During the Spring and Autumn Period, Confucius led his disciples on a journey through various states. After facing setbacks in states like Wei, Chen, and Cai, he received an invitation from the State of Chu.

Confucius immediately set off for Chu. However, the State of Chen conspired with the State of Cai to release prisoners, who then surrounded Confucius and his disciples.

Confucius and his followers were besieged for many days. They ran out of food, their stomachs were empty, and they even had to fight with the prisoners. They were so exhausted they were gasping for breath.

Finally, they were rescued by the Chu army.