求田问舍 — “To be preoccupied with acquiring land and property”

In the late Eastern Han Dynasty, Chen Deng, the Prefect of Guangling, was visited by his friend Xu Si, who was known for his lack of ambition.

Chen Deng asked Xu Si about his aspirations. Xu Si confessed that he only desired to acquire land and purchase houses.

Chen Deng offered him a simple reception, letting him sleep on a lower bed while he himself slept on a higher one.

Years later, Xu Si, who was then serving under Liu Biao, the Governor of Jingzhou, recounted this incident to Liu Bei.

Liu Bei commented, 'If he had visited me, I would have made him sleep on the ground!'