King Chu’s Fondness for Slim Waists

The phrase “King Chu’s fondness for slim waists” refers to the story of King Ling of Chu, who preferred courtiers with slender waists, prompting them to lose weight to gain his favor. This anecdote originates from “Mozi: Universal Love.” In this narrative, King Ling of Chu’s preference for slim-waisted courtiers led them to drastically reduce their food intake to maintain their figures, with some even starving to death due to excessive dieting. This tale not only reflects the power struggles within ancient courts and the survival conditions of courtiers but also satirizes those who blindly follow trends to appease superiors.