To be utterly destitute; to be in a state of extreme poverty.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the Warring States period, Fan Sui became the prime minister of Qin. He was originally from the state of Wei. At that time, Xu Jia, a 'Zhong Da Fu' (senior official) of Wei, suspected him of secretly colluding with Qin. Prime Minister Wei Qi ordered him to be severely beaten and then thrown into a latrine.
Fan Sui did not die; he escaped to Qin with his injuries. King Zhaoxiang of Qin greatly appreciated his talent and appointed him prime minister.
Not long after, Qin dispatched troops to attack Wei. Wei immediately sent Zhong Da Fu Xu Jia to Qin to seek peace. Fan Sui quietly changed into ragged clothes and went to the guest house to meet Xu Jia. Xu Jia was greatly surprised to see Fan Sui: 'You're still alive!' He looked Fan Sui up and down and exclaimed, 'I didn't expect Uncle Fan Sui to be in such dire poverty!'
It was only when Xu Jia arrived at the prime minister's mansion that he understood Fan Sui's noble status.