Chinese Idiom: 论功行赏 (Lun Gong Xing Shang)
English Translation: Rewarding based on merit
pīn yīn: lùn gōng xíng shǎng
Idiom Meaning: This idiom refers to the practice of awarding rewards or honors according to the size of one’s contributions or achievements.
Historical Source: 《史记·萧相国世家》 (Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of Xiao He).
Idiom Story:
After Liu Bang established himself as emperor, he needed to evaluate the contributions of his loyal followers and grant them appropriate rewards. Among his advisers, Xiao He was considered to have made the greatest contributions, leading to his designation as Duke of Yunjun and receiving the largest reward.
However, some officials expressed dissatisfaction, arguing that Cao Can, known as Pingyang Hou, had suffered seventy wounds in battle and had made numerous contributions by capturing cities and territories. They believed he deserved the highest honor instead.
At this moment, E Qianqiu, known as Guan Nei Hou, stepped forward to articulate Liu Bang’s thoughts. He stated:
“The opinions of my fellow ministers are misguided. Although Cao Can has made considerable achievements in battles, they are fleeting. Your Majesty has faced the Chu army for five years and has frequently lost troops, even escaping alone on several occasions. However, Xiao He consistently sent troops to reinforce the front lines, even without your orders. During the prolonged standoff in Xingyang, when the army faced shortages, Xiao He arranged for food supplies to be transported. Even without hundreds of Cao Can, the Han Dynasty would not have suffered. How can temporary achievements overshadow lasting merit? Therefore, Xiao He should be placed first, with Cao Can in second.”
Liu Bang agreed with E Qianqiu’s assessment and confirmed Xiao He as the top merit holder, allowing him to wear a sword and fasten his shoes while attending court, exempting him from certain ceremonial formalities.
This story highlights the importance of recognizing enduring contributions over transient achievements, leading to the idiom “论功行赏,” which emphasizes the fair allocation of rewards based on merit.
