To be so preoccupied or worried that one finds food tasteless; to have no appetite due to anxiety.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Warring States period, Su Qin, a master of diplomatic strategy, first tried to persuade King Huiwen of Qin with a 'lianheng' (horizontal alliance) strategy, aiming to sow discord among the six states and conquer them individually.
When his proposal was not accepted, he switched to the 'hezong' (vertical alliance) strategy to unite the six states against Qin. He then successfully persuaded the state of Zhao and was appointed Lord Wu'an.
Afterwards, he advised King Wei of Chu, explaining that Qin's growing power would be very detrimental to Chu. King Wei of Chu, deeply moved by Su Qin's insights, exclaimed that this predicament was precisely why he had been 'eating without relish'.