Strange shape

with profound respect and humility - chéng huáng chéng kǒng

to get ready for battle - lì bīng sù mǎ

build bridges across the rivers - yù shuǐ dié qiáo

hardships of travel - chē dài mǎ fán

become an independent school - dú shù yī zhì

haven't been forewarned - yán zhī bù yù

rich young men - wǔ líng yīng shǎo

Parallel doors and chambers - pián mén lián shì

delay for a long time - kuàng rì yǐn jiǔ

like water off a duck 's back - ěr páng fēng