At dusk, the road ends. It metaphorically describes being in an extremely difficult or desperate situation, reaching the end of one's tether, or being utterly destitute.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
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Story:
During the Warring States period, Prince Jian of Chu had two tutors: Wu She and Fei Wuji. Fei Wuji, favored by King Ping of Chu, feared that the prince would harm him after ascending the throne, so he falsely accused the prince. Unexpectedly, King Ping believed him and transferred the prince to the border.
Still uneasy, Fei Wuji worried the prince might seek revenge. Therefore, he imprisoned Wu She and sent assassins to kill the prince. The ruthless Fei Wuji was not satisfied. Remembering Wu She had two sons, he then arranged for Wu She and his elder son to be killed.
Only Wu She's younger son, Wu Yuan (later known as Wu Zixu), managed to escape. King Ping, believing Fei Wuji's lies, considered Wu Yuan a traitor and ordered his capture. To escape, Wu Yuan's hair and beard turned white overnight.
Later, he fled to the State of Wu, where he assisted the King of Wu, advising him to attack Chu. After five wars, they finally reached the capital of Chu. By then, King Ping was already dead. To avenge his father and elder brother, Wu Yuan exhumed King Ping's body and personally flogged it.
When Wu Yuan's old friend learned of this, he rebuked him. A sorrowful Wu Yuan replied, "I am like a traveler whose day is ending, yet the road ahead is still long and arduous. That is why I would do things that go against conventional wisdom."