唯利是图

Origin and story

Zuozhuan's account of Duke Cheng's thirteenth year includes Lü Xiang's formal statement breaking Jin's relations with Qin. In this hostile diplomatic speech, Qin is accused of violating an agreement and seeking help from other states against Jin. The speaker quotes an alleged declaration that, despite dealings with Jin, Qin looks only to advantage. The earlier wording ends in shi, 'look toward'; the familiar idiom uses tu, 'seek.' Because the claim is embedded in an adversary's indictment, it should not be treated as a neutral transcript of Qin's private intentions. The later phrase condemns gain pursued without regard for loyalty or principle.