Wang Tanzhi of the Eastern Jin Dynasty did not revere Confucianism, nor did he follow the common trends of his time. He had a very distinctive personal style and was as renowned as the famous minister Xi Chao. A popular rhyme of the time said: "Xi Jiabin (Xi Chao's style name) surpasses all in virtue, while Wang Tanzhi stands alone east of the Yangtze."
After Grand Marshal Huan Wen of the Eastern Jin Dynasty died, Wang Tanzhi and Xie An jointly assisted the young emperor. Soon, Tanzhi was promoted to Palace Secretary and appointed General of the North, overseeing military affairs in Xu, Yan, and Qing provinces, as well as governor of Xu and Yan, stationed at Guangling. Before departing, worried about the young ruler, he submitted a memorial urging the emperor to consult Xie An and Huan Chong on all state matters, great or small. Tanzhi wrote, "These two ministers, trusted by the late emperor, have devoted their utmost loyalty and sincerity to serve Your Majesty and repay the former emperor. They are to you as Ji Dan was to the Zhou, Huo Guang to the Han, and Wang Dao to Emperor Xianzong." The emperor accepted Tanzhi's memorial.
Later, Wang Tanzhi died of illness at age 46. On his deathbed, he wrote letters to Xie An and Huan Chong, discussing only national affairs without a single word about personal matters. Both inside and outside the court deeply regretted his early death. Later, the idiom "with all one's heart and might" came to describe devoting all one's thoughts and strength, holding nothing back.
Source: *Book of Jin*, "Biography of Wang Tanzhi"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "尽心尽力" came to describe devoting all one's thoughts and strength, holding nothing back.