In 291 AD, the Western Jin Dynasty was torn apart by the "War of the Eight Princes," a brutal 16-year conflict among royal family members that inflicted immense damage on the nation.
During the Western Jin Dynasty, the famous general and poet Liu Kun was known from childhood for his sharp mind and hard work, composing excellent poetry that earned him great influence among the scholar-officials.
After moving to Luoyang, Liu Kun befriended Zu Ti, a kindred spirit who shared his passion for discussing current affairs and a burning desire to serve their country.
Soon after, the two were both appointed as chief clerks in the same provincial office, sharing duties by day and even the same quilt by night, their bond growing remarkably close.
During the Western Jin Dynasty, when northern tribes frequently raided the south, the young friends Liu Kun and Zu Ti were determined to master martial arts and serve the empire. Every midnight, they would rise and practice swordplay together in the courtyard, their blades flashing under the stars. Later, when Luoyang fell to invaders, Zu Ti led his clan southward, while Liu Kun remained in the north. At their parting, Liu Kun gripped Zu Ti's arm and said, "Once we command troops, we must devote ourselves to the nation, even at the cost of our lives." Zu Ti nodded firmly, "Agreed—we will not rest until the land is reclaimed." This oath fueled their legendary careers: Zu Ti became a famed general who crossed the Yangtze to recover lost territory, while Liu Kun defended the northern frontier with unyielding resolve. Their story gave rise to the idiom "rising at cockcrow to practice the sword," symbolizing relentless dedication to a noble cause.
When Liu Kun heard that Zu Ti had been granted a military command and could lead troops into battle, he was deeply stirred and wrote to him: "I sleep with my spear as my pillow, waiting for dawn, determined to slay the enemy. I only fear that you, Zu Ti, will strike first and claim the glory." This letter reveals the fierce resolve burning in Liu Kun's heart.
In 307 AD, Liu Kun was appointed Governor of Bingzhou. After Emperor Min of Jin ascended the throne, Liu Kun finally achieved his long-held ambition, being named Grand General and Commander of Bingzhou's military affairs, where he spent years battling the northern Xiongnu tribes.
Later, people used the idiom "Pillow on Spear, Awaiting Dawn" to describe an urgent and unrelenting desire to fight the enemy and serve the country.
Source: *Book of Jin*, "Biography of Liu Kun"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "枕戈待旦" came to describe an urgent and unrelenting desire to fight the enemy and serve the country.