燕雀处堂 — “To live in a false sense of security, oblivious to impending danger”

During the late Warring States period, the State of Qin launched an attack on the State of Zhao. The neighboring State of Wei, however, stood by and watched, believing this situation would be advantageous to them.

Yet, Zi Shun, the Prime Minister of Wei, held a different view. He argued that Qin was a powerful and inherently aggressive state.

Wei should not be like the swallows and sparrows dwelling comfortably in the main hall, oblivious to the potential danger. He warned that if the house were to catch fire, these birds would have no refuge, symbolizing the dire consequences Wei would face if it remained complacent about Qin's expansion.