Describing someone who is utterly alone and helpless, having only their own shadow for company; extremely solitary and dependent on no one, often implying a sense of desolation or sorrow.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
After Emperor Wu of Jin unified the country, he promoted the principle of 'governing with filial piety,' advocating respect for parents and elders. He wished to recruit Li Mi, a Shangshu Lang (Secretary of the Board) from Western Shu, and issued an imperial edict appointing him as a Langzhong (Gentleman of the Household).
Li Mi, unwilling to take office at that time, submitted a memorial titled 'Chen Qing Biao' to Emperor Wu. In his plea, he explained that he and his grandmother were utterly dependent on each other, '形影相吊' (literally, body and shadow mutually comforting), and he wished to serve his grandmother until her passing before accepting an official position.