分崩离析 — “To collapse and disintegrate”

During the Spring and Autumn Period, Ji Kangzi, a high official of the State of Lu, resided in Fei Yi. Although officially a minister, his power was immense, even surpassing that of Duke Ai of Lu. To further expand and consolidate his rule, Ji Kangzi planned to attack and annex a small neighboring state called Zhuanyu.

Confucius's disciples, Ran You and Zilu, who served as advisors to Ji Kangzi, found it difficult to dissuade him and sought Confucius's counsel. Confucius suspected it was Ran You's idea, but Ran You explained, "This is Ji Kangzi's plan; Zilu and I both tried to stop him." Confucius said, "Since you both assist Ji Kangzi, you should do your best to advise against it."

Ran You replied, "However, Zhuanyu is growing stronger. If we don't conquer it now, it might become a future menace." Confucius retorted, "That's incorrect! When governing a state, one should not worry about the size of its territory or population, but rather focus on how to make the common people live in peace and contentment. Once the people are stable, the state will become prosperous and strong. Then, by implementing benevolent governance, ritual, and music, one can attract people from distant lands and allow them to settle peacefully."

"Yet, you two, assisting Ji Kangzi, have caused distant people to feel estranged and not align, and internal dissent among the people, leading the state to fall apart and disintegrate. While your own state is in such disarray, you still contemplate using military force to attack Zhuanyu. I fear Ji Kangzi's troubles lie not with Zhuanyu, but from within his own household."

"Xiaoqiang" refers to the screen wall in front of the ruler's palace gate. Confucius meant that Ji Kangzi's problems were internal, not external. This story also gives rise to another idiom, "祸起萧墙" (trouble arising from within), describing internal strife.