Trouble or disaster originates from within one's own organization, family, or group; internal discord leading to problems.
这家公司内部管理不善，导致人才流失严重，真是祸起萧墙啊。
This company's poor internal management led to a serious brain drain, truly trouble arising from within.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, Ji Kangzi, a high official of the State of Lu, intended to attack the neighboring state of Zhuanyu to consolidate his own ruling power.
Ji Kangzi's advisors, Ran You and Zilu, who were both disciples of Confucius, asked Confucius how to handle the situation.
Confucius replied, "If one governs a state but cannot ensure its people live in peace and work contentedly, and the state is in a state of disunity and fragmentation, then I'm afraid trouble will arise from within the very walls of the court."
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