主明臣直 — “When the leader is enlightened and virtuous”

Q: What is the Chinese definition of 主明臣直?

主：君主。君主圣明，臣下也就正直

主明臣直 is a Chinese idiom (chengyu) meaning “When the leader is enlightened and virtuous”. The subordinates will be honest and upright. Literally, “Ruler enlightened, subordinate upright”.

Frequency

主明臣直 Pronunciation and Pinyin

主明臣直 Character Breakdown

Stroke Order

Character	Pinyin	Strokes	Meaning
主	zhǔ	5	master, main, advocate, preside
明	míng	8	bright, clear, understand
臣	chén	6	official or subject
直	zhí	8	straight, direct, honest

Example Sentence with 主明臣直

一个家庭中，如果长辈们行为端正，晚辈们自然也会受到好的影响，正如主明臣直的道理一样。

In a family, if the elders conduct themselves properly, the younger generation will naturally be well-influenced, embodying the principle that a wise head leads to upright members.

Origin and Story of 主明臣直

During the Tang Dynasty, Emperor Taizong once returned from court in a fit of rage, vowing to execute Wei Zheng, whom he dismissively referred to as a mere 'country bumpkin'. Empress Changsun inquired about the reason for his fury.

Taizong explained that Wei Zheng had publicly insulted him during the imperial assembly.

The Empress then wisely responded, 'I have heard that when the sovereign is enlightened, the ministers are honest and straightforward. Now, Wei Zheng is indeed straightforward, which reflects Your Majesty's own enlightenment. How could I not offer my congratulations?'

Upon hearing her words, Emperor Taizong's anger subsided and turned into joy.