Fable of the Idiom

Author: Wu Yunan
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2008-03-01
Features: Opportunity Knocks Opportunity Knocks refers to the idea that one should not miss a chance.
Chicken Crowing and Dog Thievery Chicken Crowing and Dog Thievery refers to humble skills. During the Warring States period, Lord Mengchang of Qi, Tian Wen, was imprisoned by King Zhao of Qin and faced the danger of execution. In this critical moment, one of his attendants imitated a dog's bark at night, climbed into the royal wardrobe in the Qin palace, stole a robe gifted by Mengchang to King Zhao, and presented it to the king's favorite concubine. The concubine then persuaded King Zhao to release Mengchang. On Mengchang's way back to Qi, when they passed through the Hangu Pass, the gate was still closed. Another attendant of Mengchang imitated a chicken's crow. Upon hearing the crow, the guards opened the gate, allowing Mengchang and his party to escape. Chicken Crowing and Dog Thievery is often used to describe humble skills.
Retire Boldly in Turbulent Times During the Song Dynasty, Qian Ruoshui went to Mount Hua to meet the Taoist priest Chen Tan before taking the imperial examination, hoping to be accepted as his disciple. Chen Tan was hesitant to accept him, so he asked an elderly Taoist priest to make the decision. The next day, Qian Ruoshui came to see an old Taoist priest sitting around a stove with Chen Tan. After carefully observing Qian Ruoshui, the old priest believed he was not suitable for Taoism but rather someone who could "Retire Boldly in Turbulent Times" (boldly withdraw from the current situation). Qian Ruoshui had no choice but to leave and return home. Later, he passed the imperial examination and rose to the position of Chief Secretary. However, at the peak of his success at the age of forty, he resigned from office and retired, truly embodying "Retire Boldly in Turbulent Times." Retire Boldly in Turbulent Times means to withdraw from office or a successful endeavor in time to avoid disaster.
The Stronger the Wind, the More the Grass Trembles Before establishing the Eastern Han Dynasty, Liu Xiu passed through Yingchuan and was joined by the young Wang Ba and his friends, who helped him win many battles. Later, Liu Xiu's army entered Hebei, but the war did not go smoothly, and many people deserted. Only Wang Ba remained loyal and followed Liu Xiu in his campaigns. Impressed, Liu Xiu said to Wang Ba, "Among those who followed me from Yingchuan, you are the only one left. Truly, 'The Stronger the Wind, the More the Grass Trembles' (only the strongest grass survives in a fierce storm)." The Stronger the Wind, the More the Grass Trembles means that only in severe trials can one reveal who is truly strong.
Forbear Past Wrongs Forbear Past Wrongs refers to not holding past grievances against someone. After establishing the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Gaozu Li Yuan still faced feudal separatist forces in the country. General Li Jing was ordered to attack Xiao Xian, who claimed the title of Emperor of Liang and occupied the middle reaches of the Yangtze River. However, Li Jing's army was blocked by Xiao Xian's forces in Xiazhou and unable to advance. Li Yuan blamed Li Jing and wanted to execute him. Thanks to the intervention of others, Li Jing narrowly escaped death. Soon after, Li Jing defeated the army of Ran Zhaoze, who was raiding the region. Li Yuan