To disfigure oneself, often by extreme means like swallowing charcoal to alter one's voice and smearing lacquer on one's body to change one's appearance, as a desperate act to seek revenge or achieve a difficult, deeply held goal, signifying extreme determination and endurance of great humiliation.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the late Spring and Autumn period, there was civil strife in the State of Jin. Zhao Xiangzi, a high official, killed Zhi Bo, another high official. Yu Rang, a loyal retainer of Zhi Bo, swore to avenge his master by killing Zhao Xiangzi.
He first infiltrated Zhao Xiangzi's residence but failed in his assassination attempt. Zhao Xiangzi, admiring his loyalty, released him.
For his second attempt, Yu Rang took extreme measures: he smeared his entire body with lacquer, making himself look like a leper, and swallowed burning charcoal to make his voice hoarse and unrecognizable. He again tried to assassinate Zhao Xiangzi but failed, and then committed suicide.