得意忘形 — “Pleased, forgetting one's form/bearing”

Ruan Ji, also known as Sizong, was a renowned poet from Weishi, Chenliu (present-day Weixian, Henan) during the Wei-Jin period. Born into poverty and losing his father early, he dedicated himself to learning and eventually became a celebrated recluse of his time. Ruan Ji harbored great political ambitions but was deeply dissatisfied with the ruling Sima clan. Fearing reprisal, he chose a path of self-preservation, either immersing himself in books, indulging in nature, drinking to oblivion, remaining silent, or expressing his inner thoughts through poetry, such as the famous 82 "Yong Huai Shi" poems, which subtly conveyed his concern for the country and his desire to withdraw from the world.

His close friend, Ji Kang, also a prominent literary figure, shared his disdain for the Sima family's rule. Along with Shan Tao, Xiang Xiu, Liu Ling, Wang Rong, and his nephew Ruan Xian, these seven men often gathered in the bamboo grove in Shanyang. They would chat, drink heavily, compose poems, and play music. They would burst into laughter when happy and weep bitterly when sad, earning them the title "The Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove."

Among them, Ruan Ji was perhaps the most eccentric, especially when intoxicated, often switching between tears and laughter without warning. Historical accounts describe him, stating, "当其得意，忽忘形骸" (When he was pleased, he would suddenly forget his manners and bearing), which is the origin of the idiom "得意忘形".