During the reign of King Xuan of Zhou, there was a minister named Xi Jia, styled Bo Jifu, who held the office of Yin and was recorded in history as Yin Jifu.
During the Western Zhou period, northern and southern tribes frequently raided the royal domain. King Xuan of Zhou dispatched two ministers, Yin Jifu and Zhong Shanfu, to lead a punitive campaign. While working together, Yin Jifu discovered that Zhong Shanfu was exceptionally talented and utterly loyal to the throne, earning his deep admiration. The two got along remarkably well.
Yin Jifu and Zhongshanfu worked together with one heart, achieving great military merits in defending against foreign invasions and consolidating the Zhou Dynasty's rule.
Once, King Xuan of Zhou ordered Zhongshan Fu to build a city wall in the Qi region to defend against foreign invasion. Accepting the royal command, Zhongshan Fu knew the land was harsh and the task arduous, yet he set off without hesitation.
Before his departure, Yin Jifu wrote a poem titled "Zheng Min" for Zhong Shanfu, praising his virtue and talent. Four lines of the poem read:
"Clear-sighted and wise, he protects his person; diligent day and night without slack, he serves his lord." This means that Zhongshan Fu was a man of deep understanding, able both to ensure his own safety and peace, and to toil tirelessly, devotedly loyal to the king.
Later, from the phrase "clear-sighted and wise, preserving oneself," people derived the idiom "Ming Zhe Bao Shen" (meaning "wise self-preservation"). Originally a compliment, it described a wise person avoiding actions that might endanger themselves. Over time, however, its meaning shifted to a negative connotation, criticizing those who prioritize personal safety over collective interests and shy away from principled struggles.
Source: *Book of Songs*, "Greater Odes of the Kingdom"
Meaning of the Idiom: Later, the Chinese idiom "明哲保身" came to describe how a wise person avoids actions that might endanger themselves.