jiān坚zhēn贞bù不qū屈
Unwavering in one's principles or resolve; steadfast and unyielding; to remain faithful to the bitter end.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the late Ming Dynasty, Dodo, Prince Yu of the Qing Dynasty, led his army to attack Yangzhou. He sent Li Yuchun, a Ming general who had surrendered, to persuade Shi Kefa to surrender.
Shi Kefa severely reprimanded Li Yuchun, who then returned unsuccessful. Prince Yu repeatedly sent letters attempting to persuade Shi Kefa, but Shi Kefa responded with equally strong condemnations.
When the Qing army eventually captured Yangzhou, Shi Kefa attempted suicide but failed and was subsequently captured by the Qing soldiers. Despite his capture, he remained steadfast and unyielding, bravely facing his execution.