During the Spring and Autumn period, Zhou Yu of the State of Wei killed his elder brother and usurped the throne, losing popular support. To escape this isolated predicament, he consulted with his trusted advisor Shi Hou. Shi Hou said, "My father Shi Que is very popular. Now he has resigned from his position as senior minister and retired to his hometown. If we can persuade him to come out and assist you, we can rest easy."
Zhou Yu hastily ordered Shi Hou to present a pair of white jade discs to invite Shi Que, but Shi Que feigned illness and refused to attend court. Helpless, Zhou Yu then sent Shi Hou to ask for advice on securing the throne. Shi Que said, "As long as the Son of Heaven grants permission and nods in agreement, there is no fear that the people will not submit."
Shi Hou said, "The idea is good! But if the Son of Heaven does not permit it, it would be better if someone could plead on our behalf."
Shi Que had long been dissatisfied with Zhou Yu's usurpation. Hearing Shi Hou's words, he sensed an opportunity to eliminate the traitor and cunningly said, "Duke Huan of Chen is close to the Son of Heaven of Zhou and also has ties with us. Go first to the State of Chen and ask Duke Huan to put in a good word for you before the Son of Heaven. Then you can seek an audience—what is there to fear about not succeeding?"
Thus, Zhou Yu and Shi Hou, bearing lavish gifts, arrived in the State of Chen. Duke Huan of Chen ordered his senior official, Zi, to receive them. Zi, having already received a secret letter from his close friend Shi Que urging him to eliminate these villains for the people, immediately escorted Shi Hou and Zhou Yu to the pre-arranged Ancestral Temple after securing Duke Huan's approval.
Zhou Yu saw a white sign at the entrance reading, "Those who are unfaithful, unfilial, lacking virtue, or without righteousness are not allowed into the temple!" Startled, he quickly asked Zi what this meant. Zi replied, "This is a precept left by our ancestors, nothing more."
Relieved, the two entered the temple. No sooner were they inside than Zi bellowed, "By order of the Son of Heaven, seize the regicidal rebels!"
Guards rushed forward from both sides, and before Zhou Xu and Shi Hou could resist, they were both captured. Duke Huan of Chen wanted to execute them on the spot, but Zi said, "Wait! Shi Hou is Shi Que's son; it may be improper for us to kill him. Let Wei handle it themselves!"
Lord Chen sent word to Shi Que. Shi Que gathered the ministers and said, "Both have committed unpardonable crimes. We should send someone to Chen immediately to carry out the execution!" A minister said, "Traitors and rebels deserve death, but I suggest executing Zhou Yu and showing leniency to his accomplice Shi Hou."
Unexpectedly, Shi Que showed no gratitude and said sternly, "Outrageous! Without my unfilial son, Zhou Xu would not have committed such heinous acts. Though I love my son, I cannot prioritize personal feelings over righteousness. Say no more—who will enforce the law?"
After several calls, no one responded. Shi Que was so furious he wanted to go himself, but his retainers stopped him, offering to go in his stead. When the retainers arrived in the State of Chen, they first executed Zhou Yu. Shi Hou still clung to a sliver of hope, pleading, "I deserve to die, but I beg you to let me appeal to my father."
The steward said, "Stop dreaming—we are here to enforce the law on your father's orders."
With that, the blade fell and Shi Hou's head was severed from his body.
At that time, Shi Que's act of placing righteousness above family won widespread praise from the people.
Later, people used the idiom "Place Righteousness Above Family Loyalty" to refer to upholding national and public interests by not showing favoritism toward criminal relatives, ensuring they receive due punishment.
Source: *Zuo Zhuan*, Chapter "Duke Yin, Year Four"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "大义灭亲" came to describe upholding national and public interests by not showing favoritism toward criminal relatives, ensuring they receive due punishment.