To obey every command without question; to be absolutely submissive and compliant, often implying a lack of independent thought or initiative.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Antonym:
Story:
In 597 BC, King Zhuang of Chu personally led a large army to attack the State of Zheng. Three months later, they successfully broke through the capital of Zheng.
Out of helplessness, Duke Xiang of Zheng had no choice but to bare his upper body, lead a sheep, and plead with King Zhuang of Chu, saying: 'I have failed to properly serve Your Majesty and have incurred your displeasure; these are all my faults. From now on, whatever Your Majesty commands, I shall obey. As long as Your Majesty does not destroy Zheng, and allows Zheng to serve you like your many other vassal states, that would be your great kindness and my heartfelt wish. I boldly speak my mind; please make your decision, Your Majesty.'
King Zhuang, seeing Duke Zheng's pitiful appearance, believed that Duke Zheng could win the trust of his people, so he ordered his troops to withdraw, allowed Zheng to seek peace, and concluded an alliance with Zheng.