志同道合 — “To share the same aspirations and ideals”

During the Three Kingdoms period, after Emperor Wen of Wei, Cao Pi, ascended the throne, he harbored deep suspicions and jealousy towards his brother Cao Zhi. He sought various opportunities to harm him. It was only due to the intervention of their mother, the Empress Dowager, that Cao Pi did not put his brother to death.

Cao Zhi, frustrated by not being able to use his talents, submitted a memorial. In it, he cited examples like Yi Yin, who was a lowly attendant, and Lü Shang (Jiang Ziya), who worked as a butcher and a fisherman. These individuals, he argued, met rulers like Tang of Shang and King Wen of Zhou, who were kindred spirits, and helped them achieve great accomplishments.