明目张胆 — “To act openly and brazenly”

During the Tang Dynasty, there was a minister named Wei Sixian, known for his integrity and directness in advising the emperor. After passing the imperial examinations, he was appointed as the magistrate of Yingcheng County, and later promoted to Supervising Censor. One day, he discovered that Chu Suiliang, the Grand Chancellor, had forcibly purchased a neighbor's land at a very low price. Unintimidated by Chu's high position and influence, Wei Sixian immediately submitted a memorial to expose him. As the evidence was clear, the imperial court could not openly shield the minister and had to transfer Chu Suiliang out of the capital, demoting him to Governor of Tongzhou.

After some time, Chu Suiliang was once again favored and reinstated as Grand Chancellor. Chu then found a pretext to retaliate against Wei Sixian, demoting him to a county official in an outer province.

Someone, feeling injustice for Wei Sixian, secretly visited him to offer comfort. Wei Sixian remained resolute, passionately declaring, "I am an upright man. When I encounter unreasonable matters, of course, I cannot let them pass. How can I possibly consider personal gains or losses? A true man should speak his mind, act openly and fearlessly against powerful figures, and dedicate himself to serving the country. How can one be mediocre, only concerned with protecting oneself and one's family's safety!"