To be unlucky or ill-fated, especially referring to a talented person who consistently encounters misfortunes or lacks opportunities, much like Li Guang, the 'Flying General'.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
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Story:
During the Western Han Dynasty, Li Guang, a general (Zhonglangjiang), served as the governor of Shanggu on the frontier. He was brave and skilled in battle, causing the Xiongnu to call him the "Flying General" and tremble at his name.
However, throughout his life, he was never truly given important positions or rewarded with a marquisate. He was eventually forced to commit suicide. In contrast, his cousin Li Cai, who was less talented than him, rose to the rank of prime minister.
Ancient people believed that odd numbers were unlucky. Sima Qian commented on Li Guang's fate, saying, "Li Guang was old, and his 'shu qi' (fate was odd/unlucky)."