赴汤蹈火 — “To go through fire and water”

Ji Kang, also known as Shuye, was a prominent figure from Qiao Kingdom. He was one of the 'Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove,' often associating with Shan Juyuan (Shan Tao) and others in the natural surroundings. After the Sima clan usurped power, Ji Kang, disapproving of their rule, chose to live as a recluse in Shanyang.

Shan Juyuan, however, became an official in the Sima court, which Ji Kang viewed with disdain. When Shan Juyuan was promoted, he attempted to recommend Ji Kang for his former position as Assistant Minister of Personnel, but Ji Kang vehemently refused. Later, Shan Juyuan received a letter from Ji Kang, which was essentially a declaration of their friendship's end.

In this letter, Ji Kang referenced ancient sages like Laozi and Zhuangzi, asserting that his 'will and spirit can be entrusted, but cannot be taken away.' He further expressed his admiration for reclusive scholars like Shang Ziping and Tai Xiaowei, his indifference to classical studies, and his disregard for fame and wealth. Ji Kang openly scorned hypocritical social norms and challenged the court's legal system.

He used an analogy of a wild deer: a large, untamed deer, if constrained, would become wildly agitated and would '赴汤蹈火' (go into boiling water and step on fire) without hesitation. Even if adorned with golden bits and fed fine food, it would still long for its forests and grasslands. Through this comparison, Ji Kang conveyed his resolute refusal to serve in the Sima regime, implying that forcing him into office would be like trying to tame such a deer – he would fiercely resist, even going '赴汤蹈火.'

Due to Ji Kang's frequent satirical comments on court politics and societal conventions, the Sima ruling class deeply resented him. In 262 AD, Zhong Hui, a military inspector who had previously been ridiculed by Ji Kang, falsely accused him of licentious speech and slandering the court. Consequently, Sima Zhao ordered Ji Kang's arrest and imprisonment, leading to his execution shortly thereafter.