剖腹藏珠 — “To harm oneself for the sake of something trivial or of lesser value”

Once upon a time, Emperor Taizong of Tang recounted a story to his ministers: 'There was a merchant from the Western Regions who, by chance, acquired an extremely rare pearl.

Because this pearl was very valuable, the merchant constantly worried that others would steal it. He tried every possible method to hide it in a secure place. However, no matter how many locations he tried, he never felt it was safe enough. One day, he finally came up with what he thought was the best solution: he cut open his own belly and hid the pearl inside. Naturally, the merchant eventually died.'

After telling the story, Emperor Taizong asked his ministers, 'Do you think such a person could truly exist in the world?' Some ministers said yes, others said no.

Emperor Taizong then continued, 'The merchant's actions were indeed absurd. However, some people lose their lives due to corruption, and some emperors ruin the future of their country for the pursuit of pleasure. Aren't their actions just as foolish as that merchant's?'