To Volunteer One's Services

In the Warring States Period, there was a man named Mao Sui, a hanger-on in Lord Pingyuan's house in Zhao State. Mao Sui had been living there for three years without showing his talents. So he attracted nobody's attention. In 257 B.C., the troops of Qin State invaded Zhao State and besieged its capital Handan. Lord Pingyuan was ordered to go to Chu State to ask for reinforcements. He chose nineteen hangers-on who were well versed in both civil and military arts to go to Chu State with him. At the day they were just about to start off, Mao Sui suddenly appeared before Lord Pingyuan and recommended himself to go to Chu State with them.

Lord Pingyuan was surprised at Mao Sui's behavior. He dissuaded him and said,“A person with virtue and talent is just like an awl hidden in the bag, which can be spotted immediately. However, you have been in my house for three years, I have never heard anything laudable about you. So it serves to show that you have no talent.” Mao Sui refuted him,“If you had allowed me to scheme for you, my talent would have demonstrated earlier.” At the insistence of Mao Sui, Lord Pingyuan had to take him to go with them.

As soon as they arrived in Chu State, they began to negotiate over the alliance to resist Qin State. From morning to noon, the matter was not settled yet. Mao Sui became impatient, and he took a chance to dash to the King of Chu, with a sword in one hand and the clothes of the king in the other. At the same time, Mao Sui stated the advantages and disadvantages of the union to resist Qin vehemently. The king was not only frightened by Mao Sui's behavior, but also admired his courage. He immediately agreed to sign the oath of alliance, and sent his troops to help Zhao State.

Lord Pingyuan realized Mao Sui's talent this time, so he admired him greatly. Holding Mao Sui's hands, he praised,“Your convincing eloquence is more useful than a million troops.”

From then on, Mao Sui became a respected hanger-on of Lord Pingyuan.

Now, we use this idiom to indicate that someone volunteers to do something or recommends himself to do something.

We should learn the self-confidence and courage from Mao Sui and dare to expose our special talent in public.