To rise rapidly in position; to have a meteoric rise in one's career or status; to quickly ascend to a high rank.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
During the Warring States period, Fan Ju from the state of Wei was exceptionally talented but suffered from poverty. He had to work under Zhong Daifu Xu Jia.
Once, Xu Jia was ordered by the King of Wei to go on a diplomatic mission to the state of Qi, and Fan Ju accompanied him. King Xiang of Qi greatly admired Fan Ju's eloquence and ordered people to reward him with gold and fine wine. Xu Jia suspected Fan Ju of doing something detrimental to the state of Wei and reported the matter to Prime Minister Wei Qi. Wei Qi was enraged and had Fan Ju severely beaten.
Fan Ju eventually feigned death to escape to the state of Qin, where he changed his name to Zhang Lu. Relying on his outstanding talent, Fan Ju quickly gained the appreciation of King Zhaoxiang of Qin and was promoted to be the Prime Minister of Qin.
At this time, the state of Wei, hearing that Qin intended to attack Han and Wei, sent Xu Jia to Qin to seek peace. Upon learning this, Fan Ju decided to take revenge on Xu Jia. He dressed in old, worn-out clothes to meet Xu Jia.
Xu Jia took pity on him, hosted him, and even gave him a robe. Fan Ju deliberately offered to take Xu Jia to meet Zhang Lu, who was then the powerful Prime Minister of Qin. Upon arriving at the Prime Minister's residence, Xu Jia realized that Prime Minister Zhang was none other than Fan Ju.
Xu Jia immediately kowtowed, declaring himself guilty of a "death-worthy crime," and said, "I never imagined you could rise so quickly. From now on, I dare not discuss the talents of the world, nor dare I interfere in political affairs. I have committed a grave offense, please punish me." Fan Ju enumerated his three offenses but, remembering Xu Jia's kindness in giving him the robe, considered him to have some sense of loyalty and ultimately spared him.