【Source】Feng Menglong, (Ming Dynasty), "The Annals of the Eastern Zhou Kingdoms".
【Meaning】"Four Corners of the World" refers to the entire world. It describes having lofty aspirations and refusing to remain confined within one's own small, comfortable sphere. It characterizes possessing grand ambitions and ideals, and being willing to travel far and wide to achieve great accomplishments.
【Historical Allusion】
During the Spring and Autumn period, under the instigation of his favorite concubine Li Ji, Duke Xian of Jin had the Crown Prince Shen Sheng killed. Princes Chong'er and Yiwu were forced to flee separately to the states of Di and Liang. Later, when Duke Xian died, Yiwu, with the help of Duke Mu of Qin and Duke Huan of Qi, ascended the throne. Fearing that Chong'er might return to contest the throne, Yiwu sent men to assassinate him. Thus, Chong'er, having endured great hardships, fled from Di to the state of Qi.
Duke Huan of Qi treated Chong'er and his followers—Zi Fan, Zhao Shuai, Hu Yan, and others—with great kindness. He even gave his daughter, Qi Jiang, in marriage to Chong'er, presented him with twenty four-horse chariots, and provided for him in every way. Chong'er lived comfortably in Qi for seven years and became unwilling to return home. His followers, like Zi Fan and Zhao Shuai, were deeply dissatisfied with his lack of ambition but felt helpless.
Soon after, Duke Huan of Qi died, and Duke Xiao of Qi became the ruler of Qi. Zi Fan, Zhao Shuai, Hu Yan, and others believed Duke Xiao was not a capable ruler and would achieve nothing. They secretly met in a mulberry garden to discuss a plan to get Chong'er to leave Qi.
Unexpectedly, a young maidservant of Qi Jiang was picking mulberry leaves in a tree and overheard their entire conversation. She immediately reported what she had heard to Qi Jiang. Hoping her husband would achieve great things, and fearing the maid might leak the secret, Qi Jiang had the girl killed. She then said to Chong'er, "My lord, I know you have lofty ambitions, and I am very happy. You must leave! A true man must accomplish great deeds. To fulfill his aspirations, he must be willing to journey to the ends of the earth. Being attached to a wife and seeking comfort leads to nothing. The maid who overheard your followers' secret discussion—I have already killed her to silence her."
Chong'er was shocked and replied, "But I never intended to leave you or Qi!"
Seeing that Chong'er had no intention of leaving, Qi Jiang stopped trying to persuade him. Instead, she devised a plan with Zi Fan and the others: they got Chong'er drunk and then sent him out of Qi. Later, at the age of 62, Chong'er finally returned to the state of Jin and ascended the throne as its ruler, known in history as Duke Wen of Jin.