狼狈不堪 — “Wolf-and-'bei' (mythical creatures in a predicament), unbearable”

During the Jin Dynasty, Li Mi, a native of Wuling, was renowned for his excellent character and literary talent. Emperor Sima Yan of the Jin Dynasty valued his virtues and abilities, wishing to appoint him to an official position, but Li Mi declined several times.

The reason was that Li Mi had lost his father at a very young age, and his mother was forced to remarry when he was four. He was raised by his paternal grandmother, Liu, from childhood. Li Mi grew up under his grandmother's care, and she also provided for his education. Consequently, Li Mi had a profound affection for his grandmother and could not bear to leave her elderly self unattended to pursue an official career.

Finally, Li Mi wrote a letter to Sima Yan, expressing his stance. In the letter, he stated: "I lost my father at six months old, and my mother was compelled by my uncle to remarry when I was four. My grandmother Liu, pitying me, raised me. My family has no other brothers, nor does my grandmother have anyone else to look after her. My grandmother endured countless hardships to raise me; now that she is old, I am the only one who can attend to her in her remaining years. However, if I do not serve as an official, I would be disobeying your imperial decree. My current predicament truly leaves me in a dilemma!"