中流砥柱 — “A tower of strength”

The idiom "Zhong Liu Di Zhu" originates from a story during the Spring and Autumn Period (771–476 BC) involving Duke Jing of Qi and his three formidable warriors: Gongsun Jie, Tian Kaijiang, and Guyezi. These three men were incredibly brave but also arrogant. Chancellor Yan Ying, perceiving their arrogance as a potential threat, advised Duke Jing to eliminate them. Knowing their strength, Yan Ying devised a clever plan.

He suggested presenting two peaches to the three warriors, instructing them to decide who deserved the peaches based on their merits. Gongsun Jie was the first to boast of his hunting prowess, claiming a peach. Tian Kaijiang then recounted his military victories, also taking a peach. Guyezi, however, stood up indignantly. He recounted an incident where he, while driving Duke Jing's carriage across a river, jumped into the turbulent waters to fight and kill a giant turtle that had attacked the horses. He described diving into the swirling currents, battling the beast beneath the "砥柱" (dǐzhù) - a rock formation that stands firm in the middle of the swift Yellow River. He saved the Duke, thus proving his superior bravery.

Feeling shamed by Guyezi's extraordinary feat, Gongsun Jie and Tian Kaijiang realized their boasts were insignificant in comparison. Out of honor and remorse for their greed and arrogance, they both committed suicide. Witnessing their deaths, Guyezi reflected that he had caused their demise through his boastful words. He considered himself neither benevolent for causing conflict, nor righteous for shaming others, nor brave for surviving while his comrades perished. Consequently, he too took his own life.

The idiom "Zhong Liu Di Zhu" (literally "a pillar in the middle of the current") refers to the "砥柱" rock mentioned in Guyezi's story, which stands unwavering amidst the rushing river. It is used metaphorically to describe a person who remains steadfast and acts as a strong, stabilizing support in a difficult or tumultuous situation.