To tolerate minor setbacks or grievances for the sake of achieving greater success in the long run; to endure temporary hardship for future major accomplishments.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the late Three Kingdoms period, Liu Shan, the last emperor of the Shu Han kingdom, was known for his incompetence, and the eunuch Huang Hao gained significant power, colluding with Chen Zhi. Amidst this political turmoil, Shi Zhui, the Secretariat Director, remained fiercely loyal and adept at navigating difficult situations.
He firmly believed in the principle of 'small submission for great achievement,' understanding that one must sometimes endure minor grievances to accomplish greater things.
After the fall of Shu, when Liu Shan was taken to Luoyang, only Shi Zhui, abandoning his wife and children, chose to go alone to attend to his former lord, demonstrating his unwavering loyalty and embodying the spirit of enduring personal sacrifice for a greater purpose.