Li Yiji was a wine-loving old man from Gaoyang, sixty years old and unknown. When Liu Bang's rebel army passed through his hometown, Li Yiji asked for an audience.
Liu Bang received him while having his feet washed by two women — a posture of casual contempt. Li Yiji entered, bowed once — but did not kneel — and said bluntly: "Are you here to help Qin destroy the feudal lords, or to lead the feudal lords to destroy Qin?"
Liu Bang cursed him: "You fool! Everyone hates Qin! Why would I help them?"
Li Yiji replied: "If you truly wish to raise an army of righteousness to punish the tyrant, you should not receive an old man with your feet in a basin."
Liu Bang immediately stopped the washing, stood up, straightened his robes, and invited Li Yiji to the seat of honor. He apologized sincerely.
Li Yiji went on to become one of Liu Bang's most valuable diplomats, using his eloquence to persuade cities to surrender without battle. Liu Bang called him "my mad scholar."
沛公至高阳传舍，使人召郦食其。郦生至，入谒，沛公方倨床使两女子洗足。郦生入，则长揖不拜，曰：「足下欲助秦攻诸侯乎？且欲率诸侯破秦也？」沛公骂曰：「竖儒！夫天下同苦秦久矣，故诸侯相率而攻秦，何谓助秦攻诸侯乎？」
郦生曰：「必欲聚徒合义兵诛无道秦，不宜倨见长者。」于是沛公辍洗，起摄衣，延郦生上坐，谢之。
沛公至高阳传舍，使人召郦食其。郦生至，入谒，沛公方倨床使两女子洗足。郦生入，则长揖不拜，曰：「足下欲助秦攻诸侯乎？且欲率诸侯破秦也？」沛公骂曰：「竖儒！夫天下同苦秦久矣，故诸侯相率而攻秦，何谓助秦攻诸侯乎？」
郦生曰：「必欲聚徒合义兵诛无道秦，不宜倨见长者。」于是沛公辍洗，起摄衣，延郦生上坐，谢之。
Reflection & Analysis · 寓意解读
Core Wisdom
Self-respect is not about status — it is about knowing your worth and refusing to be treated as less, even by a king.
Li Yiji's boldness is remarkable because he had nothing — no army, no wealth, no reputation. He was an old man with a drinking problem. But he understood that the meeting's opening tone would define the relationship. If he accepted the foot-washing, he would forever be a subordinate.
Liu Bang's response is equally telling. He did not resent the rebuke — he respected it. The men who could stand up to him were the ones he trusted most. Li Yiji's refusal to kneel was the strongest possible demonstration of the kind of man he was.