During the reign of Emperor Wu of the Han Dynasty, Grand General Huo Guang was a pivotal minister deeply trusted by the emperor. On his deathbed, Emperor Wu entrusted Huo Guang with assisting his youngest son, Liu Fuling (Emperor Zhao), in governing the country. After Emperor Zhao's death, Huo Guang installed Liu Xun as emperor, who became Emperor Xuan. Controlling the imperial government for over 40 years, Huo Guang rendered significant service to the Western Han Dynasty.
After Liu Xun ascended the throne, he made Consort Xu his empress. Huo Guang's wife, Huo Xian, coveting wealth and rank, schemed to make her youngest daughter, Chengjun, the new empress. Seizing the opportunity of the empress's illness, Huo Xian bribed a female physician to poison her. The vicious plot was exposed, and the physician was imprisoned. Huo Guang was unaware beforehand and only learned of it from his wife afterward. Seized with terror, he reproached her. He considered reporting the crime but could not bear to see her punished. After much hesitation, he ultimately concealed this heinous act.
After Huo Guang's death, Emperor Xuan was informed of the case and sent investigators. Upon hearing this, Huo Xian conspired with family and trusted followers. They decided to rally their clansmen to stage a rebellion, but the secret was divulged. Emperor Xuan sent troops to surround the Huo residence, resulting in the execution of the entire family.
Commenting on Huo Guang's merits and demerits, historian Ban Gu (32-92) wrote in "The Biography of Huo Guang" in his History of the Han Dynasty that Huo Guang "had neither learning nor skill and was ignorant of major principles." This means Huo Guang failed to grasp overarching truths due to his lack of study and knowledge. The idiom "having neither learning nor skill" is later used to describe someone as ignorant and incompetent.