Refers to someone who lacks genuine talent and ability but relies on flattery, manipulation, or improper means to gain promotions or official positions.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Song Dynasty, Xu Jizhi went to great lengths to ingratiate himself with Tuo Zhou, stopping at nothing.
Once, on Tuo Zhou's birthday, many officials came to offer their congratulations. Xu Jizhi arrived late, and the eunuchs had already closed the door, so he had no choice but to crawl through a hole in the wall to enter.
He served as a minister for two years without being promoted. He then complained to Tuo Zhou, who, feeling sympathetic, comforted him and later arranged for his promotion.
At the time, people mocked him, calling him 'the Minister from the Wall Hole' (由窦尚书).