急功近利 — “To be eager for quick success and immediate gain”

Dong Zhongshu was a renowned philosopher and master of the New Text Confucianism during the Western Han Dynasty. He served as an erudite official under Emperor Jing and was famous for his profound understanding of the Spring and Autumn Annals (Gongyang Commentary). He was so dedicated to his studies that he did not visit his garden for three years, earning him a great reputation; scholars of his time regarded him as a mentor.

During Emperor Wu's reign, the imperial court's prolonged military campaigns and the rulers' extravagance led to increasingly harsh taxes and labor services, causing widespread public discontent and fostering a serious crisis within the feudal ruling class. In the first year of Yuan Guang (134 BC), Dong Zhongshu proposed the policy of "discarding all other schools of thought and honoring Confucianism alone." Emperor Wu adopted his proposal, and Dong Zhongshu was appointed as chancellor to various vassal kings.

However, it wasn't long before Dong Zhongshu's talent drew jealousy, and he was marginalized by other officials. Later, his "theory of calamities and disorder" was misinterpreted as an intention to subvert the state, almost leading to his execution. Emperor Wu, remembering their past association, personally pardoned him. Later, Emperor Wu, following Prime Minister Gongsun Hong's advice, sent Dong Zhongshu to Jiaoxi to serve as the chancellor of the King of Jiaoxi.

Gongsun Hong and Dong Zhongshu were both Confucian scholars. Gongsun Hong was skilled at flattery and gained Emperor Wu's favor, eventually being appointed prime minister. Dong Zhongshu, however, often spoke his mind forthrightly, which vexed Emperor Wu, who thus kept a respectful distance from him. Gongsun Hong had always been jealous of Dong Zhongshu's talent, and this time, he saw an opportunity to eliminate him. The recommendation was, in fact, a planned assassination.

The King of Jiaoxi, Emperor Wu's brother, was arrogant and tyrannical, relying on his royal lineage. Previously, all chancellors sent by the court had been executed by him under various pretexts, with none surviving. Fortunately, due to Dong Zhongshu's reputation and scholarship, the King of Jiaoxi not only spared him but held him in great respect.

One day, the King of Jiaoxi said to Dong Zhongshu, "Gou Jian's wisdom, combined with the talents of Fan Li and Wen Zhong, I consider them the 'Three Benevolent Ones' of Yue. What do you think of these three? Duke Huan of Qi once consulted Guan Zhong; my doubts shall now be resolved by you, sir."

Dong Zhongshu replied, "I am of limited talent and incapable of resolving Your Majesty's doubts. Nevertheless, since Your Majesty asks, I cannot but answer to the best of my knowledge. I have heard that in the past, the Duke of Lu asked Liu Xiahui, 'I wish to attack Qi; what do you think?' Liu Xiahui replied, 'No.' He then retreated, his face full of sorrow, saying, 'I have heard that those who scheme to invade neighboring states do not consult benevolent people. Why did the Duke ask me this time?' Clearly, Liu Xiahui felt ashamed even to be asked, let alone participate in an attack on Qi! From this perspective, the state of Yue had no 'benevolent ones' at all, let alone three! A benevolent person, as it is said, 'rectifies their path without seeking immediate profit, cultivates their principles without rushing for quick achievements.' The highest realm of benevolence is to dedicate oneself to morally educating the populace and bringing about a great transformation in social customs, with Yao, Shun, and Yu as prime examples!"