妄自尊大 — “To be arrogant and self-important”

The idiom "Wang Zi Zun Da" (妄自尊大) originates from the "Book of the Later Han, Biography of Ma Yuan." It describes someone who arrogantly exaggerates their own importance, believing they are remarkable and despising others.

During the early Eastern Han Dynasty, Liu Xiu, known as Emperor Guangwu, had established his rule, but the empire was far from unified. Various warlords controlled different regions. Among them, Gongsun Shu was particularly powerful, having declared himself emperor in Chengdu. Wei Ao, a warlord in the Longxi region, sent his highly regarded general, Ma Yuan, to Gongsun Shu to assess the situation and discuss long-term strategies for their territories.

Ma Yuan, confident in his mission, expected a warm reception from Gongsun Shu, who was a fellow townsman and old acquaintance. However, Gongsun Shu received him with great imperial pomp, sitting high on his throne surrounded by guards, demanding Ma Yuan observe the protocol for an emperor. After a brief and formal exchange, Gongsun Shu dismissed Ma Yuan and sent him back to his guesthouse, later offering him official titles in the emperor's name. Ma Yuan was deeply displeased. He remarked to his subordinates, "The empire is still contested, and the outcome is uncertain. Gongsun Shu puts on such an extravagant display, thinking himself mighty. How can talented individuals build a future with him?"

Upon returning to Wei Ao, Ma Yuan reported, "Gongsun Shu is like a frog at the bottom of a well; he cannot see the vastness of the world, thinks too highly of himself, and is utterly self-important. We would be better off seeking our path with Emperor Guangwu in the East (Luoyang)."

Later, Ma Yuan joined Emperor Guangwu Liu Xiu, becoming a distinguished general. He dedicated himself to helping Emperor Guangwu unify the empire, and eventually, Gongsun Shu was defeated by Liu Xiu.