wéi唯lì利shì是shì视
To be solely driven by profit; to prioritize personal gain above all else.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn Period, Duke Huan of Qin invited Duke Li of Jin to jointly attack the small state of Baidi. However, Duke Huan secretly sent people to persuade Baidi to surrender to Qin and turn their forces against Jin.
When Duke Li of Jin learned of this betrayal, he dispatched Lü Xiang to break off relations with Qin. Lü Xiang declared that Duke Huan of Qin was '唯利是视' (solely driven by profit) and perfidious, which caused Jin great pain and indignation. He also stated that if Qin had honored their previous alliance, war could have been avoided.