天之骄子 — “A highly favored or exceptionally gifted person”

During the Western Han Dynasty, the Xiongnu frequently harassed the border regions. Emperor Wu of Han dispatched troops, achieving numerous victories.

In 90 AD, Xiongnu cavalry once again seized Wuyuan and Jiuquan, killing and looting the local populace. Emperor Wu dispatched General Li Guangli and others to launch a counterattack against the Xiongnu. The Xiongnu Chanyu (supreme leader) discarded provisions and weapons, but managed to preserve his main forces. Li Guangli heavily defeated the Xiongnu.

However, news then reached him that his family had been imprisoned, causing him great distress. A strategist advised him to compensate for his family's transgression by earning military merits. Thus, he led his troops northward, fighting valiantly on the battlefield. Later, the Xiongnu Chanyu seized an opportunity to attack Li Guangli again. Unable to withstand the assault, Li Guangli surrendered. To secure Li Guangli's loyalty, the Chanyu married his daughter to him.

A year later, Li Guangli became the target of jealousy from the Xiongnu 'Dingling King' Weilü, leading to his death. The Chanyu then wrote to Emperor Wu, stating that the powerful Xiongnu were 'Tian Zhi Jiao Zi' (天之骄子), meaning favored sons of heaven. He demanded that the Han dynasty send him fine wine, silk, and other goods annually.

Emperor Wu had no option but to acknowledge the difficulty of eradicating the powerful Xiongnu, and thereafter, relations with the Xiongnu alternated between periods of peace and conflict. The Xiongnu's self-proclamation as 'Tian Zhi Jiao Zi' (天之骄子) meant they were favored by heaven, hence their immense strength. Later, this idiom also came to refer to individuals who are exceptionally brave or have made significant contributions.