Wang Ji of Fengxiang once pursued his studies in the Zhongnan Mountains. During the Taihe era of Emperor Zhangzong of the Jin Dynasty, he was recommended by Marshal Gao Qi and granted the title of Presented Scholar by imperial decree, later serving as Deputy Commander to guard the Zhuolu Pass.
Soon after, Genghis Khan, the founding emperor of the Yuan Dynasty, led his massive army southward
Genghis Khan was furious that Zhuolu refused to surrender, so he ordered the execution of all captured soldiers. While others trembled with pale faces and weak knees, Wang Ji stood tall with his chest out, his expression calm and fearless.
Genghis Khan admired his courage and asked, "How dare you resist my great army? Are you not afraid of death?" Wang Ji replied proudly, "As a commoner, I received great favor from the Jin emperor and swore to sacrifice myself for my country. Now that I have failed, dying for my lord is my fortune!"
The Mongol Emperor Genghis Khan, impressed by his unwavering loyalty, pardoned him and set him free.
Later, the idiom "Sacrifice One's Life for the Nation" came to describe giving up one's life to serve the country.
Source: *History of Yuan*, "Biography of Wang Ji"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "捐躯报国" came to describe giving up one's life to serve the country.