【【Source】Ban Gu (Eastern Han Dynasty), "Book of Han: Biography of Wei Xiang"
【Meaning】"Lì" means to encourage or strive; "tú" means to plan or seek; "zhì" means to govern. The phrase means to rouse one's spirit and make determined efforts to govern the state well. It is used metaphorically to describe making a concerted effort to accomplish a task successfully.
【Historical Anecdote】
In 74 BC, Emperor Zhao of Han, Liu Fuling, died. Having no heir, Huo Guang, who held great power in the imperial court, installed Liu Xun, the great-grandson of Emperor Wu, as the new emperor—this was Emperor Xuan of Han.
In 68 BC, Huo Guang died. Yu Shi Daifu (Grandee Secretary) Wei Xiang, drawing from historical lessons and alarmed by the Huo family's abuse of power, advised Emperor Xuan to take measures to weaken the Huo clan's influence. Enraged by this, the Huo family plotted to kill Wei Xiang first, then depose Emperor Xuan, falsely claiming the order came from the Empress Dowager. Upon learning of the conspiracy, Emperor Xuan struck first, taking decisive action to exterminate the entire Huo family.
From then on, Emperor Xuan personally took charge of state affairs. Having once lived among the common people during his youth, he deeply understood the hardships of ordinary citizens. He directly listened to the counsel of his ministers, strictly evaluated and held officials at all levels accountable, severely punished corrupt and lawless officials, and abolished several cruel punishments. He also reduced the price of salt, promoted frugality, and encouraged the development of agricultural production.
Under Wei Xiang’s supervision, officials at all levels fulfilled their duties diligently. With Wei Xiang’s support, Emperor Xuan implemented a series of effective policies that boosted production and alleviated the people's burdens, leading the nation toward prosperity. During his 25-year reign, Emperor Xuan revitalized the declining Western Han Dynasty, ushering in a period of renewal known in history as the "Revival of Emperor Xuan."
【Growth Insight】
Behind tenacious perseverance lies a firm belief and an unyielding determination to achieve one’s goals. It was precisely this indomitable spirit that enabled Emperor Xuan to achieve the "Revival of Emperor Xuan." Clearly, rousing one’s spirit is the foundation of all success. Only by being mentally energized can one maintain a positive attitude, high morale, see the light ahead, muster courage, overcome difficulties, remove obstacles, and ultimately reach one’s ideal destination.