To exploit one's strength or position to oppress or bully those who are weaker or in a subordinate position; to use power to intimidate the vulnerable.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
Confucius had a friend named Liuxia Ji, whose younger brother, Zhi, was a leader of slave uprisings in the early Warring States period, known as 'Robber Zhi' (Dao Zhi). One day, Confucius went to see Zhi, hoping to persuade him to stop causing harm to the world.
Zhi said to Confucius, "If what you say pleases me, you shall live; if it displeases me, you shall die." Confucius suggested that Zhi was capable of becoming a king, yet he was called a robber, and he should be ashamed of this.
Upon hearing these words, Zhi became very angry and loudly rebuked Confucius, saying, "Do not tempt me with fame and fortune, and do not treat me as an ignorant person." Then, changing the subject, Zhi continued, "Since the time of the Yellow Emperor, there has been endless strife and continuous bloody battles. After Yao and Shun rose to power, they established numerous officials. Tang of Shang exiled his ruler, and King Wu of Zhou killed King Zhou of Shang. Since then, everyone has used their strength to bully the weak, and the many have invaded the few. Therefore, starting from Tang of Shang and King Wu of Zhou, they were all considered rebels.
Now, you teach these 'literary and martial' ways to future generations, deceiving rulers of the world to gain wealth and status. Therefore, I believe that all the robbers in the world are no match for you. Why don't people call you 'Robber King' and instead call me 'Robber Zhi'?"
Finally, Zhi said that everything Confucius had said was what he did not wish to hear, and he ordered Confucius to leave immediately. Confucius sighed, saying that he had brought trouble upon himself, and by stroking a tiger's whiskers, he was almost eaten by the tiger.