qí其mào貌bù不yáng扬
Unassuming in appearance; plain-looking; not outwardly striking.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
In 866 AD, 32-year-old Pi Rixiu traveled to Chang'an, the capital, to take the imperial examination for jinshi (a successful candidate in the highest imperial examinations). However, because he was unwilling to flatter influential officials, he failed the examination.
The following year, he went to the capital again for the examination. Zheng Yu, the Assistant Minister of Rites and the chief examiner, greatly admired his essays. Before the results were announced, he summoned Pi Rixiu to his residence.
Upon seeing Pi Rixiu's unassuming appearance and asymmetrical eyes, Zheng Yu mocked him. Pi Rixiu immediately retorted with a sharp comeback.