有志者事竟成 — “Where there's a will, there's a way”

The idiom "有志者事竟成" (Where there's a will, there's a way) originates from "The Biography of Geng Gong" in the Book of Later Han. Once, Emperor Liu Xiu dispatched his general Geng Gong to attack Zhang Bu, a powerful warlord who had occupied twelve commanderies in Qingzhou, Shandong. Zhang Bu commanded a formidable army and was a strong adversary for Geng Gong.

Upon hearing of Geng Gong's advance, Zhang Bu ordered his grand general Fei Yi and others to guard key strategic locations such as Lixia, Zhu'a, and Linzi, preparing for a counterattack. Geng Gong first captured Zhu'a, then, employing cunning strategies, successively took Lixia and Linzi.

Zhang Bu became anxious and personally led his troops to counterattack Linzi, resulting in a fierce, bloody battle outside the city. During the intense fighting, Geng Gong was struck in the thigh by an arrow. However, he bravely broke off the arrow shaft with his saber and continued to fight despite his injury.

Upon receiving news of the situation, Liu Xiu personally led reinforcements to aid Geng Gong. Before the reinforcements arrived, Geng Gong's subordinate, Chen Jun, suggested a temporary truce, believing Zhang Bu's forces were too strong, and recommended waiting for the Emperor's army before launching a full assault. However, Geng Gong insisted that they should not leave difficulties for others and, after a series of intense battles, finally achieved a decisive victory over Zhang Bu's army.

A few days later, Liu Xiu arrived in Linzi to commend the troops. In front of many officers, he praised Geng Gong, saying, "In the past, Han Xin established his foundation by conquering Lixia. Now, General, you have captured Zhu'a and won successive battles; your achievements are comparable. You once suggested pacifying Zhang Bu in Nanyang. At that time, I thought you were speaking too boldly and feared it would be difficult to succeed. Only now do I realize that 'Where there's a will, there's a way!'"