Li Mian, a descendant of the Tang Dynasty's imperial clan, rose from a local official to become Chancellor, but despite his high status, he never acted arrogantly and treated everyone with sincerity and courtesy.
When Li Mian served as the Surveillance Commissioner of Shannan West Circuit, he discovered a county sheriff named Wang Zui who was upright, diligent, and capable, so he promoted him to magistrate of Nanzheng County.
Shortly after, Wang Zui was falsely accused by powerful officials, and Emperor Suzong of the Tang Dynasty issued an edict ordering Li Mian to execute him. Instead of arresting Wang Zui, Li Mian submitted a memorial pleading for his pardon. After an investigation, the court spared Wang Zui's life, but Li Mian was recalled to the capital for failing to fully carry out the imperial decree.
Upon returning to the capital, Li Mian reported to Emperor Suzong that Wang Zui was innocent and advised the emperor to appoint more capable officials like Wang Zui. After learning the full story, Suzong praised Li Mian, promoted him to Grand Master of the Imperial Clan, and reinstated Wang Zui as county magistrate. Wang Zui proved to be an honest and fair official, beloved by the people, and Li Mian was celebrated for his keen eye in recognizing true talent.
Later, when Li Mian became a military governor, he heard that Li Xun and Zhang Can were exceptionally talented, so he invited them to assist with official duties. Li Mian greatly respected these two scholars, never putting on airs, and always invited them to banquets.
When Zhang Can and Li Xun passed away, Li Mian still deeply missed them and always kept their seats empty at banquets, as if they were still alive.
Li Mian treated even the lowliest soldiers with great care, often visiting their families. As a result, every soldier under his command was willing to fight to the death for him.
Li Mian's character was highly esteemed by later generations, with historians praising him for "respecting the worthy and humbling himself to the wise," calling him a model among imperial ministers. Later, people used the idiom "respecting the worthy and humbling oneself to the wise" to refer to honoring talented individuals and treating those of lower status with courtesy.
Source: *New Book of Tang*, "Biography of Li Mian"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "礼贤下士" came to describe honoring talented individuals and treating those of lower status with courtesy.