To be willing to help but powerless to do so; to wish to help but be unable to.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the reign of King Xuan of Zhou, a violent uprising occurred in the State of Qi, leading to the death of Duke Li of Qi and the burning of the capital city.
King Xuan dispatched Zhong Shanfu to quell the rebellion and oversee the reconstruction of the city. Although Zhong Shanfu sympathized with the actions of the people, he understood that killing a ruler and burning a city constituted grave offenses. He resolved to act swiftly.
As he departed from the capital, his relatives and friends gathered to bid him farewell, composing poems to laud his accomplishments. One such verse included the line, '维仲山甫举之，爱莫助之,' which means 'Zhong Shanfu undertakes this immense task, while others, though caring, are unable to assist,' highlighting the heavy responsibility he bore alone despite others' concern.