To deliberately disfigure oneself (e.g., by painting the body to resemble a leper) and alter one's voice (e.g., by swallowing charcoal to make it hoarse) in order to avoid recognition, often for a specific purpose like revenge or disguise.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
In the late Spring and Autumn period, there was civil unrest in the Jin state. Zhao Xiangzi, a high official, killed Zhi Bo, another high official.
Zhi Bo's loyal retainer, Yu Rang, swore to avenge his master by killing Zhao Xiangzi. He once infiltrated Zhao Xiangzi's residence but failed in his assassination attempt. Zhao Xiangzi admired his loyalty and released him.
For his second attempt, Yu Rang painted his entire body to resemble a leper and swallowed burning charcoal to make his voice hoarse, completely disguising himself to avoid recognition. He tried to assassinate Zhao Xiangzi again but failed and subsequently committed suicide.