【Source】Liu Xiang (Western Han Dynasty), "Strategies of the Warring States: Qi Strategies VI."
【Meaning】"Lü" refers to the gate of an ancient neighborhood lane. The phrase describes the eager anticipation of parents waiting for their children to return home.
【Historical Anecdote】
During the Warring States period, when King Min of Qi was ruling, the states of Yan and Qin, among others, formed an alliance to attack Qi. The Yan general Yue Yi led his troops into Linzi, the capital of Qi, forcing King Min of Qi to flee to the state of Wei. The state of Chu sent its general Nao Chi to lead troops to "aid" Qi. In reality, Chu had no intention of genuinely helping Qi. Instead, Nao Chi killed King Min of Qi and divided Qi's territory and treasures with Yan. It was only after Tian Dan inflicted a crushing defeat on the Yan army that Qi was able to reclaim its lost territories.
Wang Sun Jia, a member of the royal family of Qi, was summoned to the palace at the age of fifteen to serve as a court attendant to the king. His mother loved him deeply. Whenever he went to court, she would repeatedly urge him to return home early. If he came home late, she would anxiously wait for him by the front door.
When King Min fled, Wang Sun Jia did not accompany him. Later, when he attempted to search for the king, he had lost all trace of him and thus returned home. Seeing her son return, Wang Sun Jia’s mother asked him, "The Yan troops have arrived—why didn't you protect the king?" Wang Sun Jia replied, "I don't know where the king is."
His mother, angered by this, said, "On ordinary days, if you leave in the morning and come home late, I stand by our front gate waiting for you. If you go out in the evening and don't return for a long time, I go all the way to the lane gate to wait for you. You've served the king since you were fifteen, acting as his attendant—how could you not know where he has gone? If so, what is the point of you coming back home?" Wang Sun Jia felt deeply ashamed. He immediately left to search for King Min, inquiring far and wide. Upon learning that King Min had already been murdered, he rallied the people, swore an oath of rebellion, and instantly gained the support of four hundred followers.
【Growth Insight】
A world without water is devoid of life; a world without a mother’s love is perilously fragile. In the face of maternal love, any words seem pale; in the face of maternal love, any hardship crumbles. Appreciating and understanding a mother’s love is a lifelong assignment we can never fully complete. When you’re out playing and lose track of time, your mother stands by the door waiting for you to come home. When you're sulking and refuse to eat, she reheats your food over and over, fearing you'll go hungry. When you invite classmates home for your birthday, she bustles about, preparing a lavish meal just so you and your friends can have fun… Your safety and happiness are her greatest joy. Stop complaining about your mother’s nagging—her aging is the very foundation of your growth. Gratitude to your mother begins right now!
The story of "Leaning at the Door and the Lane Gate": A mother’s love is the water that nourishes your life.