To discard or abandon someone who has been instrumental in achieving a goal, once their services are no longer required.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
The idiom "Niao Jin Gong Cang" originates from the Spring and Autumn period. After King Goujian of Yue was defeated by King Fuchai of Wu, he endured years of hardship, supported by his loyal strategists Wen Zhong and Fan Li. With their wisdom, Goujian rebuilt his state and eventually defeated Wu.
Before the final victory, King Fuchai, facing defeat, sent a message to Fan Li, warning him: "When the cunning rabbits are killed, the hunting dogs are cooked. When enemy states are conquered, the strategists are cast aside." Fan Li understood this grim reality.
After Wu's defeat and Goujian's triumph, Fan Li wisely chose to leave, realizing that Goujian was a man one could share adversity with, but not prosperity. He also sent a letter to Wen Zhong, urging him to depart as well, echoing the sentiment: "When birds are all shot down, the bow is put away. When rabbits are all caught, the hunting dog is cooked."
Wen Zhong, however, hesitated to leave. Eventually, King Goujian, suspicious of Wen Zhong's prolonged absence from court, presented him with a sword, subtly implying that Wen Zhong had outlived his usefulness. Realizing his fate, Wen Zhong sadly took his own life, fulfilling Fan Li's warning and becoming another victim of "Niao Jin Gong Cang".