趾高气扬 — “To be swollen with pride”

In the spring of 701 BCE, Qu Xia, who was in charge of military and political affairs in the State of Chu, led his army to fight against the allied forces of Yun, Sui, and Liao at Pusao. Faced with a large and powerful alliance, Qu Xia was initially apprehensive and considered asking for more troops. However, General Dou Lian disagreed, believing that despite the numerous allies, their morale was not unified. Dou Lian suggested concentrating forces to swiftly attack Pusao, arguing that defeating Yun would cause the entire alliance to crumble. Qu Xia adopted Dou Lian's strategy, launched a fierce attack on Pusao, and achieved a great victory, known as the 'Battle of Pusao'.

Yet, Qu Xia lacked self-awareness. He attributed all the credit to himself, becoming excessively proud and convinced he was an invincible general, looking down on all enemies.

Two years later, the King of Chu again dispatched Qu Xia to attack the State of Luo. On the day of his departure, Qu Xia, fully armored, bid farewell to the accompanying officials, then boarded his magnificent chariot, striding away with an air of immense arrogance and self-importance.

Returning, Grand Master Dou Bobi remarked to his charioteer, 'Mo'ao (Qu Xia) is bound for defeat on this expedition! Look at his haughty and self-satisfied demeanor; how can he calmly and correctly command the battle?'

Dou Bobi grew more uneasy and instructed his charioteer to go to the palace to see the King of Chu. He suggested that the King reinforce Qu Xia's army, but the King did not agree.

Upon reaching the front, Qu Xia became even more overbearing, even decreeing that anyone who dared to offer advice would face severe punishment. His autocratic tyranny reached its peak.

When the Chu army arrived near Luo's capital, the opposing forces were already prepared for battle. Qu Xia, however, paid no heed. His troops camped haphazardly without any defensive precautions.

The Luo army, joined by forces from Luru, launched a ferocious attack. The Chu army immediately disintegrated, suffering heavy casualties. Qu Xia fled in a war chariot, in a desperate state. The arrogant demeanor he had displayed when setting out was long gone.

Qu Xia escaped to a place called Huanggu within Chu territory, only to find himself completely alone. Overwhelmed by grief, he hanged himself.