Traditional saying:
路遥知马力，日久见人心
With the far road, the horse’s strength is known.
With many days, the person’s character is seen.
My alternative saying:
路遥知自力，日久见自心
With the far road, your strength is known.
With many days, your character is seen.
Traditional saying?:
英雄难过美人关，美人难过金钱关
Heroes have difficulty crossing the obstacle of beauties [lust].
Beauties have difficulties crossing the obstacle of riches [fortune].
My alternative saying:
英雄能过美人关，英雄能过金钱关
(关过不了美人金钱关非英雄)
Heroes can cross the obstacle of beauties.
Heroes can cross the obstacle of riches.
(Unable to cross the obstacles of beauties and riches, one is not a hero.)