Chinese Idiom: 流言蜚语 (Liu Yan Fei Yu)
English Translation: Rumors and Slander
pīn yīn: liú yán fēi yǔ
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to malicious gossip or false rumors spread behind someone’s back, often intended to create trouble or defame someone’s character.
Historical Source: The idiom originates from the Records of the Grand Historian (《史记》), specifically from the biography of Wei Qi’s Marquis (魏其武安侯).
Idiom Story:
During the reign of Emperor Jing of the Han Dynasty, a man named Dou Ying, who was the nephew of Empress Dowager Dou, was honored with the title of Marquis of Wei for his role in quelling the Rebellion of the Seven States. His high status and connections with the royal family led many to seek his favor.
At the same time, a man named Tian Fen, who was a distant relative of Empress Dowager Wang and a minor official, saw the opportunity to advance his own position by currying favor with Dou Ying. However, after Emperor Jing and Empress Dowager Dou passed away, Tian Fen’s influence grew significantly under the new emperor, Wu Di, and he soon became the Chancellor. His rise to power led to conflicts with Dou Ying and other older officials.
In early 133 BCE, Tian Fen married the daughter of King Yan, and Empress Dowager Wang ordered that all princes and officials attend the wedding celebrations. Dou Ying and another old official, Guan Fu, were also required to attend. At the banquet, some sycophants flattered Tian Fen while belittling Dou Ying. Guan Fu, angered by this disrespect, verbally attacked one of Tian Fen’s courtiers while drinking. Tian Fen seized this opportunity to have Guan Fu and his family arrested and sentenced to death.
Dou Ying risked his life to write to Emperor Wu Di, arguing that Guan Fu’s actions were due to drunkenness and that Tian Fen was acting out of personal vendetta. The emperor decided to let Dou Ying defend himself in court. During the proceedings, Dou Ying attempted to clear Guan Fu’s name and expose Tian Fen’s misconduct. Many officials were divided in their support, and many chose to remain neutral.
Under pressure from Empress Dowager Wang, Emperor Wu Di ultimately sided with Tian Fen and had Dou Ying imprisoned. Later, Tian Fen spread malicious rumors that Dou Ying was cursing the emperor and refusing to admit his guilt. This slander further damaged Dou Ying’s reputation, and he was eventually executed.
The story highlights the destructive power of baseless rumors and slander, which can lead to grave injustices. The idiom “流言蜚语” thus serves as a warning about the harm that unfounded gossip and malicious speech can cause.
