【Source】*Strategies of the Warring States: Chu Strategies IV*.
【Meaning】Literally, "covering the nose." It generally refers to a woman using jealousy-fueled slander to alienate and harm others.
【Historical Anecdote】
During the Warring States period, King Huai of Chu was deeply immersed in sensual pleasures and luxuries, spending his days feasting and playing with his favorite concubine, Lady Zheng Xiu, living a corrupt and decadent life. Later, the ruler of the State of Wei, wishing to flatter King Huai and further weaken his resolve, presented him with an exceptionally beautiful woman. The king became extremely fond of her.
Lady Zheng Xiu outwardly conformed to the king’s wishes and appeared to greatly favor the new beauty. She purchased fine clothing for her, prepared lavish rooms and furnishings, allowing the beauty to choose whatever she liked. Her attentiveness and care seemed even greater than the king’s own. When the king learned that Zheng Xiu did not feel jealous toward the new beauty, he felt deeply grateful to her.
At this point, Zheng Xiu secretly told the beauty: “The king greatly admires your lovely appearance, but he dislikes your nose. From now on, whenever you see the king, cover your nose with your hand.” The beauty followed Zheng Xiu’s advice. When the king saw the beauty covering her nose every time she approached him, he grew puzzled and asked Zheng Xiu for an explanation. Zheng Xiu hesitated, pretending ignorance. Pressed repeatedly by the king, she finally replied: “Not long ago, she mentioned that the king has a foul odor, and it makes her feel unwell when she smells it.” Upon hearing this, the king became furious.
The next day, the king summoned Zheng Xiu and the beauty to sit together. Zheng Xiu had already instructed the attendants near the king: “If the king gives any order today, you must carry it out immediately.” After they were seated, the king called the beauty forward. As before, she covered her nose. Enraged, the king immediately ordered that the beauty’s nose be cut off. Of course, without a nose, the beauty could no longer compete with Zheng Xiu for the king’s affection.
【Life Lesson】
Since ancient times, men of virtue have often been unable to prevail against petty individuals. The underhanded tactics of such people are endless, while virtuous individuals are busy with righteous duties and have no time to entangle themselves in conflicts with them. In reality, everyone may encounter such petty people around them. One must remain vigilant against them and avoid clumsy confrontations, so as not to invite unnecessary harm. Getting too close to such people becomes a burden; ignoring them may provoke resentment, and one can never know what sinister intentions they might harbor. Therefore, maintaining an appropriate distance is the best strategy. This way, you won’t be harmed by those who say one thing to your face but do another behind your back, and your life will avoid many unnecessary setbacks.