Ji Chang, King Wen of the Zhou, was a tribal leader in the late Shang Dynasty. Seeing the tyrant King Zhou of Shang's brutal and unjust rule, he resolved to govern his own state well, waiting for the right moment to raise an army and overthrow the Shang.
King Wen of Zhou had many wise advisors, yet he still lacked one exceptional figure who excelled in both civil and military affairs to serve as his chief aide. So he kept a constant watch, yearning to find such a talent.
At that time, there was a remarkable man named Jiang Shang, also known as Fei Xiong, who was skilled in both civil and military arts. Though already seventy years old, he still sought an opportunity to achieve great deeds. Knowing that King Wen of Zhou was a wise ruler, Jiang Shang often fished by the Wei River, hoping one day to meet the king there and be employed by him.
One night, King Wen of Zhou dreamed of a winged bear flying into his arms.
The next day, King Wen of Zhou ordered Grand Scribe Bian to perform divination. After divining, Grand Scribe Bian composed the results into lyrics and sang them to King Wen.
Quickly head to the northern bank of the Wei River for a hunt.
A Thousand Li a Day During the Warring States period, the legendary charioteer Zaofu was renowned for his unmatched skill. One day, a young man approached him and asked, "Master, I've heard you can cover a thousand li in a single day. Is that true?" Zaofu replied with a knowing smile, "Speed alone is not enough. A chariot must be balanced, the horses well-trained, and the driver patient. Rushing recklessly will only lead to disaster." The young man pressed further, "But what if I push harder and faster?" Zaofu shook his head, "Then you'll exhaust the horses and break the chariot before you've gone half the distance." This story reminds us that true progress requires wisdom and balance, not just haste. Source: *Zhuangzi*, "Autumn Floods"
Not a chi (a legendary dragon-like creature).
Nor is it a dragon.
Not a Tiger
During the Warring States period, the philosopher Yang Zhu was known for his extreme self-interest
"Gaining a Capable Person Makes You a Duke or Marquis" - This Chinese idiom celebrates the immense value of discovering exceptional talent. The story traces back to the Spring and Autumn Period when King Ping of Chu lost a treasured jade pendant. He ordered his ministers to search for it, but after three days of fruitless effort, the king grew frustrated. His advisor, Yin Ji, stepped forward and said, "Your Majesty, if you reward the finder generously, someone will surely return it." The king followed this advice, and soon a commoner brought back the pendant. Overjoyed, King Ping exclaimed, "Gaining a capable person is like gaining a thousand pieces of gold; it makes you a duke or a marquis!" This tale underscores that true wealth lies not in material objects but in wise counsel and loyal service. Today, the phrase is used to praise someone who has recruited or partnered with a highly skilled individual, emphasizing that the right person can elevate your fortunes beyond measure. Source: *Han Feizi*, Chapter "On the Difficulties of Persuasion"
He is a great helper bestowed upon you by heaven itself.
King Wen of Zhou was overjoyed and led his men on a hunting expedition to the northern bank of the Wei River, where he indeed encountered Jiang Shang.
After King Wen of Zhou spoke with Jiang Shang for a while, he discovered the man was profoundly learned and possessed extraordinary insight. Learning that Jiang Shang was also known as "Flying Bear"—the very type of talent he had been seeking—the king was overjoyed. He said, "My late father, the Grand Duke, often told me that a sage would come to us, and then our Zhou clan would flourish. You are truly that sage! My father has long admired you from afar."
Thus, King Wen of Zhou called him "Grand Duke Wang," and later generations referred to him as Jiang Taigong.
King Wen of Zhou then invited Jiang Shang to ride in his chariot and return with him, and he appointed Jiang Shang as Grand Preceptor.
After King Wen of Zhou passed away, Jiang Shang continued to serve his son, King Wu of Zhou, and together they ultimately overthrew the Shang dynasty.
Later, the idiom "Flying Bear Enters Dream" came to describe an omen of an emperor gaining a wise minister.
Source: *Six Secret Teachings*, Chapter "Civil Master"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "飞熊入梦" came to describe an omen of an emperor gaining a wise minister.