怒发冲冠 — “To be so enraged that one's hair stands on end, pushing up one's cap”

King Huiwen of Zhao acquired a rare jade, known as the Heshibi, discovered by Bian He during the Spring and Autumn period. King Zhaoxiang of Qin, learning of this, coveted the jade and cunningly offered to exchange it for 15 cities.

King Zhao, fearing Qin's deception but also its military might, was at a loss. After much discussion, no suitable envoy could be found until Lin Xiangru was recommended for his courage and resourcefulness. Summoned by King Zhao, Lin Xiangru was asked if Qin's offer should be accepted. He replied, 'Qin is strong, and Zhao is weak; we cannot refuse.' King Zhao then worried, 'What if King Qin takes the jade but refuses to give the cities?' Lin Xiangru explained, 'If Qin has made the promise and Zhao refuses, Zhao is in the wrong. But if Zhao gives the jade and Qin fails to deliver the cities, then Qin is in the wrong. Compared to each other, it is better to agree to Qin's demand, allowing them to bear the responsibility for acting unjustly.' Thus, Lin Xiangru embarked on his mission to Qin with the Heshibi.

Upon his arrival, King Qin, instead of receiving him formally in the court, arrogantly summoned him in one of his temporary palaces. The King took the jade with great delight, admiring it repeatedly before passing it around to his ministers and concubines. Observing King Qin's contemptuous and disrespectful behavior, and seeing no intention of delivering the promised cities, Lin Xiangru was already simmering with rage.

He stepped forward and said, 'There is a slight flaw in the jade; allow me to point it out to Your Majesty.' Once the jade was back in his hands, Lin Xiangru quickly retreated a few steps and stood firmly against a pillar. He was in a towering rage, his hair standing on end and pushing up his cap, as he passionately declared, 'King Zhao and his ministers, after deliberation, believed Qin to be insatiably greedy, attempting to obtain the Heshibi with empty promises, and initially did not intend to send the jade. It was only after hearing my advice that King Zhao fasted for five days and then dispatched me. Today, I arrive, and Your Majesty does not receive me in the proper court, but instead takes the jade and passes it among concubines, openly humiliating me. Therefore, I have taken the jade back. If Your Majesty attempts to coerce me, I am willing to smash my head and the jade against this pillar!'

Faced with this resolute defiance, King Qin had no choice but to apologize and promise to fast for five days before formally receiving the jade. However, Lin Xiangru, anticipating King Qin's dishonesty regarding the cities, secretly arranged for the jade to be returned to Zhao. When King Qin discovered this, he was helpless and had no option but to see Lin Xiangru off honorably to his home country.