During the Warring States period, Lord Mengchang of Qi, born Tian Wen, was known for his generosity and love of making friends, keeping thousands of retainers, among whom Feng Xuan was one of the most famous.
At first, Feng Xuan was only a low-ranking retainer under Lord Mengchang, eating nothing but simple vegetables and plain rice each day. Dissatisfied with his treatment, he leaned against a gate pillar one day, strumming his sword and singing:
"Long sword! Let's go back. There's not even fish to eat here."
Lord Mengchang's household guests were divided into three classes: the highest-ranking guests enjoyed meat and carriages, the middle-ranking guests had fish, and the lowest-ranking guests could only eat vegetables.
When the attendants reported this to Lord Mengchang, he ordered that Feng Xuan be promoted to a mid-level retainer and be served fish with his meals.
But before long, Feng Xuan again strummed his sword and sang:
"Long sword! Let's go back! Staying here, there's no carriage when we go out!"
When his attendants mocked Feng Xuan, Lord Mengchang heard of it and promoted Feng to the rank of upper-class retainer, granting him a chariot for his travels.
But after a while, Feng Xuan plucked his sword again and sang:
"Long sword, let's go back! Staying here, we can't earn enough to support our family!"
Lord Mengchang learned that Feng Xuan had an elderly mother at home, so he sent people to deliver food and daily necessities to her, ensuring she lacked nothing.
Feng Xuan, deeply impressed by Lord Mengchang's character during their time together, devoted himself wholeheartedly to serving as his most trusted strategist. Time and again, Feng Xuan devised clever plans that helped Lord Mengchang escape from perilous situations, cementing their bond as lord and advisor.
Later, the idiom "Twanging the Sword, No Fish" came to describe someone hoping to improve their situation while living under another's roof.
Source: *Strategies of the Warring States*, Chapter "Strategies of Qi IV"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "弹铗无鱼" came to describe how someone hoping to improve their situation while living under another's roof.