To offer frank and direct remonstrance or criticism, especially to superiors or in a formal setting; to speak out boldly against wrongdoing or inappropriate actions.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Western Han Dynasty, Empress Dowager Lü held great power and wished to elevate her family members to prominent positions. When she sought the opinion of Chancellor Wang Ling, he directly and courageously voiced his strong opposition in court.
However, Chancellor Chen Ping and Grand Marshal Zhou Bo decided to agree to Empress Dowager Lü's wishes after careful consideration of the long-term implications. As a result, Wang Ling was dismissed from his post.
After Empress Dowager Lü's death, Chen Ping and Zhou Bo skillfully plotted to eliminate Lü Chan and Lü Lu, who attempted to seize control.