To describe something as extremely numerous and common, to the extent that it's nothing special or surprising; abundant and ordinary.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Three Kingdoms period, Liu Bei, the ruler of Shu, declared himself emperor and launched an expedition against Wu. Sun Quan, the ruler of Wu, dispatched Grandee Zhao Zi as an envoy to Wei, seeking assistance from Emperor Wen of Wei, Cao Pi.
Cao Pi disdained Eastern Wu and, upon receiving Zhao Zi, asked arrogantly, "What kind of ruler is the King of Wu? Is Wu afraid of our Wei Kingdom?" Zhao Zi was indignant at such insulting questions. As an envoy of Wu, he naturally could not compromise the dignity of his state.
He replied with great composure and measure: "The King of Wu is a man of great vision and courage. His heavy reliance on Lu Su proves his sagacity; his selection of Lu Meng demonstrates his wisdom; his capture of Yu Jin without executing him shows his benevolence; his bloodless capture of Jing Province evidences his astuteness; his holding of three provinces and eyeing the four directions showcases his grand strategy; and his declaring himself a vassal to Your Majesty proves his understanding of tactics.
As for fear, although large states possess military might for conquest, smaller states also have effective strategies for resistance. Moreover, our Wu has a million brave soldiers and commands the natural defenses of the Yangtze and Han rivers. Why should we be afraid of anyone?" Such a calm and skillful reply left Cao Pi greatly impressed. He had to change to a more respectful tone and asked, "How many talented individuals like yourself does Eastern Wu possess?"
Zhao Zi replied, "Those who are brilliant and possess outstanding talents number no less than eighty or ninety. As for people like me, they are simply so numerous they can be loaded by the cartful and measured by the dipper-ful, truly countless!"
Hearing such impeccable diplomatic rhetoric, the entire court of Wei held Zhao Zi in awe and respect. Cao Pi also praised Zhao Zi repeatedly, saying, "As an envoy to all corners, you have not disgraced your lord's mandate. Sir, you are truly worthy of this praise."
Upon Zhao Zi's return to Eastern Wu, Sun Quan commended him for fulfilling his mission with honor, enfeoffed him as a Cavalry Commandant, and thereafter valued and trusted him even more.