To receive remuneration or benefits without having contributed any work or merit; to gain rewards undeservedly.
Era:
Ancient
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Story:
During the Warring States period, various states frequently attacked each other. The State of Zhao often invaded the State of Chu with its military might. At this time, a man named Du He from Chu came to see King Huai, claiming he could persuade Zhao to reconcile with Chu.
King Huai was very pleased and planned to bestow Du He with the title of 'Wu Daifu' (a high official rank) before sending him to Zhao.
When Minister Chen Zhen learned of this, he advised King Huai, saying, 'If Du He fails to accomplish the mission of reconciling with Zhao, would bestowing him with the title of Wu Daifu not be receiving emolument without merit?' King Huai found Chen Zhen's words reasonable and asked, 'Then what should I do?' Chen Zhen replied, 'Your Majesty should send Du He to Zhao with ten war chariots. Once he completes his mission, then bestow upon him the title of Wu Daifu.'
King Huai adopted Chen Zhen's strategy and sent Du He to Zhao with ten war chariots. Du He, seeing that King Huai did not mention the title, became very angry and simply refused to undertake the mission to Zhao.
Thereupon, Chen Zhen told the King, 'Du He's refusal to accept the mission to Zhao precisely shows he harbored ulterior motives. His aim was to trick Your Majesty into granting him a title, and now seeing that Your Majesty would not grant it upfront, he simply refuses to go.'