To describe the extreme hardship and perseverance of pioneers or founders who start an enterprise from scratch, often wearing tattered clothes and using simple tools or a crude vehicle like a wicker cart to clear land. It signifies the arduous and humble beginnings of a great undertaking.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Spring and Autumn period, King Zhuang of Chu led his army to attack the State of Zheng. Zheng dispatched its minister Huang Shu to the State of Jin to seek assistance, claiming that the Chu people were arrogant and could be easily defeated.
Luan Shu, the deputy general of Jin's lower army, strongly opposed this, stating that after King Zhuang subjugated the State of Yong, he frequently educated his people not to forget the 'lan lü bì lù' (meaning wearing ragged clothes and driving a simple cart, referring to the hardship of pioneering) life endured by Chu's former monarch, Ruo Ao, when he founded the kingdom.
Despite this counsel, Jin subsequently dispatched its army, but was ultimately defeated by the Chu army.