Idiom Explanation:
It refers to the embezzlement of the money handled for one’s own benefit.
Pronunciation:
中饱私囊
zhōng bǎo sī náng
Origin:
战国·韩非子《韩非子・外储说右下》：“薄疑谓赵简主曰：‘君之国中饱，’ 简主欣然而喜曰：‘何如焉？’对：‘府库空虚于上，百姓贫饿于下，然而奸佞富矣’”
Story:
Zhao Jianzi, or Zhao Yang. In the late Spring and Autumn period, after he took charge of the power of the Jin dynasty, he was diligent in government and loved the people, sympathizing with their hardships and hoping to govern the country better, but he was not good at restraining the officials under him.
One year, when the state was in financial straits, Zhao Jianzi sent a tax collector to collect taxes, which was a good opportunity to make a big profit. Before leaving, the tax collector asked Zhao Jianzi in a false sense, “Please give your instructions, what is the tax rate for this collection?” Zhao Jianzi replied, “It is best if it is not too light and not too heavy. If the tax is heavy, the country will be rich, but the people will be poor; if the tax is light, the people will be rich, but the country will be poor. If you have no selfishness, this matter can be done well.”
At this time, a man named Book Doubt said to Zhao Jianzi, “As I see it, your country is actually full in the middle.” Zhao Jianzi thought that Book of Doubt was saying that his country was rich, and was very happy, and deliberately asked Book of Doubt what he meant. Bo Doubt said bluntly, “Your country’s treasury above is empty, the people below are poor, and those corrupt officials in the middle are rich.” Zhao Jianzi was very surprised to hear this. Later, Zhao Jianzi made great efforts to reorganize the officials, and selected the wise and capable, laying a solid foundation for Zhao’s statehood.
