The Nearly 3,000-Year-Old Chinese Idiom: Never Forget Being in Ju

This story originates from the Spring and Autumn Period. At that time, due to Duke Xiang of Qi failing to honor his promises to the court officials Lian Cheng and Guan Zhifu, they rebelled in anger and assassinated the duke. They then installed his cousin, Gongsun Wuzhi, as the ruler of Qi. Meanwhile, Duke Xiang's younger brother, Prince Xiaobai, fled to the State of Ju under the protection of Bao Shuya, a loyal court official. Later, another political upheaval struck Qi. Gongsun Wuzhi, who had only recently ascended the throne, was also assassinated, leaving the state without a leader. At this critical juncture, two younger brothers of Duke Xiang—Prince Jiu and Prince Xiaobai—each vied for the throne, backed by their respective supporters. With the help of Bao Shuya, Prince Xiaobai ultimately emerged victorious and ascended the throne as Duke Huan of Qi. Under the guidance of his brilliant advisor Guan Zhong, Duke Huan became the first hegemon of the Spring and Autumn Period.

One day, while feasting and drinking with Guan Zhong, Bao Shuya, and Ning Qi, Duke Huan turned to Bao Shuya and asked, "Why don’t you offer some words of blessing for me?" In response, Bao Shuya said, "I hope that Your Grace will never forget the harrowing experience of fleeing to Ju. May Guan Zhong never forget the humiliation of being bound in chains in the State of Lu. And may Ning Qi never forget the poverty of feeding cattle and sleeping under a cart." Hearing these words, Duke Huan rose from his seat and bowed respectfully to Bao Shuya. He said, "Both my ministers and I must heed your counsel. Only then can the state remain secure and its foundation endure."

Another notable instance of the idiom "Never Forget Being in Ju" occurred during the Warring States Period.
At that time, General Yue Yi of Yan led an alliance of five states to attack Qi. In a short span, most of Qi's territories fell, leaving only two strongholds, Ju and Jimo, standing. Qi's King Min fled to Ju, but he was betrayed and killed by Nao Chi, a Chu general who had been assisting in the city's defense. Shortly after, Nao Chi was also killed by the people of Qi. With their king dead, the Qi officials in Ju had no choice but to crown King Min's son as the new ruler, King Xiang of Qi, to continue resisting the allied forces. Meanwhile, in Jimo, the commanding general was killed in battle. Faced with a dire situation, the people appointed Tian Dan as their new leader to defend the city.

Finally, through the unity and relentless determination of Tian Dan and the soldiers and civilians of Jimo, they held their ground against all odds. Employing the ingenious "Fire Ox Formation," they launched a nighttime assault on Yue Yi's forces, achieving a decisive victory. Inspired by this news, the military and civilians across Qi rose in rebellion, enabling the Qi army to seize the momentum, launch a counteroffensive, and reclaim all the lost territories.

In the latter half of the 20th century, after the retreat to Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen, and Matsu, the National Government of the Republic of China sought to inspire its people and military. The late President Chiang Kai-shek invoked the spirit of "Never Forget Being in Ju" to encourage perseverance and unity. On the highest peak of Mount Taiwu in Kinmen, he inscribed the characters "毋忘在莒（Never Forget Being in Ju）" as a reminder for all to endure hardships together, safeguard the nation, and learn from the loss of mainland China.