Enlightenment from Yan Zi's Three Hundred Songs of Chu

The King of Qi sent Yan Zi to Chu. The king of Chu wanted to take this opportunity to insult Yan Zi and show the prestige of Chu State, so he made careful arrangements. When Yan Zi came to the city gate, he ordered his subordinates to dig a hole about the size of Yan Zi to let him in. Yan Zi cleverly drilled a dog hole, but the king of Chu had no choice but to open the door. Yan Zi met the King of Chu, but he laughed at Yan Zi's incompetence and pretended to be hesitant. In addition, when you visit a higher country, you will send a higher ambassador, and when you visit a lower country, you will send a lower ambassador. Answering the king of Chu back and forth made him laugh very embarrassed, but the king of Chu didn't give up. At this time, the soldier pulled a prisoner, saying that he was from Qi State and committed theft. At this time, the king of Chu simply pointed the finger at Qi, saying that people in Qi were so worthless. At this time, Yan Zi said calmly that oranges were born in Huainan, oranges were born in Huaibei and oranges were born in Huaibei. That is to say, people in Qi can keep their position, but how can they become thieves in Chu? Responded to the king of Chu. At this time, the king of Chu realized that Yan Zi was a very respectable person. From then on, he respected Yan Zi very much.

The King of Qi sent Yan Zi to Chu, and the King of Chu wanted to take this opportunity to insult Yan Zi. When Yanzi arrived, the king of Chu gave Yanzi wine. While drinking, two officials tied a man to the king of Chu. The king of Chu said, "Who is bound?" The official replied, "It was Qi people who committed theft." The king of Chu stared at Yan Zi and said, "Are Qi people good at stealing?" Yanzi left his seat and replied, "I heard that oranges grow in Huainan, which means oranges, and in Huaibei, which means bitter oranges." They only have similar leaves, but the fruit tastes different. What is the reason? Water is different from soil. Now people don't steal when they live in Qi, but only when they arrive in Chu. Chu's soil and water make people good at stealing? " King Chu said with a smile, "A saint can't joke with him, and I'm bored myself."