Chinese Idiom: 有志竟成 (You Zhi Jing Cheng)
English Translation: Where there is a will, there is a way
pīn yīn: yǒu zhì jìng chéng
Idiom Meaning: This idiom suggests that as long as one has the right ambition and pursues it with determination and perseverance, they will eventually achieve their goals.
Historical Source: “The Book of Later Han” (《后汉书·耿算传》)
Idiom Story:
The story of this idiom centers on Geng Suan, a young man from the Eastern Han dynasty who had a passion for both literature and martial arts. When Liu Xiu, a prominent figure among the local aristocracy in Nanyang, initiated a rebellion against the usurper Wang Mang, Geng Suan joined Liu Xiu’s forces.
Throughout various battles, Geng Suan displayed both bravery and strategic acumen, earning Liu Xiu’s trust. After Wang Mang was overthrown, Liu Xiu established the Eastern Han dynasty and became Emperor Guangwu.
Geng Suan then advised Liu Xiu to suppress the various peasant uprisings and eliminate local warlords to unify the country and expand his rule. He volunteered to lead an army to first pacify the entirety of Hebei, solidifying their base before making further advances. Although Liu Xiu appreciated Geng Suan’s suggestions, he harbored some doubts about their successful execution.
During this period, the peasant forces, including the Red Eyebrows, Copper Horse, Green Calf, and Big Spear factions, were subdued, with the Red Eyebrow Army being forced to retreat southwards into Henan and Shaanxi. However, the Zhang Bu faction in Shandong remained powerful. Geng Suan led his troops to attack Linzi but faced heavy losses and was wounded by an arrow. Concerned, Liu Xiu personally rushed to support him.
Upon hearing of Liu Xiu’s arrival, Geng Suan, wishing to demonstrate his loyalty, ordered his troops to continue the fight. Despite his men advising him to wait for reinforcements, he refused, stating, “When the Emperor arrives, we must prepare to celebrate with offerings and cannot leave the difficulties for him to resolve.” He then led a desperate charge, ultimately capturing Linzi and inflicting heavy casualties on the enemy, claiming forty-six counties and slaughtering three hundred cities. As a result, Liu Xiu placed even greater trust in him, appointing him as “General of Establishing Might” and bestowing upon him the title of “Marquis of Haozhi.”
Emperor Liu Xiu later praised Geng Suan in Linzi, stating, “General, previously in Nanyang, you planned this grand strategy, which I often believed was difficult to achieve. Those with ambition will ultimately succeed.” This story encapsulates the essence of “有志竟成,” highlighting the importance of determination and effort in achieving one’s aspirations.
