To hold on to one job while seeking a better one

Hide and conquer

swallow one's pride(swallow one's leek)

enlist the services of the talented and the learned(search and invite able men)

gap between old and new generations in succession

Swarms of ants seek what is rank-smelling.

on the scroll of fame

openly(lay bare one's heart)

Scholar and master

cement old ties by marriage

separate the grain from the chaff(sift the grain from the chaff)

strive for a friendly settlement and avoid conflict

Die hard

go down in history(go down in the records)

Miserable conditions

Soft living

be hand and glove(be on terms of intimacy)

play false(show one's bad faith)

a richly decorated jade palace

with dishevelled hair and dismal looks