bǔ卜zhòu昼bǔ卜yè夜
To indulge in continuous feasting and revelry, day and night, without restraint; to live a life of excessive pleasure and entertainment around the clock.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
Jing Zhong, also known as Gongzi Wan of the State of Chen during the Spring and Autumn period, was a brother of Duke Xuan of Chen. To make his favorite concubine's son, Kuan, the crown prince, Duke Xuan killed his eldest son, Yu Kou, who was originally the heir apparent. Jing Zhong, who had sided with Yu Kou, could no longer find peace in Chen and fled to the State of Qi.
Duke Huan of Qi respectfully received Jing Zhong and appointed him as a "Qing" (a high-ranking official). Jing Zhong humbly declined, saying, "I am a guest who has sought refuge in your esteemed state. I am already deeply grateful for your acceptance and for allowing me to live comfortably here. How could I dare to occupy such a high position as a Qing and be ridiculed for being insatiable?" Duke Huan of Qi found him to be very reasonable and instead appointed him as "Gong Zheng" (master of artisans), entrusting him with the management of various craftsmen.
However, Jing Zhong's treatment was still superior to that of ordinary officials. Duke Huan of Qi often sought him out for conversation and leisure. One time, Duke Huan visited Jing Zhong's home. Jing Zhong offered him wine, and Duke Huan drank happily. As dusk approached, he even asked for lamps to be lit, wanting to continue drinking. Jing Zhong politely dissuaded him, saying, "Your subject only made preparations for entertaining during the day, not for the night. I dare not presume to keep you longer!"
From this story, the idiom "" (bǔ zhòu bǔ yè) later came to describe indulging in endless feasting and revelry, without regard for time, continuously from day to night and back to day again.