To describe a person whose affections or judgments are highly inconsistent and prone to sudden changes, often shifting between favor and disfavor without objective reason.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Warring States period, Lord Wei deeply favored Mizi Xia.
One day, Mizi Xia's mother fell ill, and he secretly drove Lord Wei's chariot home to visit her. According to the law, this act should have resulted in his feet being cut off. However, Lord Wei, instead of punishing him, praised him, saying he was filial.
Another time, while strolling in a peach orchard with Lord Wei, Mizi Xia ate half a peach and then gave the remaining half to Lord Wei. Lord Wei, again, praised him, saying he was loyal because he shared his delicious peach with his lord.
Later, as Mizi Xia's beauty faded and Lord Wei's affection waned, Mizi Xia fell out of favor. Lord Wei then used these very two incidents to accuse him and punish him, saying, "Didn't he once steal my chariot and give me a half-eaten peach?"
The interpretation of Mizi Xia's actions changed drastically with the shift in the lord's feelings.