Endure hardships to achieve some ambition.
Gou Jian, the king of Yue, rebelled, but he was afraid to sit on the ground because he was worried about his health. When he sat down, he was afraid of eating and drinking. -"Historical Records of the King of Yue Gou Jian's Family"
At the end of the Spring and Autumn Period, the State of Yue was defeated by the State of Wu, and Gou Jian, the King of Yue, was determined to take revenge. It is said that he sleeps on firewood and tastes gall before eating and sleeping to encourage himself not to forget his shame. After a long period of preparation, the State of Wu was finally defeated (the family of Gou Jian, the King of Yue in Historical Records, was only courageous, while Su Shi's Sun Quan's Answer to Cao Cao was only courageous). Describe a person who is hardworking, self-motivated, determined to avenge and work hard.
Provide their own services
Those who failed in the door once praised Ping Yuanjun. -"Historical Records Biography of Ping Yuanjun Yuqing"
Mao Sui was a guest of Ping Yuanjun of Zhao State during the Warring States Period. When Qi attacked Zhao, he was ordered to go to Chu for help, so he automatically asked to follow. In the state of Chu, Ping Yuanjun talked with the king of Chu all morning, but there was no result. Mao Sui stepped forward and showed his own interests. The king of Chu promised to send Chun to lead troops to save Zhao. Later, I used "self-recommendation" to refer to myself and recommend myself.
Offer a birch and ask for whipping ―― Humble and sincere apology.
When Lian Po heard this, he was naked and apologized for the guests. -"Historical Records Biography of Lian Po and Lin Xiangru"
During the Warring States Period, Lian Po and Lin Xiangru were both officials of the State of Zhao. Lin Xiangru, because of his outstanding achievements, was regarded as a senior official, ranking above Lian Po. Lian Po refuses to accept, and wants to insult Lin Xiangru.
Lin Xiangru made concessions everywhere for the benefit of the country. Later, when Lian Po found out, he felt ashamed, so he took off his coat, carried Vitex negundo, confessed to Lin Xiangru and asked him to punish him. Later, he used "offer a humble apology" to express his initiative to admit his mistake to the other party and request punishment.