Chinese Idiom: 怏怏不乐 (Yang Yang Bu Le)
English Translation: Feeling gloomy and unhappy
pīn yīn: yàng yàng bù lè
Idiom Meaning: This idiom describes a state of being discontent or unhappy due to feelings of injustice or dissatisfaction.
Historical Source: Records of the Grand Historian (《史记 · 绛侯周勃世家》).
Idiom Story:
In the third year of Emperor Jing’s reign (154 BCE), a significant rebellion known as the Rebellion of the Seven States of Wu and Chu erupted. The rebellion was led by various kings, including Liu Bie of Wu and Liu Wu of Chu, who claimed to be acting against corrupt officials. To quell the unrest, Emperor Jing appointed Zhou Yafu as acting General, who successfully suppressed the rebellion within three months.
Upon his return to Chang’an, Zhou was officially appointed as General and later promoted to Chancellor. However, his relationship with Emperor Jing soured when he opposed the Emperor’s decision to replace the crown prince Liu Rong, the son of Consort Li, with Liu Che, the King of Jiaodong. Zhou’s repeated objections led to his alienation from the court.
As tensions escalated, Zhou Yafu also protested against Emperor Jing’s decisions to grant titles to unworthy individuals, such as Wang Xin, the brother of the empress, without having made significant contributions. This dissent did not sit well with the Emperor, who disregarded Zhou’s counsel.
Eventually, Zhou Yafu chose to withdraw from court under the guise of illness. During a later banquet with the Emperor, where only a large piece of meat was served without chopsticks, Zhou felt slighted and asked for utensils. The Emperor, noticing Zhou’s displeasure, remarked, “This gloomy one is not a loyal minister!” This comment reflected Zhou’s dissatisfaction and melancholy.
Sadly, Zhou Yafu was later falsely accused of conspiracy and imprisoned. He refused food for five days, ultimately leading to his death from self-imposed starvation.
The phrase “此怏怏者非少主臣也” (This gloomy person is not a loyal minister) evolved into the idiom “怏怏不乐,” encapsulating the sentiment of feeling downcast due to discontent or dissatisfaction.
