A historical allusion referring to someone being slandered and suspected of impropriety due to minor flaws or fabricated accusations, often implying unjust or malicious defamation.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
In the early Western Han Dynasty, Chen Ping surrendered to Liu Bang and was appointed Prime Minister. However, prominent generals like Jiang Hou and Guan Ying were displeased.
They spread malicious rumors against Chen Ping to Liu Bang, deliberately fabricating scandals such as Chen Ping having an illicit affair with his sister-in-law and accepting bribes from his subordinates – granting favors to those who paid more and punishing those who paid less. Consequently, Liu Bang grew suspicious of Chen Ping and ceased to fully trust and employ him.