As stable as Mount Tai; firmly established and unshakeable.
Era:
Ancient
Frequency:
Story:
During the Han Dynasty, Liu Pi, the King of Wu, was an ambitious feudal lord who harbored resentment towards the central government and secretly plotted rebellion. Emperor Jing appointed the talented statesman Chao Cuo as Grandee Secretary, who advocated for reducing the territories of various feudal states to strengthen central authority and consolidate national unity. Seeing other lords' territories being reduced, Liu Pi knew his turn was inevitable. He then colluded with the kings of Chu, Zhao, Jiaoxi, and Jiaodong to conspire a revolt.
Mei Cheng clearly foresaw the disastrous consequences of Liu Pi's rebellion and wrote 'A Memorial to the King of Wu' to dissuade him. In his memorial, he stated, 'If you can heed the words of loyal ministers, all calamities can be avoided. If you insist on following your own will, it is more perilous than stacking eggs and harder than ascending to heaven. However, if you can quickly change your mind, it will be easier than turning over your hand, and your position will be as stable as Mount Tai.'
But Liu Pi remained stubborn and intensified his conspiratorial activities. Consequently, Mei Cheng had to leave Wu and became a guest in the household of King Liu Wu of Liang. In 154 BC, Liu Pi, in league with the kings of Chu, Zhao, Jiaoxi, and Jiaodong, launched a rebellion under the pretext of 'clearing the emperor's side and killing Chao Cuo.' This event is historically known as the 'Rebellion of the Seven States of Wu and Chu.'
Emperor Jing, misled by slander, executed Chao Cuo and expressed apologies to the feudal kings. At this point, Mei Cheng again wrote 'Another Memorial to the King of Wu,' urging Liu Pi to cease hostilities. Liu Pi still refused to back down. Soon, the Han general Zhou Yafu led his army to defeat the rebel forces of Wu and Chu. King Liu Wu of Chu committed suicide, King Liu Pi of Wu fled to Dongyue and was killed, and the other five kings also met their end by suicide or execution. The rebellion was completely crushed in just three months.
After the suppression of the Seven States Rebellion, Mei Cheng gained great renown for his foresight demonstrated in 'A Memorial to the King of Wu.' Later, when Emperor Wu ascended the throne, he sent envoys to invite Mei Cheng to serve in the capital. Unfortunately, he died on the way before reaching the capital.