To be new to a particular field or job; inexperienced and fresh out of school or training, having just started a career or undertaken a new responsibility.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
Towards the end of the Eastern Han Dynasty, Liu Bei visited Zhuge Liang's thatched cottage three times, finally persuading him to leave and appointing him as his chief military strategist. However, Guan Yu and Zhang Fei were not convinced of his abilities.
Soon after, Cao Cao dispatched his general Xiahou Dun with an army of one hundred thousand to attack Xinye. Liu Bei consulted Zhuge Liang, who said, "I fear the generals will not obey my commands. I request to borrow Your Lord's seal and sword for authority." Liu Bei promptly handed the seal and sword to Zhuge Liang.
Zhuge Liang then assembled the generals and began to issue orders. He ordered Guan Yu to lead a thousand men to ambush at Yu Mountain, letting the enemy's vanguard pass, and then to attack swiftly upon seeing a fire signal. Zhang Fei was to lead a thousand men to ambush in the valley, and after the fire signal, to charge towards Bowang City. Guan Ping and Liu Feng were to lead five hundred men, divided into two groups, to wait behind Bowang Slope, and immediately set fire upon the enemy's arrival. He also summoned Zhao Yun from Fancheng to be the vanguard, instructing him to feign defeat and not to win. Liu Bei was to lead a thousand men as reinforcement.
Guan Yu couldn't help but ask, "We are all going to battle; what will you do, Master?" Zhuge Liang replied, "I will remain in the city and await the outcome." Zhang Fei laughed loudly, saying, "We are all risking our lives, while you, Master, enjoy your leisure!" Zhuge Liang then declared, "The seal and sword are here. Those who disobey will be executed!" Guan Yu and Zhang Fei had nothing more to say, and left with cold sneers.
During the battle, all the generals acted according to Zhuge Liang's instructions, completely routing Cao Cao's troops, who abandoned their armor and weapons. Zhuge Liang, using his military strategies for the first time, displayed ingenious calculations and achieved a great victory. Guan Yu, Zhang Fei, and the others were utterly convinced and deeply impressed.