History
泣斬馬謖
Executing Ma Su in Tears
Korean: 읍참마속Japanese: 泣いて馬謖を斬る（ないてばしょくをきる）Pinyin: qì zhǎn mǎ sù
Meaning
To punish even someone you cherish, in tears, for the sake of discipline and the greater cause — putting principle above personal affection.
Origin story
In his first northern campaign, Zhuge Liang entrusted the vital pass of Jieting to his favorite protégé, Ma Su. Ignoring orders, Ma Su abandoned the water source and camped on a hilltop — and was crushed by the Wei army. With the supply line cut, the Shu forces had to abandon everything they had gained and retreat. Though he loved Ma Su like a son, Zhuge Liang ordered his execution in tears to uphold military law. He then demoted himself three ranks for having chosen the wrong man.
Source: Records of the Three Kingdoms — Ma Su
People
Modern examples
- Star player or not, the club cut him over the drunk-driving scandal — a tearful but necessary execution of discipline.
- When the co-founder’s misconduct surfaced, the CEO dismissed him with a heavy heart, principle over friendship.