To live in a precarious state, not knowing what the immediate future holds; to be in a desperate plight where one cannot even plan for the next day. It describes extreme instability, urgency, or uncertainty of one's survival or situation.
Era:
Ancient
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Story:
After Emperor Wu of Jin unified China, he advocated for filial piety, encouraging people to respect their parents and elders. He wished to appoint Li Mi, a Shangshu Lang (a high-ranking official) from the former state of Shu, as a Langzhong (a court official).
However, Li Mi was reluctant to accept the position. He submitted a memorial to the emperor, known as the "Chen Qing Biao" (Memorial of Plea). In it, Li Mi explained that he and his elderly grandmother were entirely dependent on each other, and his grandmother's life was extremely precarious, described as '朝不保夕' (living from morning to evening with no certainty of survival). He pleaded with the emperor to allow him to care for his grandmother until her passing before he would take up any official post.