Zu Ti gathered his followers — a hundred families of volunteers — and crossed the Yangtze River to fight for the lost northern territories. When the boat reached the middle of the river, he stood, took his oar, and struck it against the side of the vessel.
He swore an oath: "If Zu Ti fails to liberate the Central Plains and return across this river, may I be as this water — gone forever!"\p>
His voice was fierce, his expression resolute. Everyone in the boat was moved to tears.
逖将其部曲百余家渡江，中流击楫而誓曰：「祖逖不能清中原而复济者，有如大江！」辞色壮烈，众皆慨叹。
逖将其部曲百余家渡江，中流击楫而誓曰：「祖逖不能清中原而复济者，有如大江！」辞色壮烈，众皆慨叹。
Reflection & Analysis · 寓意解读
Core Wisdom
The vow made at the river's center is the vow that cannot be taken back. When you burn your boats — or strike your oar — the only direction left is forward.
The phrase "中流击楫" (striking the oar in midstream) became an idiom for making a solemn vow of determination. Zu Ti's gesture was both symbolic and practical: he was committing himself publicly, in front of witnesses, with no way to retract his words.
This is a companion story to "闻鸡起舞" (rising at the rooster's call). Both are about Zu Ti. The first shows his private discipline; this one shows his public declaration. Together, they form a portrait of the complete hero: disciplined in secret, courageous in the open.