bù不yì义zhī之cái财
Money obtained through illicit, dishonest, or unethical means; ill-gotten gains.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
In ancient Qi state, Prime Minister Tian Jizi presented some gold, given to him by a subordinate, to his mother.
His mother, astonished, questioned if he had accumulated so much wealth in just three years as prime minister, implying that it couldn't all be his legitimate salary without any expenses.
Tian Jizi had no choice but to confess the truth.
His mother then advised him that as a gentleman (士大夫), he should cultivate his character and not be greedy for ill-gotten gains.
Tian Jizi immediately returned all the gold.