论功行赏 — “To reward according to merit”

The idiom "论功行赏" (lùn gōng xíng shǎng) originates from Sima Qian's "Records of the Grand Historian: The Hereditary House of Prime Minister Xiao." After Liu Bang defeated Xiang Yu and established the Han Dynasty, he faced the crucial task of evaluating the merits of his officials and bestowing appropriate rewards.

Liu Bang initially believed that Xiao He had made the greatest contributions and intended to grant him the most prestigious title and the most land. However, many other officials expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that Cao Shen, who had personally fought on the battlefield, suffered numerous wounds, and captured many cities, deserved the highest honor.

At this moment, Guan Neihou E Qianqiu stepped forward and articulated Liu Bang's true thoughts. He pointed out that while Cao Shen's military achievements were significant, they were often immediate and tactical. Xiao He, on the other hand, had consistently ensured the army's logistical support throughout the protracted war, frequently sending fresh troops and crucial provisions to the front lines, even when Liu Bang's forces were in dire straits. E Qianqiu argued that Xiao He's contributions were foundational and strategic, essential for the very survival and stability of the nascent dynasty, whereas Cao Shen's achievements, though important, could not compare to the long-term strategic support provided by Xiao He.

Convinced by this sound reasoning, Liu Bang affirmed Xiao He's supreme contribution, ranking him first among all meritorious officials. Xiao He was subsequently granted unique privileges, including the right to wear his sword and shoes in the imperial court and to walk at his own pace, an extraordinary honor that symbolized his unparalleled status and merit. This historical event vividly illustrates the principle of "论功行赏"—rewarding individuals strictly according to the true scale of their contributions and merits.