妃始终比不上皇后
[fēi shĭ zhōng bĭ bù shàng huáng hòu]
'Fei Zhongshen bi shang Queen Mother', translating into 'Concubine is never comparable to the Empress'. In ancient Chinese feudal systems, the queen is supreme while a concubine has limited status despite both have connections with the emperor. It conveys inferiority feelings in comparison with other more accomplished people in the person's circle.