如釋重負

From Commentary of Guliang, in the 29th year of Duke Zhao of Lu's reign (513 B.C.E.):

昭公出奔，民如釋重負。 [Traditional Chinese poetry, trad.]
昭公出奔，民如释重负。 [Traditional Chinese poetry, simp.]

From: Commentary of Guliang, circa 206 BCE– 9 CE

Zhāogōng chūbēn, mín rú shì zhòngfù. [Pinyin]

Duke Zhao of Lu fled [to Qi in 517 BCE]. The people [of Lu] then felt as if relieved of a heavy load.

如釋重負

1. to feel as if a weight has been lifted from one’s shoulders

   • 應天順民，法堯禪舜。
     如釋重負，予其作賓。
     嗚呼欽哉！祗畏天命。 [Literary Chinese, trad.]
     应天顺民，法尧禅舜。
     如释重负，予其作宾。
     呜呼钦哉！祗畏天命。 [Literary Chinese, simp.]

     From: 960 Feb. 3, Emperor Gong of Later Zhou's Abdication Edict, which ushered in the Song dynasty

     Yìngtiān shùnmín, fǎ Yáo shàn Shùn.
     Rúshìzhòngfù, yú qí zuòbīn.
     Wūhū qīn zāi! Zhīwèi tiānmìng. [Pinyin]

     In compliance with Heaven's decree and the people's will, following the ancient precedent of Yao ceding the throne to Shun. I hereby relinquish my burden with profound relief, and shall henceforth serve as a guest of the new dynasty. Oh, let all reverence be shown! With solemn awe do I heed the Mandate of Heaven.