A young, inexperienced scholar who lacks practical knowledge; often implies someone who is knowledgeable in books but naive in real-world affairs.
Era:
Ancient
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Story:
During the Southern and Northern Dynasties, there was a man named Shen Qingzhi. Shen Qingzhi was skilled in warfare from a young age and often returned victorious. Later, he was appointed 'General Jianwu' and was specifically responsible for defending the borders.
One day, the emperor wanted to expand the territory northward. Shen Qingzhi learned of this and strongly advised the emperor against it: 'Your Majesty, this must not be done. Do you still remember the failures of previous generals who tried to expand northward? Your Majesty...' Shen Qingzhi continuously tried to persuade the emperor, who grew annoyed and said to Shen Qingzhi, 'I don't want to hear it anymore. I'll have others discuss it with you!' The emperor then found two civil officials to debate with Shen Qingzhi.
Shen Qingzhi helplessly said to the emperor, 'Your Majesty, governing a country is like managing a household. If you want to discuss farming, you should consult the farmers who work in the fields every day. If you want to discuss weaving, you should ask the weaving maids. Now, Your Majesty wants to attack other countries, yet you consult two 'white-faced scholars' who have never fought a battle. How can this battle succeed?'
The emperor impatiently said, 'Stop talking. My decision will not change!' The emperor did not heed Shen Qingzhi's advice, and in the end, suffered a great defeat.
Later, people used Shen Qingzhi's phrase 'white-faced scholar' to describe young, inexperienced scholars who only knew knowledge from books and were unaware of practical methods for handling affairs.