chéng惩qián前bì毖hòu后
To learn from past mistakes and take precautions to prevent similar errors in the future; to criticize past faults in order to be more careful in the future.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
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Story:
During the Western Zhou Dynasty, the young King Cheng ruled the country with the assistance of his regent, the Duke of Zhou (Ji Dan). King Wu's younger brothers, Guan Shuxian and Cai Shudu, spread rumors that the Duke of Zhou intended to usurp the throne.
To demonstrate his loyalty, the Duke of Zhou temporarily withdrew to a remote area. Seizing this opportunity, Guan Shuxian and his allies immediately launched a rebellion.
King Cheng then requested the Duke of Zhou to lead an army to suppress the uprising. King Cheng declared that he wished to learn from the lessons of the past conflict and its consequences, ensuring that such misfortunes would not recur in the future.