In early 207 BC, as Liu Bang's rebel army advanced toward the Guanzhong region, they arrived at Gaoyang (west of present-day Qi County, Henan Province).
In Gaoyang, there was an old scholar named Li Yiji. His family was very poor, and he served as a minor official in the village. When Xiang Liang, a noble of Chu, raised troops to rebel against Qin, he sent several groups of people to Gaoyang. Li Yiji looked down on Xiang Liang's forces, saying Xiang Liang was not capable of great deeds. Others laughed at him for his wild talk, and thus called him the "Mad Scholar."
A cavalryman in Liu Bang's army, a fellow townsman of Li Yiji, arrived in Gaoyang and spoke with Li about Liu Bang. Li asked, "I've heard that the Duke of Pei (Liu Bang) is arrogant and looks down on those beneath him—is that true?"
The cavalryman replied, "There is some reason for such rumors. But Pei Gong enjoys befriending heroes and scholars; he always welcomes those who discuss matters with him."
Li Sheng said excitedly, "If that's the case, Pei Gong truly has great talent and vision. I am willing to follow him. You can tell Pei Gong that there is a fellow townsman named Li Sheng, over sixty years old, whom everyone calls a mad scholar, but he himself says he is not mad—well-read and wise, able to help Pei Gong establish his enterprise."
The cavalryman shook his head and said, "The Duke of Pei dislikes Confucian scholars the most. When such people come to see him, he orders them to take off their caps and uses them as chamber pots. So if you go to see him as a Confucian scholar, you will surely be cursed out."
Under Li Yiji's insistence, the cavalryman had no choice but to report to Liu Bang. Upon learning that his visitor was not only a Confucian scholar but also an old man well along in years, Liu Bang sent word, "I am busy with war and have no time to see Confucian scholars!"
Li Yiji was furious, his eyes blazing as he grasped his sword and said to the messenger, "Go back and announce that this old man is no Confucian scholar—he is a drunkard from Gaoyang."
Upon hearing this, Liu Bang changed his mind and summoned Li Yiji into his tent. When Li entered, he saw Liu Bang sitting arrogantly while two women washed his feet. Liu Bang barely acknowledged him with a slight nod. Li Yiji, not one to be intimidated, merely clasped his hands in greeting without bowing, then asked in a loud voice, "Are you here to help Qin attack the other kingdoms, or to help the kingdoms attack Qin?"
Liu Bang, already annoyed by his Confucian scholar attire and irritated by his casual demeanor and abrupt speech, grew angry and scolded, "You bookworm, don't you know the whole world suffers under the Qin? The feudal lords all want to destroy Qin—do you think I would help Qin fight against them?"
Li Sheng countered, "Since you seek to destroy Qin, why treat the elderly so harshly? War cannot succeed without strategy. If you scorn worthy advisors, who will offer you counsel?"
Liu Bang quickly stopped washing his feet, put on his shoes, straightened his clothes, and invited Li Yiji to take the seat of honor, humbly seeking his advice.
During their conversation, Li Yiji spoke with eloquence, analyzing the rise and fall of the six states in great detail. Liu Bang was deeply impressed and discussed strategies to conquer the Qin dynasty with him. Li Yiji said, "Your Excellency, your army numbers less than ten thousand and is a ragtag force gathered from all directions. Using such troops to attack the mighty Qin is like driving sheep into a tiger's mouth."
"What do you think should be done then?"
Li Yiji confidently declared, "Chenliu is a strategic hub connecting all directions—perfect for advancing or retreating, and its granaries are overflowing with supplies for the army. Duke of Pei, seize Chenliu first to recruit troops and gather strength. Once your forces are formidable, you can march into Guanzhong. I know the magistrate there well; let me persuade him to surrender. If he refuses, I'll kill him, and you can lead your men in as backup." Liu Bang followed Li Yiji's plan, capturing Chenliu along with vast stores of grain and weapons, swelling his ranks. This laid a solid foundation for their westward push into Guanzhong. Later, the term "Gaoyang drunkard" came to describe a bold, unrestrained drinker.
Source: *Records of the Grand Historian*, "Biographies of Li Yiji and Lu Jia"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "高职酒徒" came to describe a bold, unrestrained drinker.