warn Tzu Ma Yi that living under someone’s rule means one must know their own body and be aware of any hidden parts, lest they become a burden to the hand without a proper grip.
Realizing the deeper meaning behind Tao Tao’s question, Tzu Ma Yi might have had to lie on the ground, leading Tao Tao to take another step. This action demonstrated that Tzu Ma Yi had understood the will of his superior, Tao Tao saw the need to take an action that could be dangerous.
While working under Tao Tao’s canopy, Tzu Ma Yi held great ambitions, but he was aware that he must remain cautious throughout three affairs. Though he recognized the deep-rooted nature of Tzu Ma Yi’s condition, Tao Tao still utilized this person, as he knew that only Tzu Ma Yi could support him against the formidable forces in the north.
As time passed, after a prolonged period of observing, Tao Tao eventually realized that Tzu Ma Yi had a significant role in the year 249, winning the highest position during the decline of the Han dynasty.
This position was subsequently held by two of his descendants, Tzu Ma Su and Tzu Ma Chao. After a period of power consolidation, Tzu Ma Yi’s grandson, Tzu Ma Yan, officially seized the throne of the Han dynasty, establishing the Jin dynasty, marking the end of the Three Kingdoms period.
Tao Tao during the Three Kingdoms era was a brilliant strategist, with great insight, and sharp intuition. He believed that anyone could assist him, thus “he who stands in front of the line must be careful, while those behind can remain hidden.” Tao Tao posed this question to emphasize caution, implying that Tzu Ma Yi’s awareness of his own positions and the need to stay vigilant.
Source: 163, Sohu
