Wang Gui lost his father in childhood and grew up in poverty, yet he was content by nature, free from greed, and harbored a grand ambition to bring order to the world. In court, he spoke with sincerity and unwavering loyalty, earning the favor of Emperor Taizong of Tang, who appointed him as an imperial advisor. Alongside Fang Xuanling, Li Jing, and Wei Zheng, Wang Gui helped govern the empire.
Once, Emperor Taizong of Tang hosted a banquet and drank with his ministers. During the feast, he asked Wang Gui:
"You see things clearly and are skilled at commentary. Please evaluate yourself and several ministers like Fang Xuanling—who is more capable?"
After a moment's thought, Wang Gui replied honestly, "When it comes to tirelessly handling state affairs and giving my all whenever duty calls, I cannot match Fang Xuanling. In both civil and military talent, serving as both minister and general, I cannot match Li Jing. In keeping remonstrance at heart, always fearing the emperor might fall short of the sage-kings Yao and Shun, I cannot match Wei Zheng. But in exposing the corrupt and promoting the virtuous, in detesting evil and cherishing goodness, I surpass these ministers slightly."
Emperor Taizong of Tang nodded repeatedly in agreement. Fang Xuanling and others also found Wang Gui's assessment accurate and were sincerely convinced. Ji means hatred. Later, the idiom "Abhor Evil and Cherish Good" came to describe hating evil deeds and encouraging good ones.
Source: *Old Book of Tang*, "Biography of Wang Gui"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "嫉恶好善" came to describe hating evil deeds and encouraging good ones.