Ji An served during the reign of Emperor Wu of the Western Han Dynasty (206 BC–AD 24). He was widely respected for his integrity, justice, and courage to speak truth to power. He focused on practical results over minor formalities, governing his prefecture with quiet efficiency and perfect order. This success led to his promotion to a central government post overseeing the appointment and dismissal of local officials.
Once, Emperor Wu proclaimed his intention to implement Confucian policies of benevolence and justice for the people's benefit. Before the emperor could finish, Ji An bluntly interrupted, questioning the need for such pronouncements when the emperor's own actions were driven by greed and avarice. The emperor, visibly angered, abruptly ended the audience. The court officials feared for Ji An's safety, and later, Emperor Wu privately remarked that Ji An was rather rude and too straightforward.
Consequently, Ji An's career stalled. While he remained in his post, two formerly junior officials, Gongsun Hong and Zhang Tang, were continuously promoted, eventually becoming Prime Minister and Imperial Censor respectively. One day, Ji An remarked to Emperor Wu that the emperor's way of using ministers was "like piling up firewood—the latecomers surpass the old-timers." Emperor Wu, recognizing the complaint, turned to his other ministers and said, "It's true one should never stop learning. See how Ji An's remarks grow increasingly indiscreet?"
This story is recorded in The Historical Records. The phrase "the latecomers surpass the old-timers" is now used by later generations to mean that successors can excel their predecessors, a meaning quite different from Ji An's original, more critical implication.