一诺千金 — “A single promise is worth a thousand pieces of gold”

The idiom '一诺千金' (yī nuò qiān jīn) originates from 'Records of the Grand Historian: Biographies of Ji Bu and Lai Bu'. In the late Qin Dynasty, there was a man named Ji Bu in the Chu region. He was known for his straightforward character and chivalrous spirit, always willing to help others. Whenever he made a promise, no matter how difficult it was, he would find a way to fulfill it, earning widespread praise.

During the Chu-Han contention, Ji Bu served as a subordinate to Xiang Yu and had successfully devised strategies that led to defeats for Liu Bang's army on several occasions. After Liu Bang became emperor, he still harbored resentment over these past events and issued an order for Ji Bu's arrest.

However, many people admired Ji Bu's integrity and secretly offered him assistance. Soon, Ji Bu disguised himself and sought refuge as a laborer with a family named Zhu in Shandong. The Zhu family, despite knowing his true identity, sheltered him. Later, the Zhu family traveled to Luoyang to intercede on Ji Bu's behalf with Liu Bang's old friend, Xiahou Ying, the Marquis of Ruyin. Persuaded by Xiahou Ying, Liu Bang eventually revoked the arrest warrant for Ji Bu and even appointed him as a Langzhong, later promoting him to Governor of Hedong.

There was a fellow townsman of Ji Bu named Cao Qiusheng, who was fond of befriending powerful officials to enhance his own prestige. Ji Bu had always held him in low regard. When Cao Qiusheng heard that Ji Bu had become a high official again, he immediately went to visit him.

Upon learning of Cao Qiusheng's visit, Ji Bu prepared to give him a cold reception and put him in an awkward position. However, as soon as Cao Qiusheng entered the hall, he disregarded Ji Bu's stern expression and harsh words, immediately bowing and greeting him warmly, eager to reminisce. He then flattered Ji Bu, saying, 'I've heard it widely circulated in the Chu region that 'To gain a thousand ounces of gold is not as valuable as gaining one promise from Ji Bu.' How did you manage to earn such a magnificent reputation throughout Liang and Chu? We are fellow townsmen, and I've been tirelessly spreading your good name everywhere, so why would you be unwilling to see me?' Hearing Cao Qiusheng's words, Ji Bu's mood brightened considerably. He invited Cao Qiusheng to stay for several months as an honored guest and, upon his departure, presented him with a generous gift. Later, Cao Qiusheng continued to extol Ji Bu's virtues, and Ji Bu's reputation grew even more.