Zichan, also known as Gongsun Qiao, was a senior minister of the State of Zheng during the Spring and Autumn Period, serving as prime minister for many years and holding the reins of government.
In 542 BCE, Zichan, a minister of the State of Zheng, was sent by Duke Jian to visit the State of Jin, bearing many gifts. Upon arrival, he found that Duke Ping of Jin, citing mourning for the recent death of Duke Xiang of Lu, refused to receive the Zheng envoys. Without hesitation, Zichan ordered his attendants to tear down the wall of Jin's guesthouse, drive their chariots inside, and unload their goods. When a Jin official rushed over to protest, Zichan calmly replied, "Our gifts are precious and must be kept safe. Since your lord will not meet us, we have no choice but to make our own shelter." The official, taken aback, reported to Duke Ping, who then realized the insult he had given and quickly arranged a proper reception. This story illustrates how a bold, principled act can command respect even from a reluctant host.
When Duke Ping of Jin learned of this, he was startled and sent the minister Shi Wenbo to the guesthouse to interrogate Zichan. Shi Wenbo demanded, "Our state is the leader of the feudal lords, and many officials from various states come to pay court. To prevent thieves and ensure the safety of our guests, we specially built this guesthouse with thick walls. Now you have torn down the walls—how can we guarantee the security of other visiting lords? Our ruler wants to know your intention in demolishing the wall."
Zichan replied, "Our state of Zheng is small and must present tribute to the great states. This time we brought treasures gathered from our land to the assembly, but your ruler had no time to see us—we don't even know when we might be received. I recall that when Duke Wen of Jin was the hegemon, his own palace was modest, but the guesthouses for visiting lords were built tall and grand. Upon arrival, everything was arranged, gifts could be presented quickly, and he shared both joy and hardship with his guests—teaching what they didn't know, helping with their troubles. Visitors felt as if they had returned home. But now, the palace at Tongti Mountain in Jin covers several li, while the guesthouses for lords are like slave quarters. Carriages cannot enter the gate, and there's no fixed date for an audience. We cannot climb the walls, and if we leave these gifts exposed to sun and rain, it would be our fault. If you allow us to present our tribute, we will gladly repair the wall before leaving."
Shi Wenbo reported the situation to Duke Ping of Jin, who felt ashamed and immediately received Zichan, hosted a grand banquet, bestowed generous gifts, and ordered the guesthouse to be rebuilt.
"The idiom 'guests feel at home' means visitors feel as comfortable here as in their own home, often describing a host's warm and thoughtful hospitality."
Source: *Zuo Zhuan*, "Duke Xiang's 31st Year"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "宾至如归" came to describe visitors feel as comfortable here as in their own home, often describing a host's warm and thoughtful hospitality.