shàn善shǐ始shàn善zhōng终
To do a good job from beginning to end; to carry out a task conscientiously from start to finish, ensuring a satisfactory conclusion.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
Towards the end of the Qin Dynasty, Chen Ping, who came from a poor family, was fond of the Huang-Lao philosophy, which blended Daoist and Legalist ideas.
He successively held positions as the Grand Coachman for King Ji of Wei, a commandant under Xiang Yu, and a military commandant under Liu Bang. He shrewdly plotted to alienate Xiang Yu from his trusted advisor Fan Zeng.
After the establishment of the Han Dynasty, he was enfeoffed as the Marquis of Quni. He served as chancellor through the reigns of Emperor Hui, Empress Lü, and Emperor Wen, showcasing his remarkable ability to adapt to various situations and ensure a good outcome from start to finish.