发蒙振落 — “To remove a covering and shake off falling leaves”

During the Western Han Dynasty, Ji An, an upright and honest official serving as Grand Herald, often offered frank and direct advice to the young Emperor Wu, disregarding his own safety. A scholar named Dong Zhongshu proposed that the diverse philosophies of the Hundred Schools of Thought be considered heterodox and prohibited, advocating for the exclusive veneration of Confucius and his Confucian classics. This was known as "abolishing the hundred schools and exalting Confucianism alone," aimed at achieving political unity through cultural dominance.

Later, Emperor Wu adopted this suggestion and frequently declared his intention to govern with benevolence and righteousness. Ji An, however, felt that Emperor Wu's declarations were insincere. On one occasion, in front of many Confucian scholars, he criticized the Emperor, saying, "Your Majesty harbors many desires in your heart, yet you speak of ruling with benevolence and righteousness. How does this resemble the ancient sages Emperor Yao and Emperor Shun?" Emperor Wu, left speechless and deeply embarrassed, departed. Someone warned Ji An that offending the Emperor so directly would eventually lead to trouble. Ji An dismissed the concern, retorting, "Why does the Emperor appoint officials? Is it to have them only speak pleasantries and allow the Emperor to fall into unrighteousness?"

Not long after, Prince Liu An of Huainan planned a rebellion. He did not regard Gongsun Hong, the Chancellor, as a threat, but he greatly feared Ji An. Therefore, he specifically cautioned his subordinates never to expose their secrets to Ji An. He stated that Ji An was a forthright speaker, willing to die for integrity, and thus very difficult to deceive. As for Chancellor Gongsun Hong, dealing with him was as easy as "fāmēng zhènluò" (uncovering what covers the eyes and shaking off withered leaves from a tree), implying it would be effortless.