To turn ghastly pale or ashen with fright; to look terrified and drained of color.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Antonym:
Story:
During the Southern Song Dynasty, a scholar named Yu Liang traveled 8,000 li (approximately 4,000 kilometers) on foot to the capital, Hangzhou, to take the imperial examination. However, he failed to pass.
Penniless and dejected, he went to the West Lake, composed a poignant poem, 'Que Qiao Xian' (Magpie Bridge Immortals), and prepared to end his life, but was fortunately rescued.
Meanwhile, the retired emperor, having a profound dream, recognized Yu Liang's exceptional talent. He immediately sent imperial officials to find Yu Liang at the inn where he was staying.
The innkeeper, an old woman named Sun Po, was so startled and terrified by the sudden and unexpected arrival of these imperial officials that her face turned ghastly pale, ashen like soil (面如土色). Following this turn of events, Yu Liang was appointed to a high official position by the emperor.