This idiom originates from "Zuo Zhuan, Year 21 of Duke Zhao." During the Spring and Autumn period, Hua Feizhu, the Sima of Song, had three sons: Hua Qu, Hua Duoliao, and Hua Deng. Hua Duoliao, favored by Duke Yuan of Song, often slandered his two brothers before the Duke.

Hua Deng was forced to flee abroad, and later Hua Duoliao falsely accused Hua Qu of planning to harbor fugitives. Unable to withstand Hua Duoliao's constant provocations, Duke Yuan ordered Hua Feizhu to expel Hua Qu. Hua Feizhu, knowing Hua Duoliao was behind it and wishing to kill him, nevertheless had to obey. He planned to send Hua Qu hunting and then dismiss him. Hua Qu learned of Hua Duoliao's treachery and, though wanting to kill him, decided to flee to avoid upsetting his father.

As he was about to leave, Hua Qu encountered Hua Duoliao at court. In a fit of rage, he and his attendants killed Hua Duoliao and rallied fugitives to rebel against Song. Duke Yuan requested Wuzhiming of Qi to help guard the city.

That winter, Hua Deng, who had fled, led an army from Wu to support Hua Qu in attacking Song. As Hua Deng's forces approached, an official named Zi advised Wuzhiming: "The military treatise 'Jun Zhi' states: 'Attacking the enemy first can destroy their morale; attacking later requires waiting for their morale to wane.' Why not attack while Hua Deng's army is fatigued and unsettled? If the enemy arrives and establishes themselves, their numbers will grow, and then we will regret it immensely."

Wuzhiming followed Zi's advice. The combined forces of Song and Qi defeated the Wu army and captured two generals. However, Hua Deng rallied his remaining forces and defeated the Song army again. Duke Yuan wanted to flee, but Zi stopped him, saying, "I am a humble servant; I can die fighting for my lord, but I cannot escort you in fleeing. Please wait, my lord."

Zi then patrolled and shouted to the soldiers, "If you are a warrior of the lord, wave your banners!" The soldiers complied. Duke Yuan also bravely descended the city walls to inspect and declared to his soldiers, "The downfall of the state and the death of its ruler are a disgrace to all of us, not just my fault. Fight to the death, everyone!"

Wuzhiming ordered his soldiers to fight the rebels with swords. The Qi and Song armies attacked Hua Deng together; Hua Deng could not hold on and retreated step by step. Zi charged forward, stabbed Hua Deng to death, cut off his head, wrapped it in his battle robe, and ran while shouting, "I killed Hua Deng! I killed Hua Deng!"