During the Spring and Autumn Periods, there lived a talented prime minister of the State of Qi named Yan Ying. His wisdom and strategic acumen earned him a lasting legacy as a key advisor and diplomat in the realm of politics. However, as news of his exceptional skills and influence spread, the King of Chu grew jealous, fearing his own power might be overshadowed.
Wisdom triumphs over a king’s jealousy
As news reached the king that Yan Ying would make his first diplomatic mission to the State of Chu, the king spoke to his advisors telling them: “Yan Ying is known in Qi as an eloquent and persuasive person. Now that he is coming to Chu, I want to humiliate him publicly. What do you think would be a good plan?” They then devised a wicked scheme.
Yan Ying arrived as scheduled on the appointed day, and the King of Chu hosted a banquet in his honor. When the mood became lively, and the drinks flew, two officials arrived, escorting a bound individual to the King of Chu. The king pretended not to know what was going on and asked: “What crime has this person committed?” The officials quickly replied: “He is from Qi state and came to our Chu state to steal things.” The King of Chu turned to look at Yan, feigning surprise, and said: “Do all people from Qi like to steal things?”
Yan Ying had already seen through the king’s act and stood up. He spoke with great seriousness and solemnity, saying: “I have heard that when orange trees grow south of the Huai River, they bear oranges. But when transplanted north of the Huai River, the fruits they bear become sour and bitter. They appear similar, but the taste is completely different. The reason is the difference in soil and water. This person did not steal in Qi but learned to steal after coming to the Chu state. Could it be that the soil and water of Chu turn people into thieves?” Yan Ying’s words embarrassed the King of Chu, and he could only force a smile to end the discussion.
Masterful diplomacy in the face of humiliation attempts
Not long after, Yan Ying was sent to Chu on another official mission. The King of Chu had not forgotten the humiliation from the previous banquet and had always sought an opportunity for revenge.
Knowing that Yan Ying was of short stature, he ordered the carving of a small door next to the city gate. When Yan Ying arrived, the guards directed him to enter through the small door. Seeing this, Yan Ying immediately spoke sternly, saying: “Only those who are on a mission to the dog kingdom crawl in and out of dog holes. Today, I am an envoy on a mission to the Chu state. Do I have to go through this dog hole too?” The guards had no counterargument and could only watch him confidently enter the city through the main gate.
When Yan Ying met the King of Chu, the king tauntingly remarked: “The State of Qi probably doesn’t have many people, right?” Yan Ying quickly corrected him, saying: “There are 7,000 to 8,000 people living in the capital city alone, and the streets are crowded with pedestrians. How can you say that Qi has no people?”
After hearing that, the King of Chu further asked in a provocative tone: “Since there are so many people in the State of Qi, why do they always send someone as short as you to be their envoy?”
Yan Ying was prepared for the king’s rudeness and smirked as he replied: “The principle of sending envoys from Qi depends on the situation of the receiving country. For friendly nations, we send capable individuals. But if the king of the receiving country is rude and uncivilized, we send ugly and untalented people. I am the ugliest and most untalented person in Qi, so I am always sent to the Chu State as an envoy.” With these words, Yan Ying once again left the King of Chu speechless. From then on, the king no longer dared to underestimate Yan Ying and the State of Qi.
Yan Ying’s virtuous behavior influenced others
Yan Ying, a wise and respected statesman, set many good examples and earned the admiration and praise of Confucius. He wore the same robe for thirty years without changing it. Of course, the robe remained neat because “objects cherish those who cherish objects.” When you value and care for your belongings, they will reward you by lasting a long time. As a prime minister, wearing a single robe for 30 years affected his family and influenced everyone, including civil and military officials and the public. Thus, when a minister exemplifies integrity, it can promote a culture of integrity throughout society.
Yan Ying’s coachman, the servant who assisted him in driving, accompanied him daily to the office. Whenever he encountered someone, he would raise his head high and adopt a proud demeanor. Why did he feel so proud? He was driving for the prime minister and displayed an air of invincibility. To describe it using an idiom, he was “puffing himself up with borrowed power.”
The coachman’s arrogance and his wife’s wisdom
Later, the coachman’s wife, insightful and understanding of the importance of offering advice, decided to advise her husband. One day, she confronted him and said: “I want to leave you; I’m going away.” The coachman became nervous and asked: “What happened? Why do you want to leave me?”
She replied: “Everyone respects Yan for his virtue and humility as a prime minister, but you lack virtue and behave arrogantly. I don’t want to rely on you anymore; I want to leave.” Upon hearing this, the coachman felt ashamed and told his wife: “I will change; please don’t leave.”
As the coachman reflected upon his poor attitude and behavior, and compared it to that of the prime minister who always remained humble and virtuous despite his high position, he finally recognized his faults. The coachman was able to see his own wrongdoing and correct his behavior. He accepted his wife’s criticism and reformed himself from then on.
Yan Ying’s legacy is a good reminder for each of us. When our actions and words are virtuous, we become a beacon of inspiration, encouraging others by example to embrace similar upright qualities in their own lives. We thus create a ripple effect, spreading goodness, uplifting others, and fostering a more compassionate and ethical society.
Translated by Joseph Wu
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