Han Wangxi

THE idiom we are discussing today is “paper tiger.” A story in the Spring and Autumn Period (770-476 B.C.) describes people who appear strong on the outside but are actually weak inside.

After the death of Duke Xian of Jin, his son Yiwu ended his exile and returned to the State of Jin to inherit the throne, becoming Duke Hui of Jin. During his exile, Yiwu once received help from the State of Qin. He promised Duke Mu of Qin, “If I have the opportunity to return to Jin and become the ruler, I will cede five cities to Qin as a reward.”

However, after becoming the ruler, he did not fulfill his promise. Even when Qin suffered from famine, Duke Hui of Jin did not extend a helping hand to Qin. Therefore, Duke Mu of Qin harbored resentment towards Duke Hui of Jin. When the Qin army became strong and powerful, Duke Mu of Qin launched an attack on Jin, gradually capturing Jin’s cities and quickly advancing to Hanyuan.

In order to resist the powerful Qin army, Duke Hui of Jin had to lead the counterattack. He ordered that the horses pulling the chariots must be the tall and strong horses from the State of Zheng.

Minister Qing Zheng saw this and hastily advised Duke Hui of Jin: “In ancient times, for rituals or battles like this, one must use horses in one’s own country because horses raised on their own soil are familiar with the land and people; they can obey the commands of their people. Moreover, they are familiar with the roads of their country, so they will not disobey your will.”

Duke Hui of Jin, however, disregarded this advice and insisted on using horses from the State of Zheng. As expected, the thunderous shouts of the Qin army startled the Zheng horses, causing them to lose control. Duke Hui of Jin’s chariot became stuck in the mud, and he was captured by the Qin army, leading to a major defeat for Jin.

Therefore, one should not be like the horses from the State of Zheng, but instead, one should cultivate both inner and outer strengths in order to gain respect from others.

Confucius said, “With stern countenance but weak inward disposition, one is like a petty thief creeping into a house.” Such people may disguise themselves as strong individuals to gain others’ respect, but deep down, they are afraid of being exposed. Therefore, this term is often used to ridicule those who are inconsistent in their actions and appearances.

(The author is a cultural scholar.)

(Translated by Shenzhen Daily)