A central concept in Confucian political ethics — paired against
奸臣 (jiānchén, 'treacherous official'). Historical figures like
岳飞 (Yue Fei) and
文天祥 (Wen Tianxiang) are the canonical
忠臣 of Chinese culture, often dying for kings who didn't deserve their loyalty. The phrase
忠臣不事二主 ('a loyal minister doesn't serve two lords') summarizes the ideal.
