The idiom "one question and three don't know" contains rich historical connotations and profound cultural heritage. Among them, the "three ignorances" refer to ignorance of the beginning, process, and outcome of something. The story of this idiom originates from a war between Zheng and Jin in the early Spring and Autumn Period, as well as the heroic deeds of Qi to rescue Zheng Guo.
During the Spring and Autumn Period and the Warring States Period, Zheng Guo was originally a country with strong national strength, but with the passage of time, Zheng Guo gradually declined, and his national strength was not as good as before. At this time, the Jin State, seeing the weakening of Zheng Guo, had the intention of annexing and decided to send troops to attack Zheng Guo. In the face of the powerful Jin army, the king of Zheng knew that he could not resist, so he hurriedly sent a doctor to Qi to ask Qi to send troops to help.
When the monarch of Qi heard Zheng Guo's request for help, he knew in his heart that if the Jin State annexed Zheng State, its power would definitely become even stronger, and it would undoubtedly be a huge threat to Qi State. Therefore, Ping Gong decided to send troops to rescue Zheng Guo, and he sent his doctor Chen Chengzi as the main general to lead the army to Zheng Guo.
The Qi army led by Chen Chengzi traveled all the way and finally came to the bank of the Zishui River. However, at this moment, the sky suddenly became cloudy and heavy rain poured down. The soldiers looked at the rushing river and felt fear in their hearts, and they were unwilling to cross the river in the rain. Zheng Guo's guide Zi Si was very anxious when he saw this scene, he knew that Zheng Guo was in a critical autumn of survival and urgently needed reinforcements from Qi State. So, he kept urging Chen Chengzi to cross the river as soon as possible.
Chen Chengzi looked at the soldiers in front of him, and he knew the fear and hesitation in their hearts. However, he also understands that as a general, he cannot back down and cannot give up. He resolutely drew his sword, pointed it at the opposite bank, and shouted, "Cross the river!" Seeing the determination of the commander, the soldiers also mustered up their courage, jumped into the river one after another, and swam to the opposite bank.
Just as the Qi army was crossing the river, Xun Yao, the commander of the Jin army, learned the news. He originally thought that Zheng Guo was isolated and could be easily captured. Unexpectedly, Qi Guo actually sent troops to rescue, which surprised him very much. Xun Yao looked at the neatly aligned Qi army on the other side, and couldn't help but feel fear in his heart. Fearing that his army would not be able to defeat the Qi army, he decided to withdraw.
However, Xun Yao was not willing to give up like this. Before withdrawing his troops, he sent an envoy named Xun Yin to meet Chen Chengzi. Xun Yin told Chen Chengzi that although the Jin army withdrew, it did not really give up, and they planned to send more chariots to attack the Qi army. After hearing this, Chen Chengzi sneered and said: "The key to sending troops to fight is to rely on justice. If our army is just, it will be able to defeat the enemy even if it is insufficient. On the other hand, if the army is unjust, no matter how many troops there are, it will fail. You go back and tell Xun Yao that no matter how many chariots he has, I'm not afraid!"
Xun Yin returned to the Jin army camp and told Xun Yao what Chen Chengzi said. After Xun Yao heard this, he was even more afraid in his heart, he knew that his army was not a righteous army and could not compete with the Qi army. So, he ordered the whole army to retreat and no longer attack Zheng Guo.
In this war, the idiom "one question and three don't know" came into being. Originally, it was used to describe Chen Chengzi's ignorance of the Jin army's plan of action—not knowing their beginnings (the intention of sending troops), their process (specific tactical arrangements), and their results (possible battle results). Later, the idiom gradually evolved to mean that one knows nothing or knows nothing about something.
This story not only shows the cruelty and ruthlessness of ancient warfare, but also shows the courage and determination of people in the face of the unknown and difficulties. With firm faith and determination, Chen Chengzi led the Qi army to successfully cross the river and repel the Jin army, not only saving Zheng Guo from danger, but also winning honor and respect for himself and Qi Guo.
At the same time, the idiom "one question and three unknowns" also reminds us that we should keep a calm and clear head in the face of unknowns and difficulties, and not be swayed by fear and hesitation. Only by having firm faith and forging ahead bravely can we overcome all difficulties and challenges.
Nowadays, "one question and three don't know" has become a widely circulated idiom and is often used in daily life. It is not only a linguistic symbol, but also a spiritual symbol, representing people's courage and determination in the face of the unknown and difficulties.