Many of our greatest enemies were once our closest friends. The people we should be most cautious of are not strangers, but those who know us best.
A tale from Liaozhai about two friends
Yanggu County had two scholars: Feng Bo and Zheng Yi. They studied together for years, but never passed the imperial exams. Their shared struggles made them as close as brothers. After some time, Feng Bo chose to settle down. He let go of his dream to become an official, married, and focused on building a stable family life. Meanwhile, Zheng Yi continued pursuing his studies, determined to succeed.
As years passed, Feng Bo’s life flourished while Zheng Yi did not achieve his goals, and struggled to make ends meet. Out of loyalty and friendship, Feng Bo and his wife often supported Zheng Yi financially, and Zheng Yi, deeply grateful, repeatedly promised to repay them generously after becoming an official.
Over the years, however, Zheng Yi remained destitute, unwilling to seek a more practical way of living. Feng Bo advised him to let go of his unrealistic dreams and build a life for himself, but Zheng Yi mocked his friend for lacking ambition.
In frustration, Feng Bo ceased his financial support and asked Zheng Yi to repay his long-standing debts — not out of greed, but hoping it would force the man to confront reality. Rather than repaying what he owed, however, Zheng Yi began spreading the rumor that Feng Bo was selfish and valued money over friendship.
Since they had been close for so long, Zheng Yi knew many of Feng Bo’s secrets. He began exposing them publicly, destroying Feng Bo’s reputation. His neighbors gossiped, his wife resented him, and he isolated himself. Overwhelmed by stress and sorrow, Feng Bo fell gravely ill and eventually passed away. Something strange, though, happened after his death. Zheng Yi, who had refused to repay his debts when his friend was alive, suddenly began settling them and he passed away not long after fulfilling his financial obligations.
Later, Feng Bo’s wife learned that Zheng Yi’s home had been haunted every night. Neighbors often heard him mumbling in distress, confessing his guilt toward Feng Bo. Many believed that Feng Bo had died unjustly and had returned as a vengeful spirit to demand justice.
From trusted friends to bitter enemies, Zhen Yi and Feng Bo’s tragic end serves as a sobering reminder of how quickly relationships can unravel.
Why do friends become enemies?
The answer lies in familiarity.
Throughout history, countless great figures have failed at the hands of those they once trusted. Take the story of Han Xin, who was deceived by Xiao He, ultimately leading to the extermination of his entire clan. Or Lin Chong, from the book Water Margin, suffered betrayal by his childhood friend, Lu Qian, who shattered his existence and family.
In everyday life, many misfortunes stem not from strangers, but from those who once were friends. Someone who stands beside you today may turn against you tomorrow over the smallest slight. This is even more common when one becomes successful. Friends and acquaintances do not fear your struggles; they fear your rise. You might have never wronged them, but your achievements can trigger their envy and resentment, especially if they have not reached their goals.
If they owe you something — financially or emotionally — your existence becomes a burden and a constant reminder of their debt. This is the unsettling reality of human nature, and it explains why, at times, friends turn into enemies. Things unfold that way when people grow up without moral guidance, virtue, and integrity, which causes them to lose their sense of righteousness and decency.
Translated by Katy Liu and edited by Laura Cozzolino
Follow us on X, Facebook, or Pinterest
