To be unconventional in small matters; not to be punctilious about minor details; to disregard minor details.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Synonym:
Story:
During the late Western Han Dynasty, Yu Yan, a pavilion chief in Donghun, was known for his disregard for minor details in his daily life. However, he was resolute in upholding justice. He once imprisoned the powerful and wicked relatives of Wang Mang's favored concubine, Wei, for their misdeeds.
Later, during the Eastern Han Dynasty, he served under the mayor of Fuzong. He fearlessly admonished the corrupt mayor, earning deep appreciation from the emperor.
Subsequently, he was appointed as an official in Luoyang. There, his unwavering commitment to enforcing the law offended the powerful Yin clan, who were relatives of the emperor. Consequently, he was tragically forced to commit suicide.