Chinese Idiom: 名垂后世 (Ming Chui Hou Shi)
English Translation: A name that will be honored and remembered by future generations.
pīn yīn: míng chuí hòu shì
Idiom Meaning: Refers to a person’s good reputation that will be passed down through history, signifying lasting fame.
Historical Source: “Records of the Grand Historian: Biography of King Goujian of Yue” (《史记·越王勾践世家》)
Idiom Story:
Fan Li (范蠡) was a prominent figure during the Spring and Autumn period in ancient China. After serving King Goujian of Yue, he chose to abandon his official position and left the court, taking his family to live by the sea in the state of Qi. There, he engaged in farming and soon amassed significant wealth. He later declined the offer to become a minister in Qi and moved to a place called Tao, where he focused on production and commerce, adopting the name Zhu Gong (朱公). In a short time, he became one of the wealthiest men in the region.
The narrative takes a poignant turn with the story of Zhu Gong’s family. When his younger son was imprisoned in Chu for committing murder, Zhu Gong prepared a large sum of gold to send his older son to negotiate for the younger son’s release. Although Zhu Gong initially intended for his younger son to go, the older son insisted on taking the responsibility instead. Zhu Gong reluctantly agreed and instructed his older son to deliver the gold to their friend, Mr. Zhuang, for safekeeping.
Upon arriving in Chu, the older son did as his father instructed but ignored Mr. Zhuang’s advice to leave immediately. Instead, he lingered in the capital and tried to bribe the officials with the gold he brought, misunderstanding Mr. Zhuang’s intentions and the political dynamics at play.
Meanwhile, Mr. Zhuang, known for his integrity and respected by all levels of society, reported the situation to the king of Chu, indicating that the older son was using his family’s wealth to manipulate the political situation. This backfired spectacularly, leading to the older son’s execution as a consequence of his actions, even before the king decided to grant amnesty to others.
When the older son returned home, devastated by the loss of his brother, Zhu Gong remarked that he had anticipated the outcome. He noted that the older son, who had lived a life of hardship, couldn’t bear to part with wealth, while the younger son, born into prosperity, lacked the wisdom to appreciate its value. The villagers admired Zhu Gong’s foresight and wisdom.
Ultimately, Fan Li became a legendary figure through his various relocations, achieving fame and respect wherever he settled. The author of the “Records of the Grand Historian” concluded the account with a remark that encapsulated Fan Li’s legacy: “范蠡三迁皆有荣名，名垂后世,” which means Fan Li’s three relocations were all marked by honor, and his name would indeed be remembered by future generations.
