"To covet Shu after conquering Long" literally means having gained the land of Long, one then wants to obtain the land of Shu. It comes from the Book of the Later Han: The Biography of Cen Peng. After Emperor Guangwu of the Eastern Han, Liu Xiu, pacified the land of Long, he wanted to attack the land of Shu and wrote to Cen Peng, saying: "People suffer from not knowing contentment; having pacified Long, they again covet Shu." Later, it came to mean insatiable greed and never being satisfied. This idiom has a clearly derogatory tone and is often used to criticize those whose desires have no end and who take a mile after being given an inch. It is mostly used to describe excessive pursuit of power, wealth, interests, and the like, and can also be used for self-mockery or teasing. In terms of cultural background, it reflects the high value placed in traditional Chinese values on "contentment brings happiness," as well as vigilance against greed. Its deeper meaning lies in reminding people that if desires are not restrained, one will fall into an endless chase and may ultimately lose what one already has. Emotionally, it carries a tone of sarcasm, criticism, or helplessness.
📝 Example
1. He has just been promoted to department manager, and now he has his eyes on the general manager's position—truly "coveting Long while holding Longxi." (Describing insatiable greed and never being satisfied.)
2. The company has already given him generous treatment, yet he still demands more shares. This "coveting Long while holding Longxi" mentality has greatly disappointed the leadership. (A metaphor for pushing one's luck and having endless desires.)