This article rejects the folk tale that Fuchai spared Goujian out of lust or folly. Bound by Spring-Autumn norms and geopolitics, Fuchai spared him to avoid rebel uprisings and allied retaliation, yet Goujian later conquered Wu after enduring hardships.
Basic Information Chinese Idiom: 放虎归山 Pinyin: fàng hǔ guī shān Literal Meaning: Set a tiger free and send it back to the mountains. Figurative Meaning: Spare a dangerous foe and let them escape, thus leaving hidden troubles and future threats. Cultural Background This is a common cautionary Chinese idiom rooted in ancient military history.…