During the Spring and Autumn period, there was a war between the states of Wu and Yue. The King of Wu was seriously injured and soon died. His son, Fuchai, became the new king of Wu and vowed to avenge his father. He rigorously trained his army and made it very powerful. Three years later, he attacked Yue, captured King Goujian, and brought him back to Wu.

To humiliate Goujian and remind him of revenge, Fuchai made him live in a broken stone hut beside his father’s tomb, where Goujian had to watch the tomb and take care of horses every day. Goujian outwardly obeyed but secretly planned revenge.

After several years, Goujian was released and returned to Yue. He secretly gathered an army. To remind himself not to forget revenge, he slept on firewood and tasted bitter gall every day before eating and sleeping. Meanwhile, he focused on governing his country, developing agriculture, and strengthening education.

After several years, Yue became strong again and finally defeated Wu at the right opportunity.

Summary

  • Idiom: 卧薪尝胆
  • Pinyin: wò xīn cháng dǎn
  • Literal Translation: sleep on firewood and taste gall
  • Extended Meaning: Used to describe a person who endures hardship and perseveres with determination to achieve a goal.

Character Introduction

  • 勾践 (Gōujiàn): King of Yue, known for his patience and determination to avenge his country’s defeat.
  • 夫差 (Fūchāi): King of Wu, son of the previous king, initially victorious but later defeated by Goujian.