When the veteran general Bao Shengzhi visited Chang'an to call on Zhao Guanghan, the capital's governor, Emperor Zhao of Han had just died without an heir, and powerful clans and wandering knights were exploiting the interregnum's chaos to stir up trouble and commit crimes. Zhao Guanghan first extended courtesy, then force, arresting all wrongdoers and restoring order to the capital.
Upon meeting, Bao Shengzhi lavished praise on Zhao Guanghan, declaring his governance achievements unmatched in the world.
Zhao Guanghan said, "My ability only extends to stopping corruption and punishing minor officials and commoners. When it comes to handling major court affairs, I am far inferior to my predecessor, Xijingzhao Manqian."
During the reign of Emperor Zhao of Han, a mysterious man drove a yellow ox-drawn cart to the North Que Gate of the palace, wearing yellow robes and claiming to be Liu Ju, the eldest son of the late Emperor Wu who was thought to have died in a rebellion. Thousands of onlookers gathered, and even the highest officials hesitated to act. When Jing Zhaoyin Jun Buyi arrived late, he immediately ordered the man's arrest. A colleague cautioned, "Shouldn't we wait until we're certain?" Jun Buyi replied, "The late Emperor decreed the pursuit of the escaped prince, and that order still stands. Even if this man were the true prince, I am merely following the Emperor's command—what fault is there in that?" It was later discovered the man was actually a fortune-teller from Mount Song named Cheng Fangsu, who had been told by a former servant of the prince that he resembled him, and thus came to Chang'an to deceive.
Zhao Guanghan added, "I heard that Xi Jingzhao was recommended to the court by you, General. Please share the full details of the matter."
Bao Shenzhi recounted, "In the late years of the late emperor, the Bohai region was overrun by bandits. I was ordered to Qingzhou to suppress the rebellion and killed many before order was restored. One day, while resting in the inner hall, my attendant announced, 'A scholar seeks an audience—wearing an official cap, a jade-hilted longsword at his waist, jade rings and pendants adorning his front and back, dressed in flowing robes and a broad sash, with a dignified and solemn demeanor. When I asked him to remove his sword, he replied, "A sword is a gentleman's martial gear; it cannot be parted from its owner."' I had long heard of the famous scholar Xi Buyi from Bohai and guessed it was him. Barefoot, I rushed to the hall to welcome him. He told me, 'For any official, being too rigid leads to breakage, being too soft leads to failure. In exercising authority, one must also bestow kindness to establish merit, gain fame, and preserve heavenly blessings forever.' I deeply respected him and recommended him as the Inspector of Qingzhou. He later rose to become the Governor of the Capital."
“Baoyi” refers to a loose robe, and “bodai” refers to a wide sash. Today, “baoyi bodai” is used to describe wearing formal attire, carrying both a sense of solemnity and seriousness.
Source: *Book of Han*, "Biography of Xi Buyi"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "褒衣博带" came to describe wearing formal attire, carrying both a sense of solemnity and seriousness.