Jiang Gan in the Romance of the Three Kingdoms was born in Jiujiang (now Shouxian County, Anhui Province). The romance novel describes Battle of Red Cliffs's former Jiang Gan as a lobbyist for Cao Cao, trying to persuade Zhou Yu to surrender.
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Mao Sui was a guest of Ping Yuanjun of Zhao State during the Warring States Period. When Qi attacked Zhao, he was ordered to go to Chu for help, so he automatically asked to follow. In the state of Chu, Ping Yuanjun talked with the king of Chu all morning, but there was no result. Mao Sui stepped forward and showed his own interests. The king of Chu promised to send Chun to lead troops to save Zhao. Later, I used the metaphor of "recommending myself" to recommend myself.
Details: During the Warring States Period, Qin Jun defeated Zhao Jun in Changping. Tian Lei, the leader of Qin Jun, led the attack and surrounded Handan, the capital of Zhao. At present, Zhao's situation is very critical. The king of Zhao ordered Zhao Sheng to go to Chu to seek the help of soldiers. Ping Yuanjun called the public and selected 20 civil and military generalists to go with him. After selection, there is still one person missing at last. A man named stood up and recommended himself to Mao Sui, saying, "I heard that Mr. Wang is going to the State of Chu to sign a contract of union, and it is agreed that 20 public guests will go with him and not be outside to watch. One person is still missing. I hope that Teacher Wang will start from the number of people who have made up enough! " Ping Yuanjun said, "How many years has Mr. Zhao Sheng been here?" Mao Sui said, "Three years." Ping Yuanjun said, "A wise man in the world is like an awl in a bag, and its tip will be revealed immediately. Now, I have been under Zhao Shengmen for three years, and no one around me has praised you, and Zhao Sheng has never heard any compliments. This is because I have no talent. So Mr. Wang Can can't go, please stay! " Mao Sui said, "I only asked to enter the bag today. If I were in the bag, I would be like an awl, and the whole edge would be exposed, not just the tip. " Ping Yuanjun finally chose Mao Sui. In the State of Chu, the King of Chu only received Ping Yuanjun. Two people sat in the temple, from morning to noon, with no result. Mao Sui stepped up the steps and shouted at a distance, "It's either good or bad to send troops. Simple and clear. Why not decide to discuss it? " The king of Chu was very angry and asked Ping Yuanjun, "Who is this man?" Ping Yuanjun replied: "This man's name is Mao Sui, but he is my guest!" The king of Chu shouted, "Get off the bus! I'm talking to your master. What are you doing here? " Seeing that the king of Chu was angry, Mao Sui did not step down, but went up several steps. He put the sword in his hand and said, "Now, in ten steps, your king's life is in my hands!" " Seeing that Mao Sui was so brave, the King of Chu stopped scolding him, so he listened to Mao Sui. Mao Sui made an incisive analysis of the truth of capture, assistance and Chu. Mao sui's words convinced the king of Chu and promised to send troops at once. A few days later, Chu, Wei and other countries jointly sent troops to help Zhao. Qin Jun retreated. After returning to Zhao, he became a national guest. He sighed and said, "When Mr. Mao arrived in Chu, the king of Chu dared not look down upon Zhao." The idiom "self-recommendation" comes from this, which means to recommend yourself to do a certain job without being introduced by others.