【Source】"History of Song: Biography of Li Chui"
【Meaning】"Qu" (趋) means to rush towards or flatter; "Yan" (炎) means heat, prominence, referring to power and influence; "Fu" (附) means to attach or rely upon. It describes flattering and attaching oneself to powerful and influential people. It is used to criticize acts of currying favor with or aligning oneself with those in power.
【Historical Anecdote】
Li Chui, styled Shungong, was a native of Liaocheng, Shandong, and an official of the Northern Song Dynasty. He passed the imperial examination during the Xianping era and successively served as Zuo Lang (Editorial Writer) and Guan Ge Xiao Li (Imperial Library Proofreader). He authored a three-volume work titled "Dao He Xing Sheng Shu" ("Book on the Strategic Features of River Diversion"), offering many valuable suggestions for managing old river channels. Erudite and upright, Li Chui deeply resented the vulgar court practice of flattery and sycophancy. Because he refused to go along with the corrupt crowd, he offended many powerful officials and was never given important positions.
At that time, the Chief Minister Ding Wei was a master of flattery. He used despicable methods to win the favor of Emperor Zhenzong of Song, thereby gaining immense power. Using political manipulation and eliminating rivals, he eventually monopolized the government. Many who sought promotion and wealth saw that Ding Wei was extremely powerful and influential ("burning hot"), so they vied with each other to praise and fawn upon him, hoping to gain his favor and rapidly advance their careers.
When someone noticed that Li Chui never made any special effort to please Ding Wei, they were puzzled and asked him why he had never paid a formal visit to the current Chief Minister. Li Chui replied, "As Chief Minister, Ding Wei not only fails to set a good example and administer affairs justly, but also uses his power to bully others. He truly betrays the court's trust and the people's expectations. Why should I pay my respects to such a man?" This remark quickly reached Ding Wei's ears. Furious, Ding Wei used his authority to exile Li Chui to a remote post.
After Emperor Renzong ascended the throne, Ding Wei fell from power, and Li Chui was recalled to the capital. Some well-meaning friends advised him, "Several ministers in court know of your exceptional talent and wish to recommend you for the post of Zhi Zhi Zhao (official who drafts imperial edicts). However, the current Chief Minister doesn't know you yet. Shouldn't you go visit him? Letting him get to know you would certainly be beneficial." Li Chui calmly replied, "If thirty years ago I had visited Chief Minister Ding Wei, I might have become a Hanlin Academician long ago. But I chose not to do so. I still adhere to my principles. When I see a minister acting unjustly, I confront him directly. At my age, how could I now cater to the powerful and influential, watch others' expressions, and seek their patronage?" These words soon reached the ears of the new Chief Minister. As a result, Li Chui was once again pushed out of the capital.